The Chesapeake Bay Trust released a new mobile app July 6 that offers a multi-media, comprehensive Field Guide to the Chesapeake Bay. A first of its kind, the app provides in-depth information about the many animals and plants of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Tom McGuire, President of eNature, which developed the app, explained the mobile field guide is available for the iPhone, iPad and iTouch, adding Android and other smart phone versions are planned. He said the use of this unique technology provides a new way for people to connect to nature and helps “to broaden the reach of the Trust’s mission.”
The app was designed to be easy to use and highly interactive. Quite conveniently, users can find the name, photo and habitat description of that little bird and listen to audio of it’s call. The guide covers nine distinct ecological regions surrounding the Bay and can identify a nearby tree or type of mouse with the help of GPS capabilities.
Executive Director of the CBT Allen Hance said while the organization is known mostly for grant-giving and license plates, the mission remains promoting stewardship of the Bay. He called the app “a tremendous tool” and compared it to a stack of traditional, print field guides. Hance also championed the many K-12 educational uses of the app. The field trip, it seems, just got an upgrade.
Hance said by offering the app for free, he’s hoping “to reach a new generation of supporters and volunteers to advance our efforts to protect and restore the Bay.” For all residents and visitors to the watershed, the app is the ultimate resource to quell curiosities about the natural treasures found around the Bay.
Visit the Apple Appstore to download for free and for those less technologically-savvy or waiting until the app is compatible with their devices, CBT has made a web-based version of the guide available, upon registration, here.  

 

                Screen shots courtesy of eNature/Tom McGuire and The Chesapeake Bay Trust 2010.