Smart Phone App Will Help Blow Whistle On Invasive Species

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan State University scientist has developed a smart phone application to help keep track of invasive species.

The free app is part of the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network developed by bio-geographer Amos Ziegler.

It enables people who think they've spotted an invasive critter or plant to photograph it with their phone, make some notes and alert state officials and scientists.

Ziegler says information such as the location, date and time of a sighting can help experts map the spread of unwanted species and develop plans to stop them.

He hopes the network will help Michigan become a leader in preventing species invasions.

A teacher in the Chicago area has already used the app to help foresters identify and remove invasive plants.

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