Maps are powerful tools for understanding and tracking the spread of invasive species, with observations showing up as simple dots on a screen. But how do we interpret the story that these points tell us? Are observed patterns reflective of true ecological distributions or do human factors such as population, land protection status, and ease of access shape what we see on the map? This semester, I had the great opportunity to work as an intern with the New York Natural Heri

Utilizing image recognition technology to help confirm the species in iMapInvasives records.

A field season filled with invasive species and their complex relationships with biodiversity. Every year there are new species are added to our long list of invasive plants and animals. These range from very hungry caterpillars defoliating trees to water chestnut overtaking our waterways. While this can leave a sense of gloom and doom for the future, our natural areas can also be a source of wonder when you look beyond the surface. Through an internship this summer, I explor