EcoFloras are a new kind of flora that leverage the power of new technologies and community science to document and conserve native biodiversity. Pioneered by the New York Botanical Garden in 2017, EcoFloras are now being implemented by the Desert Botanical Garden, Denver Botanic Gardens, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit the "Project Information" pages to learn more about their programs and information!
The projects combine existing knowledge from herbaria and libraries with real-time observations of plants and their ecological partners.
Participants are encouraged to explore their communities and record observations using iNaturalist or Budburst. Exploration of urban biodiversity supports increased environmental literacy and fosters public appreciation of the natural world, while engaging urban residents in local conservation advocacy
This site can be used to:
How many species of fern can you find? Is Japanese Painted Fern naturalized in NYC?
How many native purple wildflowers (spiderwort [Tradescantia ohiensis], eastern purple coneflower [Echinacea purpurea]) and invasive swallowworts (Vincetoxicum sp.) can you find?
There are 8 species of native lilies and lotuses found in our counties. How many can you find?
How many nocturnal pollinators can you observe?
There are 4 species of Heuchera recorded from the Denver metro area, which commonly grow on rock faces. How many can you find?