Computer Technology Anyone Can Use for Community Forest Stewardship

Computer technology plays an important role in planning, monitoring, and stewarding community forests. These tools can greatly enhance our understanding of community forests and empower communities to make better decisions about planting and conserving trees. Advancements in computer technology, including mobile apps and web-based programs, make it easier than ever for volunteers and citizen scientists to study trees, share information, and mobilize action for healthier, sustainable community forests. In this session, a demonstration will be given of several types of computer technology that are all freely available, appropriate for citizen scientists, and address various aspects of community forestry. Several tools from the i-Tree suite will be demonstrated, including i-Tree MyTree, i-Tree Design, and i-Tree Planting, and i-Tree Canopy. Tips will also be provided for conducting a community tree inventory using mobile technology. After attending this session, participants should understand why information is important for community forest stewardship, what types of computer technology are available to study community forests, and how they can get starting on using computer technology to improve their community forests.