Here at PropTalk, we advocate for getting outside and leaving the phone at home or below-decks, except for that obligatory fish selfie we want you to send us. But in an increasingly tech-savvy world, perhaps there are times when technology has its place in the natural world.
There are a multitude of apps with resources available to the outdoor enthusiast, but this month we have chosen to spotlight the Chesapeake Conservancy which has built three highly rated apps for people to explore and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay’s wildlife and environment. All three are free on iTunes.
The first, National Wildlife Refuges: Chesapeake Bay was built in collaboration with National Geographic. The app provides a new interactive experience by encouraging refuge visitors to become modern explorers. While exploring the 11 refuges in the Chesapeake region, visitors can create a profile to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts, submit wildlife observations, and view all of the plants and animals at each refuge using the digital field guide.
The next app, Smart Buoys, works in conjunction with the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS) “smart buoys” project. The CBIBS “smart buoys” collect and transmit real-time weather and water data. The app allows users to view buoy data (water temp., air temp., wind direction/speed) at sites all along the Bay.
The newest app is called Advocards, and through the public’s support, will allow the Chesapeake Conservancy to create advocacy campaigns in support of conservation. Users can show off their favorite outdoor places by taking a photo with their phone, which the app then turns into a physical postcard that is sent to influential state senators along with a message encouraging them to support a campaign the Conservancy is currently supporting.