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3 - How iNaturalist Empowers Us All!

3 - How iNaturalist Empowers Us All!

Today, we’re exploring the intersection of nature and technology, and how two apps are making it easier for people to get involved in citizen science. They are called iNaturalist and Seek, and they are becoming one of the most popular tools for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
So, what is iNaturalist? It’s an app that allows users to upload photos of living organisms, from plants and animals to insects and fungi, which are then identified by the iNaturalist community. The app uses a combination of artificial intelligence and community expertise to suggest identifications, which are confirmed as more users agree on the species. It’s a collaborative effort that not only aids in identification but also contributes valuable data to a global repository, assisting scientific research and conservation efforts.
But iNaturalist is more than just an identification tool. It’s a gateway to a worldwide network of nature lovers and researchers. The platform offers various projects users can join, ranging from tracking specific species to participating in biodiversity surveys. These projects foster a sense of community and purpose, making each observation part of a larger effort to understand and protect our natural environment.
For those seeking a more streamlined experience, Seek by iNaturalist offers instant identification features with a user-friendly interface suitable for all ages, including children. It doesn’t require an account or location sharing, making it a safe and easy way for young explorers to engage with nature and learn about biodiversity firsthand. The Seek app, developed by iNaturalist, is a user-friendly tool designed to make the exploration of nature accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

https://buzzblossomandsqueak.com/?p=126

https://www.inaturalist.org/home

https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app

https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/video+tutorials


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About the Podcast

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Buzz Blossom & Squeak
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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.