CSU releases tree and shrub identification mobile app

    A group of Colorado State University faculty and extension specialists have created a free shrub and tree identification mobile app called CO Woody Plants.
    With the launch of the app, Colorado’s wide range of shrubs, trees, cacti and woody plants are easier to identify than ever.
    Teller County Extension Director Mark J. Platten came up with the original idea for the app after noticing how often he would receive phone calls to his office with a similar question — “what kind of shrub/tree is this?”
    After searching for a resource that he could send curious Coloradoans to no avail, Platten decided to take matters into his own hands.
    Working alongside Platten were Logan County Extension Director Brian Kailey, Susan Carter, Boulder County Horticulture Agent Deryn Davidson and Tri River Area Horticulture Agent Deryn Davidson. This team started with a series of YouTube videos which were released three years ago with the aim to help citizens identify their native conifers.
    After sharing the video resources with community members, the team continued looking for additional solutions that could allow people to search for a plant based on characteristics. They landed on the idea for a mobile app and knew that further collaboration would be needed to get the idea off the ground.

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