What is NatureMapping?

NatureMapping was developed as a tool for citizens to help determine a healthy future for our wildlife and their associated habitats.  Through the use of sound scientific techniques, NatureMappers have a means to answer critical questions about how differences or changes in the landscape affect wildlife species. 

NatureMappers collect information that is important to land managers for making sound decisions.  There are not enough wildlife biologists to inventory all the wildlife species throughout Arkansas.  In a cooperative effort, citizen observations provide data on wildlife and habitat, which is then tested against the predictions expected by natural resource professionals and scientists.  Citizen data contributes to the statewide development of wildlife and habitat maps using geographical information systems.  This is needed to determine what we have where we live.

Our goal is to “keep common species common.”  NatureMapping allows us to learn more about wildlife and their habitats, whether in agriculture fields, forests, wetlands, prairies, riparian habitats, Ozark mountains, or suburban backyards.  It provides a framework for applying science, technology, and nature study toward completing a focused project. 

We offer trainings, which help participants improve their abilities to:

• learn and apply science-based data collection techniques;
• learn and apply technology to natural resource management;
• read and interpret maps in relationship to information gathered with GPS units;
• identify birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and
• read and interpret wildlife tracks and sign.

These skills support the core NatureMapping objective of making accurate species identifications and precise geospatial determinations.  Further, we help provide the foundation for participants to:

• set up NatureMapping monitoring locations at their favorite nature locations;
• develop meaningful wildlife research and monitoring projects; and
• enter observations into a statewide database.

We invite you to explore this website further and learn how you can contribute to the Arkansas NatureMapping Program.