EDDMapS: An Accessible Data Collection Tool

to Map Invasive Species

For this edition of Forestry in Focus, our Invasive Plant Program Coordinator Jessi Szopinski highlights EDDMapS - an Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System.

EDDMapS is a free mobile app that allows you to identify and map invasive species throughout the country. With built-in field guides that detail the appearance of noxious weeds and dozens of photos to reference, you can quickly learn how to identify invasive plants like a pro. Even if you are in remote areas without service, you can still map species and upload your findings after the trip. If you’re unsure of a sighting, rest assured - all records are verified by an expert before being added to the national database. 

The records collected by citizen scientists (like you!) on this app will help us create maps and tools for monitoring and managing populations of noxious weeds. This fall, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, AZ DFFM will be launching a Spatial Invasive Infestation and Priority Analysis tool- or SIIPA for short! The SIIPA tool utilizes data from the EDDMapS platform, so all verified sightings will update and improve it’s modeling capabilities in real time. New records from EDDMapS will help us generate accurate maps and provide up-to-date guidance on prioritizing invasive plant treatment throughout the state. Check out the link to the Florida SIIPA tool below, which is a model for Arizona's tool.

When it comes to managing invasive species and their impacts, early detection is key. The more trained eyes and reporting happening in the field, the better we can manage these species. If you are eager to participate in efforts to help minimize the negative impacts of invasive plants in our ecosystems, this app is a critical tool that is readily available and right in your pocket. If you have questions about using EDDMapS, or need assistance identifying an invasive plant, we're happy to help! You can reach out to our team at invasiveplants@dffm.az.gov. 

Learn more:

It's PlayCleanGo Awareness Week!

June 7 - 14th, 2025

Join the movement to raise awareness and inspire action to prevent the spread of invasive plants! You can help spread the word by downloading their free outreach toolkit with graphics and messaging for social media. Let’s work together to protect trails, parks, and waterways now and for future generations.

This year’s theme is “Partnering Together to Protect Our Favorite Places” because it takes all of us to stop the spread of invasive species.

Arizona's 2024

Tree City USA Statistics

PDF published by the Arbor Day Foundation

Did you know? 70% of our state residents live in a Tree City USA recognized community. In 2024 alone, over 31 thousand trees were planted in these cities and towns, with more than 17 thousand volunteer hours logged to benefit the trees and community programs!

Trees provide many benefits to our environment and communities, and it's important that we invest the time and resources to care for trees in return. Reach out to our Urban Forestry Specialist Timara Crichlow to see how your community can get involved!

• KidsGardening: Lots of Compassion Grant Program -  an initiative that provides support to local leaders looking to transform vacant lots into gardens to help grow compassion in their community - Deadline: June 16, 2025
• Advancing Tribal Conservation Easements - grant funding and technical assistance available to support tribal acquisitions of conservation easements - Deadline: June 26, 2025
• MAP: Connecting People to Forests - funding for community engagement and forest stewardship activities taking place on US National Forests and Grasslands or adjacent public lands - Deadline: June 27, 2025
• 2025 Global E-Stem Awards - funding for environmental education proposals of new or expanded E-STEM (Environmental - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects or programs - Deadline: July 2, 2025
• Priority US Trees Conservation Awards - funding for US-based institutions to support their tree conservation collections, with the two rounds of proposals due June 15, and August 15, 2025

Webinars and Classes

• Self-paced Online Certificate Program: Tools and Technology for Natural Resource, Forest, and Fire Management From NAU's School of Forestry and partners comes this five-course program intended for practitioners to continue their education and effectively utilize the best tools for their needs.
• June 11: Move Beyond Inspiration Into Action: How Trees and Nature-Based Solutions Bolster Water Stewardship Strategies Join the Arbor Day Foundation to learn about how and why trees can be an important component of corporate water stewardship strategies.
• June 17: On the Edge: Tree Growth and Resilience of Aspen and Chihuahua Pine in Saguaro National Park Join the Southwest Fire Science Consortium Webinar series to learn about species-specific resilience and actionable insight for climate adaptive management in the desert sky islands.
• June 17: Forest Management for Pollinators Panelists will discuss opportunities for improving pollinator habitat through forest management.
• June 17: Water Harvesting A free presentation at the Chino Valley Public Library on local water harvesting methods and conservation principles - Chino Valley, AZ
• June 19: Water Harvesting A free presentation at the Prescott Public Library on local water harvesting methods and conservation principles - Prescott, AZ
• Save the date: August 5-7, 2025 Invasive Plant Short Course for land managers in the southwest - Sante Fe, NM

Upcoming Conferences:

•  Registration now open! August 15th - Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education (SHADE) Conference - Glendale, AZ
• Save the Date! September 11-12 - Arizona Community Tree Council 2025 Annual Conference & Pest Management Workshop - Prescott, AZ

Community Events:

• Tuesdays in June: Grow Tucson Summer Workshop Series with Tucson Clean and Beautiful - Tucson, AZ
• June 14: Spaces of Opportunity Mesquite Walkabout & Harvest Free with a requested donation, this class is designed to teach you to harvest your own mesquite! - Phoenix, AZ
• June 15: Pollinator Festival: Kickoff National Pollinator Week with the Arboretum! - Flagstaff, AZ
• June 21st: Mesquite Walkabout at Granada Park in Phoenix in case you can't make it to the 6/14 event, the Urban Farm is hosting another class to teach you to harvest your own mesquite! - Phoenix, AZ



And remember, as you travel this summer.. don't take firewood with you! Buy it where you burn it to avoid the unintentional spread of forest threats.

Next month, our Forest Health Team will provide an insect and disease highlight. In the meantime, stay cool!