From Junipers to Japanese Knotweed; A Digital Tour of the Plant Life of Framingham State University

Presenter

Edward Albert Ferguson Cucchi

Campus

Framingham State University

Sponsor

Larry W. McKenna, Department of Environment, Society, and Sustainability, Framingham State University

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A28, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

My project involves the creation of an interactive digital tour of key floral species present at FSU, supported by a campus plant inventory database. Given FSU’s relatively traditional land management approach, I think a tool like this could help FSU take advantage of its campus as an educational resource while emphasizing ways it could be improved. 

To do this, I will first identify, geolocate, and photograph plants that pose the most educational value or potential for remediation. These include plants in areas accessible by students that are either prominently displayed ornamentally, or that meet state criteria for classification as “invasive” species. I will then conduct additional literature research on the biology and ecology of chosen species. These data will serve as the basis of a digital tour of the chosen plants, providing users with information about each species’ taxonomy, morphology, and native range as they are guided between locations. Using this info, I will also comment on the ecological significance of the species’ presence at FSU. 

By establishing a framework for recording and visualizing FSU’s plant species, I hope this project will serve as the foundation for continued efforts to take advantage of, and improve, the campus itself. Currently an underutilized resource, FSU’s campus could serve botanical, biological, or ecological education via the digital documents produced by this project. Future endeavors to improve plant diversity and pollinator access may also be supported by expansions of this project.

Keywords

Floral diversity, Plant Inventory, Horticulture and Botany, Digital humanities, Story Maps

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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