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CLEMSON UNIVERSITY’S VANISHING FIREFLY PROJECT: USING A MOBILE PHONE APP AS EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Impact/Purpose:
Rapid population growth and urban development have altered the rural landscape worldwide, deteriorating our natural and water resources. Knowledge of, and experience with, the impacts of urbanization are key factors in determining one’s acceptance of sustainable practices. The objective of the Clemson University’s Vanishing Firefly Project is to promote environmental sustainability and stewardship through the participation of local communities in environmental science research.
Description:
This mobile phone app provides an opportunity for citizens to participate in community-based research project. This unique hands-on experience will educate general public about the value of forest and natural ecosystems and the concept of sustainable development. The same technology platform (i.e. the mobile phone app) developed for assessing firefly abundance also can be used for assessment of other environmental parameters and other physical and biological features, such as abundance of animals or plants, invasive species, and even locating trash in remote areas.