Since 1885, the IU Herbarium, as a repository for preserved plant
materials, has served a traditional role of supporting biological
research. These materials may be borrowed through sister herbaria or
studied by in person visits by scholars and the general public. Thanks
to technological advances in the past 20 years, 21st century herbaria
are providing digital archives through the Symbiota web platform that
may be accessed remotely and by a wider audience. This expansive
information system is accompanied by a range of tools that transform the
herbarium, especially for the citizen scientist. Conversely, the
digital archive creates opportunities for engaging the citizen scientist
in new ways.
In 2021 a plant photographic scavenger hunt was
organized whose goal was to acquire quality field photos and draw upon
the broad community of plant enthusiasts and professionals throughout
Indiana. Submitted photos would enhance the Symbiota species pages,
novel identification tool, and glossary. This webinar will review the
history of the IU Herbarium, especially its successful digitization
effort, and demonstrate several important Symbiota tools. It will
describe the organization of the scavenger hunt and report on its
successes and pitfalls. Building upon the experience and results of
2021, a final complementary hunt is anticipated during 2022.
This talk is co-sponsored by the IU Herbarium.
