By Ashley Topham

This summer, we’re trading TikTok doomscrolling for educational nature apps! I’ve compiled a list of my top three recommendations for apps that help you reconnect with nature by discovering more about the critters, plants and fungi that live in our environment. They also act as a form of active mindfulness, which can reduce your stress and anxiety, perfect for focusing on your wellness.

Picture Mushroom- Mushroom ID

For any fellow fungi lovers out there, if you don’t already have Picture Mushroom- Mushroom ID downloaded, this is your sign. How it works is you can either upload a photo or take one in real time of any mushroom you find. The app then identifies the mushroom and provides useful information, including the species name, characteristics and a toxicity alert. It’s a spore-tacular app for beginners who want to learn more about mushrooms!

PictureThis – Plant Identifier App

If you’re more of a plant enthusiast than a fungi forager, check out PictureThis – Plant Identifier App! This app works similarly to the previous one: you take a picture of a plant you find, and it’ll identify it for you. You’ll get a wide range of information, including toxicity to humans & pets, distribution, lifespan, care conditions, common problems and more. This is a great app for identifying plants in the wild or potential houseplants you want to learn more about.

Merlin Bird Sound ID

Last up on the nature app list is the Merlin Bird Sound ID. Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app works by listening to pre-recorded bird songs and calls that you provide and compares them to a collection of around 2,066 bird species. If you’ve ever wondered what species of bird wakes you up in the early parts of the morning every day or are just curious about the native birds in your area, give this app a try! 

Make this summer one of the best yet by prioritizing your wellness through nature. These apps are just a few examples of what’s available out there, but implementing them into your daily routine can make a huge difference. Plus, you’ll get the perk of becoming an expert on the mushrooms, plants and birds that reside in Gwinnett County!