Plant Heroes` _Create-a

Instructions on how to add your own data to the Plant Heroes map The first step in finding the bad guys is knowing where to look! You can be a part of the
Plant Heroes team by mapping the host trees in your neighborhood and checking them
regularly for signs of these nasty pests and diseases. Best of all, you can add your data to
the Plant Heroes collaborative map and see it on our website, www.plantheroes.org!
Follow the directions below to start making your own map. Want to use an iPhone or iPad in the field? Its probably
easiest to start your project on a desktop but then you can download the My Maps Editor app and use it on to
continue adding new features to your map from your phone or tablet.
1. Decide which plant pest or disease you want to focus on. (It might be helpful to review our field guide or the
interactive pest tracker to learn which ones are in your area)
2. Learn what the host trees are for your plant pest or disease. (See our field guide)
3. Sign into (or create) your google account. (You do not have to use gmail to have one!)
4. Open Google Maps.
5. Type your address into the Google Search bar.
6. Click on the tab "My Places" and then on the button "Create Map"
7. Add a title that explains what area your map covers (e.g. name of school or neighborhood; town, state, etc.)
8. In the description box explain what pest/disease hosts you are mapping; who is making the map & their email
address (will not be made public); and when the map was last updated.
9. Click on the pin flag and drop it on the map in the location of the tree you are adding.
10. Edit the dialog box to add details about the tree
A. In the "Title" box, add the tree's common name
B. Click on the pin flag icon in the upper right corner and change the color
(Please use the following)
Green: Emerald Ash Borer
Red: Redbay Ambrosia Beetle / Laurel Wilt
Light Blue: Ramorum Blight / Sudden Oak Death
Yellow: Asian Longhorned Beetle
Purple: Walnut Twig Beetle / Thousand Cankers Disease
Magenta: Other
C. In the description box add details using the following format:
Organization / Site:
Tree location details:
Latin name (optional):
Diameter at breast height (optional):
Last checked for (insert pest/disease) symptoms:
Name of Map Creator (optional*):
Email address (optional*):
*Please note that by adding your name and email address here, it will be published in the online map. The goal is to
help users find one another and exchange stories about what they are doing as part of the Plant Heroes team!
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for each tree you want to map. Tip: You can "copy and paste" the form
just remember to update the title and pin flag (if different type of tree) and location details!
12: Save your work periodically!
13: When you have finished creating your map, go to the top of the sidebar, click on "Collaborate" and then add the
email address [email protected] to the invitation box.
14. I will email you when your data has been added to the Plant Heroes Collaborative map!