How Posting a Plant on iNaturalist Can Save a Forest

How Posting a Plant on iNaturalist Can Save a Forest

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Did you know you can help stop invasive weeds in King County—sometimes without even realizing it? Just by snapping a picture of a plant and posting it on the free app iNaturalist, you could be helping protect our forests, parks, and neighborhoods.

Here’s a real story of how one curious photo posted on iNaturalist helped save an old-growth forest in Seattle’s Seward Park.

What’s iNaturalist?

iNaturalist is a free app and website where you can:

  • Take a photo of a plant, animal, or insect.
  • Post it with a location (the app does this automatically).
  • Get help from the community and experts to identify what it is.

Every post—called an “observation”—goes into a giant shared database. Conservation groups (like King County Noxious Weeds) use this data to track rare plants, invasive weeds, and wildlife.

👉 Fun fact: As of June 2025, iNaturalist has over 250 million observations worldwide!

How One “Accidental Report” Saved the Day

  • A local birdwatcher was exploring Seward Park when they noticed a plant that looked a little out of place.
  • They snapped a few photos and posted them on iNaturalist for ID.
  • The app suggested it was rush broom (a rare invasive weed).
  • Our county weed specialists were alerted right away because rush broom is a Class A Noxious Weed (landowners are legally required to remove it).
  • A weed inspector confirmed the find, called Seattle Parks, and by the very next day the plant was dug up before it could spread seeds.

Result? A potential new infestation was stopped cold—and the forest stayed protected.

How the Process Works (Simple Version)

  1. You post a photo. Curious plant? Snap it, upload it to iNaturalist.
  2. It gets flagged. If it’s a regulated invasive weed, it automatically shows up in the county’s project dashboard.
  3. Experts check it. Weed specialists confirm what it is and where it’s growing.
  4. Action is taken. Crews or landowners remove the plant before it spreads.
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That’s called Early Detection, Rapid Response (EDRR)—and it works best with help from the public.

Why It Matters for You

  • Invasive weeds like rush broom, Scotch broom, knotweed, or poison hemlock can quickly take over yards, parks, and wetlands.
  • They lower property values, destroy habitat, and cost homeowners and cities thousands of dollars to remove later.
  • By catching them early, we save money, protect the environment, and keep our landscapes healthier.

How You Can Help 🌱

  • Download the iNaturalist app (it’s free).
  • Take photos of plants you don’t recognize and post them.
  • Brush off boots, pets, and gear after visiting weedy areas to avoid spreading seeds.
  • If you’ve got a collection of plant photos sitting on your phone, upload them—you never know which one could be important!

Bottom Line

You don’t need to be a scientist to make a big difference. Even a casual photo of a “weird plant” could stop an invasive species from spreading across King County.

So next time you’re out walking, birdwatching, or gardening—snap that plant pic and upload it. You might just save a forest without even knowing it.

Learn more at iNaturalist.org or check out the King County Noxious Weeds Project on iNaturalist.

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