Public Education Regarding the Exotic Invasive Plant, Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian-pepper) Connor Milton - Hannah Young - Lexi McLaughlin - Yamina Chowdhury

Education of the Exotic Red Hot Brazilian-Peppers Inc. > Offers In-App Purchases 4.7 57 Ratings Made For Everyone! Application Description: Want to help your local environment, but don’t know how to get involved? Education of the Exotic is the perfect way to start! Through four distinct and easy-to-use features (INFO, GAME, FRIENDS, and STORE), Education of the Exotic allows those residing or exploring in Volusia County to learn more about the environmental impacts of exotic species on natives. Get educated, challenge your friends, and redeem fun prizes for helping the county map and eradicate exotics!

When the application is first opened, a pop-up appears introducing a map and analysis of Brazilian-pepper that our team found in Rose Bay The following announcement is displayed: “In your local county park, Rose Bay, approximately 640 Brazilian- pepper plants have been mapped in just 2.6 square miles. Your local park is being taken over by exotic invasive plants. So what does this mean and what can you do about it?”

A second pop-up discusses the impact of Schinus terebinthifolius on Florida’s biodiversity and native plant communities It reads: “Brazilian-Pepper is a shrub-like tree that produces dense clusters of berries that turn from green to red as they ripen. Native to South America and first brought to Florida during the 19th century to be used as an ornamental plant. Brazilian-Pepper is the most widespread invasive plant species in Florida occupying more than 700,000 acres of habitat throughout southern and central Florida. Brazilian-Pepper grows aggressively and produces thick dense forests which typically block all other plants from sunlight. Native plants such as Mangroves, Hammocks, and Pinelands are often dominated by the Brazilian-Pepper. Quadrat Studies throughout Florida have shown that the Brazilian-Peppers have a negative affect the biodiversity of native plants in Florida.”

A third and final pop-up appears explaining the Brazilian-pepper’s impacts on endangered species via habitat loss and alteration It reads: “Brazilian-Pepper has been documented to decrease the germination and growth abilities of many native Florida Plants, such as Beach Clustervine (Jacquemontia reclintia) and Remirea maritima, which is now an endangered species. Classified as a category 1 invasive exotic plant, which means it is altering native plant communities. Brazilian-Pepper poses a significant threat to Florida's native wildlife, however through proper public education, steps towards eradicating it from Florida can be taken. (Don’t buy it as an ornamental decoration!)”

GAME INFO STORE FIND FRIENDS !!!ALERT!!! The Brazilian-Pepper is taking over! Your mission: education, identification, and eradication. GAME INFO FIND FRIENDS STORE Home page of app

Info Feature (3 tabs) First tab: Pop-Up Info- In your local county park, Rose Bay, approximately 640 Brazilian-pepper plants have been mapped in just 2.6 square miles. This means that your local park is being taken over by exotic invasive plants. So what does this mean and what can you do about it? Brazilian-Pepper is a shrub-like tree that produces dense clusters of berries that turn from green to red as they ripen. Native to South America and first brought to Florida during the 19th century to be used as an ornamental plant. Brazilian-Pepper is the most widespread invasive plant species in Florida occupying more than 700,000 acres of habitat throughout southern and central Florida. Brazilian- Pepper grows aggressively and produces thick dense forests which typically block all other plants from sunlight. Native plants such as Mangroves, Hammocks, and Pinelands are often dominated by the Brazilian-Pepper. Quadrat Studies throughout Florida have shown that the Brazilian-Peppers have a negative affect the biodiversity of native plants in Florida.” Second Tab: How to identify brazilian pepper- link to Florida Fish and Wildlife identification page http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/invasive-plants/weed-alerts/brazilian- pepper/ Third Tab: How to safely eradicate brazilian pepper- link to University of Florida eradication information http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa219

Game Feature Operation: Eradication The game button will mainly use two features: a map and camera. When the user clicks the game button, the app will automatically locate the user and show where he/she is on a map. The user then clicks next if the location is correct, or manually enters their location if incorrect. Once next is clicked, a camera is opened. For correct identification and documentation of Brazilian-pepper, the user gains one point. If the user documents (with the camera feature still) a picture of the Brazilian-pepper plant in the process or after safe eradication, ten points are gained. If the user has added friends to compete with and they are in proximity to the user with their app open as well, markers will show up on the map feature locating friends and how many points they have. Users can choose to play individually or as a team and combine points. Once 100 points are acquired regarding Brazilian-pepper, the player will unlock new levels to identify more invasive exotic plants such as air-potato, torpedograss, and kudzu. With each unlocked level, a user gains fifteen experience points. Players cash in their points at the store, while data collected within the app will be used as a database and reference for environmental associations.

Find Friends Feature This feature would allow users to view the Leaderboard for the game, allowing them to see their game rankings compared to their friends’. This feature would also allow users to add new friends, offering a variety of other social media on which to find friends. They would include: Twitter Facebook Instagram Contacts

Store Feature: Cash in Points for Prizes Here, players can either cash in their points for products or buy points to cash in for products. Products include those provided by potential sponsors such as the Florida Native Plant Society, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Products will include: T-shirts Water bottles Caps Patches & many more to promote exotic and native plant education

Thank you! Application designed by Connor Milton, Hannah Young, Lexi McLaughlin, and Yamina Chowdhury Spruce Creek High School