University of Iowa Launches Tree Mapping Photo Contest
The program invites residents to help catalog local tree species and significance for a community-powered map.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Botany
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The University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment has launched the MVTree photo contest to expand its community-powered tree mapping initiative. Participants submit photos and descriptions of trees across Iowa City and Johnson County to be added to an interactive map.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to increase public awareness of local urban forestry and foster environmental stewardship through crowdsourced data. By utilizing citizen contributions, the project aims to catalog the diversity of trees within the local landscape.
The mapping program tracks 354 distinct tree species found across the University of Iowa campus. It integrates iNaturalist for biological identification and organizes entries into five categories, including Best Shade Provider and Most Resilient Tree.
The players
University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment
An institutional department focused on campus ecological management and environmental programming.
Iowa Community Integrated Geography Organization
A group specialized in spatial analysis and community-based mapping projects.
The details
The MVTree contest relies on a collaborative platform developed with the Iowa Community Integrated Geography Organization. Residents submit tree nominations via an online form, which requires a photograph, a description, and a statement of significance. These entries are then integrated into a public-facing digital map that documents the urban canopy across campus, Iowa City, and Johnson County.
Timeline
Nov. 1 is the final day for submitting contest nominations.
Mid-November is when the university plans to announce the contest winners.
The Tech Race
This project follows the pattern set by global crowdsourced mapping initiatives that leverage the iNaturalist platform for verified biological data collection. It scales local environmental monitoring by integrating campus-specific research with broad public participation.
Residents of Iowa City and Johnson County can participate by documenting significant trees in their own neighborhoods and on campus. The entries contribute to a public, interactive resource that visualizes the region's diverse tree canopy.
The takeaway
The MVTree contest incentivizes the collection of long-term urban forestry data through community engagement. Readers should track the mid-November announcement to see which species are recognized for their shade and resilience.
Further reading
Learn more about local environmental research in Iowa City Botany.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Iowan.
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