Explore these interactive tools and databases to help manage your forest or property. Please note that some mapping tools may require a high-speed internet connection.
Trees, Shrubs and Other Plants
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Determine which species are most likely to thrive based on extreme minimum winter temperatures in your zip code.
USDA Plant Database
Standardized federal information on vascular plants, mosses, and lichens, including distribution maps and growth characteristics.
Silvics of North America
United States Forest Service resource describing characteristics of about 200 forest tree species and varieties.
Connecticut's Notable Trees
A database of Connecticut's largest and most historic trees, both native and introduced.
UConn Plant Database
Dedicated to the ornamental attributes, use, and identification of woody landscape plants.
Arbor Day Foundation Tree Guide
A comprehensive database understanding the specific growth requirements of many tree species.
Plant a Tree (Guide and Resource Hub)
A UConn Extension Forestry guide on how to plant (and care for) a tree. This quick guide also includes a list of resources on native plants and their availability, tall trees that offer multiple other benefits, plant and soil health considerations and services, tree owner care and maintenance manuals, and much more.
Buble Bee Flower Finder
This database helps you discover bumble bee-friendly plants for Eastern U.S.
Audubon's Native Plant Database
A database for bird-friendly native plants.
Tree and Forest Benefits
i-Tree Tools Suite: Quantifying Forest Benefits
Developed by the USDA Forest Service, this suite of software helps users measure the environmental and economic benefits of trees, including carbon sequestration and air quality improvements.
Arbor Day Tree Benefit Calculator
This tool allows homeowners to estimate the annual economic and environmental value of individual trees on their property by simply entering their zip code, tree species, and diameter.
U.S. Geological Survey SolVES: Social Values for Ecosystem Services
This specialized tool allows users to map the "social values" of an ecosystem, such as its aesthetic beauty, recreational potential, and cultural significance to the local community.
InVEST: A Natural Capital Mapping Software
Developed by Stanford University and the Natural Capital Alliance, this suite of software helps users measure the environmental, social and economic benefits of natural landscapes.
Earth Observation and Land/Tree Cover
EarthExplorer
The primary portal for accessing the world’s largest archive of civilian remote sensing data. Users can search and download satellite imagery and aerial photography.
WorldCover Map
WorldCover provides global land cover products for 2020 and 2021 at 10m resolution, meaning each pixel covers a 10-meter square on the ground.
American Forests Tree Equity Score Map
This interactive mapping tool combines tree canopy data with socioeconomic indicators to identify neighborhoods needing urban forestry investment.
Connecticut High Resolution Land Cover Map
Connecticut now has 1 meter resolution land cover courtesy of NOAA, where each pixel covers a 1-meter square on the ground.
CT ECO
The Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online (CT ECO) is a partnership between CT DEEP and UConn CLEAR, and the hub for geographic information in the state.
Environment and Community
Place and Health Analysis Interactive Map
A national, place-based tool by the CDC designed to measure the cumulative impacts of environmental burdens.
PLACES Interactive Map
A national dataset and tool by the CDC covering common health variables. This can be helpful in examining the relationship between tree cover and public health.
SVI Interactive Map
The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is a national dataset and tool designed to indicate socioeconomic and demographic factors that, when compounded, can affect communities in their abilities to bounce back from stressors.
EnviroAtlas
Interactive maps and tools helping users visualize relationships between nature, health, and the economy with over 500 data layers.
CIRCA Screening Tool
A tool by UConn CIRCA identifying Connecticut communities most impacted by environmental challenges through environmental and socioeconomic data.
CIRCA Climate Vulnerability Index
A tool by UConn CIRCA identifying Connecticut communities most impacted by our changing climate Trees are the ultimate nature-based solution to climate challenges. Understanding vulnerability to flooding and heat can come in handy in identifying areas in need of tree planting.
AirNow Interactive Map
This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded map provides data on air quality. Trees, especially those with complex leaf structures or evergreen needles, act as physical buffers. Knowing local air quality can come in handy in identifying areas in need of tree planting.
National Transportation Noise Map
This U.S. Dept. of Transportation web map shows national noise pollution data. Trees act as physical buffers against noise. Knowing local noise pollution levels can come in handy in identifying areas in need of tree planting.
IPUMS
Home of the many IPUMS databases, where you can find historical, survey and many socio-demographic datasets from across the globe and the U.S.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Global Biodiversity Information Facility
An international network and data infrastructure for data about all types of life on Earth.
iNaturalist
An online platform with a complementary mobile app that helps people identify, record, and share observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms.
Seek (app only)
A mobile app that helps people identify plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms instantly using their phone camera.
TAME
The Tagged Animal Movement Explorer (TAME) is an interactive data visualization tool for exploring spatial and temporal patterns of animal movements.
Amphibians and Reptiles Species Distribution Explorer
This explorer tool provides information about herptile distributions and species richness for anyone interested.
ITIS
At the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), you can view the taxonomic information of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of the world.
The Gap Analysis Project
A program of the U.S. Geological Survey that provides data and tools on species distributions, land cover, and protected areas to support conservation planning and biodiversity assessment.