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<DIV>First, I want to appreciate everyone who responded to my first posting on GIS. I have long been in awe of the wealth of knowledge, talent and resources that this group collectively shares.</DIV>
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<DIV>It seems that there is a good bit of interest in collecting data and mapping medicinal plants. There are some good projects already underway that will deepen understanding at many levels through the use of GIS/GPS and modeling technology.</DIV>
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<DIV>I would still like to hear from the members of this list: What kinds of GIS projects people think would benefit the conservation and smart use of medicinal plant communities? How might GIS be useful the grower, the industry, the land stewards, the scientists?</DIV>
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<DIV>I've been thinking of ways patches of medicinals in the urban and suburban environments could be conserved, encouraged and/or reintroduced. A GIS could be used for planning, modeling and relocation efforts. </DIV>
<DIV> With the native plant society I have done plant rescues, some of them are medicinals and some are threatened or endangered species. The plant digs usually happen prior to development. In the surrounding Atlanta area, which is where I am there has been a tremendous amount of growth.</DIV>
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<DIV>Invasive, non-native species are often what fills in the disturbed land. So after the development process even establishing a healthy landscape can be challenging in the raw clay. I think GIS projects here could be useful as well. What do ya'll think?</DIV>
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<DIV>It's a wonderful treasure to be able have searchable, customizable and readily available data and maps with GIS providing tools that will find many jobs to do. I would sure like to keep this conversation going. </DIV>
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<DIV>Does anyone have any GIS stories to tell? Projects, findings, data resources, interests?</DIV>
<DIV>Look forward to hearing more and involving myself in projects.</DIV>
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<DIV>Sincerely,</DIV>
<DIV>DeAnna Hohnhorst</DIV>
<DIV>GIS Apprentice</DIV>
<DIV>404-289-6806</DIV>
<DIV>1166 N Carter Rd.</DIV>
<DIV>Decatur, GA 30030</DIV></BODY></HTML>