Educational developer Max Media has launched a new web site called "Species Explorer," where users can post nature sightings of any plant or animal species using their web browser or mobile phone. The project takes advantage of what E.O. Wilson has termed "biophilia," our natural affinity for wildlife, to further the No Child Left Inside movement and encourages people to reconnect with the outdoors.

Species Explorer is an engaging, easy-to-use site that inspires people of all ages to become "citizen scientists" in their own communities, learning about the plants and animals they encounter everyday, while sharing that information with others. “Knowledge generates interest,” says Douglas Tellamy, author of Bringing Nature Home, “And interest generates compassion.” Species Explorer seeks to inspire a lifelong appreciation of the environment, and a desire to protect that environment, through building knowledge of local wildlife.

To begin submitting observations, users simply sign up for a free account at SpeciesExplorer.org, then use the online tool or your phone’s mobile web browser to start recording nature sightings. Any plant or animals is fair game, and because Species Explorer encourages you to focus on local species, you don’t have to go any farther than your own backyard (although you are free to record sightings from anywhere in the world if you like!).

You can learn more about Species Explorer at www.speciesexplorer.org.