Ding Darling Press Release - Using QR Codes
New ‘Ding’ Darling trail taps into future of communications
Using QR-code-scan technology, iNature Trail is first of its kind
If you have a smart phone that downloads apps, you’re ready to hit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s latest innovation when completed later this month. Designed to appeal to the next generation’s techie side and get them outside, the Refuge iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive has two components – one for kids and one for adults.
The iNature Trail uses a set of QR (Quick Response) codes that smart phone-users can scan with free downloadable apps such as Neoscan or QR Scan.
Similar in appearance to common bar codes, QR codes typically send scanners to Web sites for more information. The refuge’s iNature trail goes a step further and incorporates short, engaging YouTube videos, making it more interactive. Users experience a tour unique from any other current refuge offering.
For instance, one of the 20 QR codes along the iNature Trail takes you to a YouTube video of Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik welcoming guests to the refuge, while another jumps to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) home page, www.dingdarlingsociety.org.
The iNature signs will be easily recognizable along the Trail and can be accessed while walking, biking, or driving along Wildlife Drive.
This is the first such interactive trail in the 550-plus national wildlife refuge system, and Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland will be giving a presentation about the innovation to a National Wildlife Refuge System conference in early July.
“We also believe this to be the first interactive QR wildlife trail in the nation,” said Westland.
“While QR codes are not yet known to everyone, they are starting to create a buzz in the marketing world with the people who use them,” said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Vertesch. “Special thanks goes to former Sanibel student Lars Bredahl, who took on this project as part of his college studies at Elon University in North Carolina.”
“We would not have known the power of this media without Lars’ involvement on this project,” said Westland. “Currently nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults own a smart phone, and it is estimated that there will be more online visits from mobile devices than from PCs by 2014. Lars is moving our refuge into the mobile world and helping us educate thousands of people about wildlife and its protection in a whole new way.”
“The iNature Trail is a significant advancement in nature interpretation,” said Paul Tritaik, refuge manager. “It not only takes advantage of the latest improvements in communication technology, but it is environmentally responsible because it allows us to reduce paper waste from brochures. We are very proud to introduce this exciting opportunity for our technologically savvy visitors to learn about and enjoy the wildlife at ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge.”
Funding for the iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive was made possible by private contributions to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS).
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop proceeds.
To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Vertesch at 239-292-0566, 239-472-1100 ext. 4, or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.
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