Augmented Reality App Helps Add Green Time to Screen Time at TNC Preserves
Agents of Discovery mobile app games are now available at The Nature Conservancy preserves in Florida.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Florida's Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI), has launched Agents of Discovery missions at their four public preserves. This mobile app uses augmented reality (AR) to engage players with nature while they explore outdoors.
The Agents of Discovery app introduces users to Florida’s unique habitats and wildlife through various interactive missions. Missions at TNC’s preserves include challenges like detective games, sound matching and sequencers—all aimed at fostering a deeper connection with Florida’s unique environments.
“Agents of Discovery opens nature’s door to new audiences. With games similar to Pokémon Go, we meet youth and tech enthusiasts where they are: online,” says Amanda Thompson, TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives Training and Education Coordinator. “This app brings the joy of our preserves to a thrilling gaming platform, all from the convenience of visitors’ phone or tablet.”
The missions are designed for tech-lovers, youth aged 8-12 and educators who can use the app to enhance classroom learning. The Agents of Discovery app is accessible on Apple, Android and Google Play stores. Users can download the app for free and choose to play as a guest or create a login. The app’s Text-to-Speech feature enables participation for learners with visual disabilities or reading difficulties.
Agents of Discovery Missions at TNC in Florida Preserves
- Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP), Bristol FL: Players hike the Garden of Eden trail with Agent Indigo the eastern indigo snake, learning how forces of nature like water, wildfire, hurricanes and tornados shape the landscape.
- Blowing Rocks Preserve (BRP), Jupiter Island FL:Players discover the vital role of mangroves in protecting our coasts. Players help Agent Hermie the hermit crab identify different mangrove species and participate in virtual beach cleanup challenges.
- Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Poinciana FL:Players adventure along the trails to learn about the importance and interconnection of freshwater ecosystems. Agent Sandhill, a sandhill crane, highlights the Northern Everglades and how players can help conserve water.
- Tiger Creek Preserve (TCP), Babson Park FL:Players journey through the unique Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem and search for animal tracks with Agent Avian, a bald eagle. This preserve is home to some of Florida’s most unique plant and animal species. While on the trail, users can also listen to and identify bird calls.
Agents of Discovery missions were made possible by gifts from VoLo Foundation and the Joe and Renate Hixon family.
About TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI)
The Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) is a vital hub for conservation across Florida, actively addressing the state's environmental challenges through stewardship, science, outreach and education. CCI shapes the future of conservation by demonstrating best practices for land management and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. CCI nurtures the next generation of conservationists and environmental leaders through mentorship and training opportunities and our outreach programs connect people with nature and educate them on how they can protect it. Operating on-the-ground initiatives at TNC in Florida's four campus preserves across the state, CCI also uses online platforms to connect with diverse audiences across Florida and centers community engagement by partnering with local neighborhoods and organizations. Learn more about CCI
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The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.
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