Start mapping your city
A useful local plant map starts with one clear record. UrbanPlantz began in Toronto; you can contribute from your own city, even when nobody nearby has mapped a spot yet.
Find your area
Open the map. Search for your city or place, use optional location access, or pan manually. If the map is empty, no community spots are recorded there yet. You can still start with a plant you have observed.
Add a first useful spot
- Sign in and choose Add a spot. Use your location or move the map pin to the plant's actual position.
- Choose a plant from the catalogue. If it is missing, search and suggest its name. The suggestion is labelled identification needed.
- Add an original photo and a short finding tip if helpful. Describe how to find the plant without including private contact details.
- Review the position and plant name before submitting. Check nearby records first to avoid duplicating the same plant location.
Do not cross private property or collect plants to create a map record. Check local access and plant identification. The catalogue's season notes began in southern Ontario and may not apply where you live.
Build evidence over time
Your submission begins awaiting confirmation. Share its spot link with someone who can visit independently. Their location check is separate from plant identification, current fruit availability and permission to harvest. Add dated condition reports or useful photos when you revisit; report duplicates or corrections using the spot's menu.
Make the map useful for the next person
Prioritize clear positions, honest identification limits and useful finding notes over the number of pins. Save the spots you want to revisit and invite local contributors to make their own independent observations. There is no need to wait for a city reward or milestone.