Well, you’re about to spend more than a few minutes browsing some pretty interesting maps. Have fun exploring your neighborhood online and out there! And remember, these fun and/or informative maps only exist because everyone shares what they’ve spotted, so please contribute where you are able…
1. Falling Fruit: A map of fruit available to foragers in urban areas around the world. The entries list the type of edible, its location, the best season to check for ripe fruit, and the type of access you can expect when you arrive on site.
2. Worldwide Sidewalk Joy: Originally a project focused on delightful displays in Portland, Oregon neighborhoods, the map creator started a second page so everyone on Earth can participate. If you’re wondering what types of spots are noted on the map, her website says to “think Free Little Art Galleries, Puzzle Exchanges, Toy Swaps, Mug Exchanges, Seed Swaps, Free Little Greenhouses, Wishing Trees, and more!” Don’t miss the photos–guaranteed to make you smile.
3. Little Free Library: Take a book. Share a book. Now you can find all of the official boxes near you using the map on their website or their mobile app. (But always keep your eyes peeled for more because people who want to have a book box are not required to pay to register it with this nonprofit.)
4. Old-Growth Forest Network: These public forests are the oldest in their counties and are protected from logging. This nonprofit also keeps a separate list for old growth trees on private land. Nominations are welcome!
Also, while we’re noting amazing trees, let’s mention the National Champion Tree Registry which keeps a database of submissions searchable by location but has not yet mapped them. In Virginia, we also have the Big Tree list (still no map!), so hopefully your state has something similar that you can contribute to.
5. Project Counterglow: A crowdsourced, interactive map of the factory farms and slaughterhouses in our country intended to shed light on the scope of the industry and to be used as a resource for those in the advocacy/education fields
6. Little Free Pantry: These little boxes are popping up everywhere to make sure that neighbors have an opportunity to help each other with food, personal care items, and other home essentials in a time of need.
7. Nextdoor Treat Map and Cheer Map: During the holidays, members of this website can pin their house on these festive maps to let others know that they have candy or decorations to share.
8. The Tacky Light Tour map is also available during the holidays to help you find magical displays near you, so add them when you see them!
9. Vegan Organic Network: Curious about where people are growing food veganically? A step beyond organic, these farmers and gardeners have committed to not using any animal inputs as fertilizers. If you are not currently growing plants, but would love to shop from a veganic source, you can also add yourself to the map as a “supporter.”
What’s missing from this list? Comment below!
