ParksByNature Network is using alerts and location-based features to help state park visitors stay safe during their trips.

The Pocket Ranger apps let users explore state parks in six states, including Delaware, Kentucky, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The apps are available on both iPhone and Android devices.

?The initiative behind these apps was to draw a new generation of mobile users to the state park system,? said Brett Melillo, cofounder/program coordinator at ParksByNature Network, New York.

?State parks have concerts, events and activities and mobile is a great way to engage with visitors in a real-time way,? he said.

ParksByNature Network is a service organization that implements sponsorship, events, mobile and tour programs for companies with a specific interest in aquariums, museums, parks and zoos.

On-the-go safety
Consumers can opt-in to an alerts system via the app.

Users can pre-register their trips and receive news, alerts and geo-specific weather updates.

The app also includes a Friend Finder feature that lets users stay connected while exploring.

Park visitors can sync their phones together and use pins to see where the other person is.

The GPS function also turns into a map without a wireless connection in the parks, making it easy for consumers to navigate.

?We want to coordinate and draw people into the park with real-time feeds,? Mr. Melillo said.

Mobile maps
Park enthusiasts can search for local parks by name, trails and park history.

For a more general overview of nearby parks, users can press on the states tabs to see specific parks by region on maps.

Users  can also access park directions, maps of the park, activities and other park-related information, as well as book reservations on their handsets.

?We are trying to create a system where people can get involved in parks instead of just visiting,? Mr. Melillo said.

?This is the first time the government has worked with parks on mobile,? he said.

The app is free to download, but consumers can opt-in for paid content when using the app.

With paid content, users can share their park experiences through Facebook and Twitter, record tracks and mark waypoints.

?Parks are a free form of entertainment and based on users? habits, so it makes sense to utilize their park experiences in a mobile environment,? Mr. Melillo said.

?Where cell phones used to be intrusions in nature, they are now great resources to educate and keep park visitors safe,? he said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York