Explore Urban Biodiversity: Join the 2025 City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge is a global event happening from April 25 to April 28, 2025, inviting individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore and document the wild plants, animals, and fungi in their surroundings. This initiative aims to engage community scientists, nature enthusiasts, and everyday observers to contribute to tracking real-time biodiversity changes. By sharing photographs of wildlife, participants help scientists better understand the planet’s ecosystems and advance wildlife conservation efforts.

Participation is simple and starts at home. Observers can explore their homes, backyards, or neighborhoods to find wild plants, insects, or animals—whether it is a bird on a powerline, a weed sprouting in the yard, or an insect scurrying under leaves. Local parks also provide excellent opportunities to discover different species by checking grass, plants, benches, and trees. Safety is paramount, so participants are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings when exploring and documenting wildlife.

To join, download the iNaturalist app and follow four easy steps: locate wildlife in your area, take photos of wild plants and animals, share your findings through the app, and engage with the community as your observations are identified. Remember to mark anything planted or cared for by people as “captive” or “cultivated” to ensure accurate data. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, you will not only contribute to global biodiversity research but also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around you.