Take the City Nature Challenge

This is an annual international event to collaboratively record as many wildlife observations as possible during a four day period. Not only does this challenge help us catalog what is living around us, it encourages the community to venture out into the great outdoors.

Observation Period:
April 28 through May 1

Participants will go out and submit photos of species using the iNaturalist app.

Metroparks is hosting programs for this event, but you can participate as much or as little as you would like.

If does not have to be in a Metropark. You can even participate in your backyard.

Wild species are preferred, but cultivated species can be included.

• April 28
  • Providence, Historical Lot, 8:30 to 10 a.m. [Register]
  • Secor, Secor Center parking lot, Window on Wildlife, 11 a.m. to Noon [Register]
  • Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables, Window on Wildlife, 1 to 2 p.m. [Register]
  • Swan Creek, parking lot, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. [Register]
  • Fallen Timbers, Noon to 1 p.m. [Register]
• April 29
  • Wiregrass Lake, 9 to 11 a.m. [Register]
• April 30
  • Side Cut, Riverview area parking lot, 9 to 11 a.m. [Register]
  • Manhattan Marsh, 1 to 3 p.m. [Register]
• May 1
  • Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot, Window on Wildlife, 8:30 to 9 a.m. [Register]
  • Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center, 9 to 11 a.m. [Register]

Identification Period:

May 2 - May 7.

We are looking for volunteers to help us with identification of observations.

Participation is easy!

1. Find plants and wildlife
2. Take a pic of your findings
3. Upload your image to iNaturalist app

Download the flyer [PDF]