Ready, set, snap! Get outside and capture nature’s beauty as part of the 2019 City Nature Challenge, a global citizen-science competition to be held April 26 – 29. Western North Carolina is one of three regions in the state competing to have the most photographic observations of nature uploaded to iNaturalist during this timeframe and we need YOUR help!
How to Participate
1.) Download iNaturalist, a free mobile application on your iPhone or Android device, and join the City Nature Challenge WNC Project.
2.) From April 26 – 29, go outside (in your backyard, park or nearby natural area) and take pictures of wildlife, including plants and animals (no pets, please!).
3.) Upload your photos to iNaturalist and tell your friends to join in on the fun! **Children 12 & under can submit their photos via ecoexplore.net.
Special Events
As part of the City Nature Challenge, several WNC organizations will host events over the weekend to encourage participation and assist with iNaturalist training. In addition, the WNC Nature Center and Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be designated City Nature Challenge observation spots for the general public and for private groups. Events include:
Friday, April 26
- Wildflower Hike at the Buckeye Recreation Center on Beech Mountain
- Nature Challenge Hike at the Highlands Biological Station
Saturday, April 27
- Cradle Community Bioblitz at The Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forestry
- Mountain Science Expo Bioblitz at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville
- Junior Ranger Program at Grandfather Mountain
- Nature Challenge Hike at the Highlands Biological Station
Sunday, April 28
- Junior Ranger Program at Grandfather Mountain.
The city or region who make the most observations of nature, find the most species and engage the post people will be named the winner of the 2019 City Nature Challenge and support scientific research worldwide!