The City Nature Challenge is a unique and exciting opportunity to connect with nature while contributing to scientific research. It’s a friendly competition between urban areas worldwide to see which can make the most observations of wildlife—plants, animals and fungi—using the free iNaturalist app. This year, it starts on Friday, April 25, and runs through Monday, April 28.

Why should I get involved?

1. Get to Know Your Flora and Fauna
   The City Nature Challenge is a fun way to learn more about the plants and animals around you. Whether it’s spotting a local bird, identifying a wildflower or documenting the many critters in your backyard, each observation helps you get more familiar with your environment. By participating, you’ll discover the hidden wildlife in your region.
   
2. Contribute to Global Science and Make a Difference Locally
   Your observations aren’t just for fun—they are a vital part of ongoing conservation efforts. The data you collect helps scientists better understand the health of our ecosystems and how to protect them. For example, your observations of local insect populations provide information about how climate change is affecting area species.
   
   Every observation is linked to a specific location, so researchers can track the impact of specific actions in different areas such as reducing light pollution or increasing native tree populations. The information you gather helps make decisions about how to best facilitate habitat restoration.
   
3. Engage Your Kids and Family
   The City Nature Challenge is a fantastic way to get your kids outside, away from video games and TV. Exploring nature together is not only fun but educational, providing an opportunity to teach younger generations about local biodiversity and the importance of protecting it. Plus, it is a great activity to bring family members together.
   
4. Join a Community of Nature Enthusiasts
   One of the best parts of the City Nature Challenge is connecting with other people who share your passion for nature. There are several events happening in the Washington, D.C. region, led by local volunteers, where you can make observations with others and receive guidance if needed. If you prefer to explore on your own, that’s perfectly fine too.

Three observation events will be held at Hidden Oaks Park in Fairfax County: Friday, April 25, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, from 9-10 a.m.

You can find other events in the area at City Nature Challenge DC Events.

How do I get started?
It’s simple to participate—all you need is a smartphone with the free iNaturalist app. You can make observations anywhere, from your yard to a local park, as long as the organism is wild and not a pet or a planted species.

Once you upload your photos or recordings, they will be automatically added to the iNaturalist Washington, D.C. Metro Area City Nature Challenge 2025 Project—which extends as far as Frederick, Spotsylvania, Calvert and Warren counties!

So, grab your smartphone, get outside and start observing! Together, we can make a difference for nature and our planet.