FAQ

1) Create an iNaturalist.ca by downloading the app on your smartphone or signing up online. 2) Take photos of flora or fauna anywhere in YYC April 26-29. 3) Join as at one of the many events around the city or explore Calgary’s nature on your own. 4) Make as many observations as you can with your phone or camera (upload on desktop) April 26-29. Mark any pets, houseplants, garden plants, street trees, zoo animals, etc. as “Captive/Cultivated”. 5) Make sure all of your observations are posted before 11:59pm April 29. 6) Help us to identify everything uploaded to City Nature Challenge Calgary Before May 5.

The competition has three categories for cities to compete:
1) The most field observations made during the competition
2) The most diverse account of species
3) The largest number of participants

Bragging rights among some of the most progressive cities in the world are up for grabs. Calgary will be mapped at a scale never documented before. Don’t forget about the contributions we make to urban biodiversity research around the world.

There are around 275 cities around the world that have committed to participating in CNC 2020. View the complete list here. You can also visit the global iNaturalist page here. This is the second year Calgary will compete. Other Canadian cities we are competing with include:

Halifax, Wolfville, Truro NS	Toronto	Richmond BC
Sackville & Saint John, NB	Calgary
Ottawa-Gatineau	Edmonton
Montreal	Surrey BC

There is nature all around us, even in our cities! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them, but the ONLY way to do that is by collecting information that allows us to understand them.

Cities are difficult places to study because of they are dynamic, fragmented, and complex ecosystems. Having scientists, land managers, and the most importantly citizens working together helps us to build community and an understanding of urban environmental conditions.  By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make your city a better place – for you and other species!

Each city has defined their own urban boundary which all observations must occur within. Calgary’s area include the municipalities of Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestermere. You can view the map on the iNaturalist project page.

Any photo or audio clip that is taken April 24-27 and uploaded to iNaturalist.ca before May 3 (Midnight) AND within the CNC YYC 2020 boundaries will automatically be included in Calgary’s CNC 2020 entry. Observations can be made in any type of habitat including your yard, alleyway, sidewalk, rooftop, park, schoolyard, everywhere and anywhere within Calgary’s city limits.

iNaturalist can be used anywhere in the world, so get familiar before the competition by downloading the app and practicing making/uploading observations.