City Nature Challenge
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’s biodiversity will be mapped at a scale never documented before. Don’t forget about the contributions we make to urban biodiversity research around the world. We do this because we love our city and everything that lives along side us people!
Over 450 cites from across the globe are participating in the 2023 City Nature Challenge. In Alberta, you can participate in the Calgary Metropolitan Region, Edmonton Metropolitan Region, Red Deer County and Lacombe County. To see a full list of cities participating check out the global city list on citynaturechallenge.org.
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!
