March 27, 2023

FAQ

City Nature Challenge

1) Create an iNaturalist.ca account by downloading the app on your smartphone or signing up online. 2) Take photos of flora or fauna anywhere in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, Okotoks, or Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park April 29-May 2. 4) Make as many observations as you can with your phone or camera (upload on desktop) April 29-May 2. 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 May 8. 6) Help us to identify everything uploaded to City Nature Challenge Calgary April 29-May 8. The Global and Canadian results will be announced May 9!

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.

City Nature Challenge 2022 will be the biggest year yet with nearly 600 globally participating. 48 Canadian cities are taking part with four in Alberta! Check out the Global iNaturalist project or focus in on the Canadian cities. If you’re interesting in learning about how the event has grown since its inception in 2016, check out this page.

City Nature Challenge Alberta Summary iNaturalist Project

Areas in Alberta:

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!