City Nature Challenge

Our cities are filled with wildlife that we need to better understand now more than ever. The Kansas City Zoo, the City of Kansas City, and the Heartland Conservation Alliance are inviting citizen scientists of all ages from across the KC metro area just like you to participate in the 2023 City Nature Challenge.

We can’t fully protect nature without studying what is living in cities. Each year, thousands of people join in this global challenge to see just how many observations of wildlife we can gather together. Every photo you take contributes to vital wildlife research. This international database helps scientists and naturalists better understand the type of wildlife living in our cities and work to make them better places for humans and wildlife to live.

Participation is easy:

1) Download the iNaturalist App on your device.

2) Search for and join the 2023 Greater Kansas City Metro Area City Nature Challenge project.

3) From April 28th until May 1st take pictures of wild plants and animals using the iNaturalist app.

4) Share your photo with iNaturalist community

Any wildlife pictures you share through the iNaturalist app during this time will automatically count towards the challenge. And don’t worry, if you aren’t sure what you just took a picture of, the app will help you identify it. Scientists all over the world will work to verify the species you upload as well.

We are looking for photos of plants, birds, insects, and other animals that are in their natural habitat. So go out and hike your local trails, visit a nearby park or nature center, or check out a lake or river you’ve been wanting to explore. Any wildlife found in the Greater KC Metro area is eligible.

Join us in discovering the nature in your neighborhood and help change the world one observation at a time. You can find out more about the challenge, including helpful videos and observation tips, at www.citynaturechallenge.org