NeighborSpace is excited to participate in the City Nature Challenge again this year, and we need your help! Volunteers are invited to photograph wildlife and plants in NeighborSpace parks to contribute to this global community science event.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the nature in your neighborhood, the City Nature Challenge is a great way to connect with the outdoors and support scientific research. At NeighborSpace, the data collected through this initiative (as well as other bioblitzes and community science surveys) helps us document biodiversity across our 21 protected sites in Baltimore County. These observations inform our stewardship and restoration efforts to enhance wildlife habitat, plant diversity, and the urban tree canopy.
The City Nature Challenge is an annual event encouraging people worldwide to document urban biodiversity using the free iNaturalist app. Since launching in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it has expanded to hundreds of cities globally. This year, the observation window runs from April 25 to April 28, with time to upload and identify observations from April 29 to May 4.
Volunteer Opportunity
Sign up to participate by observing and recording nature in one or more NeighborSpace parks. We encourage volunteers to set a time goal, such as 30 minutes or an hour, for a bioblitz. A bioblitz is where individuals or groups aim to document as many species as possible in a short time. You can record plants, animals, fungi, or signs of wildlife such as tracks, nests, or burrows.
Individuals and groups are welcome. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- Most Observations
- Most NeighborSpace Parks Visited
- Most Plants
- Most Birds
- Most Insects
How to Participate
- Download the iNaturalist app and create a free account (or sign in at iNaturalist.org).
- Visit a NeighborSpace park and take photos of plants, animals, or other organisms using the app
- Try to identify your observations. If you’re not sure, upload your photo without a genus or species identification; others in the iNaturalist community can help.
Need Help Getting Started?
Contact:
Amanda Glassco
Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator
NeighborSpace of Baltimore County
amanda@neighborspacebaltimorecounty.org
812.374.9923
BioBlitz Workshop
New to iNaturalist? Want a refresher before the event? Join us for a BioBlitz workshop.
Friday, April 25
5:00–6:30 PM
Carroll Watkins Park
(next to 5830 Flannery Ln, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207)
