This April, people of all ages are invited to join the Boston Area City Nature Challenge in an effort to not only immerse themselves in nature right in their own communities, but to record the most plants and wildlife in this annual worldwide challenge.

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an international citizen science project with cities worldwide competing to explore and record all kinds of plants, animals, fungi, and even microorganisms in their area using the free iNaturalist app. This year’s annual bio-blitz will be held April 27-30 and will include 65 participating cities representing 17 countries and 5 continents. Last year, Boston came in 8th out of 16 participating cities in the United States, and this year the “City of Champions” seeks to elevate its ranking, all in the spirit of friendly competition.

The challenge is open to anyone who would like to participate, and is an opportunity for the community to collaborate with one another, scientists, and conservation organizations through observations recorded right in their own backyards and towns – all with just a few simple taps on their smartphone. All of the species recorded in the Boston Area CNC will help create a more accurate picture of the Boston area's biodiversity, focusing within the I-495 corridor and out to Stellwagen Bank. Any observation in the greater Boston area made during these days will count for the challenge. Whether an observer has five minutes or several hours to spare, every bit makes a difference.

Learn more and join the Boston Area City Nature Challenge!