Celebrate Our Local Nature, Join the City Nature Challenge
Since 2022, the University of Iowa has joined 700+ communities around the world to participate in the City Nature Challenge! Each year in April, Johnson County residents can contribute to this citizen science biodiversity challenge! During the challenge, participants use the iNaturalist app to take photographs of WILD plants and animals in backyards, in parks, along city streets, on school grounds, or any place in Johnson County.
How to Participate
The City Nature Challenge typically occurs during the last weekend of April each year. Participating is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Self-Guided Exploration at Nearby Nature Sites
Visit one or more protected nature areas in Johnson County to record wildlife at your own leisure during the City Nature Challenge.
Community Events
Events for the 2026 City Nature Challenge to be determined.
Guides and Toolkits
How To Use iNaturalist
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Education Toolkit
Learn More About iNaturalist
The City Nature Challenge is organized by the citizen science teams at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences.
Local City Nature Challenge Partners
