The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an international effort for people across the globe to document and locate wildlife and nature in their local area.
Why should you participate?
Every day we are surrounded by all forms of nature and wildlife.
Having the ability to use images to identify and understand the species that we share the world with promotes an expansion of knowledge, ensuring that protection and conservation plans can be put into action.
An efficient way for land managers to capture data is by working together with scientists and communities to document the nature in our areas. Engaging in this event will not only expand your knowledge about the nature that is thriving in your local area but also help to make your city a better place for you and other species.
How can you get involved?
- Find wildlife: It can be any WILD plant, animal, fungi, slime mold, or any other evidence of life found in your city.
- Take a picture or record a sound: Take a picture or record the sound of what you find. Be sure to note the location of the critter or plant.
- Share: Share your observations through iNaturalist or your city’s chosen platform. If it’s planted or taken care of by people, it is not WILD. Mark it captive/cultivated!
Tips for taking photos during the CNC
- Focus on one species in each photo
- Use the option to have multiple photos in one observation
- Discard blurry photographs
- Get close
Note: Make sure that your photos are in frame and focused! This will help to give a clearer and more accurate reading
Here are some examples of what observations you can make:
- Wild plants
- Animals
- Bacteria
- Lichen
- Shells
- Tracks
- Scat
- Fungi
- Seaweed
- Feathers
Where can you make observations?
You can make observations anywhere - at your local park/reserv, or even around your home!
We have a range of events happening over the weekend, learn from some experts and make observations!
- 26 April - Nature Orienteering
- 26 April - Breakfast with the Birds
- 27 April - Fish Survey
- 27 April - Twilight Tour
- 28 April - Frog Census
Registrations for all events are necessary. Check out Humanitix for more details.
You can also make your own observations within the Wildlife Sanctuary during our opening hours - we'll be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am-3pm (NB. we will be closed on ANZAC Day).
