Nature-lovers, rejoice!
Next week, the CRD and partners are hosting the Greater Victoria arm of the global City Nature Challenge—the perfect opportunity to hunt for wild plants, animals and fungi within the capital region and record them using iNaturalist.
Luckily for us, our capital region lies in one of Canada’s biodiversity hotspots, bursting with an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife.
And it can be found in your very own backyard, including salmon-bearing streams, Garry Oak meadows, vibrant wetlands and dynamic shorelines.
From April 28th to May 1st, nature lovers across the region will have the chance to spot pollinating insects, migrating birds, native wildflowers, and towering trees while competing with over 400 urban areas from around the world to see how many wild species can be recorded.
Not only does getting outside and observing the natural world surrounding us boost mental health and well-being, it’s also a key step in conserving nature for future generations.
Biodiversity supports clean air and water, food security, recreational and cultural opportunities, and is key to the high quality of life we enjoy in the region.
If you’re a nature lover, this completely virtual challenge is for you!
There’s no experience required to be a citizen scientist, and you can walk or wheel your way to hunt for wild plants, animals and fungi within the capital region and record them using iNaturalist.
It’s as simple as a few easy steps, and you’ll be joining a large community of local nature buffs who are helping to inventory and celebrate the capital region’s amazing flora and fauna – plus you can win some incredible prizes while you’re at it!
Here’s how to join the challenge:
- Create an account using the free iNaturalist app (AppStore or Google Play) or website iNaturalist.org
- Head to iNaturalist to join the Greater Victoria City Nature Challenge project for a chance to win prizes and receive project updates
- Join the hunt! Search for local nature in your backyard, neighbourhood, or favourite park or beach between April 28th and May 1st. Observations of wild native plants, animals, fungi, insects, tracks, or even scat are all welcome.
- Use a digital camera or smart phone to capture your sightings, and upload to iNaturalist.
- Identify your findings as best you can and have people from the iNaturalist community help confirm your identifications.
By joining the CRD’s City Nature Challenge project, you’ll have the chance to win one of five prizes!
City Nature Challenge: Greater Victoria
- When: Friday, April 28th to Monday, May 1st
- Where: All around the capital region, even your very own backyard!
- Find a list of free events on CRD’s website
