Calling all citizen scientists, nature enthusiasts, and ecologists!
All ages, backgrounds, and abilities needed!
The greater St. Louis region will be participating in the 2020 City Nature Challenge - a global competition taking place in more than 250 cities and metropolitan regions around the world! What's the Challenge? To see which city can document the most species in 4 days. Let's do this, St. Louis!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: COVID-19
We know that COVID-19 will significantly impact our 2020 City Nature Challenge project. After much thinking, we have decided to keep the City Nature Challenge event scheduled for April 24-27 (observations) and April 28-May 3 (identifications). However, we will be making some significant modifications:
This yearโs City Nature Challenge is no longer a competition.
We want to embrace the collaborative aspect of sharing observations online with a digital community, and celebrate the healing power of nature as people document their local biodiversity to the best of their ability. We want people around the world to have the opportunity to participate, while still following all federal and local recommendations to keep communities safe.
As a participant, it is up to you how much or how little you take part! Do only what feels safe for you & your family. It is imperative that you follow all government regulations, though.
Here in the St. Louis Area, we realize that in-person events are likely not going to happen.But since we're still allowed to go outside, let's try to enjoy & document nature in whatever ways we feel we can. Being outside can also help to lower stress levels and increase overall feelings of well-being, so take care of yourselves by being in nature if you're able to.
Here are two ways to participate:
1.) Get outside and explore nature! Whether in your backyard, local park, or favorite nature spot anywhere in the St. Louis metropolitan region (following local and CDC guidelines), take photos or sounds of animals, plants, and other life-forms using the free iNaturalist app. In addition to helping St. Louis participate in this global event, your observations will become data that could benefit local lands and waters.
2.) If you consider yourself skilled at species ID, we need you! During this window of time, help turn casual observations into research-grade data from the comfort of your own computer.
Help spread the word! Let's get out there and show the world how much we love biodiversity across our bi-state! You can also visit our project page to see the latest observations as they come in.
For information on the City Nature Challenge, tips on participating and to see the other cities competing on 2020 check out the City Nature Challenge page.
Cover photo by ยฉKathy Melton/Missouri Botanical Garden