City Nature Challenge
Overview & Results 
What is it?
Do you enjoy observing nature? Get outside with your friends and family and document plants, animals, and fungi for the City Nature Challenge! The Challenge is a global science event taking from April 26-29. During the City Nature Challenge, participants can observe wildlife in local parks, neighborhoods, and even their own backyards using a free, easy-to-use app called iNaturalist. Anyone can do it and you can participate anywhere—all you need is the app!
Why Participate?
The City Nature Challenge is a great reason to get outside and experience nature. Plus, your observations will help scientists understand what species share the DC urban environment and collect valuable information on biodiversity. NOVA Parks has over 30 properties that are great places to participate in the City Nature Challenge. Stop by any NOVA Parks' location and experience all the nature NOVA Parks has to offer!
Ready To Join?
- Learn more about the City Nature Challenge in the greater DC area.
- Download the iNaturalist app.
- View observations made in NOVA Parks on iNaturalist.
Participate in the City Nature Challenge at any NOVA Parks location! Locations with a wide variety of specimens to document include:
- Algonkian Regional Park
- Bull Run Marina
- Bull Run Regional Park
- Cameron Run Regional Park
- Carlyle House Historic Park
- Gilbert's Corner
- Fountainhead Regional Park
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- Occoquan Regional Park
- Pohick Bay Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Winkler Botanical Preserve
- W&OD Trail
