How to Participate
Did you know? When you participate in the City Nature Challenge, you are participating in citizen science. Citizen science invites anyone, regardless of scientific training, to help collect and contribute data for scientific research projects of all sizes. Learn more about citizen science at SciStarter.org.
The City Nature Challenge coincides with Citizen Science Month in April! In 2026, we are aiming for 2.50 Million Acts of Science during April, and all your observations submitted to the Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge are Acts of Science! Learn more.
It’s easy! You can go out on your own, join our partners at one of launch points around town, or find an event near you. All you have to do is:
Download the free iNaturalist app to your Android or iPhone and create an account. Tip: Double your impact with SciStarter!
Join the City Nature Challenge 2026: Greater Phoenix iNaturalist project
Take photos of wildlife (plants, animals, fungi) by yourself or in a group within the geographic boundaries from April 24–27, 2026. Find events near you!
Upload your photos to iNaturalist between April 24 and May 10.
Do your best to identify your observations as you upload them, but an exact and accurate answer is not required. The iNaturalist community will help identify your observations before the May 10th deadline.
Check the City Nature Challenge Results Page on May 13 for the final standings!
Local Organizers
The City Nature Challenge in the Greater Phoenix Area is organized by a group of volunteers from the various organizations below.
