Explore. Discover. Contribute.
April 25 to April 28:Take pictures of wild animals and plants
April 29 to May 4:Identify what was found
The City Nature Challenge (CNC) Canada 2025 is a nationwide effort to engage communities in documenting biodiversity using the iNaturalist Canada platform. This annual event encourages Canadians to explore their surroundings, observe wildlife, and contribute valuable data to global conservation efforts.
Originally launched in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the CNC has grown into a worldwide initiative involving hundreds of cities across the globe. In Canada, cities come together in a collaboration-meets-competition to see how many species can be recorded and identified within their local areas.
Why Participate?
By taking part in the City Nature Challenge, you’ll be:
✅ Contributing to conservation science – Every observation helps researchers track species, study biodiversity trends, and support conservation efforts.
✅ Exploring local nature – Whether you’re in a park, your backyard, or an urban green space, there’s wildlife to be discovered everywhere.
✅ Joining a global movement – Connect with a worldwide network of nature lovers, scientists, and conservationists.
✅ Engaging in friendly competition – See how your city stacks up against others across Canada and the world!
How It Works
- April 25-28, 2025 – Take photos or record sounds of plants, animals, fungi, and other wildlife in your area using the iNaturalist app or iNaturalist.ca.
- April 29-May 4, 2025 – Help identify and verify species recorded during the challenge. Every confirmed observation strengthens conservation data.
- Beyond CNC – The iNaturalist platform is available year-round, so you can keep exploring and contributing to Canada’s biodiversity database anytime.
Get Involved
- Individuals – Grab your smartphone or camera and start observing! It’s free, easy, and open to all ages.
- Communities & Organizations – Host events, encourage participation, and rally your city to contribute.
- Educators & Schools – Inspire students with hands-on citizen science experiences.
- Scientists & Naturalists – Help identify species and share your expertise with the iNaturalist community.
Join the Challenge
Getting started is simple:
- Download the iNaturalist app (Apple App Store or Google Play) or visit iNaturalist.ca.
- Create an account (ensure you are connected to iNaturalist Canada to contribute to national conservation efforts).
- Record your observations between April 25 and 28. Any species counts - plants, birds, insects, fungi, and more.
- Help identify species recorded during the challenge from April 29 to May 4.
Put St. Catharines' Biodiversity on the Map
Every observation, no matter how small, contributes to a better understanding of our natural world. Join us for the City Nature Challenge Canada 2025 and be part of a movement that connects people, nature, and science.
Learn More and Join In:
citynaturechallenge.ca iNaturalist Canada
Thank you to everyone that participated in the 2024 Challenge!
Check the results
Check the City of St. Catharines page on inaturalist.ca for the official results from 2024 or view the pages below: