City Nature Challenge

Overview & Results

Green banner with a phone capturing outdoor nature, promoting a city nature challenge event.

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 25-28. 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?

Participate in the City Nature Challenge at any NOVA Parks location! Locations with a wide variety of specimens to document include:

2024 oBSERVATIONS & Results

Summer Camps Filling Fast - Register Today

Due to high demand, spots fill fast! To save time during registration, create a user account and complete the camper information prep questions in advance. Visit the 'Registration' tab on each camp's webpage for details.

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Climb UPton—the largest ropes course in the Mid-Atlantic— is NOW OPEN Daily! Climb UPton offers 90 different elements and three levels of difficulty.