The Greater Kansas City Metro
City Nature Challenge
Join The Kansas City Zoo, The City of Kansas City, and Heartland Conservation Alliance for the 2023 City Nature Challenge in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area! By using iNaturalist and logging your observations of WILD organisms on the KC Metro City Nature Challenge page, you will help us document the incredible biodiversity in the Greater Kansas City Area.
The Challenge is April 28-May 1. We are excited to celebrate nature in and around urban areas by documenting all the species we can find during the City Nature Challenge!
Why should you join the challenge?
Data is key
We need data on urban wildlife in the KC metro to make informed planning decisions that allow both human life and wildlife to thrive.
Be a scientist
Citizen scientists help us discover threatened or endagered species we didn't know we had. Discoveries like these will help with protecting them and their habitats.
We need nature
Getting outside in nature is good for your mental health and physical wellbeing. Studies show a positive connection between green space and life expectancy.
Discover your new favorite place
Explore a new park, trail, or natural area. Seeing the wildlife that shares our urban green spaces helps us appreciate and want to conserve those green spaces.
Build a sustainable city
Healthy urban ecosystems sequester carbon, reduce flooding, and combat pollution. The City Nature Challenge raises awareness and educates citizens on stewardship.
How can you support the challenge?
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Promote the challenge – Get the word out on social media, through email blasts, and at your organization or through your volunteer base. Download our flyer, teach others how to use iNaturalist and share the news with #citynaturekc.
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Participate in the Challenge in your own neighborhood – Take your family, friends, or coworkers out on a nature scavenger hunt during April 29 - May 2. Take pictures with iNaturalist and join the Greater Kansas City Nature Challenge to log your discoveries.
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Host or attend an event – Host an event in any of the nine counties that make up the Kansas City Metro, or attend an existing event at one of your favorite parks or natural areas. Event hosts usually teach volunteers to use iNaturalist, how to take a good photo, and then send them out to enjoy the process.
Find an event near you in the list below
Heartland Nature Celebration
April 29, 10am - 2pm
This event is free and open to the public and will include environmental education opportunities and guided flora and fauna identification hikes. These fun experiences will feature the expertise from conservation and environmental experts. And all discoveries will contribute to the Greater Kansas City Metro City Nature Challenge.
More events coming soon!
