The Greater Kansas City Metro
City Nature Challenge

Join The Kansas City Zoo, The City of Kansas City, and Heartland Conservation Alliance for the 2022 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.

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The Challenge is April 29-May 2. We are excited to safely celebrate nature in and around urban areas by documenting all the species we can find in the 7th annual 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?

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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

City Nature Challenge at the Discovery Center
April 29, 10am - 2pm
April 30, 10am - 2pm

Walk-in (ages 5+)

The Discovery Center is joining multiple Kansas City area conservation partners in the City Nature Challenge, an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities around the globe. Our kickoff is Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30. Participants will make observations by taking photos and uploading their observations using the free mobile app iNaturalist. The objective is to create a snapshot of the biodiversity that can be found around the metro area! Naturalists will be at the Discovery Center on Friday and Saturday to assist you. No registration is required. 

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For questions, contact Susan Harris, (816) 759-7305 ext. 1144 

Heartland Nature Celebration
April 30, 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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife, MoHives KC, KC Water and more. And all discoveries will contribute to the Greater Kansas City Metro City Nature Challenge.

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Registration is free! Learn more and register here.

Spring Hike at the View Community Center 
April 30, 10am 

Participants will learn how to use iNaturalist and take a hike around the property to hike with a naturalist and take a closer look at nature. This event is free.

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For questions, contact Courtney Green, Courtney.Green@mdc.mo.gov

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Download the informational flyer here!

Learn about iNaturalist and explore with KC WildLands 
Various times and locations.

KC WildLands will be hosting seven events on five different stunning, highly diverse natural communities across the region, including Rocky Point Glades, Hidden Valley natural area, Jerry Smith prairie in KCMO, and two gorgeous remnant prairies in Johnson County, KS.

Folks should register for their preferred sites and times. More info and registration here!