Welcome the arrival of spring by getting outside and contributing to the 8th annual City Nature Challenge! This friendly competition runs from Friday, April 28–Monday, May 1.
This worldwide event encourages community scientists of all ages and educational backgrounds to observe and submit pictures of wild plants, animals, and fungi using the free mobile app iNaturalist.
With miles of trails and open spaces, we encourage you to explore Fairmount Park’s diverse habitats during the Challenge and contribute to our 2023 iNaturalist Project Page. The person who submits most observations on our project page* will win some FREE Philly park swag! (*Observations must be made in East or West Fairmount Park during the date range listed above.)
Read on for more information on how you can participate and contribute to the City Nature Challenge.
What is the City Nature Challenge?
The City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities around the world. Cities compete and collaborate to see who can make the most nature observations, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. (Check out how Philly stacked up against other cities in 2022.)
Why should I participate?
There is nature all around us, even in the city! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them and the only way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community – working together to find and document nature in Philadelphia. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local flora and fauna, but you can also make your city a better place – for you and other species!
PLUS: Free park swag! The person who submit the most observations on our project page* will win some Philly park gear! (*Observations must be made in East or West Fairmount Park during the date range listed above.)
I’m in! How do I participate?
- Download the iNaturalist app onto your smartphone.
- Find any wild thing. It can be any wild plant, animal, fungi, or any other evidence of life (fur, tracks, shells, scat, etc.) found in Philly – including your own backyard!
- Take pictures or video of what you find using the iNaturalist app.
- Learn more as your observations get identified.*
- Contribute to Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Project Page.
- To contribute to our project page, all you have to do is snap a photo in East or West Fairmount Park during the timeframe listed above. It will automatically be added to our project!
- To contribute to our project page, all you have to do is snap a photo in East or West Fairmount Park during the timeframe listed above. It will automatically be added to our project!
*And please note – it’s okay if you don’t know the species! All you have to do is snap a photo and upload it – a professional will help you identify your observation through the app.
Where can I find wildlife in Fairmount Park?
There are so many spots to document wildlife in the city’s largest park. Our top 4 recommendations include:
- Lansdowne Glen: This is a short and sweet trail that loops around the Lansdowne Creek on the grounds of the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park. Featuring slightly rolling hills, you’ll meander through the recently restored forest and likely spot a variety of birds and other wildlife along the way. The iconic Pavilion in the Trees treehouse makes for a great birding spot.
- Trolley Trail: The 4.5-mile Trolley Trail travels the route of the former Fairmount Park Trolley line that operated through Fairmount Park from 1896 to 1946. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll encounter plenty of plants, trees, and animals.
- Concourse Lake: Concourse Lake in West Fairmount Park is a 14-acre Philadelphia Native Plant Park that features 142 native trees of 24 various species and 503 shrubs of 24 different species. It is a top birding spot in the park!
- Boxers’ Trail: The Boxers’ Trail is a 3.8-mile trail with wooded and paved paths that winds through East Fairmount Park, along Randolph Creek. You’re bound to see lots of birds along the way!
Consult our Fairmount Park Digital Guide for trail maps and more information on these locations.
For more information, please visit Philly’s official City Nature Challenge website. And be sure to follow along on social media:
#CityNatureChallenge
Instagram: @CityNaturePhilly
Twitter: @PhillyCNC
Facebook: @PhillyCNC
