City Nature Challenge 2025

close up of small yellow flowers in bloom; a child climbs a tree in background

Event cancelled: due to a severe ice storm that hit the region on March 29, the event organizers have decided to cancel this spring's event due to safety concerns. 

The City Nature Challenge is a global competition to record wildlife sightings in communities from around the world using the iNaturalist app. The City is partnering with multiple organizations, such as the Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN), to lead nature walks and bio-blitzes at several events in the city and county. Events are free and open to all ages. Observations collected will be submitted as part of Peterborough's official submission to the City Nature Challenge. 

What is a Bio-Blitz?

A bio-blitz is a communal citizen-science effort to record as many species as possible within a designated location and time period. These events provide valuable information which can help researchers understand local biodiversity and assists in identifying population changes over time. Unfortunately, many wildlife populations are in decline with habitat loss being the most significant hazard impacting Ontario species. This event will connect people to nature through active participation in identifying local species in Peterborough.

How to participate

screen of smartphone with iNaturalist app open to a map of Jackson Park
To assist with recording wildlife observations during the bio-blitz, the iNaturalist app will be used to upload sightings of species spotted through the use of a unique Peterborough project event page. Before arriving, please download the app to your mobile device. To learn more about iNaturalist, check out Using the iNaturalist App below.

Guided Walks

Guided walks will take place at multiple events during the City Nature Challenge. Walk leaders will help attendees identify plants and animals and provide background to the area's natural history. 

Using the iNaturalist App

  1. Install the iNaturalist app (available for both Apple and Android) and create an account.
  2. Take photos or audio recordings with detailed observations using the phone app or posted later to your home computer.
  3. Learn more about how to make impactful observations by reading the iNaturalist resources and by watching the Peterborough Public Library's iNaturalist how-to video.

 

Tips for using the iNaturalist app
  1. Open the app and tap the Observe button from the My Observations tab.
  2. Add one or more photos as evidence.
  3. Choose what you saw from list of suggestions.
  4. Time and date should be added automatically; if not, add when you made the observation.
  5. Select observation location from the map.
  6. Add annotations if possible to improve the observation quality.
  7. Save your observation.
Tips for uploading images to the iNaturalist website
  1. Open iNaturalist in your web browser.
  2. Start by clicking the green Upload button from the header when you are logged in. From the upload page, begin by dragging in one or more photos. Each photo will create an 'observation card' that you can edit before submitting. You can also use the 'Add' button in the upper left to create observation cards without photos or the 'More Import options' menu to upload a CSV or import from external sites.
  3. Choose what you saw from the suggestions or by searching for a name. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, leave it blank or use some placeholder text. If you entered a scientific name that's not recognized, click ‘Search external name providers’ to first import the organism from elsewhere. 
  4. Use the calendar to enter when you observed the organism.
  5. Submit your observation.
Tips for making iNaturalist observations

Follow these tips provided by iNaturalist:

  1. Cropping photos helps with identifying the subject. 
  2. Include as much contextual information as you can such as habitat, weather, and behaviour. 
  3. If unsure of the species for your observation, keep the identification broad which will allow evaluators to correct it. 
  4. Have fun!