City Nature Challenge back for 2024
19 Apr 2024, 12:22 PM
The City Nature Challenge is an annual international event that encourages people around the world to find and record wildlife in their cities, districts or regions.
Areas compete to see which one can log the most nature observations on iNaturalist, an app that allows you to record what you see, share your findings, and discuss biodiversity with others.
Districts across the Wellington region teamed up to turn the community into citizen scientists for a four-day field trip Friday 26–Monday 29 April.
Photo of an endangered dotterel and chick (credit: Roger Smith)
See larger image.
Environment and Ecological Services team leader Andy McKay said the more people who participate in the challenge the better.
“It’s a lot of fun and is a great way of gaining biodiversity information that will actually be used,” Mr McKay says.
“We want to know where plants and animals are being found in Kāpiti.
“It can be good or not-so-good species – we’re keen to know if there are any special plants or animals around, or where weeds are to help inform our weed control programmes.
“It’s also a great way for the community to actively connect with nature and the environment, and see how unique the biodiversity in Kāpiti is, and how and why it is all worth protecting.”
Mr McKay asks people to record information anywhere in Kāpiti, but any captured around the Waikanae Awa would be especially appreciated.
Get involved
It’s easy to get involved using the free iNaturalist app – download on the AppStore | download on Google Play
Just join the Wellington City Nature Challenge group and log sightings of wild plants, creatures, or organisms, living or dead, on the land, in the sea, from the coast to the hills, and even in your backyard.
Observations made between 12am Friday 26 April and up to 11.59pm Monday 29 April 2024 will count for the City Nature Challenge, and you can continue using the iNaturalist app to log sightings afterwards.
What’s happening in Kāpiti?
People joined us at the following events:
- Online iNaturalist training session, 5-6pm on Wednesday 24 April.
- In person mini-bioblitz, Saturday 27 April, 10am-12 midday at Edgewater Park, Fleetwood Grove entrance, Waikanae Awa.
Email [email protected] if you're interested in hearing about future events.