In the 2019 City Nature Challenge, over 60 cities across the globe are competing to see who can record the most living species within their urban spaces. Our own Henry Doorly Zoo is leading the charge for Omaha, and as part of their city-wide effort, we hope you’ll join us for a special event in partnership with Heron Haven and other community partners on Saturday, April 27th, from 10am to 12pm.
Become a Citizen Scientist
For many of us, the words “nature” and “city” seem incompatible – and so do the words “scientist” and “me.” But all kinds of amazing plants and animals live with us right in the middle of the city. And just by documenting the living things we see, anyone can become a citizen scientist and contribute real, research-quality data to studies that help professional scientists better understand and protect the plants and animals that live in urban areas. In last year’s City Nature Challenge, over 18,000 different species were spotted around the world, including nearly 600 rare, endangered, or threatened species that may not have been recorded without the help of citizen scientists like you.
Visit Heron Haven’s Wetland
For our part in the challenge, we’re so excited to partner with Heron Haven – a wetland sanctuary, nature education center, and a neighbor of ours just to the north. At this hidden gem, you can steal away from the traffic and noise for a while as you enjoy a quiet walk across a wetland boardwalk, through a pollinator garden, and along a forested trail. Along the way, you might see a turtle sunning on a log, spot birds fluttering above, or identify a native grass you’d never seen before.
Join Our Community Partners
If you need a little guidance, no problem. Joining us for the challenge are numerous experts on plants, birds, and insects from across the city to help you spot and identify something new. They include biologists from Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and College of Saint Mary, along with representatives from Nebraska Master Naturalists, Audubon Nebraska, Pheasants Forever, and Papio-Missouri River Natural Resource District.
All You Need is an App
What we love about the City Nature Challenge is that anyone can participate – no expertise is required. All you need is an interest in nature and a device with the free iNaturalist app. This popular app makes it easy to record nature sightings and connects you with thousands of researchers studying some pretty amazing plants and animals all over the world. We’ll show you how to get started and help you upload your first observation – the first of the many important contributions you’ll be making as a citizen scientist.
And with your participation in the challenge, you’ll have the chance to win a $50 gift card to our store – perfect for gathering the plants and supplies you’ll need to start your own nature-friendly garden. So, join us at Heron Haven for the City Nature Challenge on April 27th. It’s exciting to find out just how many living things share this city we call home.
