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City Nature Challenge: Western Mass

Information and resources on Western Mass participation in the international City Nature Challenge community and citizen science ecology event.

Be In the Right Place at the Right Time

The City Nature Challenge 2024 will take place from April 26 - April 29. Only observations taken on those 4 days will be counted.

We do get an additional 6 days, April 30 - May 5, to add any photos taken during the Observation days to iNaturalist. We also have these days to add IDs to observations to bring them up to Research Grade!

Western Mass is defined as Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Berkshire counties in Massachusetts. Only observations taken within these geographic boundaries will be counted.

Step 1: Observe

FIND WILDLIFE

Find any WILD plant, animal, fungus, microbe, etc. in your backyard, campus, sidewalk cracks, mountain paths, river banks - anywhere in western Massachusetts. Please avoid things that aren't WILD: landscaped areas planted by people, pets, zoos, etc.

Step 2: Document

TAKE A PICTURE* OF WHAT YOU SEE

Be sure to record where you were when you took the picture, and the time and date - the iNaturalist app and most smartphone cameras do this automatically. Remember, only observations in the four counties during April 26 - April 29 will count!

The iNaturalist app also combines step 3 and 4 (below) in with this step.

*Birdcalls that are unique to a species also count. As well as pictures of evidence of species, such as distinctive tracks and shed feathers.

Step 3: Upload

SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS

Upload your findings to iNaturalist, through the app on your phone or in a browser on your computer at iNaturalist.org.

This way all of the participating cities have an easy way to compare our results.

iNaturalist Video Tutorials
New to using iNaturalist? These video tutorials will get you started and have helpful tips as you really get into it. More detailed help documentation is also available on the site.

Step 4: ID Species

HELP ID OBSERVATIONS

Identify the species of observations collected during the first phase of the challenge online at iNaturalist. Try to stick to the ones from Western Mass!

Stay Safe and Healthy!

We are finally coming out of the pandemic but please stay safe and consider wearing a mask and social distancing when around folks with unknown vaccination and exposure status. Weigh your personal and family situation, including high-risk individuals and imminent travel plans.

Some tips for staying safe while taking observations include:

Go on walks with household members only - those you are not practicing social distancing with.
- You can try to remain 6 feet apart from friends during a walk but it is very hard not to come close to look at what they find!
Bring your face mask, even if you are only planning on being with your household.
- You may encounter others on a hike and be unable to pass each other with 6 feet in between.
Do not share binoculars or other tools (even if it's to see a really cool thing!).
- If it touches your skin or you breathe on it while using it, it is not safe to share without a thorough antiseptic wipe down.

Keep in mind the virtual social options available!

Coordinate with a friend to hike separate paths but call or chat each other to compare observations.
Video call to share the summit or when you're taking a break - don't hike and watch a video screen at the same time!
Meet up after the walk to compare iNaturalist observations and see if you can confirm each others' species.