#United States #Charlotte #Discovery Place #City Nature Challenge

Discovery Place Science Join the Global City Nature Challenge 2026

Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, North Carolina, is excited to announce its participation in the City Nature Challenge, a global event running from April 24 to April 27, 2026. In its ongoing mission to promote science education, Discovery Place invites individuals of all ages to enjoy and explore the vibrant flora and fauna found right in their own neighborhoods.

The City Nature Challenge is a captivating event that spans across over 400 cities worldwide. It encourages participants to engage in community science by observing and documenting local wildlife—ranging from birds and insects to plants and fungi. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in nature to contribute to an expansive database of urban biodiversity.

Using the iNaturalist app on their smartphones, people can easily document the wildlife they encounter. Whether in bustling city parks or quiet backyards, every observation enriches the scientists' understanding of urban ecosystems. The charm of this challenge lies in its accessibility, making it perfect for seasoned naturalists and casual observers alike, encouraging everyone to get outside, connect with nature, and contribute to meaningful scientific research.

Elliot Provance, Senior Director of Collections at Discovery Place, expressed the excitement surrounding the event, stating, "The 2026 City Nature Challenge is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, and learning to identify the creatures around you transforms the way you see the world. What once looked like a blur of green becomes a rich, diverse ecosystem full of detail and discovery. The more you notice, the more you appreciate and the more you're inspired to document, share, and help protect the natural world around you."

Initially launched in 2016 by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences, the City Nature Challenge was created to capitalize on the friendly rivalry between cities. What started as a local event has blossomed into a worldwide movement, sparking cities across the globe to participate and share their unique wildlife discoveries.

How to Participate in Charlotte

1. Download the iNaturalist app: It’s free and available for both Android and iOS devices.
2. Get outdoors: Explore the beautiful green spaces around the Charlotte area, finding wild plants and animals.
3. Document your findings: Take photos and upload them onto the app, adding your observations to the City Nature Challenge database.
4. Engage with the community: Join other local nature lovers in exploring Charlotte’s rich biodiversity through the City Nature Challenge Charlotte Metro Region page.

This year’s city nature challenge in Charlotte presents a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and enhance awareness about biodiversity and conservation efforts in urban settings. It also fosters community spirit as individuals come together to contribute to the collective knowledge of local ecosystems.

About Discovery Place Science

As the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas, Discovery Place Science is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering scientific exploration and creative expression for people of all ages. Located in Uptown Charlotte, it offers innovative educational programming, groundbreaking exhibitions, and interactive activities designed to promote learning and awareness in the scientific realm. For more details about the upcoming City Nature Challenge and to learn more about what Discovery Place Science has to offer, please visit discoveryplace.org.