California Biodiversity

Help us celebrate California Biodiversity for Earth Day 2020. We are encouraging people throughout California to safely explore nature all around them -- in their backyards and neighborhoods--and share their finds on iNaturalist. No matter where you are in California you can explore your backyard or neighborhood and share observations of the nature you can find.

We're teaming up with the California Natural Resources Agency to celebrate Earth Day on April 24th with California wide neighborhood nature bioblitz (socially distant). Learn more below!

From April 24th-April 27th , if you are in Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, or Yuba counties continue to share your observations on iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge! Learn more below!

NOTE: We urge all participants to carefully follow public health guidelines provided by your local governments, as they are changing in real-time. Individual safety and public health are our utmost priority.

Get Started Using iNaturalist

Exploring Nature at Home

Scavenger Hunt

Native Species Bingo

City Nature Challenge

Find Nature at Home Video

As a global biodiversity hotspot, California has an immense array of nature to go explore. We've compiled a few resources to guide folks in learning more about the nature around them, while contributing valuable data that can be used to answer important local conservation questions.

During these uncertain times, we hope you're able to explore the nature around you however possible, whether that's walking to a nearby park, observing the birds outside your window, or looking for spiders under your couch. Help celebrate California's biodiversity by taking a closer look at nearby nature and documenting your finds on iNaturalist!

Celebrate Earth Day with a Nature Near You Bioblitz on Friday, April 24th

On Friday, April 24th, we are teaming up with the California Natural Resources Agency to celebrate Earth Day with a neighborhood nature bioblitz (socially distant). Download the iNaturalist app and take photos to document the nature around you!

1. Follow all local laws and respect park closures and physical distancing rules.

2. Download the iNaturalist app for iPhone or Android

3. Create an account to start making observations

4. Get out in your yard or your neighborhood to make observations from on April 24th

5. Watch this video if you want ideas and tips on finding nature in and around your home!

6. Check and see if your area is participating in the City Nature Challenge. If so, continue to make observations April 24th-April 27th!

7. Spread the word! Use our hashtag on social media #NatureNearYouCA