The Academy is temporarily closed to the public. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.
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Be sure to check back here to see the events being held in the Bay Area for the 2021 City Nature Challenge! We will add them as they are confirmed.
Here at the California Academy of Sciences, we're so lucky to get to partner with amazing organizations across the Bay Area for the City Nature Challenge! These partners help us get the word out, hold events, and make the City Nature Challenge the amazing and fun 4-day nature bioblitz that it is. Click the links below to learn more about our incredible partners.
California Native Plant Society
San Francisco Department of the Environment
California Native Plant Society Yerba Buena Chapter
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge
California Center for Natural History
How to Participate in CNC in Light of COVID-19
As a participant, it is up to you how much or how little you take part! Do only what feels safe for you & your family. It is imperative that you follow all government regulations and guidelines, though.
Here in the Bay Area, we're not sure yet what we'll be able to do by the end of April. But since we're still allowed to go outside no matter what, let's try to enjoy & document nature in whatever ways we feel we can. Being outside can also help to lower stress levels and increase overall feelings of well-being, so take care of yourselves by being in nature if you're able to. Here are some suggestions, and check out our guide to exploring nature around your home:
Indoors:
- Did you know that there are on average 93 species of arthropods living in houses?
- What can you find in your house? What can you see through your windows?
- Focus on identifications!
- Once the CNC starts, help us identify what's being found in the Bay Area!
- Can we go through ALL the observations (not just CNC!) that have already been made in the SF Bay Area but aren't Research Grade yet?
- During May 4-9, hold virtual ID parties with your friends!
In Backyards:
- Put up bird feeders or moth lights, or put down cover boards to bring nature to you!
- What are the wild plants growing in your backyard?
- What insects or other creatures are using the cultivated plants in your backyard as habitat or a food source?
Outside of your home and backyard:
- Wear a mask and practice social distancing wherever you go.
- Make observations on your own or with your family in local parks and open spaces.
- Think about making observations along sidewalks, pavements, roads, or in residential areas if local parks are too crowded for social distancing. Always be mindful of traffic.
Stay safe, hang in there, and we can't wait to see what you find - in your houses, in your backyards, along sidewalks, in parks - and know that people all around the world are joining you in documenting nature in whatever way they can during these strange times.
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Join iNaturalist
Our bioblitzes are powered by iNaturalist, our in-house, citizen science platform. It's a community-powered website and app that makes it easy to upload and share your observations in the field and to get help from other users with flora and fauna IDs.
Contact Us
Have questions about our citizen science programs? Want to get involved? Email us at citizenscience@calacademy.org.
Academy citizen science is led by Rebecca Johnson, Alison Young, and Annie Miller.
Return to the main Citizen Science page.