Get Outside And Explore: Join John Ball Zoo’s City Nature Challenege

The John Ball Zoo already does an incredible job of conserving and displaying nature from West Michigan and beyond. And in honor of Earth Day this week, they're joining other nature groups around the area to challenge everyone in celebrating the beauty of West Michigan's wildlife with the upcoming City Nature Challenge. From April 26-29, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature by participating in this global event right here in our local community.

Led by John Ball Zoo and supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the City Nature Challenge encourages nature lovers of all ages to observe and document plants, animals, fungi, and more using the free iNaturalist mobile app.

Travis Kurtz, who is the community science coordinator at John Ball Zoo, expressed excitement about leading West Michigan's first City Nature Challenge, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature. "We’re excited to be leading West Michigan’s first City Nature Challenge, and we encourage our community to get outside, be observant and connect with nature through iNaturalist," Kurtz said. "John Ball Zoo works to inspire nature and wildlife enthusiasts to protect wildlife and wild places, and the challenge is a great opportunity for anyone to get started."

Read More: New Faces, New Spaces: Explore What’s New At John Ball Zoo in 2024

The City Nature Challenge isn't just about observation—it's about community. By downloading the iNaturalist app, participants can connect with fellow enthusiasts, share discoveries, and learn from one another.

And all of West Michigan is encouraged to join in. This year's challenge encompasses Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties, alongside esteemed local organizations like the Blandford Nature Center, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, and more.

Here's a map of the area they encourage you to explore:

Using iNaturalist is simple: snap a photo of a plant or animal, upload it to the app, and let the community assist with identification. Your contributions not only enhance biodiversity research but also cultivate a deeper understanding of our local ecosystems.

In 2023 alone, 890 scientific studies were published using iNaturalist data, underscoring the critical role community-generated data plays in conservation efforts. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, you can actively contribute to these efforts while fostering a stronger connection to the natural world.

So go ahead and take this challenge while you enjoy the beautiful late spring West Michigan weather. You can find more information on the iNaturalist website.