UMass Amherst Libraries Bring City Nature Challenge to Western Massachusetts
The UMass Amherst Libraries are pleased to coordinate efforts for Western Massachusetts’s participation in the ninth annual City Nature Challenge (CNC). The global event calls on current and aspiring community scientists, nature and science fans, and people of all ages and educational backgrounds to observe and submit photographic or audio evidence of wild plants, animals, and fungi using the free mobile app, iNaturalist, from Friday, April 26 through Monday, April 29. Identification of photographed species will be crowdsourced through the online iNaturalist community from Tuesday, April 30 through Sunday, May 5, with results announced on Monday, May 6.
According to the CNC website, the Challenge was started in 2016 by citizen science teams at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco “as a fun way to capitalize on their home cities’ friendly rivalry and hold a citizen science event around urban biodiversity.” Additionally, the wildlife information gathered during the Challenge “gives scientists, educators, urban planners, and policymakers insight into the biodiversity of urban locales throughout the world.” Last year, more than one million observations were made.
“We’re excited to continue our engagement with the community to support citizen science,” says Nandita Mani, Dean of University Libraries. “Not only is it a participatory way to further our understanding of our region, but in also keeping with our land grant mission.”
This year marks the fifth year that Western Massachusetts is officially participating. Melanie Radik, librarian in the Science and Engineering Library, is spearheading organization efforts with an information guide and the following free workshops for all interested participants (registration required):
iNaturalist: When You Want to Know “What’s that Flower/Bird/Bug (and More!)”
Friday, April 26, 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
W. E. B. Du Bois Library, Lower Level, Calipari Room, followed by a nature walk
Friday, April 26, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
“Name That Species” with iNaturalist
Tuesday, April 30, 10-11 a.m.
Science & Engineering Library, Learning Studio
Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
More Information and Education Toolkit
Visit citynaturechallenge.org
iNaturalist
Signing up is easy and free. Visit inaturalist.org from your browser or download iNaturalist from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Social Media
#CityNatureChallenge
Twitter: @citnatchallenge
Instagram: @citnatchallenge