South Florida City Nature Challenge

A four-day community science effort invites residents to document local plants and wildlife while contributing to a global snapshot of urban biodiversity.

South Florida City Nature Challenge 2026 runs April 24-27 across Miami-Dade County, with activities taking place in parks, neighborhoods and natural areas throughout the region. Part of an international initiative created by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences, the City Nature Challenge encourages participants to observe and record nature using the iNaturalist platform, contributing data that helps scientists better understand urban ecosystems.

Participants can join from anywhere in South Florida, whether exploring a backyard, local park or coastal environment. Observations submitted during the four-day window count toward South Florida’s collective total as the region is measured alongside cities worldwide. The program also offers an opportunity for students to earn community service hours based on the number of verified observations submitted.