What is the City Nature Challenge?
The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an exciting global event that empowers individuals to explore and document wildlife in their urban spaces. From April 24-27, 2026, Deer Flat National Wildlife encourages you to step into the role of a community scientist and help us capture the rich biodiversity of Canyon County!
Get ready to connect with nature as you share your observations of wild plants, animals, and fungi that thrive right in your backyard and local parks. All observations made within Canyon County during April 24 - 27 will automatically contribute to the challenge.
Your observations matter—let’s make a difference together!
Why participate in the City Nature Challenge?
- Discover Canyon County’s Nature: Explore the diverse ecosystems in our area! From your backyard to your local national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge . - Make a Local Impact: Your observations will contribute to a valuable database of local biodiversity, helping conservation efforts and increasing awareness about the importance of protecting our natural treasures.
- Engage with Your Community: Join fellow nature enthusiasts, share your findings, and learn from each other. You’ll be part of a local movement that celebrates the beauty and diversity of our environment in Canyon County.
How to Participate
Date and Location
To contribute to the Canyon County CNC's efforts, timeframe is from Friday, April 24, through Monday, April 27, and can be done anywhere in Canyon County—from your backyard to your local national wildlife refuge!
Create an Account
Create a free account at iNaturalist.org or download the app on your smartphone (available in iOS and Android). Make sure to join the “City Nature Challenge 2026: Canyon County, ID” project in iNaturalist to contribute to this year's CNC's efforts!
Explore your Surroundings
- Find Wildlife - You can document any plants, animals, fungi, insects, or signs of wildlife (such as scat, fur, etc.) that you find in your city.
- Take a Picture - Take photos or record a sound of the wild organism. Make sure photos are focused and close-up to help with identification.
- Upload and Share! - Share your observations on iNaturalist, either through the app or their website.
Get started with iNaturalist Guide
