Participate in the City Nature Challenge BioBlitz

The City Nature Challenge is a global celebration of biodiversity—and you can be part of it right here in Polk County. From April 24–26, 2026, community members across the region will join nature lovers around the world in observing, documenting, and sharing the wild species that call our local landscapes home.

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is supporting this effort with several community partners, where we’ll explore together, collect observations, and contribute real data to global biodiversity science. Whether you join us in person or participate from your own backyard, your observations count!

What Is the City Nature Challenge?

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual, four-day bioblitz that invites people of all ages and experience levels to become community scientists. Using the iNaturalist app, participants photograph wild plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms—then upload their findings to a global database used by scientists, educators, and conservation professionals.

The goal is to record as many species as possible, but it’s also about deepening our connection to the natural world and learning more about the incredible biodiversity all around us—even in urban or suburban settings.

Your photos and observations help researchers monitor species ranges, track seasonal changes, and understand the health of ecosystems—so even one good photo can make a difference!

Getting started is simple:

• Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone, or create an account at iNaturalist.org.
• Between April 24–26, explore a local park, trail, or even your backyard.
• Take photos of wild organisms (not pets or cultivated plants).
• Upload your observations to iNaturalist and let the community help with IDs.

You don’t need to be a scientist to do science—just a little curiosity and willingness to look closely at the world around you.

How Can You Get Involved?

Whether you’re contributing a handful of observations or spending the whole weekend outside, your participation helps put Polk County’s biodiversity on the map. Join us and be part of this exciting, global effort to connect people with nature—one photo at a time.

1. Join us for an introductory workshop:

   • Download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone and create an account
   • Register for one of the “Introduction to iNaturalist” workshops and nature hikes in Polk County this April:
     • Lake Wales Library, Thursday at 5pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lake-wales-public-library-54863302503?msockid=18f364552f416bbe2fba716b2e2d6a20

2. Participate in a local BioBlitz:

   From April 23 to 26th, events are taking place all over the Polk County. Register now!

• • Friday April 24:
    • Bok Tower Gardens is hosting a bioblitz at 8am: https://boktowergardens.org/events/
    • City of Winter Haven is hosting a wetland bioblitz at 9am: https://events.mywinterhaven.com/winterhavenfl/260127891?utm_source=bewith&utm_medium=calendar 
    • Se7en Wetlands is hosting a sunset guided hike at 5:30pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/se7en-wetlands-17759215355
    • Lake Wales Family Recreation Center is hosting a moth survey at 8pm: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/lake-wales-fl/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQxMDg1MDE=
  • Saturday April 25:
    • Lake Wales Library is hosting a guided hike at Lake Kissimmee State Park at 9am: /www.eventbrite.com/o/lake-wales-public-library-54863302503?msockid=18f364552f416bbe2fba716b2e2d6a20
    • Polk’s Nature Discovery Center is hosting a BioBlitz starting at 9:30 pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/polks-nature-discovery-center-2415571460
    • Bonnet Springs is hosting a bioblitz at 1pm: https://bonnetspringspark.com/events/
    • The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve is hosting a bioblitz at 7:30 pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-with-creatures-of-the-night-participatory-science-event-tickets-1983884667445?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile
  • Sunday April 26:
    • Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is hosting a guided hike at 9am: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-nature-challenge-guided-hike-at-lake-wales-ridge-state-forest-tickets-1982704369141?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile

1. Participate in the City Nature Challenge, independently!

   • You don’t have to participate in a formal event – just get outside in a natural area near you!
     • Click here for an interactive website listing area parks
   • Observe plants, insects, birds, reptiles, and any other living creatures you encounter.
   • Don’t forget to document your findings on iNaturalist!
   • Check our progress, here: City Nature Challenge 2026: Polk County

As we gear up for the City Nature Challenge in Polk County, Florida, the excitement is palpable. Remember, nature awaits! Let’s explore, learn, and support our wild spaces.

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