Nature enthusiasts and citizen scientists, mark your calendars! From 25 to 28 April 2025, the Garden Route and Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve Region will participate in the 10th annual City Nature Challenge (CNC), a global event uniting cities worldwide to document and celebrate local biodiversity.
What is the City Nature Challenge?
Initiated in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the CNC has blossomed into an international movement. It encourages individuals to observe and record wildlife in their urban areas, fostering a deeper connection with nature and contributing valuable data for scientific research.
Why the Garden Route?
Stretching along South Africa’s southern coast, the Garden Route is renowned for its rich tapestry of ecosystems, including fynbos, forests, wetlands, and marine environments. This diversity supports a plethora of species, some of which are endemic to the region. Participating in the CNC offers a unique opportunity to showcase and safeguard this natural heritage.
How to Get Involved:
- Observe and Record: During the event dates, 25 – 28 April 2025, explore your surroundings—be it your garden, local parks, nature reserves, hiking trails, or beaches. Capture photos of wild plants, animals, fungi, or any evidence of wildlife such as tracks or nests.
- Use iNaturalist:
- On Your Smartphone: Download the free iNaturalist app (available for Android and iOS), create an account, and upload your observations directly.
- On the Web: Visit www.inaturalist.org, sign in, and click “Upload” to submit your findings from your computer.
- Assist with Identifications: From 29 April to 4 May, help identify species observed during the challenge.
- On the App: Navigate to “Explore,” apply filters like “Needs ID,” and suggest identifications.
- On the Web: Click “Identify” at the top of the page, filter for the Garden Route project, and contribute your expertise.
- Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family, schools, and community groups to join. The more participants, the greater the impact!
Tips for Meaningful Observations:
- Focus on Wild Organisms: Domesticated animals and cultivated plants are interesting but prioritize wild species to contribute valuable data.
- Capture Clear Photos: Ensure your subject is in focus and fills the frame. Multiple angles can aid in accurate identification.
- Record Detailed Information: Note the location and any relevant details about the habitat or behaviour of the organism.
Turn It into an Adventure!
Why not make the challenge a fun-filled expedition? Plan visits to local nature reserves, beaches, or even explore your own backyard. Organise group outings, friendly competitions, or solo adventures to discover the hidden gems of the Garden Route. You might be surprised by the diversity you encounter!
Need Assistance?
For FAQs and additional resources:
- Project Journal: Access guidelines and FAQs for this year’s challenge.
- Connect on Facebook: Join the community at Garden Route iNaturalist.
- Email Support: Reach out to grd.cnc@gmail.com for personalised assistance.
Every observation, no matter how small, contributes to a greater understanding of our environment. Whether you upload a handful of photos or hundreds, your effort makes a difference.
The Garden Route is bursting with life—let’s capture it together! Are you ready?
Garden Route City Nature Challenge Project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2025-garden-route
Frequently Asked Questions: https://online.fliphtml5.com/swdcp/slhl/#p=1
Join us in celebrating and documenting the unparalleled biodiversity of the Garden Route. Together, we can make a global impact!