Chatham-Kent is teaming with local groups to document as many wild plants, animals and fungi as possible.<\/p>\n
Published Apr 17, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n
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This red-bellied woodpecker was spotted from the Rotary Eco Trail in the O’Neill Nature Preserve. (Ellwood Shreve\/Chatham Daily News Files)Article content<\/p>\n
Chatham-Kent is teaming with local groups to document as many wild plants, animals and fungi as possible.<\/p>\n
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The municipality, the Lower Thames Valley and St. Clair Region conservation authorities and NatureCK will take part in the City Nature Challenge BioBlitz from April 24 to May 10.<\/p>\n
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All anyone needs to join is an iNaturalist account, a device to take digital pictures, and curiosity. Participation is free, and there are more than $1,000 in prizes to be won.<\/p>\n
This global initiative, organized by the California Academy of Sciences and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, aims to get citizen scientists out exploring, documenting and identifying nature in their local communities.<\/p>\n
The BioBlitz takes place in two parts:<\/p>\n
April 24 to 27: Explore your backyard, a nearby park, or your favourite trail and photograph any wild animals, plants or fungi you see. Observations made in Chatham-Kent during this window will automatically be uploaded to the project.<\/p>\n
April 28 to May 10: Upload your photos and add identifications to observations on the iNaturalist App or on the project page at inaturalist.org\/projects\/city-nature-challenge-2026-municipality-of-chatham-kent.<\/p>\n
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\u201cCitizen scientists are encouraged to explore nature across CK on their own, whether it is in their backyard, in a favourite park, along a trail, or growing through a crack in the sidewalk,\u201d a municipal release said.<\/p>\n
\u201cChatham-Kent and community partners have organized several events throughout the BioBlitz to engage members of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking for programming during the upcoming PA day? On April 24, join the the St. Clair Region authority at Peer\u2019s Wetland from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or the Lower Thames Valley authority at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area from noon to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
Education staff at both sites will have nature exploration equipment available to borrow, and run guided tours through the day. Peer\u2019s Wetland has no washrooms on site. Parking at C.M. Wilson is $5 a vehicle.<\/p>\n
On April 26, there will be a community gathering in Tecumseh Park from noon to 3 p.m. People are encouraged to come out, mingle with other nature lovers and discover all the amazing species living in downtown Chatham. Municipal staff and community partners will be on hand to provide expertise.<\/p>\n
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CK Smashburger will be on site selling food from noon to 2 p.m. Washrooms will be available across the street from the park at the Chatham Cultural Centre.<\/p>\n
On April 28, there will be an identification party and nature colouring event at Turns and Tales from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a mobile phone or laptop, grab something to drink, and help upload and identify observations made in Chatham-Kent.<\/p>\n
Local artist and maker CutiePatootie Studios will offer nature-themed colouring pages.<\/p>\n
All events are family-friendly. Outdoor events go rain or shine, but will be cancelled in case of extreme weather. For the latest on all events, check out the \u201cJournal\u201d section of the project web page.<\/p>\n
This project was made possible through financial contributions from Waste Connections Canada, and in-kind donations from the Chatham-Kent Museum, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and NatureCK.<\/p>\n
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