Explore wildlife in and around Philly with City Nature Challenge

Metro Philadelphia

The Academy of Natural Sciences is inviting you to celebrate Earth Month by taking a closer look.

The Philly institution is asking students, families, scientists and nature lovers across the region to help reveal one of the city’s greatest treasures— its urban biodiversity — by participating in the 2026 City Nature Challenge (CNC). 

From April 24 to 27, people in Philadelphia and surrounding counties are encouraged to observe and record wild plants, animals and other organisms using the free iNaturalist app. The annual challenge brings together communities around the globe to collect data that can support scientific research and conservation efforts.

Andrew Kleiner, the academy’s director of community science, said the collaborative event offers an opportunity to highlight the region’s natural environment.

“From creek corridors and parks to bus stops, schoolyards and backyards, nature is everywhere in Philadelphia — and this is our chance to discover it together,” said Andrew Kleiner, Director of Community Science for the Academy of Natural Sciences. “City Nature Challenge gives everyone a chance to participate in something joyful, meaningful, and truly global.” 

Participants can contribute by photographing and uploading observations through iNaturalist during the four-day period. Organizers say submissions help scientists, educators and land managers better understand urban ecosystems and help inform future stewardship of local green spaces.  

The Academy and its partners will host several public events tied to the challenge. A kickoff event is scheduled for Friday, April 25 at FDR Park, featuring guided walks and nature observation activities; the event will begin at the Boat House at 10 a.m.  That evening, a meet-and-greet (5 to 8 p.m.) will be held at the Academy of Natural Sciences’  Neighborhood Naturalists exhibit. Organizers will be on hand to talk about the annual challenge, demonstrate observation techniques and help with iNaturalist use.   

Additional programming includes a “Nature at Noon” gathering on Monday, April 27 (noon to 2 p.m.) at Independence Hall; and an identification workshop on Saturday, May 9 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the Conservatory at Laurel Hill Cemetery West, where participants can learn how to classify species recorded during the challenge.

Organizers say the initiative is designed to engage residents of all ages in hands-on science while fostering greater awareness of biodiversity in urban environments.

“As Philadelphia celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, the City Nature Challenge offers a powerful reminder that the story of this city is still being written,” organizers said, “not only in its historic landmarks and neighborhoods, but also in its rivers, forests, meadows and the countless species that call it home.”

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Keywords

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