City Nature Challenge: Become a Citizen Scientist

Learn about how you can learn about what lives around us AND contribute to science using just your smartphone or camera and computer! Using iNaturalist, participants will learn key features of plants and animals to document to have the best chance of identifying their subject and contribute to the body of crowd-sourced scientific knowledge that is iNaturalist. All observations made in Larimer County will contribute towards the annual City Nature Challenge, an international event motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities.

All ages welcome!

We will start this program indoors at the Larimer County Administrative Offices in the Bison Room (1800 S County Rd 31, Loveland) before going outside to try out our new iNaturalist skills.

The indoor space is air conditioned with plenty of seating. The outdoor space is partially paved- participants are welcome to explore a nearby trail and reservoir while experimenting with iNaturalist, or stay on pavement.

Program is free, but registration is required.

Participants should bring:
Smartphone with iNaturalist app downloaded ahead of time, if possible (not Seek)
Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes (closed-toe recommended)
Water
Insect repellant
Snacks
Clothing appropriate for the weather
Backpack (to carry it all)