City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual event where Coquitlam competes with communities around the world to gather the most observations about nature, find the most species and engage the most people using iNaturalist, a project of National Geographic and the California Academy of Sciences.

2023 Tri-City Nature Challenge  April 28 – May 1

We joined Port Coquitlam and Port Moody for our second year and hosting guided walks, hatchery visits, children’s activities and more.  

Across the three cities therewere 15 events primarily from Apr. 28 to May 1 when residents can document plants, animals and other organisms on the iNaturalist app. 

We will report back on our observation totals when they are available.

Webinar

Please check out this 1-hour webinar with Canadian Wildlife Federation's, James Pagé,  explaining this annual global event. 


Using the iNaturalist App

iNaturalist is an initiative of National Geographic and the California Academy of Sciences, iNaturalist is a network of citizens, naturalists and biologists who map and share observations about biodiversity around the globe. 

The app is free and open to everyone. Members can browse nearby posts, upload their own images and audio recordings, and receive feedback and information from the iNaturalist community. 

To have your observations counted for the Tri-Cities in this year’s City Nature Challenge:

  • Go to iNaturalist or download the free iNaturalist app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account.
  • Under Projects, search for and join “City Nature Challenge 2022: Tri-Cities, British Columbia”.
  • From April 29 to May 2, click Observe on the app or Add Observations on the website to add observations of any wild living or dead organism you see in the Tri-Cities – including plants, animal, birds, fungi, etc. – or evidence of them, such as shells, feathers or scat. 
  • Observations may include descriptions, uploaded photos, or photo or audio recordings through the app. Photos should be clear and full-frame.

Visit the City Nature Challenge Frequently Asked Questions page for detailed instructions and tips for making eligible observations.

iNaturalist is a third-party app, and the City of Coquitlam makes no claims about the security or privacy of its use. View the iNaturalist Privacy Policy.

2022 Tri-City Nature Challenge Highlights

In 2022, Coquitlam collaborated with the City of Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, local stewardship groups, institutions and Metro Vancouver Parks to host free events and activities as part of the City Nature Challenge . Below are some of the highlights:

  • Total observations: 2790 (1519 Coquitlam, 325 PoCo, 945 PoMo)
  • Total species observed: 628
  • Tri-Cities placed 9th for total observations out 41 participating cities in Canada. 
  • Most observed species: Salmonberry, 71 observations
  • Interesting finds in Coquitlam: Rufous Hummingbird (near threatened), American Bittern (vulnerable)
  • Interesting finds in Port Coquitlam: Oregon Forestsnail (endangered), Barn Swallow (vulnerable)
  • Interesting finds in Port Moody: Roell’s Bortherella Moss (endangered), Northwestern Salamander eggs

View the official City Nature Challenge results infographic (PDF).