Discovering Nature in the City: EcoSpark Staff Past City Nature Challenge Highlights
The City Nature Challenge, a four-day global event, inspires cities to engage in a friendly competition to see who can document the most wildlife observations, identify more species, and involve the greatest number of participants. In 2023, participants internationally collected over 1.8 million wildlife observations, setting a new record for global participation. This year, EcoSpark is thrilled to lead Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area's charge as we aim to contribute to surpass 2 million observations, and hopefully secure the title of the wildest city in Canada!
Put your citizen science skills to work and help put Toronto & GTA on the map as the Wildest City in Canada. During City Nature Challenge 2024 we have four days, April 26 to 29th, to gather and submit more nature observations than any other city in Canada. How many plants, animals, insects and birds can you observe?
Participating in the City Nature Challenge offers an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about our local ecosystems, and contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts. It’s a chance to unite with nature enthusiasts worldwide and showcase the biodiversity that Toronto and the GTA has to offer.
Staff Stories and Recommendations
Through the lens of our enthusiastic staff, who have participated in the challenge in recent years rain or shine, let’s dive into the personal journeys, favorite spots, and unforgettable moments from the City Nature Challenge.
Sara Kuruvilla (she/her)
Sara found joy in enhancing her photography skills, capturing the often-overlooked details of nature through macro photography. Her efforts support submitting detailed observations to iNaturalist, providing research-quality data crucial for scientific understanding and conservation.
Her favorite observation spot, a forest trail close to her home, presents new sights, sounds, and experiences with every visit, emphasizing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our local ecosystems.
Sara shares the challenge of engaging adults in City Nature Challenge, finding more success and enthusiasm among children. Her strategy? Sparking curiosity with the natural world’s wonders, turning every outdoor moment into a learning opportunity.
Rhiannon (They/Them)
For Rhiannon, High Park stands out as a biodiversity haven within the urban landscape of Toronto. The park's blend of wild and cultivated plant life, alongside its diversity of birds makes it a perfect spot for nature observation and appreciation.
Organizing group outings and sharing personal wildlife discovery stories have been effective in inspiring others to join the challenge, transforming City Nature Challenge into a communal and enjoyable experience.
Dana (She/Her)
Dana appreciates City Nature Challenge for encouraging a deeper exploration of local vegetation, finding wonder in the small and mighty revealing the biodiversity that thrives in the smallest patches of green.
She enjoys encouraging her neighbors to participate, and engaging her children with fun nature-based activities. Her approach includes engaging activities illustrating the challenge’s potential to make nature exploration accessible and fun for all ages.
Dana prefers to use City Nature Challenge as an opportunity to explore a natural space that she has never visited before. She chooses to focus her time in one new chosen spot, a woodland, or along an urban riverbank, for example. This narrower focus allows for the exploration of the infinitely detailed patterns in nature.
The Canada Yew (Taxus Canadensis) has been the focus of research for compounds in cancer medicines, and here it is growing right in Toronto’s urban ravines! Dana reported this observation during the City Nature Challenge 2023, from Mimico Creek near Bloor and Islington, Toronto.
Livia (She/Her)
Livia enjoys City Nature Challenge for the opportunity it provides to connect with nature and contribute to the understanding and conservation of local biodiversity. Her enthusiasm for sharing these experiences helps foster a community-wide appreciation for our natural surroundings.
Livia’s favourite spot for making observations is the woods next to her home, where the diversity of life never ceases to amaze. It’s a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature that exists just outside our doorsteps.
A Community United by Nature
The City Nature Challenge transcends mere observation; it's a movement that brings communities together, educates, and creates advocates for our natural world. The stories of Sara, Rhiannon, Dana, and Livia highlight the challenge’s impact not only on biodiversity but also on personal growth, community engagement, and the collective effort to protect and understand our environment.
As we gear up for another year of discovery, let's take inspiration from these stories to venture outside, observe the natural world around us, and contribute to a global effort to cherish and protect it. Join us in making this year’s City Nature Challenge an even greater success, and let’s put Toronto and the GTA on the map as leaders in urban biodiversity.
Your observations can make a difference. Let’s explore, learn, and protect, together.
Share this event with your friends, families and colleagues. Get as many people involved as possible and help our city win!
iNaturalist
Signing up is easy and free. Download the iNaturalist field app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store or visit inaturalist.org from your browser.
Watch this video to learn how to use iNaturalist.
Social Media
#CityNatureChallenge2024
X: @EcoSpark_Env, @citnatchallenge | Facebook: @EcoSparkEnv | Instagram:ecospark_env
