How to use iNaturalist and take part in the City Nature Challenge:

• iNaturalist Getting Started Guide

• An Introduction to the City Nature Challenge —10 minute video

• iNaturalist and City Nature Challenge tutorial: slide presentation

• In-depth: Webinar (90 minutes) on the City Nature Challenge and iNaturalist featuring Team DC Metro Area (2025)

• Uploaded iNaturalist observations during April 25-28 will be included automatically in the Challenge. 

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Tips for Observing:
Observations can be made anywhere in Frederick County or the Greater DC Region as indicated in the map by the green border. Please follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize any impact on wildlife or wildlands. 

• Where to observe?

  • 
In your own yard or other favorite place.

  • Join a planned event. See Events page.

  • Visit locations that need more biodiversity data.

• Practice before the challenge.

  • Look for wild plants, animals, fungi or evidence of animals like scat, skins, prints, nests, etc.

  • Take multiple photos of your observation.

  • Explore iNaturalist on a desktop.

• Use tools.

  • Consider bringing along binoculars, magnifying lenses, field guides, and nature journals as you explore. 

  • Use a Scavenger Hunt as a guide. 

 

How to Identify What You See or Hear: 

iNaturalist suggests species recommendations for you to choose when you upload photos. Try and identify what you have discovered. If you are uncertain, select a general taxon, such as Plant or Animal. Records are shared with scientists when multiple iNaturalist users verify an observation and it is labeled as Research Grade.

• Maryland Field Guides and Online Resources:

  • Maryland At a Glance: Wildlife

  • Common Butterflies of Maryland

  • Common Bees of Maryland

  • Common Feeder Birds of Maryland

  • Common Herps of Maryland

  • Leaf Key for Common Maryland Trees

  • Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed 

• Maryland Biodiversity Project

• Detailed presentations from iNat Nights on: Mammals, Wildflowers, Caterpillars, Spring Bees, Mosses/Lichens; Trees; Fungi and more (see here for the complete list)

• All About Birds website; Merlin app for bird IDs

• Creek Critters app

• Recommended field guides

  • Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm

  • The Sibley Guide to Trees by David Allen Sibley

  • Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts

  • Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America by Roger Tory Peterson

  • Regional guides by Waterford Press