Apr 16, 2024 · Department of Cultural Affairs

ADVISORY: Show off Central and Northern New Mexico�s biodiversity during the City Nature Challenge from April 26-29

Hi Everyone,

For the sixth year, Albuquerque and the surrounding area is participating in the City Nature Challenge. The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC), part of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, is encouraging New Mexicans to explore the outdoors and show the world how much biodiversity the Middle Rio Grande Valley has to offer. The Santa Fe area is also joining for the very first time this year!

What: City Nature Challenge is a worldwide collaborative effort to document nature observations in and around cities. Nearly 700 cities across all seven continents are participating in this annual event, organized by the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

To participate, visit iNaturalist.org or download the iNaturalist phone application and make an account. Snap photos of any plants, animals, fungi, or any other evidence of life you come across, and upload them! More information is available at abqcitynature.org . Join the iNaturalist ABQ Project and/or Santa Fe Area Project .

When: The Challenge runs from Friday, April 26 through Monday, April 29. People can continue to submit and identify observations taken during the challenge through Sunday, May 5. Results will be announced on Monday, May 6. A full list of free, in-person events is available HERE .

Where: Anywhere there are wild plants, animals and fungi in Bernalillo, Valencia, and Sandoval Counties for City Nature Challenge ABQ. The Santa Fe Area Project covers Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba Counties.

Why: This annual event is an opportunity to go outside and discover wild plants, animals, and fungi around your home, neighborhood, parks, and other outdoor spaces. Participants can contribute to the knowledge of urban wildlife and feel connected to other members of their local and global community.

Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more!

Thanks, Stephen

Stephen Hamway stephen.hamway@dca.nm.gov (505) 412-3758

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