Ideas on how to go about the City Nature Challenge
This will be my 6th year participating in the CNC, and over those years I've developed a participation pattern that helps me keep structure to my observations. With this year's CNC fast-approaching, I thought it might be useful to offer some ideas on how you might participate. Here are 6 (in honor of it being our 6th time in the Rio Grande Valley).
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Close-to-home observations.
This can be literal or more figuratively close-to-home. For me, I often start and/or finish my CNC observations right around my home. Whether you live in a house or an apartment/condo, I encourage you to observe the organisms living nearby - you might be surprised by how much you can find! If you live near a walking path or city park, those would also be great places to check out! -
Local nature center / wildlife refuge observations.
Another place I frequent for CNC observations is my local nature center, Quinta Mazatlan. These sort of sites often have pretty high biodiversity, and thus are pretty easy to rack up observations. Adding observations from these sites can also be particularly useful for their staff, as it helps them better understand what organisms are readily found at their location. -
Canal and roadside observations.
Exploring the "messy edges" can result in some really cool finds that we might otherwise pass by. Every CNC I try to drive out along country roads to look for wildflowers (and the animals using them) and have been surprised by some of the cool plants I've gotten to see. If there is a walking path that parallels a canal, that also can yield some pretty cool plants and animals. -
After dark observations.
While I don't focus my attention making night observations, I do typically spend an evening or two (after dark) looking through my yard for toads, spiders, etc. If you have a black light set-up, or even just a bright porch light, you can easily photograph insects attracted to them. -
Explore new or infrequently visited spots.
I find it difficult to get outside my regular nature routine sometimes, and that the CNC is a good time/way to get out to spots I either have never been or only infrequently visit. For example, I usually include a half-day jaunt to Starr County to look for different plant species than I typically see in Hidalgo County. -
Participate how you want to!
If you want to upload hundreds of observations, that's great! But don't feel pressured to add observations if you're busy, tired, or simply don't feel like adding more. I believe the CNC should be fun :)
Let me know if you have thoughts on how you're planning to participate in the comments!
