Howdy, nature enthusiasts! Can I interest you in a little story about the Baltimore City Nature Challenge of 2023? Picture this: a city bustling with life, not just the two-legged kind, but a host of species that call Baltimore home. It was a memorable event, brimming with community spirit and a dash of friendly competition.
This spectacular event was a testament to the power of citizen science. A resounding 550 participants rolled up their sleeves and dived into the challenge, making 7,785 observations. They identified an impressive 1,305 different species living in and around Baltimore, from the tiniest insects to the most majestic birds. Can you imagine? That’s 387 species of plants, 121 species of insects, and 108 species of birds, all documented by our community scientists1.
Now, you might be wondering, “What is this City Nature Challenge you speak of?” Well, let me enlighten you. It’s an annual event that has cities across the globe competing to discover and document urban biodiversity. And it’s not just for the certified scientists among us. No, sir! This challenge invites all nature enthusiasts to participate, urging us to explore, identify, and document the incredible wildlife living right under our noses in urban areas1.
The organizers made it easy as pie to participate. They employed a nifty tool called the iNaturalist app. All you needed to do was download it, find some wildlife, snap a photo, and upload your observations. And voilà! Your findings were counted towards Baltimore’s City Nature Challenge totals1.
But why, you might ask, is all this important? Well, dear reader, knowledge is power. The National Aquarium, acting as the regional coordinator, believes in protecting, enhancing, and restoring our natural resources. To do that effectively, we need to know our local wildlife and the habitats they need to thrive. This event was a crucial step in that direction1.
This challenge wasn’t just about spotting a few squirrels or spotting some backyard birds. It was a chance for us all to peek under the city’s concrete veil and uncover the rich biodiversity that Baltimore hosts. From the quiet alleyways to the busy parks, participants unearthed nature in all its glory1.
But what’s a challenge without a little team spirit, right? The National Aquarium encouraged folks to take part in conservation activities. From removing plastic pollution and planting native gardens to documenting local wildlife, the community joined forces to make a difference1.
The City Nature Challenge is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the intricate web of life that exists in urban landscapes. It reminds us that cities are not just concrete jungles but vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. So, for those of you who missed it in 2023, fret not. The challenge will return in spring 2024, and we can’t wait to see what discoveries lie in store!
Now, the City Nature Challenge isn’t a closed club. If you’re curious, if you have questions, or if your organization is interested in partnering for the next challenge, don’t hesitate to reach out at conserve@aqua.org1.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to get nerdy with nature? Let’s look forward to the next City Nature Challenge and make it a memorable one. See you in 2024, fellow nature enthusiasts!
