Explore ways for youngsters to become more involved with the natural world through Citizen Science projects that take place globally, locally and even in your own backyard. Learn how to observe and collect data on plants and animals in your yard to monitor changes. Discover phone-based apps* like iNaturalist and Seek that identify and document wildlife and botanical specimens to help the scientific community with their research. After that, you will be ready to join iNaturalist’s global City Nature Challenge April 26-29 as part of Team Phoenix (see info below)! Finally, find out what it means to reduce, re-use and recycle with project ideas and an easy take-home craft. This program includes time in the Nature Center classroom and outdoors along walkways and the turf area pollinator garden (approximately 1 mile of easy walking). Wear closed-toe shoes and sunscreen and bring a hat and water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center.

*If you would like to learn how to document via iNaturalist, or Seek by iNaturalist please download the free app at home and register with a username prior to arrival.

MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center.

Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Estrella Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 6 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Tuesday, April 16.

We invite everyone to return as a park citizen scientist on April 26-29 for the City Nature Challenge, an international effort that encourages all citizens to find and document plants and wildlife on iNaturalist in cities across the globe. This bioblitz-style competition challenges local communities to make the most observations in nature during this 4-day period, and then this data is available for science, management, and conservation. So this April 26-29, connect with your open spaces, your community, and other global naturalist using only your phone or camera to record nature wherever you go! For more info, check out www.citynaturechallenge.org.