Free challenge encourages people to find, identify and record pollinators in chicago
WHO: Chicago residents and visitors
WHAT: The “Parks for Pollinators” self-guided nature challenges encourages city dwellers to become citizen scientists and venture out into Chicago Park District’s green spaces and their own backyards to identify and document the pollinators and the pollinator-friendly plants in the area. The Chicago Park District’s Natural Resources Department has identified three park locations to help park patrons start their nature adventure- Lincoln Park Cultural Center, South Shore Cultural Center Park and Northerly Island Park. The challenge will run from September 1 through September 30.
WHEN: The nature challenge will run from September 1 through September 30.
WHERE: All Chicago Park District locations.
The observations documented by city residents and visitors help identify the pollinators and the plants that they frequent and are important indicators of the health of our urban biodiversity. An observation includes a photo or sound, a description of the pollinator and/or plant, and the date and location of the encounter. For more information on iNaturalist, click here. Everyone is invited to participate by downloading the iNaturalist app to an Android or iPhone. Patrons may also add their observations online at iNaturalist.org. After downloading the app and/or signing up online, participants must join the “Parks for Pollinators 2022: Chicago Park District” project here.