Colorado Springs is asking residents to take photos of plants, animals, bugs, and any other natural feature within the boundaries of El Paso County this weekend as part of a worldwide campaign called the City Nature Challenge.
The photos can be uploaded through an app called iNaturalist, and then next week people will begin identifying the photographed species. Colorado Springs will compete against more than 100 cities to see which can upload the most observations.
Kim King with the city’s Parks Department said high levels of participation will help them learn about its natural resources.
“Going back and looking at this data could definitely be helpful. There’s no doubt that our staff could never do this level of observation that we’re hoping we’ll see throughout the community,” she explained.
Additionally, she said she hopes the program “encourag[es] everyday citizens to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but also to really look at what’s out there.”
The observation period will last from Friday through Monday, and a variety of hikes and other events are scheduled at parks throughout the city to coincide with the challenge.
More information is available on the city’s website.
