There is nature all around us! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them. One way to do that is through citizen science projects which identify and document the wild things in our city.

The City Nature Challenge is an annual global event where cities compete to see who can log the most nature observations on iNaturalist over four days. The City Nature Challenge is a wonderful way to connect to Te Taiao, and taking part is simple:

1. Download the iNaturalist app and create an account.
2. Take photos of wildlife around you.
3. Upload your observations to share with the iNaturalist community. Learn more as your finds are identified by experts.
4. Go along to local events.

Each year, we team up with local councils and organisations within Te Upoko o te Ika (the Wellington region) to host a variety of whānau friendly events. Join top scientists and proud nature nerds from Te Papa, Mountains to Sea, Enviroschools and many more – including volunteer groups that do so much to keep Te Whanganui-a-Tara wild and beautiful.

Keep an eye here for event listings and join our 2026 Project page on iNaturalist to keep up to date with the action.