Greater Atlanta City Nature Challenge

In 2019, Fernbank joined a global initiative started by the California Academy of Science and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County to encourage individuals and families to document species of plants, animals, and fungi found in nature using the iNaturalist app. The Atlanta City Nature Challenge’s goal is to connect people to nature and help give valuable insight into what species call Atlanta home.

The best part of this challenge is that it is available to EVERYONE! Participants do not have to be able to identify the organisms that have been found to join the City Nature Challenge effort. However, for those who are more practiced nature enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to help ID anything that you personally recognize. We encourage you to take part in photographing native plants and animals to showcase Georgia’s natural wildlife, regardless of whether you can identify the species or not.

The 2024 Atlanta City Nature Challenge was the most successful year for Atlanta so far. We are confident that 2025 is going to be even bigger!

• Download iNaturalist or search for iNaturalist in the app store.
• As an added bonus, you can join the Atlanta City Nature Challenge 2025 to view stats; however, it is not required for the event.
• View video tutorials on how to navigate the iNaturalist app. 
• Get outside and explore nature, either in your own backyard, local greenspace or even with a trip to Fernbank Forest! Look for what you would like to showcase for Georgia’s wildlife; any plant, animal, or fungi in Atlanta will count.
• Take a picture with your smartphone! Your picture will be automatically geotagged and date stamped by your phone.
• If a picture isn’t an option, no worries! Make a sound recording on your phone.
• Share your observations when you upload them through the free iNaturalist app.

The Atlanta City Nature Challenge photos can be taken anywhere in the metro Atlanta area, not just inside the perimeter! Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties, and the city of Atlanta are all included.