Explore, snap and share: City Nature Challenge returns

Launched in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge has grown into an international event involving hundreds of cities across dozens of countries. 

Over four days, participants head outdoors to record wildlife observations that contribute to a global snapshot of urban biodiversity. 

On the Sunshine Coast, the results speak for themselves. In the most recent challenge, local residents recorded more than 1,000 observations, identifying 628 different species across the region. 

Common sightings included moths and butterflies, alongside many native plants, birds and insects. 

Species snapped during the 2025 City Nature Challenge Sunshine Coast Photos by Michelle Kerley, Larney Greenfell, Oliver Spnovic, Scottytar, Duke_n, Fionadon and Donna Maree Tomkinson

Participating is easy, and you don’t need any specialist knowledge. All you need is a smartphone and the free iNaturalist app. 

To take part: 

1. Download the  iNaturalist app and create a free account 
2. Find wild plants or animals in your local area 
3. Take a photo – it doesn’t have to be perfect 
4. Upload your observation to iNaturalist 

Tribe Halyini - @donnamareetomkinson

Your observations are then identified by the iNaturalist community, helping build valuable data used by scientists, land managers and decision-makers to better understand urban nature. 

Observations can be made anywhere across the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area, including council reserves, parks, walking tracks and neighbourhood streets. Only wildlife should be recorded – pets, captive animals and garden plants are excluded. 

The City Nature Challenge runs from April 24–27, and every observation counts. Whether you’re exploring solo, with family, or as part of a school or community group, it’s a simple and rewarding way to learn more about the natural world around you.