Get ready for the City Nature Challenge at Desert Botanical Garden!

1201 North Galvin Parkway,Phoenix AZ 85008

07 April, 2022

Description

Learn about the City Nature Challenge while visiting Desert Botanical Garden. Walk among the cactus blooms at Desert Botanical Garden and get ready for the City Nature Challenge. The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is all about urban biodiversity, the plants and animals we live alongside in our neighborhoods and parks. April 29 - May 2, urban areas around the world compete to see who can make the most observations of urban nature using iNaturalist. Last year, the Greater Phoenix Area came in 30th. Can we move up the ranks this year? Jeny Davis and Ryan Esch, will be your naturalist guides and teach you about the CNC and how to use the free iNaturalist app. This is an amazing tool that can identify plants and wildlife and help us learn more about them. Jeny is the Coordinator of the Metro Phoenix EcoFlora project and the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance Engagement Coordinator at Desert Botanical Garden. Ryan is an early-career botanist and ecologist, researching the conservation of threatened Sonoran Desert cacti at Arizona State University. For four years, iNaturalist has been his favorite video game. Where to meet: Meet outside of admissions, look for someone in an EcoFlora t-shirt. What to bring: Appropriate clothing and footwear (hats, closed toed shoes, etc.). Sunscreen recommended and don't forget plenty of water! Hand lenses will be available for use. All participants must fill out Desert Botanical Garden waivers (click here). Accessibility: Desert Botanical Garden is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free, and scooters can be rented for a fee. Restrooms and water are available throughout the Garden, and food is available at the Patio Cafe. There are ample (20+) accessible parking spaces available. We will be traveling 1-2 miles on mostly flat, gravel and paved paths with some shade. Contact: Should you have any questions the day of the event, please email Jeny, the EcoFlora Coordinator, at [email protected].