Calling all citizen scientists – Chatham-Kent’s City Nature Challenge BioBlitz is underway.
Running until May 10, the efforts gives local nature lovers the chance to document flora and fauna across the municipality.
A joint project between NatureCK, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the BioBlitz is part of a global initiative organized by the California Academy of Sciences and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. Participants will utilize the iNaturalist application to submit photos of wild plants, animals and fungi.
As an added bonus there are more than $1,000 in prizes to be won.
According to a municipal media release, the initiative has two parts. From April 24-27, area residents are invited to explore their backyards, a nearby park or a favourite trail. Observations documented in Chatham-Kent during this timeframe will automatically be uploaded to the project.
From April 28-May 10, participants can upload photos and add identifying information to observations on the iNaturalist App or on the project page at www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-municipality-of-chatham-kent.
Other events taking place on April 24 to mark a P.A. Day, include guided tours at Peers Wetland near Wallaceburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area from noon to 4 p.m. Education staff will be on site with exploration equipment available for borrowing.
Another nature-centred event to discover wild species growing in downtown Chatham will be held at Tecumseh Park on April 26 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Municipal staff and community partners will be on hand to provide expertise. CK Smashburger will also be on site, offering food from noon to 2 p.m.
On April 28, Turns & Tales will host an Identification Party & Nature Colouring event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees can bring a mobile phone or laptop and help upload and identify observations made in C-K from April 24-27.
In addition, local artist and maker CutiePatootie Studios will be at the downtown Chatham store to offer nature-themed colouring pages for all to enjoy.
All of the events are family friendly. Outdoor events will run rain or shine, but will be cancelled in the event of extreme weather. For up-to-date information on all events, check out the “Journal” section of the iNaturalist project: www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-municipality-of-chatham-kent
For additional information on the City Nature Challenge Bioblitz, check out this video from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD4qwPEh0TM
