Help Louisiana Compete in the 2026 global City Nature Challenge
YOU CAN HELP LOUISIANA (and your LA city or town) CLIMB THE RANKS.
Last year, Louisiana ranked 22nd in the WORLD. In 2022, Baton Rouge alone recorded 15,100+ observations of local biodiversity. This year, we’re competing with 800 cities globally, and we’re ready to show that Louisiana shows up for nature.
The Goal: Most Species in the World!
Help us reach the global leaderboard by documenting wild animals, plants, bugs, mushrooms, fish, frogs – anything wild in Southeast Louisiana. Nature is everywhere – from your yard to the State Parks!
City Nature Challenge 2026 Dates & Timeline
Identification Dates: April 24–27
- Take photos of wild plants, animals, fungi, or signs of life
- Focus on native and naturally occurring species
- Avoid landscaping plants, pets, or zoo animals
Photo’s and sound recordings must be taken during the 24 – 27
Uploading Time Frame: April 24 – May 10
- Upload your observations to the iNaturalist app or iNaturalist.org website
- Help identify species and support community science
You have until May 10th to upload photos from April 24 – 27 observations.
Results: May 13
- Global rankings and results are released
What to do?
Getting started is simple:
- Download the new iNaturalist App and Create your account (https://www.inaturalist.org)
- Find something wild
- Take a photo
- Upload to iNaturalist (app or iNaturalist.org)
Tip: If you’re using an older version of the iNaturalist app, updating is recommended for the best experience.
Why Your Observations Matter
Every observation contributes to a growing global database used by:
- Scientists
- Conservationists
- Land managers
Your photos help:
- Track species populations
- Understand ecosystems
- Support conservation efforts in Louisiana and beyond
This is community science in action—and anyone can participate.
Take a look at the cities participating
Where to Find Wildlife in Louisiana
You don’t have to go far. Nature is already around you.
Every day during this City Nature Challenge, you can look for observations in:
- Your backyard
- Local parks
- Roadside ditches
- Trails and natural areas
Every observation counts and we know that native plant people have the best eye for nature! Nature is EVERYWHERE! Now go capture it and share it.
Start participating April 24th – May 10th!
This is your chance to be part of something bigger—helping Louisiana compete on a global stage while contributing to real conservation data.
👉 Get outside. Take a photo. Make it count.
Let’s show the world what Louisiana has to offer!