

Join us April 26, 2026
City Nature Challenge Bio-Blitz
A fun, free learning event for all ages!! 9:00-12:00 at Howarth Park in Santa Rosa.
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Why should you come?
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Discover plants, animals and insects in the Howarth Park eco-system.
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Learn the names of the plants and animals you wondered about.
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Contribute to a knowledge base that helps scientists and environmental activists protect the natural environment that supports us all.
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Enjoy fresh air, movement, and community with people who care.

What to Expect
Up to 50 people will gather at Howarth Park at our designated spot. Dr. Dan Levitis, a biologist, will explain how a bio-blitz works, so everyone knows what to do and feels comfortable using the iNaturalist app. After the introduction, the participants will break up into small groups to make observations in different parts of the park.
It is easy to use iNaturalist on a smart phone, so we expect most people will want to make their observations that way. However, while it is easy to capture images of plant life with a smart phone, it is much more difficult to capture high quality photographs of animals. So, we encourage people with better cameras to take photographs with them, understanding that they will need to spend time later to upload their photographs into the iNaturalist app.
What to Bring
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Curiosity!
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Sunscreen, a hat, clothing layers to be comfortable, snacks, and a reusable water bottle.
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A smart phone or digital camera.​
Schedule
9:00am Introduction and Guidance
9:20am Small groups go off to make observations
11:30am Gather at starting spot for final checkin, Q/A and further instructions about identifying observations and receiving the results of the 2026 City Nature Challenge locally and globally.​

