CITY NATURE CHALLENGE RETURNS APRIL 24-27, INVITING PUGET SOUND RESIDENTS TO DOCUMENT LOCAL WILDLIFE Global community science event encourages all ages to explore outdoors and contribute to biodiversity research TACOMA, Wash. - Thousands of local residents are expected to head outside with their phones in hand later this month, not for selfies but for science. The City Nature Challenge returns April 24-27, calling on people across the Puget Sound region to photograph and document wild plants and animals in their neighborhoods and parks. The annual event is part of a friendly global competition involving hundreds of cities working to record the most biodiversity. Participants in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area will collaborate as a single regional team, contributing observations that help scientists better understand and protect local ecosystems. "Every observation adds to a growing dataset that helps us track the health of our region's biodiversity," said Zachary Hawn, Conservation Coordinator for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. "It's a simple way for anyone to make a meaningful impact." Taking part is easy and accessible to all ages and experience levels: * Download the free iNaturalist app or access it online * Join the Seattle-Tacoma Metropolitan Area project * Photograph wild plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms between April 24-27 Observations can be uploaded through May 10, and users are encouraged to help identify submissions from others. Each observation requires two identifications to reach research-grade status. "People are often surprised by how much wildlife exists all around them," said Hawn. "This event turns everyday outdoor time into an opportunity for discovery and learning." The data collected supports ongoing scientific research and conservation efforts, helping monitor species ranging from insects and birds to amphibians and native plants. The Puget Sound region has seen rapid growth in participation. In 2025, community scientists submitted 19,547 observations and identified 2,123 species across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Organizers hope to continue that momentum in 2026. GUIDED NATURE WALK OFFERED APRIL 25 For those looking for a more structured experience, naturalists from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will host a guided walk at Swan Creek Park on April 25. Participants will learn to use the iNaturalist app while exploring local habitats. * Swan Creek Park - April 25, 1 p.m. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages. To register and receive meeting details, email Community.Science@pdza.org<mailto:Community.Science@pdza.org>. The City Nature Challenge is organized locally by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and regional partners. The Seattle-Tacoma metro area includes Everett, Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma, and communities throughout Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. The iNaturalist app can be used without Wi-Fi, allowing participants to upload observations later. For more information, visit pdza.org.<https://www.pdza.org/event/city-nature-challenge/> ### Media Contact: Tessa Miller, 253-331-5858 Sam Hain, (He/Him) Conservation Specialist Zoological & Environmental Education Department Office (253) 404-3800 ext: 3765 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407 [cid:image001.png@01DCD0CF.63D62AE0] website<http://www.pdza.org/> | facebook<http://www.facebook.com/PtDefianceZoo> | x<http://www.twitter.com/ptdefiancezoo> | instagram<http://www.instagram.com/ptdefiancezoo> Parks Tacoma acknowledges that we operate on the traditional homelands of Coast Salish tribes, who have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial and continue to do so today.