Mark those calendars! April 24-27 - how will DFW do?
Hey all, be sure to mark your calendars for the City Nature Challenge on April 24 - 27! How many things can you observe during these four days?!?
Here's a fun challenge -- search for the species that have been observed in DFW that you've not yet recorded!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?hrank=species&place_id=57484&subview=grid&unobserved_by_user_id=sambiology&view=species
Just replace the "sambiology" with your username. You can filter then by plants, or beetles, or birds, or whatever.
I'll update another journal on this project page with a list of events -- bioblitzes, nature gatherings, etc... Let me know if you know of some.
Looking forward to spring! :)
Comments
Tagging some of the big iNat users from the past year:
@walkingstick2 @kimberlietx @annikaml @bob777 @lisa281 @charley @denver @sehnature @brentano @wildcarrot @clay_s @galactic_bug_man @tadamcochran @rangertreaty50 @catenatus @wlhwildlife @cgritz @cwd912nb @rick57 @alchemist2000 @jblinde @cameralenswrangler @zinogre @itmndeborah @lovebirder @sahi2018 @oddfitz @kathrynwells333 @madisong @rozzychan @baxter-slye @pynklynx @daniel112 @tgbirdnerd @sara39 @rmorgan @k8thegr8 @naturenut @jsuplick @jaquiring @jwn @tmurr1225 @miscelaineous @hchuang @jbe_fleischman_fam @eataie @cindylcobb5 @missmary @kenttrulsson @somesecretpie @fratto @lpenn @assmann @joshmols @andyk @dhutch @buffalostuckintx @mertmack1 @drtifflipsett @postoak @alusk @birdbrain34 @jcat @melissa_duron @justjenny @gwaithir @naturemom @northcut1 @lulubelle @rehb @scincus @katelyn3 @kaf213 @taosit @granthinckley @betsymarsh @plantpowergirl09 @agonzalez393 @betsymarsh @richtex45 @salientia @dmort @saltyhiker @mustardlypig @squaylei2000 @fiddleman @mayflower2000 @mchlfx @jbwhite @christina2019 @kimberlywalks @geishen @jdjames @peywey @tfandre @williamedwards @apcorboy @beckymn @atassin @jillnugent @melindawpajak @abadoo @aguilita @ann8 @corynorris @butterflies4fun @taharms48 @dagmar @awilli1980 @brirosa @rmarusak @mrbiology03 @briangooding @jtesson @abigailmm @carolyn5 @sydneydragon @mnbrewer @outdooramy
@sambiology Woo hoo! It's on my calendar, Sam. Looking forward to it!
I'm ready, bring it on! :-D
Should be fun, can’t wait!
And BTW, I’m pretty sure we’re coming out on top this year! :)
Who are you people again?...…..
Aye i'm on there. Exited for this.
I'll make plans to hit the Trinity.
Looking forward to it!
LOL @oddfitz !
This was the longest winter EVER! I'm gunning for #1 in DFW this year guys! BRING IT! :D
Got it down!
Have that time off and will be ready to go!
We're in !
I'm in - looked through your list (since I don't know how to sort) - I didn't know that budgies were found loose around here! Last time I've seen a parakeet in the wild was in Chicago where there's a few populations of green monk parrots living in the wild.
Thanks for that search query Sam! I'm surprised at some of the common species I still haven't observed in the DFW area.
Fired up and ready!
I'll ask UNT Society for Ecological Restoration if they want to host a BioBlitz. Thanks Sam!!
I'll be doing my own bioblitz at Benbrook Lake, probably on Saturday April 25th.
I'll do my best! Marked it on the calendar!
Hey @sambiology, is there any way to redefine the boundary of the DFW Metroplex?
OMB defines it as the following cities and counties:
19100 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area
Principal Cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Denton, Richardson
19124 Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Ellis County, Hunt County, Kaufman County,
Rockwall County
23104 Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
Hood County, Johnson County, Parker County, Somervell County, Tarrant County, Wise
County
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2015/15-01.pdf
And it will likely get redefined again after the completion of the 2020 census and subsequent OMB review.
The most recent delineation file is located here: https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/metro-micro/geographies/reference-files/2018/delineation-files/list1_Sep_2018.xls
It includes:
Henderson County
Fannin County
Navarro County
Collin County
Dallas County
Denton County
Ellis County
Hunt County
Kaufman County
Rockwall County
Johnson County
Parker County
Tarrant County
Wise County
Bryan County (OK)
Cooke County
Hood County
Palo Pinto County
Grayson County
For comparison purpose over the years, isn't it better to keep the counties that are included the same?
The problem with that is, populations change, as well as those who participate in these types of events.
Awesome to hear that many folks are excited for this!!! I am too. And excited for spring in general. :) Looking forward to seeing what others will see.
Meanwhile, several years ago, we decided on these county boundaries based on just the size of other metros... It's not really based on any sort of census, just a reasonable size in comparison with the other 'metros' in Texas... The "rules" of the City Nature Challenge have always been intentionally pretty low to inspire as much engagement as possible. Hopefully some of the other towns in the other directions of DFW will take a little day trip to the 9 counties in our area (or whichever other area is near to them). :)
I'm looking forward to it!
Ready Set!...
Neat trick. To even out those observations, I need to head east and get some forest observations and more animals. I’m supposing that the reason plants are so low on my unobserved list is I’ve seen the most popular ones. My kid got a new camera for Christmas. Maybe she’ll let me borrow it. Can’t wait.
YESSSSSS......can't wait to dominate. DFW will take down Cape Town. Gonna squazsh La Paz. Gonna flay the bay (area), gonna, gonna...err.....el Reto's gonna regreto....ehh.....whatever, I'm done. You get the idea.
Very excited!
I'm ready!
You have me that weekend. Lets do this again lets double those observations and bring more awareness!
One of my favorite times of the year! I'm so ready!
Stoked! Think both a beginning and a more advanced class in the works for City of Lewisville. Hoping for perfect weather.
wanted to loop in Tiara Chapman from LLELA. @tchapz
We're a GO for Moth Night at Mockingbird Nature Park in Midlothian on Friday, April 24! Here's a link to our project page: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/moth-night-at-mockingbird-2020. It's open to the general public from 7:30 to 10:00 pm, but we can stay until midnight.
Looking forward to it!
Got a new mothing light and ready to bring my A game. I will be getting the South Nature and Outdoor Club in on it so they can help us and get brownie points for helping out. I have been trying to teach everyone I can about iNaturalist.
@sambiology Chuck and I have created an event for the CNC for the North Central Texas Wildlife group on Facebook, so we can encourage members to participate. I'll link to info about how to sign-up to iNat etc, and any lists of events that you can provide.
@sambiology Hey, Sam. On April 25th, there is an event at Clymer Meadow out in Celeste, which is Hunt Co. Is all of Hunt Co. within our boundary? I kind of wanted to go, but I was afraid my observations wouldn't count toward the CNC. I was looking at last year's boundary map (I think it was last year's anyway) and Celeste (and Clymer Meadow) are just a little ways outside of it. I'd hate to spend the time and effort out there if it doesn't count toward the CNC.
Hey all! Wanted to toss an update of events going on in the metroplex. If you know of others, or are planning any yourself, toss me a message, and we can update the list. :)
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2020-dallas-fort-worth/journal/31308-events-going-on-in-the-dfw-metroplex
Thanks for all the comments on this post! With the wet winter we've had, I foresee lots of active nature come spring time. :)
@rehb -- thanks for posting on facebook! If you would like, please extend the list of events too.
@tadamcochran - alas, Hunt County isn't on the list of counties. :-/ Be sure to leave early to go to Clymer Meadow and stop the car every two miles or so while you're in Dallas, Rockwall, or Collin Counties. ;)
Hey friends,
First and foremost, I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy these days. This is a huge message, but I did want to send an update about the City Nature Challenge next weekend. Here’s the short message:
The City Nature Challenge is still going on, and DFW is still participating. All observations will have to be made solo though – no gatherings or bioblitzes will be happening in the DFW metroplex. So, if you feel comfortable doing so, I encourage you to engage with nature during April 24-27 and make some iNaturalist observations close to home, in your backyard, in your home, or in a nearby park. I’m planning on going to a few parks, but I will go to places that other folks won’t be – little secret spots! The City Nature Challenge this year is all about engaging with nature during stressful times. Hope you’ll participate!
We’ll still use the results to show policy makers that nature is essential during these times – people NEED nature, always. I hope that it’ll be a powerful message that folks in DFW care about nature. It’s essential to us.
State message:
For the past three years, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) through the Texas Nature Trackers program, has promoted and participated in the annual global City Nature Challenge (CNC) event, a biodiversity survey framed as a friendly competition between cities to see who can document the most species of plants and animals in and around urban areas.
However, due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and its global impact, this year the City Nature Challenge will not be a competition, but rather a collaborative global effort in which we celebrate the healing power of nature and document our local plants and animals however we safely can.
Most scheduled events in Texas have been, and likely will be, cancelled as shelter-in-place and other orders regarding crowd size and social distancing are implemented at the local, state, and national levels. The health and safety of our communities is our top priority and we ask that Texas Master Naturalists who wish to participate in the CNC comply with the latest local, state, and national rules to slow and reduce the spread of this deadly virus. We also ask that you adhere to the rules implemented by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service pertaining to Texas Master Naturalist activity during this time.
Texas Nature Trackers will still monitor iNaturalist observations made during the four-day challenge (observation period runs Friday, April 24 through Monday, April 27) and we invite you, if nothing else, to document the plants and animals of your yard, common area, or even along the sidewalks when you get out for exercise for yourself and/or your pets.
Secondly, one of the greatest challenges the TNT staff has following the CNC is adding identifications to observations made during the four-day event. We encourage TMNs to help us with identifying observations from participating metro areas starting Friday, April 24 through Sunday, May 3. If you need assistance getting set up to help with this important aspect of the CNC, please email either Tania at tania.homayoun@tpwd.texas.gov or Craig at craig.hensley@tpwd.texas.gov and they will get you on-board.
Finally, please consider using the hashtag #yardchallenge on social media or as a tag in iNaturalist observations to share how you are engaging in this year’s event. To learn more about the City Nature Challenge is, please visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/naturechallenge/ for Texas-specific information and project links and https://citynaturechallenge.org/ for a global perspective.
These are challenging times on so many levels and we know that all of you are anxious to have this in the rearview mirror. Working together we will see a day in the not-so-distant future where once again when we can all gather, hug, shake hands, and celebrate all that we are together and continue to move conservation of Texas’ natural resources forward.
Take good care, stay healthy and enjoy the peace and wonder of the natural world as much as possible.
The Texas Nature Trackers Team
Global message from coordinators:
This year’s City Nature Challenge is no longer a competition.
We want to embrace the collaborative aspect of the CNC this year and the healing power of nature to allow people to document their local biodiversity in whatever way they can.
It is imperative that you follow the regulations of your governments and the organizations where you work.
As a participant, it is up to you how much or how little you take part! Do only what feels safe for you & your family and is in accordance with all your local regulations.
Visit our CNC & COVID-19 FAQ page.
For cities continuing to participate in CNC 2020:
It is imperative that you follow the guidelines/recommendations of your local governments & institutions (i.e., limit or cancel events if needed)
Do what’s best for you & your community
Alternatives to in-person events
Check out this guide we've put together: Exploring Nature In and Around Your Home for the City Nature Challenge
Indoors:
What can people find in their houses? What can they see through their windows?
Focus on identifications! Can your city go through ALL the observations (not just CNC!) that have already been made in your area but aren’t research grade yet?
During April 28 - May 3, hold virtual ID parties!
In Backyards:
Encourage people to put up moth lights or put down cover boards at their houses to help bring nature to them!
What are the wild plants growing in your backyard?
What insects or other creatures are using the cultivated plants in your backyard as habitat or a food source?
Outside of your home and backyard (if allowed):
Practice social distancing wherever you go.
Promote people going outside and making observations on their own/with a small group of their family & friends, instead of joining big events.
Think about making observations along sidewalks, pavements, roads, or in residential areas if local parks are too crowded for social distancing. Always be mindful of traffic.
If you’re allowed to hold CNC events:
Keep them outside! Luckily this is what the CNC is all about, but if you were planning an indoor portion of an event, forgo it and keep the whole event outside
Limit registration
Practice social distancing (it's best if people stay 2-3m apart)
Don’t have shared, unwrapped food available - encourage people to bring & eat their own food
Have places available where people can wash their hands and/or have hand sanitizer
Don’t pass around binoculars, phones, guidebooks, etc. - everyone should keep their gear to themselves
Stay safe, hang in there, and we can't wait to see what you find - in your houses, in your backyards, along sidewalks, in parks - and know that people all around the world are joining you in documenting nature in whatever way they can during these unprecedented times.
Our thoughts are with all of you,
Alison Young (@kestrel) - California Academy of Sciences and Lila Higgins (@lhiggins) - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
@sambiology Thanks for the update, Sam! I look forward to participating and to enjoying the observations of others. I'll be warming up my clicker finger to help identify all the wonderful species that folks find.
Time to break out my own secret spots.
I will miss seeing all the iNatters at differents events, but thrilled we are still doing the CNC. Happy and safe,observing to everyone!
I was so excited about the upcoming bioblitz, but will happily be out searching for as much as I can find!
Newsflash! :)
We've got the dates for next year's City Nature Challenge!
The 2021 City Nature Challenge dates:
Making observations: April 30 - May 3
Getting everything uploaded / working on identifications: May 4 - 9
Results announced: May 10
Mark those calendars!!! :-D
On my calendar; thanks, Sam!
Calendar marked!
Awsome! Thanks!
AWESOME - ugh I simply cannot type/spell/use a keyboard anymore. LOL
Good to know.
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