MetroParks of Butler County is inviting residents of all ages to step outside and explore the natural world during the 2026 City Nature Challenge, taking place April 24–27.

Part of a worldwide effort to document local biodiversity, the City Nature Challenge encourages community members to become “citizen scientists” by observing and recording wild plants, animals, and fungi found throughout Butler County. Participants can contribute from anywhere, whether in their own backyard, neighborhood, or favorite MetroPark.

Participation is simple:

• Find wild plants, animals, or fungi anywhere in Butler County
• Take a photo using your smartphone
• Photos must be taken between April 24-27, photos taken earlier will not be accepted
• Upload it to the iNaturalist app between April 24–27

All observations made during the event dates will automatically count toward Butler County’s totals. These observations are then added to a global database used by scientists, researchers, and conservationists to better understand and protect biodiversity. 

“Nature is all around us, and this is a fun, easy way for people to connect with it while contributing to real scientific research,” said Nick Lavoie, Program and Event Outdoor Educator with MetroParks. “Every observation, no matter how small, helps paint a clearer picture of the species that call Butler County home.”

To help participants get started, MetroParks will host informal, drop-in demonstrations on how to use the iNaturalist app on Friday, April 24 at Voice of America and Rentschler Forest MetroParks. These sessions will run from 7-8 p.m., are free, and are open to all ages. 

Click here for more information on the City Nature Challenge. 

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