City Nature Challenge 2026

Illustration for the City Nature Challenge 2026 in the Washington DC metro area, featuring various animals like a fox, birds, and insects, alongside iconic landmarks and greenery.

Hold the Dates: City Nature Challenge April 24-May 10, 2026

The City Nature Challenge, a yearly competition among urban areas worldwide to document local biodiversity, is fast approaching. Anyone may participate by using the free iNaturalist app to record and upload observations of wild plants and animals during the event. For more information, see the CNC-DC website and/or join one of the events below.

ARMN members and associates will be leading several group walks during CNC observation weekend (April 24-27).  Observing with others is a great way to expand the species you can find and identify. For all walks, dress for the weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and bring water. Be sure to have the iNaturalist app downloaded on your phone and your account set up before joining the walk. Sign up using links listed below. Contact walk leaders directly from the signup if you need more information.

Friday April 24 10:00-noon  
Contact: Mary McLean
Tuckahoe Park Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054FADAF2CA2FF2-63482735-city#/
Friday April 24 10:00-noon  
Contact: Mary Alexander
Hidden Oaks Nature Center Annandale VA   Signup: https://llinova.org/courses/event-calendar/?customize_changeset_uuid=#!event/2026/4/24/city-nature-challenge
Friday April 24 2:00-4:00  
Contact: Caroline Haynes
Mary Carlin Woods Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849ABAA292-63345394-city
Friday April 24 2:00-3:30 pm  
Contact: Jo Allen
Brandymore Castle Arlington VA
Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044AA5AE2CA2F58-63346307-city#/
Friday April 24 8:00-9:00 pm Bat and Frog Call Walk   
Contact: Kurt Moser
Four Mile Run Conservancy Alexandria VA   Signup: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bat-and-frog-call-walk-city-nature-challenge-tickets-1986553063690
Saturday April 25 9:00-10:30 am
Contact: Jo Allen
Brandymore Castle Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044AA5AE2CA2F58-63346307-city#/
Saturday April 25 10:30-noon  
Contact: Paige Edwards
Buddie Ford Nature Center Alexandria VA   Signup: https://vaalexandriaweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=79143270
Saturday April 25 9:00-11:00am   Contact: Marion JordanBarcroft Park 4200 S 4 Mile Run Arlington   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054FA9A92BA02-63469107-barcroft#/
Saturday April 25 2:00-4:00 pm   Contact: Ginny McNairWinkler Botanical Preserve 5400 Alexandria VA

Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A5AC2AA7F5C70-63384076-winkler#/
Sunday April 26 9:00-11:00 am  
Contact: Melanie LaForce
Sharp Park Arlington VA
Sunday April 26 11:00-1:00   Contact: Devin ReeseMt. Jefferson Park Alexandria VA

Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084EA5AE2E5-remove#/
Sunday April 26 2:00-3:30 pm  
Contact: Jo Allen
Brandymore Castle Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044AA5AE2CA2F58-63346307-city#/
Sunday April 26 3:00-4:30 pm  
Contact: Bill Browning
Powhatan Springs Park Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4BA9A92CA31-63064979-city#/
Monday April 27 11:00-1:00    
Contact: Jill Barker
Upton Hill RP Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/UptonHill?useFullSite=true#/
Monday April 27 2:00-3:30 pm  
Contact: Stephanie Miller
Lubber Run Park Arlington VA   Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AA8AB23A0F85-48693984-city#/