The City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Naturalists and the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority have joined the 2023 Nature Challenge, a global competition with over 450 cities around the world competing to gather the most observations about nature, local plants, and wildlife, according to a news release.
The competition is between April 28 to May 1, with identification to be completed between May 2 to May 7 and results announced May 8.
“The City Nature Challenge provides a great opportunity to get outside and have fun,” said Emily Cormier, sustainability coordinator with Sault Ste. Marie. “Preserving biodiversity and the natural world ensures we maintain essential services in our communities and aligns with the city’s net-zero carbon emissions goal. Participating in this event celebrates the biodiversity in our area, and encourages us to protect it.”
Observations can be submitted by downloading the free iNaturalist app from the App Store or Google Play and creating an account. From April 28 to May 1 click observe and take pictures of wild plants, animals, evidence of life or record sounds. For each submission, note the location and share. Visit the City Nature Challenge page for instructions and tips. Participants who submit five observations, including identification, will be entered into a draw to win $100 gift card from Great Lakes Outfitters.
“The need for every citizen to appreciate their natural environment and take pride in promoting the health of all living things ultimately ensures the health and well being of all citizens," said Ron Prickett, president of the Sault Naturalists.
A group activity led by the Sault Naturalists is planned for Saturday, April 29 at Parks Canada, 1 Canal Drive, lower parking lot at 10 a.m. Please contact Val Walker with questions.
“We want to encourage our community to step outside and take a closer look at the nature around them,” said Christine Ropeter, Assistant Manager and Communications at the SSMRCA. “Take time to connect with nature in a new way by taking an active role in protecting and sustaining our local environment.
The City Nature Challenge was started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco and has grown into an international event motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife. For more information contact Emily Cormier, at 705-989- 8748 or email.