Join the City Nature Challenge, a worldwide movement to document nature and help fight biodiversity loss! Every observation you make of WILD nature in Polk County is a data point that helps scientists and researchers understand and protect nature for all of us.
How to Participate:
From April 24 – 27, 2026, get outside and take photos or record sounds of nature where you live. Look for WILD plants, animals, fungi, etc. (Wild means it was not put there by people and is not being taken care of by people.) Take a close look at the plants around you. Are there any insects or spiders on them? How many different types of birds can you find in your local park? Put on your nature eyes and see Polk County in a whole new way.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist and help identify what others have seen.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, we can connect with nature, connect with each other, and connect with cities all over the world!
The City Nature Challenge is organized globally by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The Polk County City Nature Challenge is put on by The Nature Conservancy, UF IFAS, Florida State Parks, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources, The City of Lake Wales, The City of Winter Haven, The City of Lakeland, Bok Tower Gardens, and Bonnet Springs Park.