Celebrating 10 Years of Discovery

This year’s City Nature Challenge (CNC) was one for the history books! Not only was 2025 another record-breaking year for biodiversity observations around the globe, but it also marked the 10th anniversary of this incredible community science event. What began back in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco has blossomed into a worldwide celebration of urban nature, inspiring hundreds of thousands of people to step outside and take a closer look at the life around them.

City Nature Challenge Canada: A Big Year for Urban Biodiversity

Across the country, participants submitted 155,139 observations, recorded 6,344 different species, and involved 5,566 enthusiastic nature lovers of all ages. Whether it was spotting early spring wildflowers, snapping photos of migrating birds, or discovering tiny insects hidden in the grass, every observation counted toward our growing understanding of urban ecosystems.

  • Despite being early spring, Canada had four cities place in the top 50 out of nearly 700 cities. Congratulations to Metro Vancouver Regional District BC, Greater Victoria BC, Greater Montreal QC and Calgary Metropolitan Area AB.
  • Metro Vancouver Regional District, BC led the country in total observations with 36,209 individual submissions – finishing 14th globally!
  • The most species was a photo finish between Greater Victoria, BC and Metro Vancouver Regional District. As of the May 4th deadline, Victoria took the lead with an impressive 2,417 different species observed. With species still being identified after the official deadline there is only a difference of 7 species between the two cities, so could easily be called a tie!
  • The Greater Montreal Area, QC rallied the largest number of participants, with 954 people contributing to the effort.

Every city that took part contributed to a richer, fuller picture of biodiversity across Canada. Together, these observations feed into scientific databases, helping researchers, conservationists, and decision-makers better understand how our local environments are changing over time.

Amazing Finds

One of the best parts of the City Nature Challenge is seeing the incredible discoveries that come to light. This year did not disappoint!

  • This bobcat recorded at night in a Calgary suburb demonstrates the extent of urban biodiversity.
  • The unsettling surge of Green Worm, an invasive species which is starting to show up in new areas. Until this year there had been less than 100 observations of it in Canada, but already 17 during the CNC. Participants in the CNC recorded the first ever iNaturalist records of Green Worm in Calgary AB and Welland ON.
  • A rare sighting of the elusive and endangered Sharp-tailed Snake on Vancouver Island. Only 50 have been recorded in iNaturalist.
  • Incredible species interactions like this Osprey who grabbed a Northern Pike, or an amazing photo series of a Merlin defending its meal from crows and magpies.
  • Several species that have only been recorded in iNaturalist a handful of times such as the Woollybear Gall Wasp, Flying Saucer Lady Beetle, Intertidal Pseudoscorpion, Modest Harvestman, Sea Sparkle, Pacific Digger Bee and Glossy Ant-Spider; not to mention some really cool names!

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

It’s incredible to see how much the City Nature Challenge has grown over the past 10 years. In its first year, just a handful of cities participated. Now, it’s a truly global movement involving hundreds of cities across dozens of countries.

In Canada, participation has steadily increased. New cities have joined the challenge and returning cities have grown their communities of observers. We’re building a vibrant, nationwide culture of community science and it’s only getting stronger.

As we look ahead to the next decade, the future is bright. With more tools, more partnerships, and even more enthusiasm, the City Nature Challenge will continue to inspire people to reconnect with nature and work together to conserve the places and species we love.

If your city didn’t take part, be sure to get involved next year! Check out CityNatureChallenge.ca for information on how to sign up.

iNaturalist doesn’t end with the City Nature Challenge. Keep those observations coming all year long. Some exciting upcoming initiatives include:

Thank You!

A huge thank-you to everyone who participated in the City Nature Challenge 2025 whether you submitted one observation or one hundred, you made a difference. Thanks also to the organizers, local coordinators, educators, park staff, volunteers and community groups who helped make this event possible.