NC Bioblitz

The 2023 NC Bioblitz is part of the international City Nature Challenge event and will take place Friday, April 28 through Monday, May 1. You can participate anywhere in North Carolina!

How to Participate

If you are an individual or small group, follow these steps. Working in a school setting? Scroll down to the bottom of the page!

Find a place to make observations of wild species! Visit a favorite local park, a natural area, or your own backyard between April 28 and May 1.
Take photos of as many species as you can find with the iNaturalist smartphone app or use a camera. You do not need to know how to identify the things you see – the app or website will help you!
Submit your observations through the Naturalist website or app, available for Android and Apple! All observations must be uploaded to iNaturalist by May 8 to count toward the NC Bioblitz and City Nature Challenge.

New to iNaturalist? Check out our Quick Guides to iNaturalist for Android and Apple phones! They will walk you through how to use the smartphone apps and website to submit your observations to iNaturalist. Or watch this short video to learn how to use the app!

Find a Local Event

You can get involved in the NC Bioblitz anywhere in the state. Participate on your own or join one of the many in person and virtual programs offered by our collaborative.

Visit the NC Bioblitz event page to find a program near you!

Earn the NC Bioblitz Badge!

You can earn a custom embroidered badge by participating in the NC Bioblitz! Follow these steps to claim yours:

Make observations! You have two options:
- Make 20 observations of any wild species in North Carolina between April 28 and May 1 and upload them to iNaturalist by May 7.
- Make 10 observations and make 15 identifications. (Learn how to make identifications here!) Observations must be made between April 28 and May 1, but all observations and identifications may be done in iNaturalist any time between April 28 and May 7.
Report your participation and claim your badge!

Educator Resources

Are you a formal educator who would like to get your students involved in the NC Bioblitz? Check out the City Nature Challenge educator resources for ideas for how to use the event in your classroom!