What if your next walk outside could help scientists, support conservation, and earn you a badge worthy of bragging rights?
Good news! It CAN.
The 2026 NC Bioblitz, part of the global City Nature Challenge, is returning April 24–27, and everyone in North Carolina is invited to join the biggest community-powered wildlife discovery party of the year. Whether you’re exploring a mountain trail, strolling a greenway, or spotting critters in your own backyard, your observations help scientists better understand the biodiversity all around us.
Yes, squirrel lovers, science counts your squirrel photos.
What Is the NC Bioblitz?
During four nature-filled days, people across North Carolina work together to document as many wild species as possible. Every plant, insect, bird, fungus, and frog you record contributes real data used by researchers and conservationists.
No science degree required. Curiosity required? Absolutely. (You don’t even have to have a DSLR, any pretty good cellphone picture will do.
You can participate anywhere in North Carolina: solo, with friends, or at a local event.
How to Participate (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Ready to become a community scientist? Here’s how to jump in:
1️⃣ Go Outside
Visit a local park, natural area, trail, or even your backyard between April 24–27. Nature is everywhere, even in city spaces.
2️⃣ Take Photos of Wild Species
Use the iNaturalist app or a camera to photograph plants and animals you find. Don’t worry if you don’t know what something is; identification help is built in!
👉 New to the app? Check out the Quick Guides to iNaturalist for Android and Apple devices to get started fast.
3️⃣ Upload at least 10 Observations for them to count toward the NC Bioblitz and City Nature Challenge.
You can also follow along with discoveries statewide on the NC Bioblitz iNaturalist project page and watch the species count grow in real time.
Need Help Getting Started?
Science Across NC has created simple resources to make participation easy:
- Quick Guides to iNaturalist (Android & Apple)
- A short how-to video explaining the app
- Local NC Bioblitz event listings across the state
- Identification tutorials to help you learn how to identify animal, plant and insect species
Whether you’re a first-time observer or a seasoned naturalist, these guides make jumping in simple and fun.
Earn the NC Bioblitz Badge (Yes, There’s Swag!)
Participation comes with rewards — literally.
You can earn a custom embroidered NC Bioblitz badge or a high-quality vinyl sticker by completing one of these challenges:
✅ Option 1:
Make 20 observations of wild species in North Carolina April 24–27 and upload them by May 10.
✅ Option 2:
Make 10 observations and contribute 15 identifications in iNaturalist.
(Photos must be taken during the event dates, but IDs and uploads can continue through May 10.)
Once you’re done, simply report your participation to claim your reward!
Make Science Creative, Too
Younger explorers — and the young at heart — can celebrate biodiversity with downloadable coloring sheets featuring North Carolina species like:
Perfect for classrooms, nature centers, or rainy-day science fun.
Calling All Educators 🍎
Teachers can turn the NC Bioblitz into a real-world science investigation. City Nature Challenge educator resources include classroom activity ideas, and participating classes can earn:
- Printable student certificates
- A classroom badge to display
It’s citizen science meets hands-on learning — and students become contributors to real research.
Why Your Observations Matter
Every observation adds a piece to North Carolina’s biodiversity puzzle. Scientists use this data to track species distributions, monitor environmental change, and guide conservation decisions.
In short: your curiosity helps protect nature.
So grab your phone, step outside, and start noticing the wild world around you. You might discover something amazing — or help document a species scientists didn’t know was there.
Ready to explore?
👉 Find events, resources, and participation guides on the NC Bioblitz page and join thousands of North Carolinians turning outdoor adventures into scientific discovery.
Let’s see how wild North Carolina can get.