Apr 10, 2025 – For immediate release
Press contact: Rylie Dorman 

Join Ottawa County Parks, John Ball Zoo, and other local partners for the West Michigan City Nature Challenge

A global bio-blitz from April 25 - April 28, 2025

Ottawa County, MI – Get ready to be part of one of the largest community science events in the world! From April 25-28, 2025, Ottawa County Parks will join forces with John Ball Zoo and other local partners to participate in the City Nature Challenge —a global bio-blitz created in iNaturalist. This event invites individuals from around the world to document nature and contribute to scientific research by identifying local wildlife. 

What is a BioBlitz? 

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.

How to get involved:

1. Download the iNaturalist app. Not sure how to use iNaturalist? Learn more here.

2. From April 25 to April 28, 2025, take photos of plants, animals, and fungi and upload them to iNaturalist within Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties.

3. Spread the word! Tell three people in your life about the City Nature Challenge and invite them to join.

Where can I participate?
You can participate anywhere in the counties of Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa. Whether you’re in your own backyard or exploring a local park, your observations will count! Ottawa County Parks is also hosting a several programs during the event, so don’t miss your chance to get outdoors and make a difference. Keep reading to find opportunities to get involved.

How will my participation help?
Your observations will directly contribute to documenting and understanding the biodiversity of West Michigan. Every photo you submit provides new insights into the region’s plant and animal species, helping scientists track and protect wildlife. By participating, you're actively contributing to global scientific research. Plus, the event will raise awareness and encourage others to get involved in community science.

Ottawa County Park program schedule from April 25-April 28:

• April 25 – Twilight Hike (8:30-10 pm) at Upper Macatawa Natural Area: In spring, as light of day turns to dark of night, wildlife springs to life! Come experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore them by the light of fading day. Click here to register.

• April 26 – Bird Walk (8-10 am) at Grand River Park: Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration. Click here to register.

• April 26 – Family Nature Day & Drop-in Garlic Mustard Workshop (10 am – 4 pm) at Pigeon Creek Park: Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities and volunteer to help remove invasive garlic mustard. No registration required!

• April 26 – Bald Eagle Walk at Grand Ravines: Take a guided hike to learn about the Grand Ravine’s resident bald eagles and view their nesting activities.

  • 1:00-2:30 pm, 2:00-3:30 pm, 3:00-4:30 pm, 4:00-5:30 pm sessions available.

• April 27 – Sunday Stroll (2-3:30 pm) at Hemlock Crossing: Hemlock Crossing is a special place to many people, for many reasons. On this hike, you'll explore the park's history, ecology, greenway, and more. You'll deepen your knowledge of the park and how it represents something greater than itself, the mission of Ottawa County Parks. Click here to register.

news.miottawa.org/citynaturechallenge

About the City Nature Challenge: Started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event, motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. The CNC is organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences.