Macaulay Honors College Leads the Way at 2023 City Nature Challenge

Every New Yorker has the power to contribute to science.

Macaulay Honors College is the lead organizer of New York City segment of the 2023 City Nature Challenge, a global, four-day public celebration with free events throughout the city’s five boroughs.  Nature lovers of all ages are invited to participate by recording examples of urban flora and fauna with their smartphones.

“Understanding, appreciating, and protecting the nature found in our urban environment becomes more critical every day.” said Macaulay Director of Science Forward Dr. Kelly O’Donnell. “This event gives everyone a chance to have fun outdoors and learn something new.”

Throughout the weekend of April 28-May 1, public parks, preservation societies, gardens and other natural organizations around New York City will host City Nature Challenge events that are open to all. Macaulay students will be on hand at many of these events to teach and guide participants.

City Nature Challenge participants help further scientific research. After the 4 days of observation has ended, students and the public can help properly identify and catalog the species in a marathon technological session. Macaulay will share the results of the challenge with the public, students, and educators later in the Spring.

“By simply participating in a City Nature Challenge event, everyone can contribute to a global database that may help us understand our current biodiversity crisis and raise awareness of the value of urban nature,” O’Donnell explained.

FIND A CITY NATURE CHALLENGE EVENT NEAR YOU

The City Nature Challenge is organized on a global scale by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences.

For more information contact communications@mhc.cuny.edu