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City Nature Challenge Events in New Hampshire

A view of several pairs of hands. Two people are holding fish while a third takes a photo with their phone.
Community Science The annual City Nature Challenge depends on community scientists and volunteers to observe and record plant and wildlife species. © Erich Schlegel
Event Overview

Can you help us find as many species as possible in New Hampshire? Join TNC as we take part in the City Nature Challenge from April 24-27! This annual event encourages people from all over the world to explore and document wildlife in their community. To participate, download the iNaturalist app and head outside! Explore local parks, gardens and green spaces, or head to a TNC nature preserve. You can even participate from your yard or neighborhood!

Find a City Nature Challenge Event Near You

Check out the main City Nature Challenge Project on iNaturalist! Additionally, each region below has its own City Nature Challenge project page on iNaturalist, where you’ll find local events, observation areas and details on how to participate. Some regions plan to host special events. Keep scrolling to check them out!

Upper Valley
Explore forests, fields and neighborhoods across the Upper Valley.

Nashua
Document urban wildlife and nearby natural spaces in and around Nashua.

Manchester
Discover the biodiversity of New Hampshire’s largest city and surrounding areas.

Monadnock Region
From trails to town centers, help capture what’s wild in the Monadnock region.

Strafford County
Join community scientists documenting nature across Strafford County.

Each project page includes details on local events, observation areas and how your finds contribute to the Challenge!

City Nature Challenge Special Events

In addition to the regional projects, several towns and organizations are hosting free, fun events in celebration of the City Nature Challenge. Check out the fun, family-friendly opportunities!

  • Hosted by: UNH Extension, Wild Birds Unlimited and the City of Dover
    Where: Willand Pond Trailhead, Route 108, Dover, NH (please meet on the Dover side of the trail)
    When: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Please arrive about 15 minutes early)

    Join UNH Extension, Wild Birds Unlimited and the City of Dover for a guided City Nature Challenge walk at Willand Pond. During this walk, guides will help participants spot and identify plants and wildlife along the trail and record observations using the iNaturalist app—contributing data to the City Nature Challenge for Strafford County, New Hampshire.

    The Willand Pond trail is a 2‑mile out‑and‑back route, offering a great opportunity to slow down, look closely and discover the biodiversity found in this local conservation area.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families (youth must be accompanied by an adult)
    🚶 Approximately 2 miles on natural surfaces
    📱 Bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded
    👟 Trail may be muddy; sturdy footwear recommended
    💧 Bring water; dress for the weather

    Get more details and sign up!

  • Hosted by: The Caterpillar Lab
    Where: The Caterpillar Lab headquarters, Dublin, NH
    When: Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25
    Guided walk: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    Open exploration: 12–5 p.m.

    Join The Caterpillar Lab for daytime City Nature Challenge activities at their headquarters in Dublin. Start with a guided biodiversity walk led by Caterpillar Lab staff, then stick around—or drop in later—for self‑guided exploration as you document insects, plants and other wildlife and add your observations to iNaturalist.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    ✅ Drop‑in friendly (after the guided walk)
    📱 Bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app
    🧭 Self‑guided observation encouraged during open exploration

    Get more info today!

  • Hosted by: The Caterpillar Lab
    Where: The Caterpillar Lab headquarters, Dublin, NH
    When: 7 p.m.

    Experience the City Nature Challenge after dark with a nighttime exploration at The Caterpillar Lab! This evening event focuses on the creatures that are most active at night, offering a chance to observe and document insects and other nocturnal wildlife while contributing valuable observations to this global community science effort. Moth lighting will begin around 8:30 p.m. or so. Folks are welcome to join for any portion of the evening. No registration required!

    Good to know:

    👨‍👩‍👧 Best for older kids and adults🌙 Low‑light conditions; flashlights recommended

    Get more information and join the fun!

  • Hosted by: Harris Center for Conservation Education
    Where: Harris Center grounds, Hancock, NH
    When: Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.

    Celebrate the Monadnock Region’s first year participating in the City Nature Challenge with a guided biodiversity walk at the Harris Center. Join local iNaturalist experts as you explore the grounds in search of spring wildflowers, amphibian eggs, birds, mosses, and other signs of life—then upload your observations to help document biodiversity across the region.

    Observations made anywhere in the Monadnock Region during City Nature Challenge weekend count, so this walk is a great way to get started and keep exploring on your own afterward.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    ⚠️ Registration required; space is limited
    🚶 Moderate walking on natural surfaces
    ♿ Accessibility details available from the host

    Get more information and register today!

  • Hosted by: Connecticut River Conservancy & Hanover Conservancy
    Where: Mink Brook Nature Preserve, Hanover, NH
    When: Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. (drop in for all or part of the day)

    Spend the day celebrating the City Nature Challenge in the Upper Valley with guided walks and open exploration at Mink Brook Nature Preserve!

    Participants are invited to join expert‑led walks throughout the day or explore independently while documenting plants, animals, and fungi for this global community science effort.

    Guided activities include:

    • 7:00 a.m. – Guided Bird Walk
    • 10:00 a.m. – Guided Botany / Plant Walk
    • 12:00 p.m. – Youth & Family‑Oriented Guided Walk

    Throughout the day (7 a.m.–2 p.m.), stop by information tables to learn more about the work of the Hanover Conservancy and Connecticut River Conservancy, or take a self‑guided walk to make observations at your own pace.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families (especially the noon walk)
    ✅ Drop‑in friendly — attend one activity or stay all day
    ♿ Some accessible trail sections; conditions may vary
    📝 Pre‑registration recommended but not required
    ⚠️ Liability waiver required to join guided walks

    Explore the details, pre-register (if desired) today!

  • Hosted by: City of Nashua Conservation Commission
    Where: Buckmeadow Conservation Area, Nashua, NH
    When: Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

    Join the City of Nashua’s Conservation Commission for a guided walk at the Buckmeadow Conservation Area during City Nature Challenge weekend. Participants will explore the area with knowledgeable leaders while documenting wild plants, animals, and fungi using the iNaturalist app—contributing real‑world data to this global community science effort.

    This walk offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and learn more about the living things found in this conservation area while helping put Nashua’s biodiversity on the map.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    🚶 Moderate walking on natural surfaces
    📱 Bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app (or a camera)
    👟 Sturdy, closed‑toed shoes recommended
    ✅ Pre‑registration recommended but not required
    ⚠️ Liability waiver required to join guided walks

    Get more info and register today!

  • Hosted by: City of Nashua Conservation Commission
    Where: Lovewell Pond Conservation Area, Nashua, NH
    When: Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

    Join the City of Nashua’s Conservation Commission for a guided walk at the Lovewell Pond Conservation Area during City Nature Challenge weekend. Participants will explore the area with knowledgeable leaders while documenting wild plants, animals, and fungi using the iNaturalist app—contributing real‑world data to this global community science effort.

    This walk offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and learn more about the living things found in this conservation area while helping put Nashua’s biodiversity on the map.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    🚶 Moderate walking on natural surfaces
    📱 Bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app (or a camera)
    👟 Sturdy, closed‑toed shoes recommended
    ✅ Pre‑registration recommended but not required
    ⚠️ Liability waiver required to join guided walks

    Get more info and register today!

  • Hosted by: City of Nashua Conservation Commission
    Where: Terrell Homestead Conservation Area, Nashua, NH
    When: Sunday, April 26 from 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

    Join the City of Nashua’s Conservation Commission for a guided walk at the Terrell Homestead Conservation Area during City Nature Challenge weekend. Participants will explore the area with knowledgeable leaders while documenting wild plants, animals, and fungi using the iNaturalist app—contributing real‑world data to this global community science effort.

    This walk offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and learn more about the living things found in this conservation area while helping put Nashua’s biodiversity on the map.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    🚶 Moderate walking on natural surfaces
    📱 Bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app (or a camera)
    👟 Sturdy, closed‑toed shoes recommended
    ✅ Pre‑registration recommended but not required
    ⚠️ Liability waiver required to join guided walks

    Get more info and register today!

  • Hosted by: City of Nashua Conservation Commission
    Where: Northwest Conservation Area, Nashua, NH
    When: Monday, April 27 from 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

    Join the City of Nashua’s Conservation Commission for a guided walk at the Northwest Conservation Area during City Nature Challenge weekend. Participants will explore the area with knowledgeable leaders while documenting wild plants, animals, and fungi using the iNaturalist app—contributing real‑world data to this global community science effort.

    This walk offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and learn more about the living things found in this conservation area while helping put Nashua’s biodiversity on the map.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    🚶 Moderate walking on natural surfaces
    📱 Bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app (or a camera)
    👟 Sturdy, closed‑toed shoes recommended
    ✅ Pre‑registration recommended but not required
    ⚠️ Liability waiver required to join guided walks

    Get more info and register today!

  • Hosted by: Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail together with the Harris Center for Conservation Education, Cheshire County Conservation District, and Monadnock Bird and Nature Club
    Where: Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail, Walpole, NH
    When: Friday, April 24, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.

    Welcome spring with a leisurely guided walk in search of early‑season wildflowers at Distant Hill. Explore gardens and trails with local naturalists while documenting spring ephemerals and other signs of life—observations made during the walk will count toward the City Nature Challenge.

    Good to know:

    ✅ Good for families
    ⚠️ Registration required; space is limited
    🚶 Wide, relatively flat trails; walk up to ~2 miles

    Get more information and register!

An illustration on how to participate in the City Nature Challenge.
CityNatureChallege How to Join the City Nature Challenge

How to Participate

Getting involved is easy—and fun!

1. Download the iNaturalist app
It’s free and works on both smartphones and the web. iNaturalist helps suggest species IDs and connects you with a community of experts. Get the app free for Apple and Android. You can also use iNaturalist on your desktop computer.

2. Head outside
Explore your neighborhood, a local park, a trail or even your own backyard. If it’s wild and you didn’t plant or place it there, it counts.

3. Snap a photo (or record a sound)
Upload your observations during the City Nature Challenge event window and watch as the community helps identify what you found.

You can participate on your own or join one of the New Hampshire–based City Nature Challenge projects listed above!

Why It Matters

Every observation—whether it’s a rare orchid or a stubborn sidewalk dandelion—adds to a growing body of open-access data used by researchers, land managers and conservationists worldwide. Together, these observations help us better understand biodiversity and how people and nature can thrive together.

Plus, it’s a great excuse to slow down, look closer and reconnect with the nature right outside your door!

iNaturalist logo.

Additional Resources

Learn more about how to make observations on iNaturalist and discover the educational tools available to engage students of all ages.

Make Observations iNaturalist Help