Overview
Join the Challenge
This year, with the help of Mon Forest Towns, we are expanding our project area to the entire Monongahela National Forest! The CNC is from April 24th to April 27th, 2026. During these dates, participants are encouraged to explore nature and document the wonderful plants and animals in our area using the iNaturalist app. This app helps identify species and contributes to a global biodiversity database. All observations made within the Monongahela National Forest during this timeframe will automatically be included on our CNC project page.
You can access our specific CNC project here.
Pro-tip: download the iNaturalist app now so you can get familiar with it ahead of the challenge. You don't have to know what a plant or animal is to make an ID. Super users from across the region will help fine-tune identification in the days after the challenge. We encourage you to get curious!
Event Highlights
This is ultimately still a virtual challenge, but we will give a brief demonstration of how to use the app at our Earth Day tree-planting event at Canaan Valley State Park on Friday, April 24th.
You can also participate in other events happening in Mon during the challenge.
- Richwood Trail Cleanup & City Nature Challenge
- More to come!
Calling All iNaturalist Super Users
If you are an iNaturalist Super User, we could use your help with identification from April 29th through May 4th. Your expertise in verifying identifications and making observations will be invaluable. Please reach out if you can assist.