Watch this space for new events

If you are interested in hosting events, and:

• you are not a current organizer, please sign up to be a partner.
• you already are a partner, email us at citynaturephilly@gmail.com with your event list including name, location, start and end dates and times, and a brief description. 

Download the iNaturalist app on your smart device before these events to get started right away (Google Play | Apple App Store). 
NOTE: Most events are free unless otherwise indicated. Most events, including those that are free, require pre-registration.

PRE-CNC EVENTS

Sunday, April 5

Philadelphia County, PA

CNC EVENTS

Friday, April 25

Philadelphia County, PA

Bioblitz at the Lovett Memorial Library

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Join us for a nature exploration of plants, bugs, and birds in our garden and outdoor space. Learn about the living things you can find in our backyard, upload your photos to iNaturalist for the Bioblitz, and have some science fun! A nature information table will be set up in front of the library. This program will run from 3:00 – 4:30 and is hosted by the Friends of Lovett Memorial Library’s Garden Group.
Location: Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue (Germantown Ave. & Sedgwick St.), Philadelphia, PA 19119-2189
Type: Bioblitz
Partner Org: Free Library of Philadelphia

Nature Observation at the Northeast Regional Library

4:00 pm – Following Fun Friday, we will head outside to the library garden to observe nature together!  We will upload our findings to the iNaturalist app to participate in the City Nature Challenge.  All children and families are welcome.
Location: Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Avenue (Cottman Ave. & Oakland St.), Philadelphia, PA 19149-1297
Type: Bioblitz
Partner Org: Free Library of Philadelphia

Montgomery County, PA

City Nature Challenge Event

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Help us document the biodiversity at Willow Lake Farm using iNaturalist. City Nature Challenge is a global celebration of biodiversity in and around urban areas. Over 2.4 million observations and over 65,000 species were identified by 83,500 participants in 2024. We will work to document as many trees, plants, animals and insects we can find at Willow Lake. Participants should bring an electronic device with iNaturalist downloaded and a fee account already set-up or a camera. Dress for the weather. Be prepared for muddy and wet trails.
Registration: https://wissahickontrails.org/events/city-nature-challenge-event
Location: Willow Lake Farm 7000 Butler Pike, Ambler, PA 19002 (behind CVS)
Type: Bioblitz
Leaders: Kristy Morley
Partner Org: Wissahickon Trails

Saturday, April 26

Philadelphia County, PA

Little Sit at Bartram’s Garden

8:30 am – 11:30 am – Join Feminist Bird Club Philly, In Color Birding Club, PCAS Online, Philly Queer Birders, and Disability Pride Pennsylvania for a morning of intentionally accessible, stationary birding that is welcoming to those with disabilities and open to birders of all experience levels. As we approach the peak of spring migration, we can expect to see many species of warblers, sparrows, and perhaps a surprise or two! We’ll be setting up in the area of the upper meadow, surrounded primarily by grass and dirt terrain but with close proximity to paved paths and some shade cover. Restrooms will be open adjacent to the sit location and we will have plenty of binoculars to share and a few scopes on site. There is parking in the lot and accessible parking spots. A full description of the event’s accessibility information is included on the registration page. Join us with friends, family, kiddos, a partner, or just yourself! We recommend bringing a chair, blanket, water, layers, or whatever you need to feel comfortable for a morning of stationary birding. Registration is requested so that we can communicate any event changes due to weather. While the event runs from 8:30am-11:30am, folks are welcome to drop in whenever they want. We’ll have snacks, coffee, a big community of friends, and a whole lot of bird joy. We hope to see you there! 🪑👨‍🦽‍➡️🌈🫱🏻‍🫲🏾🦅🐦🌿
Location: Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Partner Org: Free Libraray of Philadelphia

City Nature Blitz

9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Join the Academy at your local park during City Nature Challenge to help us record as many observations of as many species as possible! Meet experts from the Academy of Natural Sciences, who will be on hand to help identify species. Bring your curiosity and love for nature! Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts as we contribute to community science by exploring and documenting the incredible biodiversity of our city.
Location: Pennypack Trail, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Type: Biobitz
Partner Org: Academy of Natural Sciences
More info at: https://ansp.org/programs-and-events/events/Details/?eid=43638&iid=115066

Spring Migration Bird Walk

9:30 am – Please join the Free Library of Philadelphia and Holger Pflicke for a Spring Migration Bird Walk! We plan to stay out for 1-2 hours, depending on the location, and walk mostly on flat and well-traveled paths. All events are open to everyone and all skill levels. We will go over binocular use, field guides, and apps if needed. Everyone is welcome to stay for as long or as short a time as they like. Restroom access is limited or unavailable. Check the weather and dress for comfort. These events will happen in moderate rain or shine, cancels for downpours and storms.
Location: Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 South 52nd Street (West Phila. Regional 52nd & Sansom Sts.), Philadelphia, PA 19139-3408
Type: Bird Walk
Leader: Holger Pflicke
Partner Org: Free Libraray of Philadelphia

Garden Walk & Nature Journaling Workshop

10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Certified in Nature Journal Education through the Wild Wonder Foundation, Meg Lemieur will teach a class on the practice of nature journaling. You don’t need to be an artist, writer, or a naturalist to begin. In this class, you will be guided to look closely, notice more, and learn to notate the wild world at Bartram’s Garden. Teaming up with Lady Danni, a passionate forager, and member of the American Herbalist Guild and the American Botanical Council, you’ll be guided through observations of the wonders that live throughout the garden and given wisdom from their many years of experience building and being in relationship with the natural world.
Registration: https://www.bartramsgarden.org/event/garden-walk-and-nature-journaling/
Location: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. Phila, PA 19143
Type: Guided Walk & Workshop
Leaders: Shanna Mitchell
Partner Org: Bartram’s Garden

Bioblitz at The Woodlands

11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Explore urban biodiversity, connect with nature lovers, and contribute to community science using the iNaturalist app! In partnership with Green Philly, The Woodlands, Bird Philly, Skype A Scientist, Andrew the Arborist, City Nature Challenge, and Philadelphia Mycology Club, we’ll document as many species as possible—all while supporting global conservation efforts.
🔍 Discover birds, fungi, trees & more
📊 Contribute to the 2025 City Nature Challenge
🤝 Meet experts & fellow nature enthusiasts
RSVP now—spaces are limited! 󰣯 No on-site parking due to West Philly Craft Fest so parking won’t be available on-site. We encourage public transit—the 40th Street Trolley Portal is right across from the gates.
Registration: https://bit.ly/bioblitz2025
Location: The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Type: Bioblitz
Partner Org: Green Philly, The Woodlands

Naturepalooza Earth Day Festival

11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Celebrate Earth Day with the Schuylkill Center at Naturepalooza! For our 60th anniversary, we’re going bigger than ever, with our Center-wide scavenger hunt, nature-based crafts and activities, guided hikes from community members, local food trucks, and so much more! Meet some of our favorite community partners, get your hands dirty, and celebrate nature with us. This year, Naturepalooza will a musical performance from Ants on a Log, a dance preview of Terra: Bodies and Territories, Nature Story Time with Miss Molly from Andorra Library, a presentation by artist Rebecca Rutstein, and more!
Registration: https://schuylkillcenter.org/event/naturepalooza/
Location: 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Type: Community Festival
Partner Org: Schuylkill Center

OBSERVE ! City Nature Challenge Day

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – To participate in iNaturalist’s City Nature Challenge, Wissahickon Environmental Center will set up several identification stations for different organisms, such as fungi, trees, wildflowers, micro-life, creek life, and birds. The stations will be between the Tree House and Harper’s Meadow (at the creek by Northwest Stables). We will have an information station at the beginning of Forbidden Drive outside Cedars House.
Location: Nature’s Sanctuary, 3822 Ridge Avenue
Type: Bioblitz
Partner Org: Laurel Hill Cemetery

City Nature Blitz

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Join the Academy at your local park during City Nature Challenge to help us record as many observations of as many species as possible! Meet experts from the Academy of Natural Sciences, who will be on hand to help identify species. Bring your curiosity and love for nature! Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts as we contribute to community science by exploring and documenting the incredible biodiversity of our city.
Location: 1338 S 59th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Type: Biobitz
Partner Org: Academy of Natural Sciences
More info at: https://ansp.org/programs-and-events/events/Details/?eid=43639&iid=115068

Montgomery County

Spring Bird Walk

8:00 am – 9:30 am – Walk with birder and conservationist Phil Witmer or Riverbend Education Director Suzanne Safran as they lead you on a leisurely walk around the preserve at Riverbend. Check out the many species of birds that call Riverbend their home! Phil Witmer is an avid birder and conservationist with over 30 years birding experience. He is a past board member of Bucks County Audubon Society, past president of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, one of the oldest birding clubs in the country, and was a member the advisory board of Audubon Pennsylvania State Office. He is currently vice-president of Bird Town Pennsylvania helping to build bird friendly habitats in Pennsylvania municipalities. He has devoted much time to the conservation of birds, the forces driving their decline and what we need to do to save them. He leads bird walks with a conservation focus and lectures on a variety of related topics. He teaches a course on backyard birding through the Main Line School Night.
Registration: https://riverbendeec.org/events/spring-bird-walk
Location: Riverbend EEC
Type: Bird Walk
Leaders: Suzanne Safran
Partner Org: Riverbend Environmental Education Center

Sunday, April 27

Philadelphia County, PA

City Nature Challenge: Guided Bird Walk

11:00 am – 1:30 pm – Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Troy Bynum of TB Wildlife Photography LLC on Sunday, April 27 from 1 1 AM–1:30 PM for an introduction to the City Nature Challenge and the iNaturalist app followed by a guided bird hike in West Fairmount Park. We’ll start inside with a brief intro on how to use the iNaturalist app. Troy, a skilled wildlife photographer and owner of TB Wildlife Photography LLC, will also go over some helpful tips and tricks for using your phone’s camera outside. From there, we’ll head out on a hike where Troy will guide us as we look and listen for birds in both open fields and more forested areas. As we hike, participants are encouraged (but definitely not required) to use the iNaturalist app to take pictures of plants and animals to add to Philadelphia’s City Nature Challenge totals. After the hike, we’ll return to Ohio House where staff will be available to assist with uploading any observations to iNaturalist. We’ll also have a monitor setup so we can see in real time all of the observations made throughout the park and city.
Registration: https://myphillypark.org/bl_events/city-nature-challenge-guided-bird-walk/?eDate=20250427&date=1745766000
Location: Ohio House: 4700 States Drive, Philadelphia PA 19131
Type: Guided Bird Walk
Leaders: Amanda Daws Cohen + Troy Bynum
Partner Org: Fairmount Park Conservancy

Montgomery County, PA

Bioblitz at the John James Audubon Center

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Celebrate Earth Day with us! Bring your friends and family for a fun day packed with exciting activities starting with our annual native plant sale. A wide selection of native plants from Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Behmerwald Nursery, and Gino’s Nursery will be available to purchase. Not sure where to start? Experts will be on hand to help you select plants that work best in your space. From pollinator plants to rain gardens, you’ll find something for all your bird- and eco-friendly gardening needs. While you’re here, enjoy artist-led workshops, kids’ activities, partner organizations, canoe rides, and more, including a Philadelphia Mycology Club bioblitz where you can help document the plants, animals, and – of course fungi! – found at Mill Grove.
Registration: https://pa.audubon.org/events/earth-day-celebration-native-plant-sale-and-art-show-john-james-audubon-center
Location: 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, 19403, PA
Type: BioBlitz
Partner Org: John James Audubon Center

Monday, April 28

Philadelphia County, PA

Become a Citizen Scientist using iNaturalist!

3:00 pm – Join us to celebrate Citizen Scientist Month.  A citizen scientist is someone who collects and analyzes the natural world. We will explore the natural surroundings of the library. Using the app, we will capture images of nature. The app will help us identify what we have seen!  Then, we can submit the information for approval by a professional scientist.
Location: Andorra Library, 705 East Cathedral Road (Henry Ave. & Cathedral Rd.), Philadelphia, PA 19128-2106
Partner Org: Free Libraray of Philadelphia

Garden Sit and Sketch

4:00 pm – Be a part of the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge! Between April 25 and April 28th, Philadelphia and it’s adjacent counties will be competing against other cities in the world to see who can find the most species in their regions. Join us for an all-ages program in our garden where you can work on an observational drawing, make a nature rubbing, and observe plants and animals that live in our neighborhood! We will have art supplies appropriate for babies and children, teens, and adults.  We will also have instructions on how you can download the iNaturalist app on a personal device to participate and compete in the 2025 City Nature Challenge.
Location: Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Avenue (Warden Dr. & Midvale Ave.), Philadelphia, PA 19129-1633
Partner Org: Free Library of Philadelphia

Identification Events

Saturday, May 3

Montgomery County, PA

IDENTIFY ! A collaborative and community-oriented identification event.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Join us on May 3 along with naturalists, hobbyists and professionals as we learn how to identify species in the cemetery and arboretum. Bring the whole family for ID app tutorials, interactive games, basic exploration of taxonomy and classification, snacks, and conversation about the importance of biodiversity and environmental literacy.
Location: Laurel Hill West, 225 Belmont Avenue
Registration: https://laurelhillphl.com/event/city-nature-challenge/
Partner Org: Laurel Hill Cemetery

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