City Nature Challenge 2023

Help Rochester compete with cities all around the world to make the most observations of nature over a three-day period!

The 2023 City Nature Challenge will take place in two parts:

Taking pictures of wild plants and animals: April 28th – May 1st

Identifying what was found: May 2nd – May 7th

Help Rochester compete with cities all around the world to make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people over a three-day period! All you have to do is:

1. Download the iNaturalist app on your phone and make an account
2. Take photos of wild animals and plants in our area
3. Upload the photos to iNaturalist (be sure the photos are geo-tagged)
4. Learn more as your finds get identified!

Take photos in your back yard, on a hike, or around town!

Will you help Rochester win?

Anyone can contribute to biodiversity science. All you have to do is observe

Every day is a great day to visit the Zoo. Experience life on the wild side, enjoy up-close animal interactions and support global conservation efforts—right here at the Zoo. Reserve your tickets now for quick and easy entry, and enjoy more time connecting with wildlife.

November 1 through March 31

Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. for our Zoo members.
Open all year long. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.