While we still have to follow physical distancing measures, there are still ways to explore and celebrate nature in our yards, neighbourhoods and even from our balconies – all that’s needed is a phone and internet connection.
The City of Richmond is participating in the City Nature Challenge 2020, in partnership with National Geographic and iNaturalist. Through the challenge, residents can become “citizen scientists,” helping collect and share data about the local ecosystems found along the mouth of the Fraser River – one of North America’s most productive estuaries.
Until April 27, residents can take photos of plants and animals in their neighbourhoods, and upload those photos to the iNaturalist app (available for free download).
Cities around the world compete in the challenge to record their local ecosystems, and results will be announced on Monday, May 4.
And if you want a more hands-on experience, the city has also launched the Richmond Nectar Trail. Through this initiative, residents and businesses can become pollinator and “bee ambassadors” by growing pollen-rich plants on their properties.
These plants will form a “nectar trail,” which will allow bees and other pollinators to easily traverse the city.
To participate, register your garden at [email protected]. As you maintain your garden of pollinating plants, share photos on social media using the hashtag #RmdNectarTrail through to the fall.
The city has partnered with Border Free Bees, a local public art and pollinator habitant initiative, on the nectar trail project.
