"City Nature Challenge" Kicks off
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Rufus Cochran, Indiana Sciences
c: 317-721-6604
Ashley Haynes, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
c: 317-793-2871
CITIZEN AND COMMUNITY SCIENTIST “CITY NATURE CHALLNEGE” KICKS OFF TOMORROW IN INDIANAPOLIS AND ACROSS THE WORLD
Indianapolis to Compete in Third Annual ‘Challenge’ Against Over 65 Participating Cities on Five Continents and nearly 300 Partnering Museums, Science Centers and Organizations from April 27 - 30
Indianapolis, IN (April 26, 2018) – For the first time, Indiana Sciences and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful are challenging Indianapolis residents and surrounding communities to compete in the global City Nature Challenge from April 27 – 30, 2018.
As citizen science initiatives increase in popularity and impact on research, this year’s third annual City Nature Challenge has expanded to more than 65 cities across the globe. Kicking off April 27 at 12:01 am in each time zone, the Challenge runs through April 30, 11:59 pm. The multi-city, global event calls on current and aspiring citizen scientists, nature and science fans, and people of all ages and science backgrounds to observe and submit pictures of plants and wildlife using the free app iNaturalist. Indianapolis participants should add observations to the “City Nature Challenge 2018 Indianapolis” project in iNaturalist. Results will be announced on May 4.
Indianapolis City Nature Challenge Planned Events
Event Listings can also be found at: https://sciencemarchind.org/events/cnc/city-events/
iNaturalist Demonstration at Eagle Creek Park
WHEN: Friday, April 27 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm
WHERE: Earth Discovery Center, 5901 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
WHAT: Stop by the Earth Discovery Center for a demonstration on how to use iNaturalist to record nature observations, and then head out into the park on your own to look for plants and animals to record for the Indianapolis City Nature Challenge. This event is free with park admission. Gate fees are $5 per car for Marion County residents and $6 per car for non-residents.
EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/786052788251817/
Indy Parks and Recreation Arbor Day Celebration at Eagle Creek
WHEN: April 28, 2018 at 9:30 am – 4 pm
WHERE: Earth Discovery Center, 5901 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
WHAT: The Arbor Day Celebration is an event to celebrate trees. Activities will include hikes, art projects, music, games, and an opportunity to take part in the Indianapolis City Nature Challenge. There is something for all ages at this family-friendly event. Activities will be available both indoors and out. This event is free with park admission. Gate fees are $5 per car for Marion County residents and $6 per car for non-residents.
EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/128512587817814/
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s Great Indy Cleanup
WHEN: April 28, 2018 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
WHERE: South Indy Quality of Life Neighborhoods (meeting location: Brightwood College, 4200 South East Street, Indianapolis, 46277)
WHAT: As over 600 volunteers will pick up litter, plant trees, replace garden beds, and paint murals, they will also take part in the Indianapolis City Nature Challenge. This year’s Spring Great Indy Cleanup Focus Neighborhood will be in the SO Indy Quality of Life Plan’s neighborhoods—Bean Creek, Carson Heights, Garfield Park, Meridian-Raymond, Northwest Perry, Rosedale Hills, South Village and University Heights. The meeting location will be in front of Brightwood College at Southern Plaza. After check-in and kickoff, KIB will provide transportation to the project sites.
EVENT LINK: http://www.kibi.org/event/april-great-indy-cleanup-2018-2/
Kheprw Institute Riverside Nature Walk
WHEN: April 28, 2018 at 14:00
WHERE: Riverside Park
WHAT: Members of the Indy community will meet at Riverside park to commune with nature and catalog urban wildlife. A reflective discussion will take place after the walk.
Reconnecting to Our Waterways Art and Science Adventure: Nature’s Canvas
WHEN: April 28, 2018 at 11:00 am
WHERE: Millersville at Fall Creek Preserve Community Park
WHAT: Please join ROW for a free, fun, family-friendly exploration of Fall Creek’s biodiversity as we participate in iNaturalist’s City Nature Challenge and enjoy recreating wildlife along the banks of the waterway through paint or illustration.
EVENT LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-and-science-adventure-natures-canvas-tickets-45068585352
More Information and Education Toolkit
Visit http://sciencemarchind.org/events/cnc/
iNaturalist
Signing up is easy and free. Visit https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2018-indianapolis from your browser, or download iNaturalist from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Social Media
#CNCIndy
#CityNatureChallenge
Twitter handle: @IndianaSciences and @ScienceMarchIND and @kibiorg
About Indiana Sciences
Indiana Sciences is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization uniting Indiana’s community of passionate science enthusiasts and advocates as a diverse, nonpartisan group to celebrate and communicate science. From “March for Science Indianapolis” and “Books, Booze, and Brains” to “A Day For Science” and “Science Stories”, Indiana Sciences is dedicated to fostering a new frontier for science communication and science advocacy. To learn more, visit IndianaSciences.org or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @IndianaSciences.
About Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB)
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization with a mission to engage diverse communities to create vibrant public places, helping people and nature thrive. Annually, KIB works with nearly 20,000 volunteers on nearly 900 community projects. To learn more, visit www.kibi.org or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @kibiorg.
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