Dive into Discovery
April 26 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Explore Aquatic Life at Guadalupe River State Park for the City Nature Challenge!
Join us for a City Nature Challenge Aquatic Exploration at Guadalupe River State Park, where we’ll dive into the fascinating world of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, and aquatic vegetation! This is a rare opportunity to investigate the health of the park’s waters while contributing to a global citizen science initiative.
What is the City Nature Challenge?
The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual, worldwide community science event where people document local biodiversity using the iNaturalist app. Originating in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, CNC has grown into a global effort to engage communities in documenting nature and promoting conservation.
San Antonio proudly participates each year, competing against other cities around the world to record the most observations, find the most species, and engage the most participants. Every observation helps scientists, land managers, and conservationists better understand and protect our region’s wildlife. San Antonio (and surrounding areas) is the 2024 National Champions–help us keep our title in 202
What will we be doing?
During this hands-on aquatic field study, we’ll explore the incredible biodiversity of the park’s water through:
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling – Investigate the tiny aquatic insects, snails, and other invertebrates that indicate water quality.
Ichthyology (Fish Study) – Observe fish species in their natural habitat and learn about their roles in the ecosystem.
Aquatic Vegetation Survey – Identify and document native and invasive plant species that impact freshwater ecosystems.
All data collected will be uploaded to iNaturalist and contribute to ongoing conservation research!
How to Participate
-Download the iNaturalist App (free on iOS & Android) and create an account.
-Join our aquatic field study at Guadalupe River State Park
-Take photos of any plants, animals, fungi, or other organisms you find.
-Upload your observations to iNaturalist, where experts and fellow nature lovers will help identify them!
Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 1:00pm!
Who: Inquiring minds; children must be accompanied by an adult; please no pets
Where: River; look for the green canopy and table set up in the day-use area near the bottom of the stairs
Bring: Drinking water, sun protection, and water shoes
Cost: Free with park admission; Adults: $7, Children 12 & under: Free
If ADA assistance is required, please request modifications using this form, or email accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov at least 2 weeks in advance.
**Park programs are subject to change/cancellation in the event of inclement weather**