City Nature Challenge 2025 at the Mill Pond in Van Cortlandt Park

City Nature Challenge 2025 at the Mill Pond

Sunday, April 27th | 10am to 1pm

Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond, Van Cortlandt Park

Help put Van Cortlandt Park—and the Bronx—on the map for the City Nature Challenge, a global bioblitz where cities compete to record the most observations of local wildlife and plants. Together, we’ll spotlight the biodiversity that makes our park special.

We’re also racing NYC parks in the Greenspace Race—and aiming to be the first to reach 5,000 recorded observations. Your photos and finds could help push us over the top!

What to Expect:

• Macroinvertebrate Discovery: We’ll have leaf packs set up in advance to attract aquatic critters—dip in and see what’s living in the pond!
• Guided Mini-Hikes: Join short walks to explore different habitats and log more species.
• iNaturalist Tips: VCPA staff will be on hand to help you use the iNaturalist app and make high-quality observations.
• Snacks + Stats: At the end, we’ll regroup for refreshments and celebrate the biodiversity snapshot we created together.

Why It Matters:

Your observations contribute to real data that informs conservation, community science, and the future of our park. Plus—it’s fun, eye-opening, and a great way to connect with nature in the Bronx.

How to Prepare:

• Download iNaturalist and set up your account before the event. Join the “Van Cortlandt Park Nature Network” under Projects. Our greenspace race project is here - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2025-van-cortlandt-park
• Dress for Exploration: Closed-toe shoes, long pants, sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, and battery backup if you’ve got it.

RSVP now and help us show the world what Van Cortlandt Park has to offer.

Let’s make the Bronx proud—and win those bragging rights!

Host or Publisher Van Cortlandt Park Alliance