Discover the Insects of Washington Challenge – Fall 2024!
This fall, nature enthusiasts and citizen scientists across Washington State have an exciting opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity in their own backyards. The Insects of Washington Challenge – Fall 2024 on iNaturalist invites everyone to join the fun by observing and identifying as many insects as possible from now through November 30, 2024. 🌿🐞
The goal of the challenge is simple: capture and document the incredible diversity of insect life in Washington, whether it's in your garden, a local park, or deep in the wilderness. From bees and butterflies to beetles and dragonflies, every insect you spot can contribute to a greater understanding of our local ecosystems.
Why Participate?
Support Pollinator Conservation: By documenting insects like native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, you’ll help scientists and conservationists track the health of local ecosystems. Pollinators are essential to our food systems and natural landscapes, and understanding their population trends is key to protecting them.
Contribute to Citizen Science: Your observations on iNaturalist are shared with researchers, land managers, and educators. Every photo you upload and identify adds to a growing database of biodiversity that helps experts study climate change, habitat loss, and more.
Learn About Local Insects: Whether you're new to entomology or a seasoned naturalist, this challenge is a great way to deepen your knowledge of the insects that call Washington home. iNaturalist’s community of experts and amateurs alike will help identify your finds, turning your observations into opportunities for learning.
How to Get Involved
Download iNaturalist: If you’re not already using iNaturalist, start by downloading the free app or visiting iNaturalist.org to create an account.
Join the Project: Head over to the official project page for the Insects of Washington Challenge – Fall 2024 and click "Join" to start participating.
Start Observing! Once you've joined, simply upload photos of insects you encounter. Be sure to include clear, detailed images and accurate locations. The more data you provide, the easier it is for the iNaturalist community to help with identification.
Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and community to join in. The more participants we have, the more data we can collect to help protect Washington’s unique insect species.
Key Dates:
Challenge Period: Now through November 30, 2024
Final Submissions: Ensure all your observations are submitted by the deadline to be counted!
This fall, let’s make a difference by celebrating and documenting the insects that are crucial to Washington’s ecosystems. Whether you're exploring a local park, tending your garden, or hiking through Washington’s natural areas, every insect you document will help paint a picture of the health and diversity of our environment.
Don’t forget to share your experiences with us on social media using #InsectsofWAChallenge. Let’s work together to discover and protect the hidden world of insects all around us!
Ready to join the challenge? Visit the Insects of Washington Challenge – Fall 2024 and start exploring today!