יומן של Metro Phoenix EcoFlora

ארכיון יומן של אפריל 2020

אפריל 16, 2020

April 2020 EcoQuest (The FIRST One!)

Can you believe we are half way through April?!

April is a month filled with nature celebrations. Arbor Day, International Plant Appreciation Day, and Bat Appreciation Day to name a few. It is also Citizen Science Month and National Garden Month! This year is extra special, with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th Anniversary of the City Nature Challenge.

Even though there are many causes to celebrate, April of this year is very different. We are all navigating the complications that COVID-19 has brought. Among the difficulties, we are seeing the brighter side. Life has slowed down a little, and we are spending more time outside exploring the places we live.

We launched our first EcoQuest this month, the Metro Phoenix Nature Challenge. What are EcoQuests? They are like monthly hide-and-seek games for urban biodiversity. The goal of EcoQuest challenges are to observe and study specific plants and/or plant interactions. Each EcoQuest will have its own goal and project page, with top observations and observers every month.

This month's EcoQuest is simply to make as many observations, of as many species, by as many participants as possible. If you think you have been missing out, don't worry, your observations are automatically included. You are, however, encouraged to join the EcoQuest project page so that you can stay up to date with the findings and stats! As of this moment, there are 1,954 observations of 682 species by 261 people!

You can join the EcoQuest here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/metro-phoenix-nature-challenge

While we are spending more time outside close to home, and with Earth Day AND Arbor Day next week, let's celebrate safely and see what we can find!

CONSIDERING COVID-19
It is imperative that you follow the guidelines/recommendations of your local governments & institutions. Please stay close to home, practice social distancing (that means on the trail too!), wear a face mask in public and avoid heavily trafficked areas.

Do what’s best for you & your community. Your participation is up to you and your level of comfort.

For more information and helpful ideas visit:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2020/journal/31768-cnc-covid-19
https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/31664-exploring-nature-when-you-re-stuck-at-home

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation:
https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/covid-19/

הועלה ב-אפריל 16, 2020 07:22 אחה"צ על ידי jenydavis jenydavis | 0 תגובות | הוספת תגובה