City Nature Challenge is an annual initiative that invites people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities.

Take part independently throughout the City Nature Challenge observation period from April 24-27 by observing and documenting plants and animals at Laurel Hill East and Laurel Hill West. This DIY, self-led event is for anyone who loves observing nature, with opportunities for participation for all ages and abilities. Simply contribute your findings to the Philadelphia Area City Nature Challenge project page on iNaturalist!

Then, on Saturday, May 9, from 10AM-1PM, join naturalists, hobbyists and professionals in-person at Laurel Hill West as we learn how to identify species observed during the City Nature Challenge observation period. Bring the whole family for ID app tutorials, interactive games, basic exploration of taxonomy and classification, snacks, and conversation about the importance of biodiversity and environmental literacy.

Register for Laurel Hill’s City Nature Challenge IDENTIFY event on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00AM-1:00PM, where we’ll be identifying what you observed!

• Save time, and download the iNaturalist app on your phone or tablet ahead of time. Download link: https://www.inaturalist.org/
• Observation is even more accessible during CNC week! Simply mark your observation as a plant, insect, animal, fungus, etc., and you can identify it later at Laurel Hill’s City Nature Challenge IDENTIFY event on Saturday, May 9, 10AM-1PM.
• Restrooms are available at both Laurel Hill East and West.
• Photo tips:
  • Try to get clear and close up photos from various angles with solid color backgrounds if possible. Consider bringing a sheet of paper to use as a backdrop.
  • Take multiple photos of different parts of whatever organism you have chosen for observation. For plants: leaf, flower, fruit, bark and full view. For wildlife like insects, try to capture them from multiple angles.
  • Extra challenge: Flying and jumping insects or birds! It is very tricky to photograph the same insect multiple times with high clarity or to sneak up on a bird close enough to get a clear photo, but VERY rewarding.
• Please email programs@laurelhillphl.com if you have specific accessibility questions.

• Laurel Hill East is located at 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132.
  • Free and accessible parking is located in the Gatehouse courtyard.
  • Parking is allowed within the cemetery as long as the road is clear for another vehicle to pass.
  • We recommend observing in Valley View Green, Laurel Hill East’s green burial grounds!
• Laurel Hill West is located at 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
  • For best GPS directions, please use 321 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. This will take you to the Funeral Home.
  • Free and accessible parking is available within the cemetery.
  • We recommend observing in Bala Green, Nature’s Sanctuary, and Makom Shalom sections!