This Saturday, April 15, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney invites you to walk on “Team Heard” as we work to show the nation that the DFW Metroplex can boast the most species of wildlife as part of the City Nature Challenge! From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Heard will have “coaches” on hand to help you learn how to score “points” for the Metroplex as you ID species of wildlife on the Heard’s 289-acre sanctuary. You will only need to show up with a smart phone (equipped with the free iNaturalist app) and your love of nature. This event is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members. Learn more about this event at www.heardmuseum.org/teamheard.  

About the City Nature Challenge

Cities across the nation will compete to see which one can boast having the most species of wildlife. The City Nature Challenge will run April 14–18. It’s easy to participate by attending the Heard’s event or just making observations on your own, using the iNaturalist app. Just take a picture of a plant or animal, post it to iNaturalist and the online community will help accurately identify the species. 

Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of each city will count during the five-day challenge. You can also explore the life in your backyard, in your local park or on a field trip with your local group or club. TPWD, the Audubon Society and many others will be joining in this fun challenge. Go to www.tpwd.texas.gov/naturechallenge to watch the leaderboards or learn more about how you can participate!

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Founded in 1967, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, is private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together. The Heard is located at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, Texas (one mile east of TX-5/Greenville Drive on Country Club Road). For additional information, visit www.heardmuseum.org.