Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: City Nature Challenge Hike

Join Ranger Nikki on a moderate hike and use your phone to document biodiversity in the park for the City Nature Challenge global Citizen Science competition that runs April 24-27. The City Nature Challenge is a global competition between cities to document biodiversity in regions around the world, taking place this year April 24-27. This “contest” showcases citizen science, where ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions to global research. This year, we are excited to have our citizen science programs be part of Citizen Science Month 2026, which is an official partner of America 250, the campaign to celebrate the United States of America’s semiquincentennial anniversary. You can double your impact on the initiative of reaching 2.50 Million Acts of Science by reporting your iNaturalist observations to SciStarter, an organization that connects people to citizen science projects, citizen scientists and resources. Create an account on SciStarter.org, an ASU research affiliate, and add your iNat username to settings (under “Affiliation Integration”). Do this once, and all your observations count! Ranger Nikki will lead a hike with stops along the way to take phone photos of flowers, trees, cacti, birds, bugs, fungi and more to boost the number of observations for Team Phoenix. The route uses Shallmo Wash Trail out-and-back for approximately 2 miles. The terrain varies from flat and even to rocky and uneven with small to medium rocks underfoot. We may go into the wash itself, which runs parallel to the hard-packed trail, and that consists of loose sand. You can prepare for this hike by downloading the free iNaturalist app at home on wi-fi and registering your account before you come to the park. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and plenty of water. Be sure to bring your phone fully charged to take photos. You can upload photos to the app later at home. For more information City Nature Challenge: https://www.citynaturechallenge.org/ Join the Greater Phoenix Area team: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-greater-phoenix-area iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/ MEETING LOCATION: Shallmo Wash Trailhead at Four Peaks Staging Area, just past the entry booth Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wmXZJdHjPT3LuMmk9 No registration required.