Citizen Science in Action: Discovering Native Plants Through the City Nature Challenge and Beyond

Arrive at 6:30pm to share or find native plants at the Plants x Donation table.

This will be a “hybrid” meeting, attend in-person or online.

• In person: The Gathering Center at the Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy
• Online: Please register in advance to attend via Zoom.

Presentation by Peter Hernandz and Jane Weeden
Citizen Science in Action: Discovering Native Plants Through the City Nature Challenge and Beyond

Discover how NPSOT members can harness iNaturalist (iNat) to support biodiversity and make a meaningful impact during the City Nature Challenge (CNC)! Peter will introduce iNat, exploring its powerful features, global reach, and local significance, including insights from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) data. Jane will share how you can contribute during CNC weekend (April 25–28) by documenting native plants and entire ecosystems, forming teams, and leading nature walks. Looking ahead to 2025, get involved in hands-on events, ID parties, and training sessions to sharpen your skills and help San Antonio stand out in the CNC!

Jane Weeden – Co-Coordinator of the City Nature Challenge (CNC) for the San Antonio Metro Area (2024-2025) and an iNaturalist staff member (Accounting Associate) since 2024. Jane is most known for her passion about promoting the iNaturalist mission.

Peter Joseph Hernandez – A seasoned iNaturalist user since 2015 and CNC Co-Coordinator since 2020. Peter is a member of the Alamo Area Master Naturalists and Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. A retired Senior Director in the telecommunications industry (2015), he has since dedicated himself to understanding nature and advocating for biodiversity through citizen science and iNaturalist.

Both presenters are avid photographers who continually refine their skills to document the biodiversity around us. Together, their coordination and leadership efforts in 2024 led the San Antonio Metro Area to become national champions in the City Nature Challenge and achieve 3rd place globally.

If you are attending in person, there is no need to register. However, if you are attending via Zoom, please register here before the meeting begins as late registration and entry will not be allowed. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Note: The Zoom recording will be available within days after the meeting on our  YouTube channel.