Kincardine once again earns national recognition in City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge is an international, friendly competition to see who can make the most observations of nature, identify the most species, and engage the most people using bio-diversity apps and such platforms as iNaturalist.

Observations were made April 25-28 and the competition closed May 4 with the extra time used to upload and refine entries.

Huron Bruce Nature organized the event as the culminating activity of Earth Week which included daily, organized clean-ups in Kincardine led by KEAN (Kincardine Environmental Action Network) and the Municipality of Kincardine parks and recreation department.

Huron Bruce Nature members Susan Greco, Michele Gade and James Turland led guided hikes of area parks and trails Saturday morning, April 26. Participation was good despite the chilly weather.



Michele Gade (right) reconnoitres the trails in Geddes Park; photo by Christine Roberts

During the four days of surveying, 20 people made 407 observations of 177 species of plants, animals, insects, fungi, birds and amphibians. The most observed plant was Garlic Mustard and the most observed animal was the Common Garter Snake.



Susan Greco (second from left) leads a group to explore wildflowers in the Northline Extension Trail network; photo by Jim Roberts

The event produced a snapshot of bio-diversity in the Kincardine area and, hopefully, encouraged participants to explore and learn more about local nature.

When the final results for Canada were tabulated, Kincardine earned an honourable mention for having the most observers per capita for the second year running.

The organizers will continue to connect with local citizenry and hope for even greater participation in the 2026 City Nature Challenge.



James Turland (centre) leads a bird-focused walk around the Kincardine lagoons; photo by Becky Grieveson



 Kincardine earns national recognition for its participation in the 2025 City Nature Challenge