The iNaturalist community provides a wealth of resources for its members! Here are a few to get you started.
Resources for Observers
Getting Started on iNaturalist
1-1/2 Minute Video iNaturalist Tutorial
10-minute Intro Video to the DC Area City Nature Challenge
Webinar: iNaturalist 101: Exploring Biodiversity at Home (50 minutes, recorded April 2020)
Webinar: Exploring Nature with Kids: Virtual Learning with iNaturalist & Seek (50 minutes, recorded April 2020)
Webinar: How to Take Quality Photos for iNaturalist (82 minutes, recorded April 2020)
How to Take Good Photos for iNaturalist–Pocket-sized guide
More Ways to Observe Year-Round
Biocubes
A great way to focus attention on a small area! In 2015, the Smithsonian Institution measured the biodiversity in a cubic foot across a variety of environments around the world. Background
Biocube project on iNaturalist
Resources for Identifiers
3-Minute Video on Identifying Observations
Identify CNC-DC 2020 Observations (Log in to iNaturalist first) Practice identifying! Here are all of the observations that still need ID help. To quickly scroll through observations, click on one and then use the right arrow key to reach the next. See keyboard icon in lower left corner for other keyboard shortcuts.
Webinar: City Nature Challenge Virtual ID Party (108 minutes, recorded April 2020)
We covered tips & tricks on species identifications, as well as using iNaturalist desktop functions to play to your natural history strengths (even if you feel you have none!) Ready to identify? Here are the observations from our region that still need ID help.
Monthly Virtual ID events: We host monthly Zoom meetings (second Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm) convening DC-area iNaturalist users to focus on increasing our identification skills. We learn about special topics such as galls, the mustard family, and pollinators, and sometimes we have work sessions to work on ID’s in our area. Join our Google Group to receive notices about upcoming ID nights!
Resources for Teachers, Parents, and Event Leaders
Schools, organizations, and pods can set up special projects for their members. Join our Google Group for tips & tricks and to connect with other leaders!
City Nature Challenge Education Toolkit
National Geographic Webinars on Bioblitzes
Exploring Nature With Kids recorded webinar from April 2020
iNaturalist and the CNC for Scouts recorded webinar from April 2021