The South Dakota Discovery Center is championing the project as part of its science and environment outreach.
"The goal is to document as many species as possible world wide over 11 days." says SD Discovery Center special projects director Anne Lewis. "This even includes species you find in the backyard, on school grounds or at a local park. You don't have to go into the backcountry to participate."
The project calls for technology that most people have at hand; a digital camera and an internet connection. And yes, there is a smart phone app for that through iNaturalist.org.
The Great Nature Project uses the iNaturalist site to host observations. "You don't have to know what you are uploading before you share it," says Lewis. "There is a way to tag observations to request an ID when you share it and the Great Nature Project and iNaturalist community will help. As long as the picture is relatively close and clear, someone usually has the answer."
"Participating will help you learn what plants and animals are around you," says Lewis.
People who stop in at the South Dakota Discovery Center by May 25 and say they are participating in the Great Nature Project will receive a copy of the Backyard Birds of South Dakota, published by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Park.
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| Contribute to the Great Nature Project by taking and sharing pictures of local plants, animals or fungi. |
