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Headline: Pokémon Go for Plants! City Nature Challenge 2026 

Graphic by Aleks Avram

Summer 2016 saw Pokémon Go take the world by storm, becoming a global phenomenon. Millions of players took to the streets, phones in hand, searching for virtual Pokémon that appeared in the real world through augmented reality technology. 

Now imagine that same sense of adventure applied to the natural world. The City Nature Challenge invites participants to slow down and discover plants and wildlife they might otherwise overlook. 

The City Nature Challenge is a global event where participants document and share photos of local plants and wildlife. This year, Rollins College is hosting its own competition within the global event. Any Rollins student who participates and records at least 25 observations is automatically entered to win prizes, including free tickets to Leu Gardens and sustainable items. 

The steps to join are as follows: 

  1. Sign up for an iNaturalist account.  
  1. Join the project called “City Nature Challenge 2026: Orange County.”  
  1. Start collecting photos of local plants and wildlife.  

The event will take place from April 24 to April 27. 

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the environment, the City Nature Challenge offers an opportunity to connect with the community, contribute to scientific data, and observe Orange County from a different perspective.  

All information can be found on GetInvolved.     

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