Community Science with iNaturalist

Before you embark on your next adventure into the wildlands of Catalina Island, download the iNaturalist app and join the community as an amateur naturalist.

The iNaturalist app, which is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, allows the public to record, identify and learn more about any plants and animals encountered on Catalina Island or around the world. Using just the technology on your phone, you can take high-quality, georeferenced, timestamped photos of your observations. Then, connect with other naturalists on the app to crowdsource identifications, discuss your findings and further your nature knowledge.

Community science, or scientific research conducted by amateur, recreational naturalists, creates useful data that gives scientists and land managers insight into when and where organisms occur. More than 12,000 observations of more than 1,500 species have already been recorded on Catalina Island.

Help us see wild Catalina through your eyes. Head to iNaturalist.org or download the app today and start contributing to the Conservancy’s mission to connect conservation, education and recreation!