Planning the Project
An iNaturalist activity works best when it has a clear focus and engaging format. Choosing a theme can guide observations, while selecting the right tool ensures accessibility for different levels of experience. Deciding on a format and offering small incentives can turn biodiversity monitoring into a shared challenge that is fun, inclusive, and meaningful for employees.
Choose a Theme
This might be general ('What lives near our workplace?') or more specific:
- Nature in unexpected places
- Forgotten or unnoticed species
- Seasonal change and migration
- Signs of Spring
- Urban pollinators
- Fungi in autumn
- Worksite biodiversity challenges or opportunities
Identify Possible Formats
- Lunchtime or weekend BioBlitz
- 'Car park safari' challenge
- Month-long species spotting leaderboard
- Individual uploads
Incentivise
- Offer low stakes prizes (e.g. a plant, book, or coffee voucher)
- Highlight standout contributions through internal newsletters, or posters
- Offer the chance to join a follow-up nature walk or biodiversity workshop as a reward for active involvement
In this video Lindy Binder discusses how iNaturalist can help people learn about biodiversity in their surroundings:
Supporting and Engaging Your Team
To help employees get started with iNaturalist, it is useful to provide some basic guidance and create a social element around the activity. Guidance can cover both the technical side of using the app and the creative opportunities it offers for reflection and connection.
Basic Guidance
Provide a short demo or guide to help colleagues:
- Learn to use the app (either independently or via a team session)
- Understand what kinds of things to observe (plants, insects, fungi, birds, moss, lichen)
- Stay safe and respectful when observing nature
Create a Social Element
- Set up a shared board, chat group, or physical noticeboard for people to post their favourite finds
- Invite people to interpret or narrate their observations ('What do you think this tree has seen?')
In this video Lindy Binder explores how iNaturalist can connect teams working in different places:
