In what’s a first for the Commonwealth, Lexington is joining more than 300 communities worldwide in this year’s City Nature Challenge. Originating in California, the Challenge involves taking pictures to document wild plants, animals, and fungi in and around urban areas.
FloraCliff Nature Preserve Director Beverly James says participation in Fayette County runs from April 30th through May third. “It really provides information about what species are present and thriving in our urban areas, but can also provide some really useful knowledge on the phenology, so you know, the timing of when things flower or when things are sort of arriving back to certain areas,” said James.
James says documenting interactions between species can be useful information for scientists. Participation in the City Nature Challenge requires downloading the iNaturalist app. The aim is to find wild nature while cultivated plants and pets are discouraged.
It’s blooming time in the bluegrass. Beverly James says spring is arriving this year with traditional timing as the first wave of wildflowers is blossoming. James says the peak spring flower season typically runs from late March to about the third week of April.
In addition to the 346 acres at FloraCliff, James says other popular viewing areas are found at Raven Run, Shaker Village, Lower Howard’s Creek, and the Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve.
Here's more withe FloraCliff Nature Preserve Director Beverly James:
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