Participants will use the free phone app iNaturalist to survey and identify species at sites as a part of the City Nature Challenge. No experience is needed, but participants will need to download the app and make an account in advance.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park features more than three miles of trails pass that through forests, prairies and oak woodlands. If you are quiet and lucky, you might catch a glimpse of rare animals such as Northern red-legged frogs and Western gray squirrels. Young visitors can explore a nature-inspired playground, and adventurers with wheelchairs can enjoy a three-fourths-mile loop trail.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park also features a demonstration garden with colorful, low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly plants. From bountiful blossoms, to fabulous fall foliage and dancing grasses, the plants in this garden are all great looking, easy to grow and support wildlife, and they won't invade natural areas. Gather ideas here for planting your own natural, pesticide-free garden at home or check out the Cooper Mountain garden guide for plant ideas to help you maximize the growing conditions of the area's climate. Open for self-guided visits during park hours unless otherwise posted.
