Naturalist November 2026
A month long challenge for all those interested in the natural world, everyone is welcome!
There are two challenges to join in on, some of which have prizes you can win.
Note that as of this moment, all prizes provided for this event comes from Desiree Zhuk and no other affiliate.
The iNaturalist Challenge
Anyone who has a phone and goes outside can join this challenge. The goal is to use the Seek App and iNaturalist website to record as many plant/animal/fungi species observations as possible throughout the month of November.
How To Join:
Create a iNaturalist Account
Join the Naturalist November 2026 Project
Download the Seek App (owned by iNaturalist)
Pair the app to your iNaturalist Account in settings
Go outside and record your observations! Don’t forget to hit the “post to iNaturalist” button when you do. Your observations will automatically be added to the project, only for the month of November.
The users that win first place in “Most Observations” and “Most Species” will be awarded $50 respectively!
Winners will be contacted through their iNaturalist account within a week of the event being over.
The Artist Challenge
Open to any and all artists, this is a month-long art prompt challenge designed to help you get creative ideas and practice your craft. Any medium allowed: traditional pencil, pen, paints, sculpture, sewing, written works, welded metal, glass blowing, etc. If you can create it, then join in. All skill levels welcome! There is no prize for this challenge, other than your own satisfaction in your creations and the community we build together in this event.
To join just use the prompt list below to create something daily and post it online using the #naturalistnovember and #naturalistnovember2026 hashtags so everyone can see it!
Naturalist November 2026 Prompt List (typed up)
1) Local endemic species
2) Moss vs Lichen
3) Freshwater aquatics
4) Small herbivores
5) Arthropod
6) Elasmobranch
7) Historical species
8) Bioluminescent
9) Invasive species
10) Favorite fungi
11) Drought tolerant
12) Marine mammals
13) Tundra species
14) Microscopic
15) Something that slithers
16) Wetland species
17) Something huge
18) A pretty shell
19) Dry climate
20) Fluffiest friend
21) Detritivore
22) High elevation
23) Something slimey
24) Tropical species
25) The deep seas
26) Feathery friends
27) Cryptic species
28) Carnivores
29) Insects that fly
30) Your favorite species!