Birds, Blooms and Biodiversity: Join the World Cup Nature Challenge

Published on April 06, 2026

By the Office of Communication 

As Arlington and North Texas prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup™, you’re invited to join the DFW Nature Challenge 2026. This event is a fun, free way to explore nature, contribute to real science and celebrate our region’s biodiversity.

Presented by the Trinity River Audubon Center in partnership with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, the challenge invites residents, families, and visitors to take part in community science events across North Texas this spring.

Though these scheduled DFW Nature Challenge events are not in Arlington, residents can also use the iNaturalist app to document species in one of Arlington's 100 public parks. 

Find an Arlington Park Near You

Upcoming Events

iNaturalist Weekend

April 24-26, 2026

Explore nature hotspots around Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and document as many species as you can using the iNaturalist app. Guided bioblitz events at parks and natural areas give you a chance to discover wildlife, plants, and insects alongside fellow nature explorers. Scheduled events include Moth Night at the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Bioblitz events at John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, Cedar Hill State Park and Spring Creek Forest Preserve, Mothing at Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary and an Aquatic Blitz at Trinity River Audubon Center.

Register for iNaturalist Weekend

eBird Weekend

May 8-10, 2026

Join guided bird walks and birding activities that help track bird sightings with eBird, a global community science platform used by researchers and conservationists to better understand bird populations. Scheduled events include bird walks at TRAC, Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, John Bunker Sands Wetland Center as well as plant walks and guided tree ID walks.

Register for eBird Weekend

Join a regional effort to document North Texas biodiversity and put DFW on the map in an international nature challenge. Explore the outdoors, celebrate the World Cup with purpose, and take part in a fun, meaningful experience for all ages and experience levels.

Want to learn about other World Cup news and events? Visit the City of Arlington's World Cup webpage.