Be Your Own Botanist is a relaxed and community‑friendly program that pairs an indoor mini lecture with an outdoor guided biodiversity walk. Participants learn about local conservation issues and use iNaturalist to document real species observations that contribute to community science.

This program is designed for adults and older teens and works especially well as an after‑hours offering or a collaboration with environmental groups. The program begins indoors with a short lecture from a guest expert, followed by an outdoor guided walk focused on observing and recording species using iNaturalist.

Learn about local biodiversity challenges and conservation priorities

Understand invasive species and native pollinator roles

Use iNaturalist to contribute to community science

Strengthen observational and ecological literacy skills

Build connections between community spaces and environmental health

Ideal for adults, community groups, environmental clubs, and after‑hours library programming.

Welcome participants, introduce the guest naturalist or speaker, and provide an overview of the program. The speaker presents on a local biodiversity theme such as invasive species, native pollinators, habitat health, or stewardship practices.

Move outdoors to explore nearby natural areas. The guide highlights species, ecological relationships, and conservation challenges while participants observe and photograph species.

Meet at an agreed upon indoor location to upload observations. Possible refreshments. Facilitate discussion about findings, interesting species, and how these observations support local conservation and community science efforts.