The Unseen World Challenge invites participants to explore subtle and easily overlooked signs of life such as lichen, spider webs, fungi, and small hidden habitats found in everyday surroundings. Participants photograph their discoveries and use iNaturalist or Seek to reveal the biodiversity supported by even the smallest urban spaces.

Rather than searching for obvious wildlife, participants focus on miniature life and ecological interactions. Through careful observation and digital documentation, they discover that biodiversity exists in unexpected places, including within human‑built environments.

Build close observation and attention‑to‑detail skills

Recognize micro‑ecosystems and hidden biodiversity in everyday environments

Develop scientific curiosity about urban and built environments

Learn to use iNaturalist or Seek as tools for community science

Practice photographing and documenting species indicators

Adaptable for all ages and well suited for intergenerational programming.

Anyone (13+) can participate independently with iNaturalist. Those under 13 may prefer Seek, which provides real‑time identifications without requiring accounts.

Introduce the concept of the unseen world and provide examples of small‑scale biodiversity such as fungi, lichen, spider webs, and micro‑habitats.

Participants explore independently or in small groups, examining bark, walls, rocks, fences, cracks in pavement, and other textured surfaces for subtle organisms and ecological clues.

Participants upload photographs to iNaturalist or save images taken with Seek. Conclude with a group discussion about surprising discoveries and how tiny ecosystems thrive in built environments.