The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is set to launch the Insects of Washington Challenge, encouraging residents to document various insect species from September 20 to October 14, 2024. Participants can easily join the initiative by downloading the iNaturalist app, where they can upload photographs of insects and track their findings. This effort aims to highlight the ecological diversity of Washington State, with residents urged to explore various outdoor environments like gardens, parks, and even household items for insect sightings. To aid community participation, the WSDA will host two educational webinars, one tailored for educators and group leaders on September 18. These sessions will provide insights on using the iNaturalist app and innovative ways to engage the public in this citizen science project.

By participating, citizens not only contribute to scientific data collection but also enhance their understanding of local ecosystems. The challenge promotes environmental awareness and encourages residents to connect with nature. Overall, this initiative represents a collaborative effort to document and appreciate Washington's rich insect biodiversity.