Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in the City Nature Challenge. Since I had a lot of work to get done, I made observations on campus. I explored the biodiversity that is present on the Waterman Green. I was able to photograph over 10 species in this area. I also made an observation outside Aiken next to the staircase that runs between the Davis Center and Aiken.
While participating in this challenge, my most memorable observation was a magnolia tree on the green. This is one of my favorite trees. The blossoms in spring are absolutely breathtaking. When I see magnolia blossoms, it has always reminded that spring is in full swing.
Lapland Azalea 
Maple 
Red Pines
Tulips 
Magnolia 
Labrador Tea
Crab Apple 
Elm 
Honeysuckles
I really enjoyed using iNaturalist. I found it easy to navigate, and also very informative. I could not identify most of my observations, so having this platform with a plethora of experts was so helpful. Within a few days, I knew what species I had observed. I found it so inspiring to see the sheer amount of observations that were made around the globe. I found it especially interesting to see the enormous amount of observations that were made in Cape Town. This just goes to show how powerful biodiversity coupled with community involvement can be in producing an ample amount of observations.
Reference
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Lapland Azalea].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Maple].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Red Pines].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Tulips].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Magnolia].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Labrador Tea].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Crab Apple].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Elm].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Honeysuckles].