2026 GTM Through the Lens Challenge
Click here to go to the iNaturalist project website.
🌿 2026 Through the Lens Challenge
A Community BioBlitz in the GTM Watershed
April 10, midnight – May 10, midnight
Discover the wild side of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Watershed—one photo at a time! The 2026 Through the Lens Challenge invites everyone to become a community scientist for one month by photographing any living thing you encounter within the GTM Watershed sharing it on iNaturalist. A detailed map of the watershed is available on the iNaturalist project page. Please note that the beaches beyond the dunes are not included in the watershed.
Whether you spot a dolphin in the Intracoastal, a marsh rabbit on the trail, a blooming seaside primrose, or a tiny crab along the shoreline—your observation matters. Together, we’ll create a snapshot of life in the estuary and help scientists better understand the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone!
- Families, students, photographers, paddlers, hikers, birders, and curious neighbors
- All ages and experience levels
- Any camera is welcome—smartphones, point-and-shoots, or professional gear
You don’t need to be an expert naturalist. You just need curiosity and a way to take photos.
What to Photograph
Anything alive within the GTM Watershed during the event window:
- Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians
- Fish, crabs, insects, spiders
- Trees, wildflowers, grasses, fungi, lichens
- Even tracks, shells with living occupants, or signs of life
The photo does not need to be artistic or “perfect.” It only needs to be clear enough to help identify the organism. Everyday snapshots contribute real scientific value.
How It Works
- Take Photos (April 10– May 10)
- Photograph any living organism you see in the GTM Watershed during the one-month challenge.
- Upload to iNaturalist
- Add your photos to the project on the free iNaturalist app or website. You must join the project on the iNaturalist website for your photos to be included in the project.
- The app automatically records the date and location. You can upload photos from a DLSR or mirrorless camera through the iNaturalist website. If your camera does not capture the GPS coordinates, you will have to select the location on a map.
- Let the Community Help Identify
- You do not need to know what species you photographed.
- Other participants and expert naturalists will help suggest IDs.
What Is iNaturalist—and Why It’s So Easy
iNaturalist is a global platform where everyday people and scientists work together to identify and document nature.
- When you upload a photo, iNaturalist uses artificial intelligence to suggest possible species.
- A community of knowledgeable volunteers then reviews observations and helps confirm identifications.
- Once an observation reaches “Research Grade,” it becomes part of real scientific databases used by researchers and land managers—including those at GTM.
So relax—you don’t need field guides or Latin names. Just take the photo and let the community do the rest!
Training Opportunities
To help everyone feel confident, GTM will host free sessions at the GTM Visitor Center before the event:
- How to use the iNaturalist app
- Tips for photographing wildlife and plants for identification
- How to join the project and upload observations
iNaturalist training: April 10 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm and April 11 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at the GTM Visitor Center (505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082)
Celebration & Awards Event
Location: GTM Visitor Center (505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082) on May 19, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
After the challenge, join us to celebrate what we discovered together! Project coordinators will present awards in fun categories such as:
- 🏆 Most Observations
- 🌎 Most Unique Species
- 📸 Best Photos
- 🌿 Hidden Gem Award – coolest unexpected find
More importantly, we’ll reveal what the community documented across the watershed and how those records will support conservation at GTM.
Why Your Photos Matter
The GTM Watershed is changing with tides, seasons, and climate. By participating, you help:
- Track species diversity over time
- Document rare or unusual sightings
- Support habitat management decisions
- Inspire others to connect with nature
Every observation—common or rare—adds one more piece to the story of this estuary.
Ready to Join?
- Download iNaturalist (free on iOS, Android, or web)
- Follow the GTM 2026 Through the Lens Challenge project page
- Grab your camera and head outside April 10– May 10!
Let’s see the GTM Watershed through your lens.
Click here for help on getting started with iNaturalist.
Click here for iNaturalist video tutorials.
Please use ethical field practices while photographing.
Linda Burek Photography 