West Goshen and East Goshen residents will compete to see which township can document more local wildlife when the Goshen250 Nature Challenge launches Sunday, Sept. 20, at Veterans Pavilion in East Goshen Park.

The week-long contest runs from noon on Sept. 20 through noon on Sept. 27. Armed with the free iNaturalist smartphone app, participants will photograph and log plants, animals, birds, insects and aquatic life found within their township's boundaries. Each side is aiming to identify at least 250 species, a nod to America's 250th birthday.

The challenge is part of the broader Goshen250 celebration marking the nation's semiquincentennial, according to West Goshen Township's announcement. West Goshen's Sustainability Advisory Committee helped organize the event, which the Chester County Planning Commission described as contributing meaningful data to a real scientific initiative.

Sometimes called a "BioBlitz," the format asks volunteers to survey all living species in a defined area over a set time. Participants can spend 15 minutes in a backyard or several hours exploring local parks. Every observation counts.

West Goshen first teased the event with a save-the-date post on June 18 before publishing full details on Aug. 18. State Rep. Chris Pielli also promoted the challenge on his official Facebook page, describing it as a friendly competition between the two townships, each aiming to log 250 species.

Residents who cannot attend the Sept. 20 kickoff can join anytime during the week from wherever they happen to be outdoors. The iNaturalist app is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. FAQs and registration details are posted on both townships' websites at westgoshen.org/388/Nature-Challenge and eastgoshen.org/about-us/goshen-250-nature-challenge.

Upcoming community events

  • Sept. 20 — Goshen250 Nature Challenge kickoff, noon, Veterans Pavilion, East Goshen Park
  • Oct. 3 — Free stargazing party with the Chester County Astronomical Society, 7 p.m., West Goshen Community Park (no registration required; Saturn and the Andromeda galaxy on view)
  • Oct. 10 — West Goshen Fall Yard Sale (registration closed Oct. 5)