At iNaturalist you can record your observations from nature, learn about biodiversity, and connect with other naturalists. Get outside, then check it out!iNaturalist is a social network for naturalists! Record your observations of plants and animals, share them with friends and researchers, and learn about the natural world.

Core values

- **Conservation Impact**: iNaturalist contributes significantly to biodiversity protection by connecting people with nature, generating vast amounts of data for scientific research, and encouraging local conservation efforts. This includes monitoring biodiversity, stewarding land, and taking actions like removing invasive species and restoring native habitats[1].
- **Education and Awareness**: The platform educates users about flora and fauna, fostering a love and understanding of nature that often leads to greater conservation efforts[1][2].
- **Scientific Research**: iNaturalist data has been used in over 4,000 scientific papers, influencing policy and advocacy at various levels[1].
- **Community Engagement**: It promotes community well-being by engaging people in nature, which can have positive effects on mental health and overall quality of life. The platform also helps in building a community of naturalists who work together to protect and preserve natural habitats[1][2].
- **Minimizing Negative Impact**: While there are some potential negative impacts, such as disturbing natural areas, the overall effect of iNaturalist is seen as negligible compared to other human activities, and it often reduces the need for more invasive methods like specimen collection[2].