Do you know what the plants, animals and insects are in your yard? The answer is as close as your cell phone when you become a citizen scientist using the iNaturalist app to identify them.
“There are so many plants, animals and insects in our Gillespie County region that newcomers and long-time residents may not be able to identify them,” said Jonathan Watt, president of NPSOT-Fredericksburg. “Peter’s talk is going to help everyone learn how to easily identify our flora and fauna, while contributing to the understanding of our region’s biodiversity.”
Peter Joseph Hernandez, a seasoned iNaturalist user for the past ten years, will speak at the April 22 meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT), Fredericksburg chapter. His talk focuses on how to use the iNaturalist app to document plants, animals and insects, while gaining a deeper awareness of the ecology and expanding the biodiversity around us. He adds challenges beyond our own gardens: participating in the Global City Nature Challenge 2025; initiatives like BioBlitz; adding long-term contributions to local environmental efforts.
“Since retiring from the telecommunications industry in 2015, I have devoted myself to understanding nature and advocating for native biodiversity,” said Hernandez, a Global City Nature Challenge Coordinator representing the Greater San Antonio Area. “I’m looking forward to explaining how iNaturalist can be used in your own backyard, along with upcoming events that everyone can participate in even if you’ve never used the app before.”
Hernandez is an avid user of iNaturalist and an active member of NPSOT-San Antonio, serving on the Native Landscape Certification Program Committee. He has co-coordinated the City Nature Challenge for the San Antonio Metro Area since 2020, which includes Gillespie County and 11 other counties. In 2024, the Global Bioblitz saw participation from 690 cities across 51 countries. Through teamwork and strong leadership, the Greater San Antonio Area ranked 1st nationally and 3rd globally in flora and fauna observations.
Hernandez is also a member of the Alamo Area Master Naturalists and the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, specializing in Earth-Kind practices, composting, and vermicomposting techniques and presentations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.
This will be a great program for all ages interested in learning how to use iNaturalist. Our monthly presentations are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). Doors open at 6:30 for social time.
The public is invited to attend in person or via online streaming (https://www.youtube.com/@fredericksburgtexasnativeg4884). More information is online at Facebook (@fbgtxnpsot),and Instagram (@npsot_fredericksburg_chapter).
