Nature observation marathon

On this page, you can register your observation area for the 2026 Nature Observation Marathon.

Registration of observation areas is open

• for public observation areas with activities: from 20 February until 30 April 2026;
• for public observation areas without activities: from 20 February until 31 May 2026;
• for private areas: from 20 February until 31 May 2026.

Please read the registration instructions before entering your observation area.

Registration instructions

Observation Area Name
Please name the observation area after the Place Name. The University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden reserves the right to specify the observation area name if necessary.

Description
A brief description of the observation area. Specify if it is located near any facility (nature center, hiking trail, etc.) that would make the public observation area easy to locate. Provide a brief description of whether it is a forest, meadow, swamp, park, home garden, or another habitat. You can also read the frequently asked questions section for information on choosing an observation area.

Drawing the Observation Area
Unfortunately, the observation area drawing button does not work on a mobile phone. Please draw the boundaries of the observation area on a computer or laptop.
Enlarge the map so that you can start drawing the planned observation area. Click on the drawing button (Polygon tool) on the right side of the map view. To outline the area on the map, click to start drawing, and double-click to finish.

Type of Observation Area

Public Observation Area with Activities
The observation area has a coordinator responsible for activities and serves as a contact person for observers, contributing to communication to attract participants.
The observation area should allow observations for 24 hours (ensuring access to the observation territory) but it does not need to be non-stop action. Participants can visit the area during the time they feel fit for them or when certain guided nature observation tours are taking place.
The observation area has at least one specialist to assist in identifying certain groups of species.
At least one nature education event, lecture, or similar activity is organized at the observation area.

Public Observation Area without Activities
The observation area has a coordinator who serves as a contact person for observers.
The observation area should allow observations for 24 hours (ensuring access to the observation territory) but it does not need to be non-stop action. Participants can visit the area during the time they feel fit for them.

Private Property Observation Area
The contact person for the observation area provides information to the organizers about the observation point.
The observation area is on private land with no public access.

Additional information
Kaarin Hein
Project manager
kaarin.hein@ut.ee

Margit Hirv
Coordinator of marathon areas
margit.hirv@ut.ee

Area Registration

Registered Areas