Iowans are invited to take the “TREE-mendous Iowa Tree Challenge” offered by the "Water Rocks!" statewide water education program based at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The challenge, scheduled to run Aug. 3 through 17, invites Iowans to get outside and discover the trees that grow across the state by snapping pictures of themselves with as many varieties of trees as they can.

To enter the Water Rocks! TREE-mendous Iowa Tree Challenge, follow these guidelines:

1. Get outside and explore the different types of trees found in Iowa. Challenge entries are limited to trees in Iowa.
    
2. For each unique tree species, capture a photo of yourself with the tree. In each photograph, we need to see your face and the tree. Example photos can be viewed online.
   • Different tree species within the same tree family are allowed — for example, silver maple and sugar maple count as two species. However, a silver maple tree in the park and a silver maple tree in your yard will not count as two separate species.
   • Use apps like iNaturalist, the Guide to Common Trees and Shrubs of Iowa, and ISU Extension and Outreach’s Interactive Tree Dichotomous Key to help.

Register your name, and if entering as a household, the number of members, your contact information, and upload your complete set of photos. All entries must be completed by Aug. 17 at 11:59 p.m.