The biggest game of the year isn’t just on the football field—it’s in the wild. Troy University is officially competing in the Marble Bowl 2025, a statewide iNaturalist competition where Alabama universities face off in a biodiversity challenge.

From August 30 through November 30, Team TROY is calling on students, faculty, alumni and nature enthusiasts across Alabama to help capture the state’s incredible biodiversity and bring home the win.

Hosted through the iNaturalist platform, the Marble Bowl is a friendly competition where participants record wildlife observations across the state. By snapping photos of wild plants, animals, fungi and other organisms and uploading them to iNaturalist, participants help their university score points with unique species and unique observations. Note: only wild organisms count, no captive animals or cultivated plants.

“This is more than a competition,” said Dr. Alvin Diamond, biology professor and director of the arboretum. “It’s a chance to discover Alabama’s biodiversity, engage in citizen science and showcase Trojan pride.”

Anyone can join Team TROY, no biology degree required. To participate, download the free iNaturalist app or sign up at inaturalist.org/signup. Search for the project, Marble Bowl 2025 – Troy University, then join and begin making observations.

Consisting of 75 acres of native habitats, over seven miles of walking trails, more than 500 identified plant species and a pond system, TROY’s arboretum is the perfect place to get started.

“We have an incredible opportunity not only to compete, but also to deepen our appreciation for the natural world right here in our own backyard,” he said. “The arboretum is a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to contribute, whether you’re making your very first observation or you’re already an experienced naturalist. It’s a living classroom where people can see firsthand the rich variety of plants, animals and fungi that call Alabama home.”