Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Humboldt Broncos Memorial Forest. Come to Nature. Come to Life. Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestationk Areas Inc. friendsareas.ca
This is a story about Time. Not the minutes and hours we use to schedule our lives, but Deep Time—the kind of time that moves mountains and carves provinces.
As we celebrate Geologists Day this April 5th, we aren’t just honoring a profession; we are honoring the detectives of the Earth. We are looking at the ground beneath our feet here in Saskatchewan and asking, “How did you get here?” To answer that, we have to look past the wheat fields and the living prairie and envision a world dominated by ice and cataclysm.
The Big Chill: Saskatchewan in the Pleistocene
To understand the Saskatchewan plains, you have to appreciate the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Imagine a slab of ice two miles thick sitting right where you are. It’s heavy, it’s grinding, and it’s moving. During the Pleistocene, this ice wasn’t just a static blanket; it was a sculptor’s chisel.
But the real magic happens not when the ice arrives, but when it leaves. When you melt a continental-sized ice cube, you don’t just get a puddle—you get a deluge. You get the kind of hydraulic power that can move house-sized boulders and rearrange the geography of a continent in a matter of weeks.
The Yorath Island Spillway: A Post-Glacial Firehose
Let’s talk about the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway.
There was a moment in our deep history when a massive proglacial lake—what geologists call Lake Saskatoon—was held back by a crumbling wall of ice. When that dam breached, the release of energy was staggering. This wasn’t a gentle stream; it was a high-pressure firehose of meltwater seeking the lowest path.
As this water tore south and east, it ripped through the glacial till, carving out more than one glacial spillway. This wasn’t a slow erosion over millions of years—this was a singular event. The water surged with such velocity -that of the Niagra Falls- that it scoured the landscape down to the bedrock in places, leaving behind the West Swale we see today – very visible on Satellite Maps. Yorath Island itself is a remnant, a “land-island” created by the sediment carried along by the sheer ferocity of these diverted currents.
The Legacy of the West Swale
When the water finally subsided and the great spillway went quiet, it left behind a masterpiece: the West Swale.
Today, the Swale looks like a peaceful string of wetlands and meadows, but to a geologist, it’s a “fossil” of that ancient flood. It is a long, linear depression—a scar on the face of the plains that marks where the Yorath Island Spillway once roared.
Because the spillway cut so deep, it exposed different layers of Earth’s history, creating a unique “micro-topography.” The West Swale isn’t just a ditch; it’s a catch-basin for biodiversity. The reason we have such rich wetlands and unique vegetation there today is directly tied to the catastrophic hydrology of 12,000 years ago. The Yorath Island soils aren’t from here—they are hitchhikers from the Canadian Shield brought south by the ice and dropped by the flood.
Why Earth Science Matters
Geologists Day reminds us that the “flat” Saskatchewan plains are anything but boring. Beneath the topsoil lies a high-stakes drama of tectonic shifts, glacial sieges, and massive floods.
When you stand on the edge of the West Swale this April, don’t just see the grass. See the Yorath Island Spillway in full roar. See the ice wall to the north. Feel the vibration of a billion tons of water reshaping the world.
The Earth is a book, and geology is the language we use to read it. There is so much more to reveal—so keep looking down, keep asking questions, and never take the ground beneath you for granted.
Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet
In a world increasingly defined by ecological uncertainty, the forests, meadows, and urban greenspaces around us are more than backdrops—they are living, breathing systems of resilience. YOUTUBE Voices from the Afforestation Frontlines – Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet, a four-part environmental sustainability education series organized by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., in collaboration with joint co-organizers the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Animal People Inc., Juventud Unida en Acción (JUENA), and other global partners, has illuminated this truth with remarkable clarity. Through dialogue, reflection, and community engagement, the series offered a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of conservation, ethical human-animal relationships, and sustainable urban development.
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The inaugural session welcomed three visionary leaders whose work exemplifies the deep interconnection between humans, ecosystems, and animals. Julia Adamson, co-founder of Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., shared her decades-long dedication to conserving urban and peri-urban forests, promoting biodiversity, and fostering community stewardship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Wolf Gordon Clifton, of Animal People Inc., explored the ethical, ecological, and scholarly dimensions of human-animal interactions, bridging conservation science with compassionate advocacy. Dalia F. Márquez A., CEO and founder of Juventud Unida en Acción, highlighted the power of youth leadership, sustainable community engagement, and equitable environmental action on a global scale. Their contributions framed the series in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Community Engagement in Conservation
Moderated by Frezer Yeheyis Tsegaye, Co-Facilitator of the Women Major Group at UNEP, Public Advocacy and Volunteerism Director at Friends of Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., and Women 7 Advisor for the G7 Summit, this session explored the transformative power of citizen science, local stewardship, and grassroots engagement. Speakers included:
Paul Hanley, award-winning author and co-founder of FSAAI, whose writings and advocacy span over 1,500 articles and seven books on sustainability, agriculture, and urban forestry.
Dalia F. Márquez A., co-chair of Women’s Major Group at UNEP, and founder of Juventud Unida en Acción, championing youth-led environmental awareness.
Julia Adamson, co-founder of FSAAI, highlighting urban forest conservation and citizen engagement.
Wolf Gordon Clifton, executive director of Animal People Inc., emphasizing ethical conservation and human-animal coexistence.
Madison Cooke, Prairies Regional Action Coordinator for Climate Reality, promoting local climate action and community-based ecological awareness.
This session underscored the importance of inclusive, participatory approaches to environmental stewardship, where communities are empowered to become agents of change and ecosystems benefit from collective care.
Sustainable Human-Animal Interactions
Moderated by Wolf Gordon Clifton, this session brought together an extraordinary international panel to explore the ethics, policy, and practice of sustainable coexistence with animals—wild and domestic. Speakers included:
Adeline Lerambert, International Policy Manager at the Born Free Foundation, advocating for freedom, compassion, and ethical policy for animals worldwide.
Femke den Haas, Jakarta Animal Aid Network and Ellis Park Wildlife Sanctuary, sharing field experiences of rescue, rehabilitation, and coexistence.
Isaac Maina, Program Manager for Human-Animal Coexistence at the Africa Network for Animal Welfare, emphasizing community-driven solutions that sustain ecosystems.
Julia Adamson, FSAAI, connecting urban nature stewardship with broader ecological resilience.
Dr. Kimmy Cushman, Plant Based Treaty, framing sustainable food systems as ethical and ecological choices for planetary health.
Pei F. Su, CEO and Founder of ACT Asia, advocating education and cultural transformation to instill kindness toward animals in future generations.
Tozie Zokufa, Executive Director of the Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organizations, advancing compassion-driven policy across the continent.
Wolf Gordon Clifton, guiding the discussion on the interdependence of science, ethics, and public advocacy.
Varda Mehrotra, Co-Founder of Samayu and A Just World, connecting animal welfare with equity, ethics, and global sustainability.
The session illuminated a profound principle: sustainability is relational. How we live with animals mirrors how we live with each other, and with the Earth itself. Every choice, from the forests we restore to the food we consume, ripples through the web of life.
The Role of Biodiversity in Ecological Resilience
Moderated by Dalia F. Márquez A., this environmental sustainability session highlighted the scientific, policy, and practical strategies that underpin ecosystem resilience. Speakers included:
Carmen Capriles, agronomist and sustainable development specialist with decades of experience in international environmental policy, climate governance, and civil society advocacy.
Mirna Inés Fernández, environmental engineer from Bolivia, researcher at Third World Network, and founding member of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, bringing expertise in biodiversity policy and education.
Daniel Sawadogo, political scientist from Burkina Faso, offering insights on governance and social dimensions of biodiversity conservation.
Rosalyn Kilcollins, former instructor with the Florida Master Naturalist Program, long-time environmental specialist in coastal management, and citizen science advocate.
Frezer Yeheyis Tsegaye, providing leadership and facilitation connecting global expertise to local action.
Wolf Gordon Clifton, guiding ethical reflection and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The discussions emphasized that biodiversity is the backbone of ecological resilience—urban afforestation, habitat protection, and species conservation are essential threads in a planet-wide tapestry of life. Participants explored how local and global strategies intertwine, from urban green corridors to cross-continental biodiversity networks.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
This series could not have succeeded without the vision, scholarship, and dedication of all the moderators: Wolf Gordon Clifton, Dalia F. Márquez A., and Frezer Yeheyis Tsegaye. Their collective expertise, compassion, and commitment have created a platform for actionable learning, citizen empowerment, and global collaboration.
Through their efforts, the webinars advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Each session demonstrates that the path to a resilient planet is paved not only with science and policy but with empathy, dialogue, and hands-on stewardship.
UNEA-7
In the sun-drenched halls of Nairobi, Kenya, during UNEA-7, Prince Sobere George and Dalia F. Márquez A. stood at the heart of a global convocation on our shared environment—a place where ideas, cultures, and solutions converged like rivers into a single ocean of purpose. They listened, learned, and shared, bringing home not only the stories of communities and conservationists across the world but the spark of connection that fuels change. From these encounters emerged tangible spin-offs: innovations in capacity-building, cross-continental partnerships, and educational initiatives ready to take root. One such innovation is the Capacity Building Training Program concept, envisioned as a collaborative effort with Canadian academic institutions, where curriculum development, facilitation, and participant engagement converge to empower a new generation of environmental leaders. Prince George, as program lead, in partnership with Legacy-Culture Solutions Limited (Nigeria), seeks to oversee coordination and leadership while ensuring rigorous financial, curriculum and legal compliance.
A Call to Action
As we leave the digital halls of these webinars and step into forests, meadows, and communities, we carry a renewed responsibility. Every act of stewardship—every tree planted, every species protected, every young person inspired—ripples through ecosystems, communities, and future generations. The future of our planet will belong to those who listen: to the rustle of leaves, the whisper of wings, and the subtle wisdom of all living beings. YOUTUBE Voices from the Afforestation Frontlines – Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet reminds us that the stewardship of Earth is not optional—it is essential, urgent, and profoundly interconnected.
From Insight to Action: Expanding Environmental Sustainability Through Interactive Quizzes and Global Engagement
Building on the rich insights of Voices from the Afforestation Frontlines – Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet, environmental sustainability can continue to evolve through dynamic, interactive approaches that extend learning beyond the webinar screens. One particularly effective method has been the development of online quizzes for reflection, thoughtfully designed to engage learners across different education levels and difficulty tiers. Shared widely on social media, these quizzes highlight the expertise of the series’ distinguished speakers while prompting participants to critically reflect on ethical human-animal interactions, local stewardship practices, and broader sustainability challenges.
Unexpectedly, participants reported that combining interactive tools with global perspectives significantly enhanced understanding and personal connection to environmental issues. Knowledge dissemination now flows through multiple channels: ongoing digital campaigns and quizzes, recorded webinars shared widely as YouTube videos, citizen science activities and hands-on field engagement in local environmental projects, and pre-UNEA-8 workshops and hybrid events. These efforts have already generated tangible spin-offs, including the creation of educational materials such as policy briefings, youth-led engagement programs, and interactive quizzes that collectively extend the impact of the original video series. Through these layered, reflective, and participatory approaches, sustainability learning becomes not only accessible but actionable, fostering a new generation of environmental advocates ready to implement change locally and globally.
Moving Forward
The project has generated an exciting array of spin-offs, demonstrating how local initiatives can ripple outward into global impact. Inspired by the connections and insights gained through UNEA-7, Frezer has spearheaded plans to support international environmental and sustainability initiatives throughout 2026. Central to this vision is the Rooted Coalition, a series of webinar, hybrid, and in-person events under the working title Resilience, Outreach, and One-Health: Trees, Ecology & Diversity (Rooted). This initiative aligns with the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) under The United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC, embracing the theme of transformative and equitable action for the 2030 Agenda, and seeks to strengthen multi-sector collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Key milestones include a global convening in New York on July 13, 2026, where Rooted partners will engage with international stakeholders to advance integrated solutions, and a pre-consultation summit toward UNEA-8 on September 24–25, 2026, to be hosted in either Toronto or Saskatoon. These gatherings will unite leaders in environment, health, and sustainability, promoting cross-sector dialogue and concrete strategies to accelerate ecological resilience, community engagement, and the protection of life on Earth.
The site chosen for the memorial forest is, at present, a wasteland—an abandoned parcel of land on the outskirts of Clavet. It is the kind of landscape that typically becomes a dumping ground or development afterthought: bare soil, compacted earth, no shade, no structure, nothing that might inspire care.
In other words, it is the perfect place to begin again.
Help bring this vision to life—one tree, one family, one community at a time.
The inspiration comes partly from Ontario’s Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, where millions of trees are being planted to honour fallen Canadian service members. But the prairie variant adapts this model to a harsher climate and a different emotional terrain. Here, the goal is not only to honour those who died, but to reclaim land from neglect and transform it into a space for reflection, healing, and ecological renewal.
Their vision for the Clavet Memorial Forest is multilayered:
A sanctuary for families and communities to gather, remember, and grieve. A sanctuary for remembrance, where families and communities can gather beneath a canopy of living tribute.
A greenspace for residents and travellers, especially ecotourists following the Yellowhead Highway, looking for quiet refuge.
A teaching forest, where Indigenous knowledge keepers, scientists, and students can learn from each other.
A research and education hub, where schools, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and citizen scientists can learn and collaborate.
A restored ecosystem, replacing ecological barrens with climate-resilient trees, native grasses, and wildlife habitat.
Indigenous and Métis elders come forward to enrich community collaborating on cultural and ecological storytelling for interpretive signage, tours, pamphlets.
Schools and youth groups use the forests for climate education and citizen science.
Local businesses contribute materials, equipment, and sponsorship.
Volunteers monitor species, maintain trails, and advocate for long-term protection.
A climate-mitigating carbon sink, built on principles championed by Richard St. Barbe Baker—the Saskatchewan-born environmentalist who founded the Men of the Trees and influenced global afforestation efforts.
It is a living answer to loss—a reminder that memory can take root and spread.
Add your voice, your time, or your hands to a forest that belongs to all.
Why a Forest? Because the Prairies Have Been Stripped Bare
Afforestation in Saskatchewan is neither simple nor guaranteed. These are some of the most extreme growing conditions in Canada: scorching summers, brittle winters, drought cycles that can render the soil as hard as fired clay.
Yet it is here—precisely here—that forests matter most.
Saskatchewan’s remaining native prairie represents one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Every patch of restored habitat acts as a lifeline for biodiversity: songbirds, owls, deer, foxes, pollinators, and prairie plant species that are disappearing everywhere else.
Join a community restoring hope, habitat, and heritage.
The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas know this better than anyone. Over the past decade they have advocated for two forgotten urban forests—Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park—into thriving ecological sanctuaries. They removed nearly 200,000 pounds of waste, fought for trail safety, restored wetlands and grasslands, and brought thousands of citizens into climate action.
These are not just trees. They are acts of resistance.
Be part of a prairie forest that heals the land and the people on it.
A Coalition of Care
What makes this new memorial forest remarkable is not only its ecological ambition but the breadth of those who have stepped forward to support it.
This is what community looks like—not the sentimental version promoted in political speeches, but the hard, grounded work of people choosing to care for land and each other.
Stand with us as we restore land, honour stories, and build connection.
A Future We Choose to Grow
The memorial forest near Clavet will not undo past grief. No forest could. But it will do something that is increasingly rare in the modern world: It will give grief a place to live.
A place where families can walk and remember. A place where children can learn what happened and why it matters. A place where trees grow not just upward, but outward—casting roots into a community that refuses to forget.
A correction to ecological degradation. A correction to the erasure of trauma. A correction to a cultural habit that treats tragedy as a moment, rather than a continuum.
We deeply appreciate and acknowledge all letters of support which have arrived from the RM of Blucher, the Village of Clavet, the City of Humboldt, and regional organizations. Contractors are at the ready. Businesses have expressed interest. The project hopes to secure funding by spring, plant by autumn, and grow the project for decades. When communities mobilize—when they plant, restore, educate, and refuse to forget—they do more than grow forests. They grow resilience. Perhaps the most striking element of this story is how much of it is powered by community. What emerges is not merely a forest, but an ecosystem of relationships. The project, envisioned by Project Manager René Kreutzwieser and championed by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, has gathered support from the Village of Clavet, the RM of Blucher, the City of Humboldt, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, and a growing chorus of environmental and community groups.
Its purpose is clear: To create a living memorial that refuses to let Saskatchewan forget.
In a province where the land bears so many scars, this forest will become something radical: a reminder that healing, like restoration, is a long, patient, communal act.
We cannot change the events that brought us here. But we can choose what grows in their shadow.
And in Saskatchewan, on ten acres of reclaimed earth beside a small prairie village, something living and lasting is about to take root.
Here, sorrow did not disappear. It took root. Here, memory is not a stone. It is a sapling. Here, we plant not just trees, but a new way of living with the land and with each other.
And perhaps, years from now, long after the first slender shoots push through the prairie wind, visitors will walk among the trees and understand that this is what resistance looks like—not grand, not loud, but persistent, rooted, and growing still.
Join us in growing a place where memory, healing, and hope take root.
The Memorial Forest honouring the Humboldt Broncos stands as a living place of remembrance—not only for the team members and staff who lost their lives in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus accident, but also in honour of earlier tragedies that touched the hockey community and the province. The 1986 Humboldt Broncos bus accident, which claimed the lives of players including Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, and Brent Ruff, remains a solemn chapter in Saskatchewan’s history. The 1980 Swift Current Broncos accident, which took the life of player Bryan Pergel, is remembered as well.
By naming these events openly and respectfully, the forest acknowledges that grief and resilience echo across generations. The trees become symbols of continuity—rooted in loss, but growing toward hope. The Yellowhead Memorial Forest will not erase grief. But it may transform it—into shelter, into shade, into songbird habitat, into carbon stored safely in the ground. The Memorial Forest proposes that the environment is a relationship. Relationships, unlike infrastructure, cannot simply be built. They must be cultivated. And they grow only when people insist on them.
Become a steward of remembrance, reconciliation, and renewal.
The memorial forest also recognizes that healing in Saskatchewan stretches far beyond hockey tragedies. For many Indigenous families, the impacts of the residential school system continue across lifetimes. As a greenspace dedicated to reflection, reconciliation, and connection to the land, the forest provides an inclusive setting where all forms of community healing are honoured.
Through its memorial plantings, storytelling, and shared stewardship, the forest becomes a place where the memory of the Broncos, the legacies of earlier losses, and the path of healing from residential schools can coexist—rooted in sorrow, strengthened by community, and guided by a shared commitment to move forward together.
The memorial forest will say: Here, sorrow did not disappear. It took root. Here, memory is not a stone. It is a sapling. Here, we plant not just trees, but a new way of living with the land and with each other.
And perhaps, years from now, long after the first spades of earth are turned and the first slender shoots push through the prairie wind, visitors will walk among the trees and understand that this is what resistance looks like—not grand, not loud, but persistent, rooted, and growing still.
Together, we can turn loss into legacy—and legacy into living forest.
The Clavet Memorial Forest is more than a project—it is an invitation. An invitation to honour the past, restore the land, and grow a future rooted in hope, remembrance, and reconciliation. We welcome everyone who feels called by this vision: families seeking a place of healing, educators and students eager to learn, Indigenous knowledge keepers wishing to share teachings, businesses ready to support local environmental action, and volunteers who believe in the quiet power of planting change one tree at a time.
Together, we can transform a neglected landscape into a living sanctuary—one that shelters wildlife, restores the prairie, strengthens community, and stands as a testament to resilience across generations.
Join us. Stand with us. Help this forest take root.
Every few years, Saskatoon faces a choice. Not a dramatic choice like a referendum or an election, but one that is every bit as consequential: the renewal of the City’s Strategic Plan. These four-year roadmaps may sound like bureaucratic exercises, but in reality, they determine the direction of our city—how tax dollars are spent, what priorities rise to the top, and what kind of community we are building together.
The draft 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is now open for public input. The City is asking for your voice, your perspective, your values. This is an invitation not just to review a document, but to help define the kind of Saskatoon you want to live in—and leave behind.
Why Participate?
Consider this: every time we debate road repairs versus transit investment, playgrounds versus parking – accessible playgrounds versus parking lots, climate adaptation versus short-term fixes, those decisions trace back to the Strategic Plan. It is the compass for our city, the place where vision meets budget, and where our aspirations are either nurtured or neglected.
Do we want Saskatoon to be a city that values its natural areas, that treats climate action as a necessity rather than a luxury, that balances growth with stewardship of land and water? These are the questions the Strategic Plan asks—though it will only answer them well if citizens speak up.
You have until September 19, 2025 to review the draft and complete the survey. It’s your chance to guide where Saskatoon’s resources and energies will go for the next four years.
Another Crucial Choice: Weed Management in Our Green Spaces
At the same time, the City is asking for input on a Weed Management Pilot Project. This may sound like a small matter—but it is anything but. How we manage weeds in our parks and sports fields is, in fact, a litmus test for how we manage our shared environment.
Saskatoon’s green spaces are the lungs of our city. They are where children play, where pollinators forage, where families gather, where the prairie still breathes in the midst of concrete and asphalt. Yet weeds—many of them invasive species—are spreading quickly, especially in newer neighbourhoods. Climate change only accelerates this challenge.
Did you know that climate change makes noxious invasive plants harder to control in five key ways?
Longer growing seasons give invasive weeds more time to spread and establish.
Milder winters allow more invasive plants to survive year-round.
More intense rainfall events spread invasive seeds and disturb soils where they take root.
Elevated carbon dioxide levels can actually enhance the growth rates of certain invasive plants.
These are not trivial issues. They determine whether our green spaces support native grasses and wildflowers—or become overrun by thistle and brome. They shape whether our pollinator populations thrive or decline. And they influence whether our children play in safe, welcoming parks—or in spaces dominated by neglect.
The Weed Management survey asks you to weigh in on approaches and issues related to herbicide application. Do you know anything about organics, soil improvement and naturalized xeriscaped plantings. Perhaps you have a pollinator paradise in your front yard, and you have researched herbicides.
Your input will help decide weed management choices being taken by the city for our greenspaces and sports fields.
You have until September 3, 2025 to complete this survey.
When we speak about weeds or strategic plans, what we’re really speaking about is the kind of city we want to build. Do we want a Saskatoon that is reactive, piecemeal, and short-sighted—or one that is deliberate, inclusive, and rooted in respect for our environment?
These surveys are more than checkboxes on a website. They are opportunities to align our civic choices with our highest values: care for the earth, justice for one another, stewardship for future generations.
As Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, we encourage you to take these surveys seriously. They are your voice, your influence, your role in shaping a sustainable Saskatoon.
The future doesn’t just happen. We choose it—together.
💡 And here’s a bonus! Complete the Climate Action Plan survey for a chance to win a $50 retail gift card. Survey closing August 29 – don’t miss out on your chance to provide input on the City’s climate action plan.
Beyond these City initiatives, there’s another exciting opportunity to dream big. Meewasin, together with Parks Canada, is exploring the creation of a National Urban Park in the heart of the Prairies. This park could conserve vital prairie ecosystems, provide dedicated spaces for reconciliation and cultural sharing, expand trails and programs, and protect trees and forests! Did you know that the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is in the zone?
✨ Your voice matters. Completing these surveys is quick, but the impact lasts for years. Together, we can build a Saskatoon that works for everyone—thriving, green, inclusive, and ready for the future.
Why Your Voice Matters
It’s easy to take surveys for granted, but each completed response is a powerful signal. Collectively, our feedback ensures that decisions are not made behind closed doors but reflect the values of the people who live here.
At Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, we believe citizen participation is a cornerstone of sustainability. These surveys give us a voice in shaping a city that honours its natural heritage, responds to climate change, and builds an inclusive, equitable future for all.
This is our Saskatoon. Let’s shape it together.
Strong Communities, Healthy Ecosystems: Add Your Voice to Four Important City Plans
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Out in the long grass of August, where the sun presses its heat into the soil like a branding iron and the wind moves with the low groan of age, Saskatchewan’s wetlands are still doing their quiet work.
They’ve done it for centuries — long before we gave names to their function, long before we cut fences through the marsh, or tried to drain their bellies for crops and cattle. And still, they stay. Not for us, exactly, but with us.
This year, from August 9 to 17, Saskatchewan marks the third annual Wetlands Appreciation Week, carrying the theme: Thriving Together: Wetlands and Communities — a phrase that rings both as a hope and a reminder.
A Landscape of Memory
Consider the West Swale, where the bones of ancient ice carved their story into the land. What we now call a wetland — rich with cattail, bulrush, muskrat, and frog-song — was once a glacial spillway. A restless, roaring channel creating Yorath Island, born from meltwater in the last ice age. That ghost river’s path now hosts Chappell Marsh, a jewel in the crown of the Swale. It is a place where time seems suspended in reed and reflection, and the land’s memory lies just beneath the surface.
Wetlands like this one are more than soggy ground. They’re lungs. They’re sponges. They’re cradle and coffin for countless species. And in a time when climate’s heartbeat grows erratic, these places are also something else — carbon vaults.
The Burden They Carry
Scientists will tell you that wetlands sequester carbon — that they hold it close in deep, anaerobic soils, preventing its release into the warming sky. But the way a farmer in the Qu’Appelle Valley might say it is this: “They soak up more than water.” They soak up heat, drought, and hunger. They shelter birds on thousand-mile migrations and buffer towns from spring floods that no one expected.
But what they give, they do not give without limit.
For every wetland that disappears under gravel or concrete or corrugated pipe, a thread unravels in the cloth of community. Not just for the waterfowl or salamanders or insects that lose a home, but for us — the people who live by water without noticing how it holds us upright.
A Quiet Celebration
So what does it mean to celebrate something that asks nothing for itself?
During Wetlands Appreciation Week, across Saskatchewan, please walk around a wetlands, download iNaturalist and Merlin and take part in citizen science efforts, and moments of shared learning. Communities will come together to listen — not to speeches, necessarily, but to the low thrum of the dragonfly, the dry rustle of sedge, the plop of a frog startled by a passing footstep. Children may build bug hotels. Elders may share stories of when beaver dams meant trouble, or salvation. All of it, a small way of saying: we’re still here. We still see you.
Thriving, Together
The wetlands of Saskatchewan don’t scream. They don’t split open the ground like wildfire or send towering clouds to warn us of their power. Instead, they keep holding on — thick with duckweed, water lilies, and the cool breath of patience.
And if we are to thrive together, as this year’s theme reminds us, then we must not look away from the places that ask so little and give so much. We must remember that resilience is quiet, and that the land remembers everything — the spillways, the droughts, the glacial whisper, and whether we chose to notice.
So go. Walk into the marsh. Watch the heron lift its slow wings into the heat. Breathe. And say thank you — softly, so the cattails can carry it.
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
From the Niger Delta to Nairobi: How One Young Changemaker seeks to bring Local Sustainability to the Global Stage
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In a world grappling with climate crises, waste overload, and biodiversity loss, the loudest voices aren’t always the most powerful. Sometimes, change begins with a single voice rising from the grassroots—steady, humble, and fiercely determined to be heard.
Meet Prince Sobere George, a Nigerian-Canadian climate advocate, circular economy pioneer, and recent graduate of the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS). From childhood in the oil-slicked communities of the Niger Delta to receiving a Saskatchewan sustainability award from the Lieutenant Governor, Prince’s story is a vivid tapestry of trauma transformed into action.
This December, he hopes to bring his story—and the lessons it holds—to the world stage at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya.
But this journey isn’t just about attending another global summit. It’s about reshaping the conversation from the ground up.
A Life Shaped by the Land
Prince’s early memories include the harsh reality of oil spills devastating once-lush wetlands in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Instead of being silenced by despair, he found purpose. His journey led him to Canada, where he earned a master’s degree in Regenerative Sustainability at USask, focusing on circular economy and environmental justice.
He launched SewGeorge Classic Couture, a circular fashion brand that turns textile waste into patchwork art and memory-preserving garments. In Saskatoon, he worked with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, engaging over 3,000 residents in community education. He also co-authored the City of Saskatoon’s Sustainable Sourcing Guide—making low-impact purchasing more accessible to municipalities and citizens alike.
His advocacy didn’t stop there. As Vice-Chair of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.—a nonprofit that stewards 326 acres of planted urban forest—Prince helps lead initiatives in land-based learning, biodiversity protection, and Indigenous-led climate solutions on Treaty 6 Territory.
Why UNEA-7?
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters. This year’s theme, “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”, echoes Prince’s own philosophy: sustainability must be practical, inclusive, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
“Too often, people from the grassroots are left out of global policy,” Prince says. “But we have solutions that work—ones grounded in community, equity, and innovation. At UNEA-7, I want to show the world how a kid from the Niger Delta can spark change in Saskatoon, and how both places are connected by climate justice.”
With support from Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, Prince and his team aims not only to attend UNEA-7 but to launch a global International Webinar Series in the lead-up to the event. This series will amplify voices from frontline communities—youth, Indigenous leaders, civic scientists, and waste innovators—from Canada, Nigeria, and beyond.
Inauguration during Canada’s National Forest Week (September 21–28) and Maple Leaf Day, the webinars will bridge continents and generations, building a coalition of changemakers around biodiversity, urban forests, ethical land use, and climate literacy.
How You Can Help
Prince’s trip is not funded by any large institution. As a recent graduate and volunteer leader, he’s relying on community support to make this vision real.
Donations help cover:
✈️ Travel and accommodation in Nairobi
📹 Technical support for the webinar series
📚 Presentation materials and community outreach
🌍 A voice at the policy table that centers lived experience and equity
Even small contributions have big impact:
$25 Funds advocacy and participation in UN-led dialogues.
$50 Provides materials for community engagement
$100 Contributes to International webinar hosting and virtual outreach tools.
$250 Offsets international travel, hotel accommodation and registration costs
Monthly gifts of $10–$45 sustain the webinar legacy and future participation in global events
With every dollar, donors aren’t just funding a trip—they’re investing in a future where local knowledge informs international action.
A Global Movement Rooted in Community
For the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, this initiative is a natural extension of their mission. As a small but mighty nonprofit, their strength lies in empowering “ordinary people” to do extraordinary things—restoring forests, building connections, and speaking up for a greener tomorrow.
“Prince represents what we believe in,” says Julia Adamson chair FSAAI, “a world where lived experience is valued, where youth lead with vision, and where community solutions matter.”
With enough support, this project could change how environmental decisions are made—ensuring the people who live with the consequences are also shaping the solutions.
From the Ground to the Globe
Prince puts it best:
“Change starts in our backyards. Whether it’s afforestation in Saskatoon, waste education in Nigeria, or sewing old clothes into something beautiful—this is what global sustainability looks like.”
This December, with your help, that vision will be heard in Nairobi.
Now is the time to shape Saskatoon’s climate future—together. The City is updating its climate action strategies, and your voice matters. From smoky skies to summer heatwaves and flash floods, we’re all feeling the impacts of a changing climate. This short, 9-minute survey is your chance to share how climate change is affecting you and what actions you believe the City should prioritize. Whether you’re an individual, business owner, or community advocate, your feedback will directly influence how Saskatoon tackles carbon pollution, adapts to new realities, and builds a healthier, more resilient city. Let’s take action—not just for today, but for future generations. Complete the survey by August 29, 2025, and you’ll also have a chance to win a $50 gift card!
As we face what scientists now call the Sixth Mass Extinction—a biodiversity crisis driven by climate change, habitat destruction, overexploitation, and pollution—the need for decisive action has never been more urgent! This era of silent species loss demands a comprehensive, multi‑sector response—one that cannot wait for governments alone to lead.
🌱 Individual Actions Matter
Every person has the power to make a difference—by choosing to adopt low‑carbon habits, shifting diets to plant‑based, reducing plastic waste, supporting biodiversity-friendly consumption, and advocating for conservation. These daily choices ripple outward when we share stories, mobilize social media, volunteer locally, or engage with youth climate education programs .
💼 Businesses Must Act Responsibly
Major corporations account for the vast majority of emissions. Embedding sustainability into core operations—reducing resource-intensive practices, investing in nature-positive supply chains, and supporting ecosystem conservation—is critical. Consumers and investors alike are demanding transparent, accountable business practices that protect biodiversity and the climate .
🏛 Civic Engagement & Policy Drive Systemic Change
Real, lasting progress requires strong public policies—protecting critical habitats, expanding conservation areas, enforcing anti-poaching laws, reporting on the SK TIPPS line, and supporting nature-based climate solutions. Instruments like citizens’ assemblies for BioBlitzes on iNaturalist and municipal climate plans offer democratic, science-informed pathways that empower regular people to shape climate and biodiversity strategy.
Why All Three Are Vital Together
The extinction crisis is tightly linked with climate breakdown: species loss weakens ecosystems, reducing nature’s ability to regulate carbon, water, and soil. In turn, climate change accelerates habitat changes, invasive species spread, and mass die-offs. Tackling one without the other limits our ability to survive and thrive .
Individuals plant seeds of change—literally and figuratively.
Businesses scale sustainable solutions or perpetuate harm.
Civic efforts provide the structure, accountability, and policy muscle for transformation.
When people, companies, and communities unite—through grassroots actions, responsible investment, voting, local advocacy and global solidarity—they form a powerful line of defense against extinction and climate collapse .
Final Thought
In an era where species vanish in silence and ecosystems unravel, every choice matters. Every voice counts.Every local action echoes globally. This is our chance—to stand for life, to protect the delicate web of biodiversity, and to shape a just, regenerative world.
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
A Planet in Dialogue: Climate Week 2025 from Panama to the Prairies
In the warm equatorial winds of Panama City, where the Pacific Ocean meets the tropical rainforests of Central America, the world will gather under the leadership of the UNFCCC Secretariat for May Climate Week 2025 May 19 to May 23, 2025, Under the canopy of ceibas and palms, diplomats, scientists, and citizens sit side by side—engaged in a theme as vital as the air we breathe: “Dialogues for Ambition and Implementation.” The UNFCCC Secretariat refers to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, which is the administrative and coordinating body that supports the implementation of the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.
Sign up for the virtual webinar “Accelerating Climate Solutions” with Jonathan Foley, Ph.D., Executive Director of Project Drawdown.
Sign up for the virtual webinar Extreme Heat Events: Media Communication with Impact May 29, 2025 2:00 – 3:00 PM CST with Rebecca Goulding, Ph.D. of the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health for a vital webinar on how to effectively communicate during extreme heat events.
This is not merely a conference. It is a chorus of voices—a planetary conversation. And though the stage is global, the echoes of this dialogue reach as far as the boreal edge of the Canadian prairies, to the city of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan. Here, half a world away from the Panama Canal, the reality of climate change is no longer a distant scientific projection. It is now part of the lived experience.
As glaciers retreat and weather patterns shift, the Canadian plains—once home to endless grasslands and rich carbon-storing soils—face hotter summers with forest firest, earlier springs, deeper droughts alternating with major flooding events. Yet in the face of these mounting challenges, there is hope. Not from the top down, but from the ground up.
Grassroots as Guiding Roots
In Saskatoon, a quiet revolution is unfolding.
Local organizations like Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are receiving advice. Advice to turn forgotten lands into carbon sinks, restore and protect native grasslands, wetlands, and afforested spaces once dismissed as marginal. Citizen scientists document phenological shifts in blooming times and bird migrations. Volunteers advocate for trees not just for shade or beauty, but to combat atmospheric carbon.
It is here, among these hardy community hands, that the essence of “dialogue” truly flourishes. Climate action is not solely the domain of policymakers in suits. It belongs to those who monitor spring runoff, who attend neighbourhood workshops, who teach school children and community groups to love the land. This is implementation in its purest form.
Global Ambition, Local Reality
Panama’s Climate Week aims to push forward the intergovernmental process with urgency and coordination. But such processes, though critical, risk detachment from the people most affected.
Enter local actors—those in Saskatoon who transform ambition into measurable change. Their work speaks not of pledges, but of praxis: citizen science pond dipping, advocating for native pollinators, habitats and corridors, upgrading through civic engagement and public policy campaigns supporting city plans to reflect climate resilience. These are actions that scale.
Indeed, what the international community needs is not only more agreements—but more Saskatoons. More communities where a conversation becomes a campaign. Where ambition is rooted in action, not rhetoric.
Bridging the Equator and the Arctic
So what connects Panama to the prairie? A shared vulnerability, yes—but more importantly, a shared opportunity. Climate Week 2025 encourages the showcasing of innovative solutions, and Saskatoon has many: stormwater wetlands, community carbon budgeting, green infrastructure overlays, pollinator habitats and urban afforestation.
These are not experiments. They are templates for transformation.
From Panama’s tide-fed mangroves to the Saskatchewan River Basin, the global conversation must now evolve from talk to task, from promise to plan. The lessons of the tropics must meet the lived truths of the north. And the grassroots must be welcomed to the policy table.
In the end, the Earth does not distinguish between north or south, between conference or community. It knows only the sum of our actions.
So as the world dialogues in Panama, let us all—wherever we are—listen. And more importantly, let us act.
For the planet. For the future. For the delicate, interconnected web of life we share.
SDG 13 Climate Action
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Today is Sunday, April 27 – the third day of the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) in Saskatoon! Don’t despair just yet, though; there’s still time to get involved in the fun. The great news? You don’t need to be an expert in nature or even know the difference between a squirrel and a chipmunk (we’ve all been there). All you need is your curiosity, your smartphone, and the iNaturalist app, which is your perfect companion for this fantastic outdoor adventure!
The City Nature Challenge is in full swing, and there’s no better way to spend the final day of Easter break (April 19–April 27) than with a nature hike in your own neighborhood. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned nature observer, the CNC is for everyone. And, if you’re looking for one last outdoor event to close out your weekend, the last scheduled event for today awaits you! But even if you can’t make it, it’s still the perfect day to get outside, take a walk, and discover the quirky, hilarious, and downright delightful surprises nature has to offer.
So, what should you keep an eye out for? Let me take you through a list of some of the wackiest, most amusing iNaturalist nature hike ideas that will add some serious fun to your outdoor adventure. These are just a few of the things you might come across as you stroll through the wonders of our local ecosystems:
1. The Most Unlikely Places to Find Wildlife: You’ll be amazed at where critters can show up – a frog in a tree stump, a bird hiding in a bush, or even a snail taking a nap under a park bench. Nature doesn’t play by the rules!
2. Bizarre Plant Behavior: Plants can be downright hilarious when you stop to watch them! Ever caught a sunflower turning its head to follow the sun like it’s checking in on an old friend? Or seen a plant that looks like it’s dancing in the breeze? That’s nature showing off its quirkiest side.
3. The Microbe Chronicles: Okay, so you might not see these tiny creatures with your naked eye, but don’t let that stop you! They are all around you, living in the dirt, on tree trunks, and in the water. With a little imagination, the world of microbes is nothing short of magical.
4. Wild Things Found in the Oddest Places: Maybe you’ll spot a bird perched on top of a fence post or a raccoon peeking out of an abandoned building. These are the creatures that make you think, “How did you even get there?” Nature knows no boundaries when it comes to location.
Are these not the most entertaining, unexpected, and inspiring observations you can make? The City Nature Challenge encourages you to look at the world through fresh eyes. Every rock, every leaf, and every inch of your environment holds potential for discovery and laughter.
Remember, the purpose of the CNC isn’t just to observe – it’s also to contribute to a global project that connects people to nature, to each other, and to science. By downloading the iNaturalist app, you become part of a worldwide community dedicated to documenting biodiversity. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of all those funny moments that happen during your outdoor explorations.
While students are wrapping up their Easter Break (a glorious 9-day stretch of nature-filled fun from April 19 to April 27), the City Nature Challenge presents an incredible opportunity for all of us to connect with the great outdoors, discover wild organisms, and take part in citizen science. Whether you’re participating in one of today’s events or just taking a casual hike, your observations can contribute valuable data to the global effort to track biodiversity.
But wait, there’s more!
Let’s not forget that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge AND the 55th birthday of Earth Month. That’s two monumental reasons to get involved and show the planet some love while having a great time! The spirit of these celebrations is all about embracing the unexpected, celebrating the joy of discovery, and marveling at the oddities and wonders nature has to offer.
It’s a race against time, but there’s no need to rush – you can upload your observations to iNaturalist until May 4, 2025. So, if you’re out for one last nature walk or observing wildlife in your backyard, just snap your photos and start identifying those species. If you’re unsure about what you’ve spotted, no worries! iNaturalist’s AI-powered identification tool will give you suggestions, and the iNaturalist community will help refine your observations.
Not only will you be part of an amazing global movement, but you might also discover some hilarious and heartwarming stories about the organisms you encounter. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing a chipmunk nibble on an acorn or a ladybug take a leisurely stroll across a leaf.
So, why not make the most of today and dive into one last adventure before the weekend ends? Whether you’re joining a City Nature Challenge event or simply venturing out on your own, there’s always something new to learn and laugh about in the great outdoors.
Download the iNaturalist app, open your eyes to the world around you, and let the fun begin!
Photo by Matthias Cooper on Pexels.comCity Nature Challenge CNCYXE The CNC ‘City Nature Challenge,’ CNCYXE2025 Natoona pimatshihk dans la vil in the Michif Language
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Get Ready for a Hilarious and Heartwarming Nature Adventure with iNaturalist and the City Nature Challenge!
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the funniest and most entertaining nature observations you might encounter while participating in the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE). These are just a few ideas to get you excited for the fun and unexpected moments that await you in nature:
Quirky Nature Facts: Did you know that a group of porcupines is called a “prickle”? It’s true! And so is the fact that some plants can “communicate” with each other when under threat by releasing chemicals. Nature has some seriously funny and bizarre secrets up its sleeve.
Funny Animal Tracks: Ever wonder what it would look like if a deer tried to moonwalk? (a great place for deer tracks is the afforestation areas of Saskatoon) Check out the hilarious tracks they leave behind, or the mysterious prints of creatures that seem to defy the laws of physics.
Unusual Animal Homes: From birds who make their nests in shoes to ants building homes in the most unassuming places, you’ll be surprised at what nature considers “real estate.”
Mysterious Creatures in Unexpected Places: Have you ever spotted a frog in a tree, a lizard lounging on a mailbox, or a mouse living in a garden gnome? Nature’s got a knack for surprising you with its eccentric choices of habitat.
The Fast and the Furious (Insects): Those dragonflies zooming around like they’re in a race are nature’s tiny speedsters. Who knew that bugs could give Formula 1 cars a run for their money?
Cutest Animal Faces in Nature: Some animals just have faces that will melt your heart—baby bunnies, rabbits, and even certain frogs seem to have been made to look downright adorable!
Organisms That Don’t Make Sense: The world of fungi and plants is full of creatures that seem to have no business existing—like mushrooms that look like brains or flowers that appear to be wearing little hats.
Backyard Bug Detectives: Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and investigate the oddities of the insect world. Watch ants in action or see how bees gather nectar from flowers as if they’re working on a top-secret mission.
High-Style Animals: Ever catch a squirrel with an attitude, or a bird perched so proudly that you can’t help but admire its confidence? Nature has its own fashionistas.
Unexpected Plant-Human Relationships: Have you ever noticed how some plants seem to “reach” for your hand when you walk by? Nature definitely has a way of playing games with your imagination.
Outrageously Old Trees: There’s something awe-inspiring (and a little funny) about seeing a tree so ancient it has probably witnessed history firsthand. Imagine if they could talk!
Wild Creatures from Your Wildest Dreams: Ever see something so strange that you question whether it belongs in a fantasy novel? You may just stumble upon a creature you’ve never seen before—like a bug that looks like it walked straight out of a sci-fi film.
Crazy Creatures That Don’t Realize They’re Crazy: Ever seen a bird try to sing to its reflection at the wetlands or a squirrel trying to balance an entire acorn collection in one paw? Nature’s got some seriously quirky performers.
A Garden of Goofy Plants: Ever seen a plant that looks like it’s trying to do a dance move? Or perhaps a tree that seems to be leaning just a little too dramatically to the left? Mother Nature sure knows how to get creative.
Backyard Nature Observations That Made Us Laugh: Whether it’s a lopsided flower or a mole digging a hole in your garden just to pop out and look confused, your backyard can be a source of endless entertainment.
The Offbeat Adventures of Backyard Birds: Who knew that birds could be so silly? From pigeons trying to strut like peacocks to robins making impromptu dance moves, there’s always something going on when you pay attention to the feathered creatures around you.
Nature’s Inexplicable Wonders: Have you ever wondered how the heck a plant grows through the cracks in a sidewalk? Or why certain animals seem to “arrive” in places where they definitely shouldn’t be? Nature is full of things that make us laugh, scratch our heads, and wonder.
The Best Animal Bloopers: Who hasn’t seen a bird trip over its own feet or a frog leap into the wrong pond? Nature’s blunders can be hilarious, especially when you capture them on camera.
What in the World Is That? Sometimes you’ll spot a creature so bizarre, so otherworldly, that you just have to stop and wonder: Is that a real thing? Nature is full of surprises.
Weirdest Backyard Critters: From overly enthusiastic grasshoppers to earthworms with curious personalities, your backyard is a treasure trove of strange and lovable critters.
Ready for more? There’s so much more to discover—Prankster Pollinators, Goofy Invertebrates, and The Eccentric Nature of Nature are just the beginning of your adventure.
Join the Fun with iNaturalist
Now that you’ve got a taste of all the quirky and funny things nature has to offer, it’s time to grab your phone, head outside, and let the fun begin! Download the iNaturalist app today and get involved in the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE), a global event happening locally April 25–28, 2025. It’s a chance for you to make nature discoveries, connect with other nature lovers, and even contribute to important environmental research.
The CNC is all about discovering the wild creatures and plants in your neighborhood, recording your observations, and competing with other cities to see who can document the most species. And the best part? You’ll be learning about biodiversity, sharing the joy of nature with your community, and, of course, finding moments that will make you laugh out loud.
How to Participate in the City Nature Challenge
Download the iNaturalist App – Available on both Apple and Android devices, iNaturalist lets you take pictures of wildlife, share your observations, and contribute to citizen science. You’ll even get ID suggestions from the app’s AI, making it easier than ever to identify what you find.
Observe & Record (April 25–28, 2025) – Head outdoors and start documenting the wildlife you encounter. Whether you’re in the park, at the beach, or in your own backyard, every observation counts!
Help Identify Species (April 29–May 4, 2025)– After the observation phase, it’s time to help identify the species others have found. If you have expertise, or, even if you wish to sort by plants and animals, please contribute your knowledge to make the project even more valuable.
Have Fun! – The goal is simple: Connect with nature, connect with your community, and most importantly—have fun! Whether you’re out with friends, family, or solo, there’s always something new to learn, laugh at, and celebrate in nature. And….what’s more, you can use iNaturalist all year long!
Wrapping It Up: Let the Adventure Begin
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re an experienced nature explorer or just someone who loves a good laugh, iNaturalist is the app for you. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to get outside, have fun, and join in on the worldwide celebration of nature during the City Nature Challenge 2025.
Happy hiking—and don’t forget to capture the silly moments when they happen! 🌿🐦
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 