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!
Happy observing, and see you out there!
Come to Nature, Come to Life! …and there are still free events to attend – Sunday afternoon, and Monday evening!





For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
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
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Support via Zeffy
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!
Support using Canada Helps
Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
- Make it your own
- Spread the word about the UN Decade
- Let’s Bring Back Forests
- Let’s Green Our Cities
““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker









































