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
When I went to the woods, it was not to escape, but to engage—to meet Nature on her own terms, to inquire, observe, and bear witness to the great pageantry of life that unfolds quietly, daily, under our very feet. And it is with this same spirit that I beckon you, dear reader, to take part in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Big Backyard BioBlitz from July 28 to August 4, 2025.
This is no idle stroll nor fleeting pastime. It is an invitation to return to the elemental—to become a student once more of the chickadee, the wild strawberry, the tiger beetle, and the trembling aspen. The BioBlitz, now in its fifth year, is a great gathering of curious minds and earnest hearts. It calls upon citizens of field and city alike to explore, observe, and record the living things that share their corner of the Earth.
The poet listens; the naturalist records. In this endeavor, you shall do both.
Equipped with nothing more than a keen eye and a modest tool—a camera or a smartphone—one may walk the familiar trails with new intention. Each beetle scuttling over a stone, each moss-covered log, becomes a chapter in the great, unwritten natural history of this land. iNaturalist, the platform upon which your sightings will be shared, becomes your ledger, your field book, your connection to a nation of fellow observers.
There is no wilderness too small. A backyard garden, a roadside ditch, a lakeside thicket—all are cradles of life deserving of our gaze and our gratitude. For who is to say where wonder resides? It may well be that the caterpillar inching along your front porch holds the secret to tomorrow’s ecological insight.
By lending your eyes and ears to the BioBlitz, you become part of something vaster than yourself. You contribute to a living library of knowledge that helps scientists track shifting species ranges, identify rare and endangered flora, and take the pulse of ecosystems under pressure.
But perhaps more than data, what you collect is reverence.
This weeklong celebration is not merely scientific but soulful. It reminds us that we are not separate from nature, but of it. That to know a place is to love it. And that true conservation begins not only in grand protected parks but in the wild patches of our own daily lives.
So, wander slowly. Look closely. Listen deeply. Let the chickadee instruct you in cheerfulness, and the milkweed in patience. And in these humble acts of noticing, become again part of the wild family of life.
As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” During the Big Backyard BioBlitz, may you discover both.
Join the BioBlitz: Sign up today and become a steward of wonder from July 28 – August 4, 2025. Ready, set, snap!
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) Autumn colour of foliage CC3.0 Stan ShebsThe Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) Autumn colour of foliage CC 3 Walter Siegmund
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
American Crow Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA iNaturalist Observation with smart phone connecting with nature, supporting vital conservation research worldwide.SmartPhone nature Photo using the free iNaturalist app
Did you know that here in Saskatoon, on the very first day of the City Nature Challenge, in these early spring months with amazing temperatures, we already had 188 observations of organisms, spotted 94 different species, with the help of 30 identifiers and 21 keen observers? What an incredible start — and it’s all thanks to everyday heroes like you who are stepping outside and tuning into the world around them. What a great time to be outside connecting to nature!
Now it’s your turn to join the adventure! 🌎✨ Download the free iNaturalist app and be part of this exciting global event. Every photo and sound you record — whether it’s the cheerful call of a Robin, the sweet song of a Meadowlark, a busy ant on the move, a fluttering butterfly, a playful squirrel, or the delicate shimmer of a spider web — helps scientists, conservationists, and our whole community understand and protect the biodiversity we treasure.
Be the voice for nature today, Sunday, and Monday (April 28)! Together, we can celebrate Saskatoon’s wild side and show the world just how vibrant our corner of the Earth truly is. 🌿📸🎶
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible supporters: SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, the Saskatoon Nature Society, and Wild About Saskatoon. Your generosity and commitment to environmental stewardship make events like the City Nature Challenge possible. Together, we are fostering a stronger connection between people and the natural world, inspiring a new generation of nature lovers and citizen scientists. Thank you for helping us celebrate and protect the beauty that surrounds us!
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
Springtime in Saskatchewan brings new life, and what better way to celebrate the season than by getting outside and exploring the fascinating world of spots in nature? As Easter break overlaps with the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE 2025), taking place from April 25 to April 28, 2025, we’ve got the perfect way to reconnect with nature—by documenting the incredible wildlife and plants around us!
The Spotty Challenge The City Nature Challenge isn’t just about discovering all the amazing wildlife in our area—it’s about contributing to a global effort to protect biodiversity. Today, right now, we’re focusing on one quirky theme: Spots. From ladybugs to leopard frogs, birds to beetles, there are countless organisms in Saskatchewan that sport spots in some form. Even leaves with egg spots count! We invite you to think about which organisms in your neighborhood have those signature markings and share your findings with the world.
When you think of “spots” in Saskatchewan, what comes to mind? Perhaps you’ll find lady beetles, Northern Flickers, or even the distinctive markings of a Northern Leopard Frog. Look closely at the plants and fungi around you too—there’s a lot more to spots than meets the eye. We’re all eager to see what you discover and share with the CNC community.
Species at risk: Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo) butterfly depends on buckwheat host plant. Gray Comma Butterfly Spring Polygonia progne
The City Nature Challenge 2025: Celebrate Nature and Earth Month
The CNC YXE 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge and the 55th birthday of Earth Month. What better way to celebrate than by being part of a global movement dedicated to documenting and understanding nature? During Easter Break, while you’re enjoying some time off from school or work, step outside with your smartphone and explore. Use the iNaturalist app to record and photograph wild organisms you find—whether in your yard, at the bus stop, along the sidewalk, or in local parks. Every contribution adds to our understanding of local biodiversity and supports conservation efforts worldwide.
How to Participate
Create an iNaturalist account: The iNaturalist app is your main tool for documenting wildlife. It’s easy to use and helps you track your observations while contributing to a global database.
Download the iNaturalist app on Apple or Android.
Need help getting started? Check out the iNaturalist tutorial to learn how to upload your observations and make the most of the app.
Join the CNC YXE 2025 Project: By joining the City Nature Challenge project, you’ll receive updates and be able to monitor how we’re doing compared to other communities. You can even check out observations from around the world and track our progress in real time.
Observe & Upload (April 25–28): The observation phase of the CNC will run from April 25–28. Go outside and find as many wild organisms as you can—be they plants, fungi, animals, or even critters with spots! You can upload your photos to iNaturalist and contribute to global biodiversity data.
Help with Identification (April 29–May 4): Once the observation phase ends, the identification phase begins! Help identify species by reviewing observations made by others. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned nature enthusiast, there’s always something new to learn and contribute. Not sure what something is? Don’t worry! iNaturalist’s computer vision can assist in making suggestions.
Why Should You Participate? The CNC is more than just a fun outdoor activity—it’s a chance to connect with your local environment, build a community around nature, and make meaningful contributions to global conservation. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature as a family during the Easter break! Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned naturalist, there’s always something new to discover.
Plus, the competition is friendly! The CNC fosters a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging people from all backgrounds to join in and contribute. Whether you’re at home or on a nature walk, your observations will help paint a picture of the incredible biodiversity in our area.
Let’s Make This Year’s CNC the Best Yet! As Saskatoon and surrounding areas enjoy their Easter break from April 19 to April 27, now is the perfect time to step into nature and start documenting. From backyard bugs to birds in the sky, spots are everywhere—and we want to see them all! Share your findings, join the global conversation, and help us celebrate both Earth Month 55th birthday and the City Nature Challenge’s 10th birthday.
Don’t forget to tag your observations with the #CNCYXE2025 and #spotty to share your spotty discoveries and help us show the world just how vibrant our local biodiversity really is!
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
Picture this: You’re strolling through your neighborhood or hiking along your favorite nature trail, when suddenly—WHAMMO! You spot a plant that looks almost like a superhero wearing a cape, an insect that’s clearly been taking its morning coffee a little too seriously, or a bird trying desperately to blend in with a tree. What do you do? Whip out your phone, snap a pic, and upload it to the iNaturalist app, of course! Welcome to the quirky, comical, and totally unpredictable world of wildlife observation during the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE)!
This year’s City Nature Challenge (April 25–April 28, 2025) is coming up, and trust us—this is your golden opportunity to connect with nature in the most fun and hilarious way possible. The CNC isn’t just about collecting data on wildlife—it’s about celebrating nature’s weird, wacky, and wonderful quirks. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or just someone who loves a good laugh, iNaturalist will take you on a wild ride through some of the most hilarious and heartwarming nature moments you’ll ever encounter.
The Comedy Show that is the Natural World
Let’s be honest: Nature is weird. But that’s what makes it so awesome! Here are just a few of the wacky and hilarious observations you can find to take a photo of while using iNaturalist during your hike:
Camouflage Champions: These animals are so good at hiding that you’ll almost miss them—unless you’re really paying attention. A leaf bug? A stick insect? Or that one lizard who believes it’s a rock? These are the masters of disguise, and they always get the last laugh.
Nature’s Comedians: Ever seen a bird looking absolutely outraged as it attempts to scare off a squirrel that’s way too confident? It’s nature’s version of slapstick comedy, and it’s hilarious.
Flying Creatures with Attitude: We’re talking about the kind of insects that strut around like they own the place. You might come across a ladybug throwing shade at a butterfly, or a bee that’s just a bit too full of itself. Get ready for a face-to-face with nature’s diva insects!
The Case of the Quirky Mammals: Ever wondered if squirrels are secretly plotting world domination? Or if raccoons are trying to figure out how to open your trash cans just to mess with you? Let iNaturalist help you uncover these hilarious animal secrets!
Organisms That Shouldn’t Be Alive: Find something so bizarre, so oddly shaped, you’ll swear it’s from another planet. From mushrooms that look like they belong in a cartoon to plants that seem to be giving you the side-eye—nature is full of surprises.
Sticky-Fingered Critters: Ever see an animal with paws that seem to grab everything in sight? Watch out for critters that leave nothing untouched, like raccoons or squirrels. They’ll snatch your sandwich in a heartbeat—and leave you laughing in the process.
Funny Faces in the Fungi Kingdom: Fungus isn’t just for biology class. Some of them actually look like they’re making funny faces at you! Who knew mushrooms had so much personality?
Celebrate Earth Month with iNaturalist!
But wait—there’s more to the fun! Not only will you encounter the hilarious wonders of nature during your City Nature Challenge adventures, but you’ll also be part of something bigger. This year marks the 55th birthday of Earth Month AND the 10th Anniversary of the City Nature Challenge! That’s right—two amazing milestones for both celebrating and preserving the world’s biodiversity. What better way to get involved than by joining this epic event from April 25–April 28, 2025?
Not only will you have a blast capturing the goofy side of nature, but you’ll also be helping to collect valuable data that scientists can use to protect the environment. And guess what? Your observations, hilarious or not, help document species in your area and contribute to global biodiversity efforts. Bonus points if you manage to get a picture of a tree that looks like it’s trying to do a dance move.
Easter Break + Nature = Fun!
Got students on break? The Easter holiday (April 19–April 27, 2025) is the perfect time for them to get outdoors and explore nature through iNaturalist. It’s the kind of hands-on learning experience they’ll remember for years. From giggling at unexpected wildlife encounters to feeling the thrill of spotting something as wild as a beetle doing a victory dance, the City Nature Challenge offers fun and education.
A Nature Scavenger Hunt like No Other
Ready to get started? Here’s a fun list of wacky, cool, hilarious, and wonderful Nature hike scavenger ideas to watch for that are bound to tickle your funny bone and spark your curiosity during your nature hikes:
Camouflage Champions
Nature’s Comedians
Weird and Wacky Wildflowers
Superhero-like Insects
The Case of the Quirky Mammals
Best Sideburns in the Animal Kingdom
Unexpected Garden Guests
Green Monsters – the plants around us
Flying Creatures with Attitude
Organisms That Shouldn’t Be Alive
Most Mischievous Insects
Wildlife Who Don’t Know They’re Beautiful
The Almost Extinct Mammals of Your Neighborhood
Animals Who Think They’re Plants
Gigantic Fungus Sightings
Unlikely Pairs: Inter-species Friendships
Wildlife Photobombs and Laughs
Animals – Masters of Disguise
Epic Plant Fails
The Great Insect Races
Edible or Not – Fun Nature Food Finds
Tree-plant Relationships: A Love Story
Scavenger Hunt for the Weirdest Organisms
Kooky Creatures of the World
Odd Birds Doing Odd Things
Plants with Purposefully Picky Preferences
Uncommon Amphibians Doing Uncommon Things
Sticky-Fingered Critters
Backyard Jungle Adventures
Funny Faces in the Fungi Kingdom
Weirdest Worms Ever
Predators with Personalities
Mystery Animals of the Day
Bizarre Bugs – An Entomologist’s Dream
Extreme Animal Behavior
The Silly Side of Nature
Wonderful Weirdness in Plant Life
Funky Fruits and Vegetables
The Unseen World of Backyard Nature
Join the Fun with iNaturalist
So, what are you waiting for? Download the iNaturalist app today and start exploring the hilarious, quirky, and inspiring world around you. The City Nature Challenge is the perfect way to get involved, have fun, and make memories this Earth Month while celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the CNC. Who knows what wacky nature discoveries you’ll make—one thing’s for sure: you’ll have plenty of laughs along the way! Get ready to go wild! 🌿🐾🌍
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
If you think a walk in the park is just a walk in the park, think again. Imagine being out in nature, and instead of simply passing by the usual suspects – birds, trees, and flowers – you’re discovering bizarre, hilarious, and downright quirky creatures that are just waiting for you to spot them. Well, that’s where iNaturalist comes in. Whether you’re an experienced nature enthusiast or just someone who loves a good laugh, iNaturalist is your new best friend for fun-filled, sometimes wacky, outdoor exploration!
Let’s face it: the natural world is filled with endless surprises, and a simple nature hike can turn into an adventure full of laughs, discoveries, and, of course, some serious “what in the world?” moments. And this April, as we celebrate the 55th birthday of Earth Month and the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge (April 25 – 28, 2025), there’s no better time to step outside and start your own journey of discovery.
Why iNaturalist?
Imagine you’re strolling through a meadow, and you spot a flower that’s not quite like any other – it’s vibrant, it’s strange, and it’s demanding to be admired. Now, imagine having the power to instantly identify that flower, learn its scientific name, and share your discovery with a global community of nature enthusiasts. That’s iNaturalist for you – a brilliant app that lets you document, identify, and explore the wonders of nature, all while contributing to science. It’s as simple as snapping a picture of your find and letting the app and its user community help you figure out what it is.
The Fun of iNaturalist: Hilarious Nature Hike Ideas
While observing nature for the City Nature Challenge, you’ll encounter the usual suspects like plants, animals, and fungi. But here are a few quirky, hilarious, and delightful ideas you can look out for on your hike – the kinds of observations that will leave you giggling and possibly even questioning how weird and wonderful the natural world truly is.
Not Your Average Wildlife Photography: Forget perfect wildlife shots – capture the hilarious moments when an animal is mid-sneeze or caught in a very awkward pose. (Hey, it’s not all about the majestic lion shots, right?)
The Gross but Cool Initiative: Let’s be real – sometimes nature is gross, but that’s exactly what makes it cool. Think slime molds, creepy crawlers, or fungi that look like they belong in a science fiction movie. Gross? Yes. Cool? Absolutely.
Splendid but Strange Wildflowers: Nature’s flowers are wonderful, but have you ever noticed those oddball wildflowers that don’t quite fit in? The ones with colors that seem to have been picked from the wrong palette, or petals that look like they were designed in a different dimension.
The Most Ridiculous Roadside Flora: You know that random plant growing on the side of the road that looks like it’s trying a little too hard to impress? (please be careful around traffic) Maybe it’s overachieving with a bit too much purple, or perhaps it’s flaunting a bizarre leaf arrangement – either way, it’s ripe for a photo!
Funky Fungi of the Day: Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and some of them look like they belong in a cartoon rather than the forest floor. Keep your eyes peeled for the most bizarre fungi you can find – there’s always something funky lurking beneath the leaves!
The Weird World of Water Bugs: If you’re lucky enough to spot some water bugs in action, be prepared to be amazed by their aquatic acrobatics. These little creatures scuttle across water with such style that you’ll wonder if they’re secretly training for a water bug Olympics.
Superheroes of the Animal Kingdom: Ever wondered which critters have their own superpowers? Look no further than ants lifting 50 times their body weight, or birds that can communicate across miles with their calls. Nature is full of underappreciated superheroes!
Stuffed Animal Mimics: Some animals are so good at camouflaging that they look like stuffed animals. You’ll laugh when you find one that’s pretending to be a log or a rock—nature’s ultimate game of “Hide and Seek.”
The Antics of Ants: Ants are always up to something, whether they’re having a heated argument over food or forming impressive highways across the ground. Their teamwork is so impressive you might start rooting for them like they’re your favorite sports team!
Mammals Who Never Quite Got the Memo: Ever come across a squirrel who doesn’t quite get the whole “forage and store food for winter” thing? Instead, it’s the kind of mammal who seems to think, “I’m just going to hang out and look cute while everyone else works.”
Flying Insects with Impressive Skills: From dragonflies who perform aerial stunts to butterflies that flutter around like they’re auditioning for a ballet, these flying creatures are putting on a show. Don’t forget to capture their artistic flair!
Weird Wildflower Sightings: Sometimes, wildflowers seem to grow in the oddest places – like between cracks in the sidewalk or on the side of a busy highway. These resilient little blooms can be found in the most unexpected corners, and they deserve to be celebrated!
The list goes on! There’s no shortage of hilarious, quirky, and downright heartwarming discoveries you’ll make when you’re keeping your eyes wide open in nature. And the best part? You can share them with the world using iNaturalist, and you might even learn a thing or two about the plants and animals around you. iNaturalist has a magical Vision Recognition Technology to provide suggestions to you about what organism you have observed, and the naming of same!
The City Nature Challenge (CNC) – Let the Adventure Begin!
The City Nature Challenge (April 25 – 28, 2025) is not just a time to observe nature; it’s a global event that’s all about having fun while learning and contributing to citizen science. You’ll have the chance to discover and document as many wild species as you can – from insects to fungi, to the plants and animals that call your neighborhood home.
There are even four free events coming up for the CNC YXE to help you get involved, learn more, and connect with other nature lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned citizen scientist or a first-time adventurer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
And with Earth Month coinciding with this milestone anniversary of the City Nature Challenge, it’s the perfect time to dive into the celebration, have fun, and contribute to a global initiative that encourages us all to get outside, observe, and document the amazing world around us.
How to Participate
Create an iNaturalist Account: Download the iNaturalist app (available for both Apple and Android), and start documenting the species you find during the City Nature Challenge.
Observe & Record: Between April 25 – 28, 2025, get outdoors and capture the incredible wildlife in your neighborhood. Record your findings using iNaturalist and share them with the global community.
Help Identify:After you’ve uploaded your observations, help others by identifying their species between April 29 – May 4, 2025. It’s a collaborative effort to make our biodiversity data as accurate as possible.
Ready to Start?
Don’t wait! Download the iNaturalist app today and get ready for a fun-filled nature hike like no other. Whether you’re out in the wild or exploring your backyard, the City Nature Challenge gives you the chance to discover the weird, wonderful, and downright funny side of nature. The world of organisms is just waiting for you to explore, and we can’t wait to see what you discover!
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. 