ecological data – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

Saskatoon’s Wild Stats

Saskatoon’s Wild Stats: How Earth Month and Citizen Science Are Turning Clicks into Conservation

iNaturalist Connect with nature for the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and Area Défi nature urbaine hosted by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc

It starts with a snap.

A beetle on a bike path. A flowering weed near a schoolyard. A mystery bird flitting through a suburban backyard. These fleeting encounters, photographed by citizens armed with smartphones, are revolutionizing science from the soil up—and Saskatoon is leading the charge.

Let’s talk numbers. Because Earth Month in Saskatoon isn’t just a feel-good calendar square anymore. It’s become a data goldmine, a real-time pulse check on biodiversity thanks to one powerful tool: iNaturalist.

In 2021, only five Saskatonians took part in the “Where’s Waldo” Nature Connect challenge. Just five. But they submitted 464 observations, which sparked 109 identifications and confirmed 144 species. Not bad for a pandemic year. Fast forward to April 2023, and participation exploded. The City Nature Challenge saw 1,154 observations of 309 species by 148 observers—almost a 30-fold increase in human engagement.

It’s not just quantity. It’s the quality of the science.

These community sightings feed directly into global biodiversity databases. The AI-powered computer vision on iNaturalist suggests identifications, but it’s the humans—like the 142 identifiers in 2025’s Earth Month survey—who validate and enrich the data. This combo of artificial intelligence and community intelligence creates a living map of life on the prairies.

And let’s not forget the 2023 June BioDiverCity Challenge. A jaw-dropping 2,130 observations. Seven. Hundred. Twenty-eight. Species. From fungi to foxes, lichens to ladybugs. That’s not just a list—it’s an ecological manifesto.

Then there’s the detective work: in 2025, Saskatoon citizen scientists weren’t just celebrating biodiversity—they were reporting the bad guys. Observations of noxious invasive species were shared with iMap Invasives SK, while sightings of species at risk were flagged to the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre. It’s like CSI: Nature.

Even the species ranges are shifting. In 2025, local observers documented species scientists hadn’t seen in Saskatoon before—possible climate-related expansions that opened up conversations with researchers around the world. Talk about breaking news from a butterfly wing.

And here’s the kicker. While Saskatoon’s 2025 Earth Month stats clocked in at 881 observations and 301 species, it was powered by only 72 observers. That’s fewer people than a packed city bus—but look what they accomplished.

So next Earth Month, if someone tells you a single photo can’t make a difference, show them the numbers. Show them what happens when you empower regular people with a smartphone, a curious mind, and a few spare minutes.

Turns out, a snap really can change the world.

Canada Goldenrod-Solidago canadiensis- courtesy hedera.baltica

Biodiversity Blitz: Saskatoon’s Wild Side Gets a Standing Ovation

We came. We saw. We bio-blitzed.

The City Nature Challenge 2025 rolled through Saskatoon like a prairie storm—fast-moving, eye-opening, and, if you listened closely, filled with the sounds of citizen scientists shouting “I think that’s a tiger beetle!” while fumbling for their phones.

And now, as the data trickles in and the final identifications are confirmed, it’s time to put away the binoculars, un-mud the boots, and say two very important words:

Thank you.

Because this wasn’t just a weekend event. It was a symphony of collaboration—a grassroots crescendo of curiosity, care, and community. And if we’re applauding nature, we’d better be applauding the people who helped us find it.

Let’s start with the spark: Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, the nonprofit environmental charity that took the wheel and drove CNC YXE 2025 straight into the hearts and minds of this city. These folks didn’t just sign up. They initiated the challenge. They were the ones in the trenches weeks—months—before the first warbler was spotted, crafting social media campaigns, issuing rallying cries, and putting pamphlets into the hands of teachers, trail-goers, and weekend wanderers.

Their mission? To turn every citizen into a scientist. And guess what? It worked.

They wrote educational articles. They distributed nature guides. They printed field sheets that turned families into field teams and schoolkids into species sleuths. Through workshops and social posts, press releases and posters, they did the thing that seems impossible in today’s digital chaos: they got people to look up from their screens and into the woods.

But they didn’t do it alone.

Enter the mighty partners of CNC YXE 2025. The Saskatoon Nature Society, with their deep field knowledge and uncanny ability to ID warblers from a single tweet. SaskPower, SaskTel, and SaskEnergy—thank you for plugging in to something bigger than the grid. Your support didn’t just keep the lights on; it lit up the entire nature-loving network.

Wild About Saskatoon brought the soul. You reminded us that “wild” is not something scary to be tamed—it’s something magical to be welcomed.

And the Saskatoon Public School Board—heroes of the future. You handed the next generation a magnifying glass and said, “Go explore.” That’s how naturalists are born. That’s how lifelong wonder begins.

And now let’s talk about the volunteers.

These are the people who kneel in the grass, who flip over leaves, who whisper to birds and squeal at spiders. The ones who stayed up late uploading observations, who battled bugs while logging beetles, who probably now dream in Latin species names. You are the reason this challenge was a success. You are the backbone of discovery.

And let’s not forget the identifiers—those generous, sharp-eyed naturalists around the world who turned our blurry caterpillar pics into solid science. Your keen insights and willingness to share your knowledge took this from “Hmm, what’s that?” to “Wow, it’s an Anopheles quadrimaculatus! And it’s a range expansion—we should flag it!”

That’s the magic. This wasn’t just about pretty flowers and charismatic critters. It was also about early detection. It was about spotting invasive species before they become ecological bullies. It was about mapping biodiversity—warts and all—and using that knowledge to protect what we love.

In total, hundreds of species were logged. Thousands of observations made. And perhaps most importantly, countless people fell in love with the natural world all over again.

Because when you stop to observe a beetle, you start to see the system. You start to see that even the smallest life has a role, a function, a place in the web. And that awareness? That’s the first step to stewardship.

So let’s raise a metaphorical glass (of native prairie tea, perhaps?) to everyone who showed up. To those who organized, to those who observed, and to those who identified. You made CNC YXE 2025 not just a scientific event—but a citywide celebration of curiosity.

And as for next year?

Let’s do it again. Bigger. Wilder. Even more connected. Because this isn’t just about logging species. It’s about remembering that we are part of something alive, something intricate, something beautiful—and that the story of Saskatoon’s wild side is still being written, one photo, one observation, one “Wow!” at a time.

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook 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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

BlueSky Social

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Biodiversity Blitz: Saskatoon’s Wild Side Gets a Standing Ovation

It’s official—the numbers are in, and Saskatoon, you’ve outdone yourselves.

As the sun rose and fell over four days of nature-inspired curiosity, a wave of boots hit the ground, lenses zoomed in on wings and petals, and a chorus of chirps, buzzes, and croaks filled the air. The City Nature Challenge 2025—our region’s own biodiversity bonanza—delivered a brilliant snapshot of life on the land, in the skies, and beneath our feet.

Let’s talk numbers, because they tell a wild story. 72 observers made 874 observations of 300 unique species, backed by the sharp eyes of 139 identifiers from around the globe. That’s not just a headcount—it’s a celebration of the diversity we live among every single day.

A Bite from the Unexpected

Among the many highlights, one encounter raised eyebrows and perhaps pulses. Melissa Clawson, a sharp-eyed vector ecologist with a soft spot for mosquitoes, identified a game-changing moment: the Anopheles quadrimaculatus, also known as the North American Malaria Mosquito. Yes, you read that right—a species with a storied past in disease transmission made its presence known in Saskatoon. This find could mark a noteworthy range expansion for the species, and it’s a powerful example of how citizen science can uncover emerging ecological stories.

Familiar Faces, Prairie Darlings

Not all our finds were ominous. Some brought pure delight that spring has arrived. Take Pulsatilla nuttalliana, the Prairie Pasqueflower, with its violet blooms ushering in spring like a prairie poet laureate. Or the ever-endearing Turdus migratorius, the American Robin, whose cheerful call reminded us that even our most common neighbours are essential threads in this ecological quilt.

Quietly at Risk

But this year’s challenge did more than entertain—it informed. Several species documented during the blitz are species at risk, painting a more sobering but essential portrait of our shared responsibilities.

The Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle (Chilocorus stigma)—a striking, tiny beetle with a superhero name—was spotted twice. A beneficial predator of scale insects, its numbers have been in decline elsewhere.
The Togwotee Harvestman (Togwoteeus biceps)—rare, reclusive, and just plain weird—was observed twice as well, a haunting reminder of how much we still don’t know about the understory.
The Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus), whose red eyes and slick profile belie its vulnerability, surfaced in local waters.
Spring Cankerworm Moths (Paleacrita vernata) made a strong showing, their understated appearance belying their ecological role—and, in some areas, their precarious future.
Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus)—those iconic silhouettes—remind us of the success of conservation efforts, and the thin line they walk.
And let’s not forget the Red-tailed Mining Bee (Andrena erythrogaster), a pollinator whose presence is as hopeful as it is vital.

Even flora had their moment. Rough Fescue (Festuca hallii), a hallmark of healthy native grassland, stood proud. American Elm (Ulmus americana) and Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), which face threats from disease and invasive pests, were also logged. Their inclusion in the dataset is a quiet plea for protection.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the army of community scientists and nature nerds—armed with smartphones, hand lenses, and a love for the wild. But let’s shine a spotlight on those who made the whole thing happen.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, a nonprofit environmental charity, didn’t just participate—they launched this year’s CNC YXE 2025 campaign. From designing educational pamphlets and creating social media buzz to rallying the public and coordinating the effort, their tireless organizing made this event sing. Their voice echoed across Saskatoon—”come see what’s out there!”—and people listened.

And it wasn’t just them. Heartfelt thanks are also due to Sask Power, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, the Saskatoon Nature Society, the Saskatoon Public School Board, and Wild About Saskatoon. Your support turned curiosity into community, and data points into stories. You and all the countless volunteers and citizen scientists helped make sure that each photo snapped, each bird spotted, each beetle discovered, added up to something much larger—a moment of connection between a city and its natural surroundings.

So here’s to the moss-covered, the many-legged, the winged, and the wild. Saskatoon, you showed your true colours this year—and they’re vibrant, rare, and absolutely worth protecting.

Let’s do it again next year.

American Crow Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook 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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

BlueSky Social

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

The Final Day of City Nature Challenge YXE: A Nature Lover’s Last Call!

Today is Monday, April 28, and while it marks the final day of the City Nature Challenge YXE 2025, don’t despair! The clock may be ticking, but there’s still time for one last big adventure out in the wilds of our city. The last official event of the challenge is tonight, but even if you can’t make it, you can still get outside and enjoy the extended daylight hours that spring has so graciously granted us. After all, sunset won’t happen until around 8:30 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to catch a glimpse of nature doing its thing, and there is plenty of songs from nature to be heard after that!

Spring is in full swing, and as you head out, your trusty iNaturalist app will be there to document everything you encounter. Whether it’s a surprising wildflower sprouting by the sidewalk or an odd insect making a swift getaway, every moment is an opportunity to connect with the natural world. This week has been about more than just collecting data – it’s been a celebration of the quirks, humor, and wonderful surprises of nature. Who would’ve thought that urban wildlife could be so hilarious and downright delightful?

So what have we learned from the last few days of observing? Let’s get into some of the wildest and wackiest observations you might make out on your final hike:

The Case of the Lazy Bumblebee: If you’ve ever seen a bumblebee just hanging out on a dandelion, not buzzing about like usual, you might wonder: Is it napping? Maybe. Is it too full from all that nectar? Quite possibly. That adorable bumbling friend might just surprise you by being totally chill – it’s a nature mystery that’s both perplexing and endearing!
The Lurking Squirrel Conspiracy: Squirrels are everywhere, but have you noticed their absolutely theatrical behavior? One minute they’re darting up a tree, the next they’re freeze-frame statues on the lawn. What are they up to? Squirrel shenanigans are an ever-present source of entertainment. Are they plotting? Are they rehearsing for an Oscar-winning performance? You decide.
When Trees Talk Back: Ever look at a tree and wonder if it’s judging you? No? Well, next time you stand beneath a towering pine or elm, take a moment to appreciate the sheer majesty. You might catch yourself thinking, If I were that tree, I’d probably be considering my options for the next 50 years. Nature doesn’t just grow, it observes.
The Accidental Frog Parade: Springtime is when frogs make their grand entrances. A quick hop across a muddy trail and suddenly, you’ve discovered the amphibian procession you didn’t know you were looking for. Tiny frogs, big frogs, frogs with questionable jumping skills – they’re all part of the show. And remember, those little guys love to croak back at you when you least expect it!
Unlikely Plant Companions: Nature doesn’t follow our rules – and that’s what makes it so charming. Sometimes, you’ll find a fern nestled comfortably inside the root system of a tree, or a rogue moss patch thriving on a mailbox post. No one asked for this plant party, but the world of flora is showing us just how much fun it can have when it does its own thing.

These are just a handful of the hilarious, heartwarming, and awe-inspiring surprises that await when you spend time outside – whether you’re in your backyard or trekking through one of Saskatoon’s vibrant parks. The City Nature Challenge isn’t just about the science; it’s about the joy of discovering what’s around us. Every leaf, every chirp, and every twitch of an animal is an invitation to pause, observe, and enjoy.

Don’t forget – this event is more than just a competition. It’s a worldwide effort to bring us closer to the biodiversity right under our noses, and to celebrate the creatures that we might overlook in our everyday lives. Download the iNaturalist app, take a moment to observe the world around you, and get involved in this citizen science adventure. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into recording, remember: Every observation counts!

So, what are you waiting for? There’s still time to make one last observation (or four) and share it with the global iNaturalist community. Whether it’s a flower, an insect, or an unknown little critter, take a photo, upload it, and let your findings contribute to the beautiful, often hilarious tapestry of life. Who knows? Maybe your observation after it is identified, will be the next viral sensation in the iNaturalist world!

As we wrap up this year’s City Nature Challenge YXE, remember to keep the spirit of exploration alive. And remember, you can use iNaturalist all y ear long! There’s no better time to appreciate the wonders of nature than now. Whether you’re on a nature hike or just enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, keep your eyes wide open – because the world is a lot more fascinating than you might realize.

Let the laughs, the discoveries, and the adventure continue! 🌿🌸🐦

Come to Nature, Come to Life! …and there is one more evening free event!

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:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook 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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

BlueSky Social

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Seeing Red: Colorfully Attired Organisms in the City Nature Challenge!

Picture this: You’re standing in a field, playing the classic “I spy with my little eye” game, and there it is—something red. Maybe it’s a flash of fiery color in the sky. Or a little critter with a crimson touch. Red, it turns out, is everywhere in nature, and when you’re out in the wild, there’s a lot more to this color than just its appearance.

Red is often linked to boldness and danger, but also to beauty, vibrancy, and sometimes a touch of mystery. When you think of red in nature, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s a male woodpecker, rocking a bright red tuft atop its head. Or maybe it’s the lady beetle, decked out in its signature scarlet shell. How about the red and blue checkered beetle? It’s like a walking party on six legs. And we can’t forget the endless sea of red flowers—petals as rich as rubies, filling the air with a scent of spring and hope.

But hold on, there’s something even more mind-blowing waiting for you—have you ever seen the slime molds of Saskatchewan? If you’re picturing an otherworldly, gooey creature, you’re absolutely right. These slime molds are living pieces of art, with fiery red hues that are impossible to miss!

Now, here’s where it gets even cooler. As we gear up for the 2025 City Nature Challenge, you might just want to channel your inner explorer and keep an eye out for red organisms as you roam the wild. In fact, there’s a special project on iNaturalist that might just spark your interest: the Red List Project.

What’s the Red List, you ask? Well, it’s a collection of species that are in conservation concern, species you’ll want to keep a special eye on as you walk through the natural world. By participating in this project, you’re not only admiring the vibrant reds that nature has to offer, but you’re also contributing to global efforts to protect these at-risk organisms (which may or may not be red). It’s a simple way to make a huge difference while enjoying the color-filled adventure that nature always provides!

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is more than just a chance to spy some red—it’s an event that motivates people to connect with nature and engage in citizen science. From April 25–28, 2025, you’ll be able to head outdoors, snap pics of any wild creatures, and upload them to iNaturalist (or Seek) to help catalog biodiversity across the city. This isn’t just about spotting creatures with red markings; it’s about gathering valuable data that can be used to help protect our planet’s biodiversity.

So, how can you get involved? First, create an iNaturalist account and download the app. Whether you’re using iNaturalist or the Seek app, you’ll be able to easily log your observations and help identify species in your area. After all, the CNC isn’t just about observing; it’s also about identification, and everyone—yes, even you!—can contribute to the global database of biodiversity.

While you’re out there, make sure to join in on the red fun by looking for those red-clad critters and plants. Whether it’s a brilliant red flower or a beetle with an eye-popping red shell, your observations are valuable. You’ll be amazed at how many red organisms are hiding right under your nose, waiting for you to discover them.

The City Nature Challenge isn’t just about observing wildlife; it’s about connecting with others, building community, and learning together. It’s about making science accessible to everyone and having fun while doing it. Plus, you’ll get to track your progress and see how your city stacks up against others in this global event. Don’t worry, there’s no need to be overly competitive (unless you want to)—this is about having a blast with some friendly competition!

As for the Red List Project, every organism you record helps build awareness and create a safety net for endangered species. It’s a fantastic way to contribute to conservation efforts while also diving deep into the beauty of nature.

So, next time you’re outdoors, remember to keep an eye out for red. It’s everywhere! Whether you’re spotting a crimson beetle or a blooming red tulip, every red observation you make is a step toward understanding and protecting the world around us.

Happy red seeking, fellow nature enthusiasts, and don’t forget to share your finds with the City Nature Challenge! Come to Nature, Come to Life! …and there are free events!