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

Saskatoon’s City Nature Challenge 2025: A Celebration of Nature, Community, and Curiosity

As the final days of Easter Break wrapped up, so did the City Nature Challenge 2025 (CNC YXE), a four-day whirlwind of discovery, observation, and community engagement. This year, Saskatoon not only embraced the spirit of Earth Month but also marked the 10th anniversary of the global initiative to celebrate biodiversity in urban spaces. Through iNaturalist, over 800 observations from Saskatoon’s citizens were logged, showing our collective eagerness to connect with and protect the natural world around us.

Our city’s journey into nature was nothing short of inspiring, sparking curiosity in everyone who ventured outdoors—from the most seasoned naturalists to first-time observers. Through the eyes of the community, Saskatoon’s wild side came alive, with photos of everything from quirky insects to beautiful blooms, all documenting the biodiversity that surrounds us. Whether it was spotting the rare Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle or the iconic Horned Grebe, every observation counted.

But let’s be real—this wasn’t just a competition. It was about something much more profound: the joy of observing nature and the power of local collaboration. Volunteers, schools, community organizations, and even the weather itself came together to make the challenge a huge success.

What the Numbers Say:
Saskatoon may not have been at the top of the leaderboard, but we more than held our own. In fact, with 874 observations from our passionate volunteers, we outpaced Niagara Falls, Kincardine, and Regina, showcasing that even in the face of our unpredictable spring weather, nature thrives in our city. These observations weren’t just numbers—they were a testament to the dedication of our community. From local families to budding citizen scientists, we saw people from all walks of life getting involved and getting their hands dirty, learning and exploring side by side.

Biodiversity Blitz and Invasive Species:
The event wasn’t just a celebration of the natural world; it also sparked important conversations about invasive species and early detection. Volunteers were keen to spot potential threats like the Anopheles quadrimaculatus, a species whose range is expanding, and this helped local scientists monitor and address environmental changes before they become bigger problems.

While some species were charmingly quirky, like the vibrant red organisms observed in the Seeing Red initiative, others—like invasive plants—reminded us of the importance of vigilance in preserving our ecosystems.

A Community Effort:
None of this would have been possible without the tireless support of our local partners:

Saskatoon Public School Division: Your outreach encouraged the next generation to be nature detectives, fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship.

Wild About Saskatoon: You helped guide us through the wonders of our own backyard, reminding us that wildness is something to be celebrated and nurtured.

Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas: Your passion and leadership drove the challenge from start to finish, ensuring the event was as impactful as it was educational.

Saskatoon Nature Society, Sask Power, Sask Tel, Sask Energy: Your unwavering support gave the challenge the energy it needed to succeed.

And to the volunteers—you are the heart of this endeavor. Each observation, each photo, each recorded sound was a small but mighty contribution to a much larger movement. Whether it was sharing a moment with a prairie dog or capturing the call of a warbler, your curiosity and commitment sparked joy, creativity, and a renewed appreciation for the world around us.

Finally, a huge thank you to the scientists and naturalists—both locally and globally—who helped identify our observations and provided expertise. Your knowledge turned our enthusiasm into meaningful data that will help us protect and preserve our environment for generations to come.

Looking Ahead:
As we look ahead to next year, we can’t help but imagine an even bigger, wilder, and more connected CNC YXE. With more community involvement, more schools participating, and an ever-growing network of supporters, the future is bright for Saskatoon’s urban biodiversity. This isn’t just about logging species—it’s about building a culture of curiosity and stewardship, where we all have a role to play in the conservation of the places we love.

So, as the City Nature Challenge ends for 2025, we’ll continue to keep our eyes open, our boots on the ground, and our phones ready to capture the next big discovery. After all, we’re not just counting species—we’re making every species count.

#CNCYXE2025 #CityNatureChallenge #BiodiversityBlitz #SaskatoonWildSide #CitizenScience #NatureIsForEveryone

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

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Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

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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!

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United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
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Let’s Bring Back Forests
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““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

Don’t Let the City Nature Challenge End Without You: Get Out, Observe, and Have Fun!

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!

_{Photo by Matthias Cooper on Pexels.com}

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′