Environmental Discovery – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

The City Nature Challenge: Embracing Earth’s Wonders, One Observation at a Time

Mark your calendars, folks! From Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 27, 2025, as students and families dive into their Easter break, there’s an exciting global event unfolding locally in Saskatoon and area that promises fun, adventure, and a lot of nature-loving joy! We’re talking about the 55th birthday of Earth Month and the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge (CNC), happening from April 25 to April 28, 2025. This isn’t just any event—it’s a celebration of biodiversity, a call to action to connect with the natural world, and a chance to have a blast while doing it. 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.

So, have you downloaded the iNaturalist app yet? If not, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect opportunity to embark on an adventure of your own. Whether you’re a budding biologist or just looking to enjoy the beauty around you, the CNC is a chance to capture and catalog wild organisms with your phone. Plants, fungi, animals—if it’s alive, you can spot it and log it! And if there are signs of life along your journey, please take a picture! Trust us, you’ll be amazed by the hidden gems that lie where? In your backyard, and just beyond your backyard. And iNaturalist with its magical computer vision, helps to give you the names of what you are seeing?!?! Imagine that!

Let’s bring back memories of the past week when we talked about some of the colorful fun waiting for you. Have you ever thought about how much joy a splash of blue can bring? (Check out the “Show Us Your Blues” project on iNaturalist for some inspiration!) But wait, there’s more! Earth Month and the CNC are all about vibrant hues—how about yellow to brighten your day? If that wasn’t enough, we’ve got some red to add some fiery excitement to your observations.

And, just when you thought we were done—hold the bus!—we almost forgot about purple. Show us your favorite purple organisms! I spy with my little eye! Think of the Easter pasque flower also known as that wonderful spring flower, the prairie crocus, the American vetch, or maybe even a violet. Hmmm? Are there purple bugs? Purple birds? Purple is not only regal but also a color that adds a delightful touch of mystery to your nature walks.

Now, let’s get back to the City Nature Challenge. What is it, exactly? It’s a global event that motivates people from all walks of life to explore, discover, and document the wild organisms in their bus stops, along the sidewalks, in the parks, back yards, and neighborhoods. Heck, you can even record bird songs and cricket chirps from your open window! Whether you’re in a bustling city or a peaceful suburb, you’ll find nature is all around you, just waiting to be observed. During the observation phase from April 25 to April 28, 2025, get outside, snap photos, and upload your findings using the iNaturalist app (don’t worry, it’s free and easy to use!). From majestic trees to tiny insects, there’s so much to explore!

And here’s the kicker—this is about more than just collecting data. It’s about building a community of nature enthusiasts. It’s about connecting with each other, sharing stories of the weird and wonderful creatures you spot, and competing in friendly rivalry with other cities worldwide. It’s fun, it’s rewarding, and it’s a great way to encourage your friends and family to spend some quality time outdoors.

But wait, there’s more! Not only are you contributing to citizen science by collecting biodiversity data for future conservation efforts, but you’re also joining a global effort that’s as heartwarming as it is educational. By participating, you’re helping scientists and conservationists gain a better understanding of our planet’s precious ecosystems. And, let’s face it, there’s something magical about being part of a worldwide community working toward the same goal.

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how you can join in on the fun:

Create your iNaturalist account (seriously, it’s easy!).
Download the free app (iOS and Android available).
Head outdoors during the observation period, and start snapping pictures of all the cool critters, plants, and fungi you come across.
Upload your observations using the app and get them identified by the global community.
Help identify other people’s observations during the identification phase from April 29 to May 4, 2025. The more you help, the more you learn!

And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to contribute. The iNaturalist community is full of friendly enthusiasts who will be happy to lend a hand. Plus, the app’s built-in AI will give you suggestions for what your organism might be, helping guide you along the way.

So, are you ready to make the most of Earth Month and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge in style? Grab your phone, lace up your shoes, and let’s get observing! Whether you’re chasing after a butterfly or admiring a field of wildflowers, there’s no better time to connect with nature, share your findings, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Let’s have fun, explore, and celebrate the beauty of the wild world around us. Who knows? You might even capture a few purple moments along the way!

Come to Nature, Come to Life! …and, Whoa! There are also free events! Free events in a forest. A forest in Saskatoon. NO way, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Southern Cloudywing Thorybes bathyllus courtesy of John Flannery CC 2.0 — Wild Bergamot Monarda Fistulosa

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

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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 )

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United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
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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

Greenery Day: Celebrating Nature and Discovery

Common Yarrow Achillea Millefolium Legend: A Lower and upper part of the plant. 1 cup. 2 ray bloom. 3 tubular flower, bud with chaff leaf. 4 tubular flower. 5 stamen. 6 fruit. 7 fruit, cross section. 8. Fruit, longitudinal section. 9 stylus tip. (1-9 enlarged).

Linnaean system of classification Biological Classification Chart — Common Yarrow Achillea Millefolium Legend: A Lower and upper part of the plant. 1 cup. 2 ray bloom. 3 tubular flower, bud with chaff leaf. 4 tubular flower. 5 stamen. 6 fruit. 7 fruit, cross section. 8. Fruit, longitudinal section. 9 stylus tip. (1-9 enlarged).

On May 4th, we honor Greenery Day, a celebration rooted in the appreciation of nature, inspired by the deep connection Emperor Showa (Emperor Hirohito) had with the natural world. As a young individual, Hirohito, often described as a reserved introvert, discovered solace in nature under the guidance of his school biology teacher, Hirotaro Hattori. Hattori’s mentorship ignited Hirohito’s passion for microscopic observation and shell collections.

Emperor Hirohito’s fascination with hydrozoans became a notable part of his scientific legacy. His contributions to the ‘World Hydrozoa Database’ reveal 36 records, marking his discoveries in 1967. During a diplomatic visit to the USA, Hirohito diverted to the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory and Oceanographic Institution, where he met hydrozoan expert Howard Sanders. This encounter further fueled his interest in marine biology.

In 1971, Hirohito was recognized as a Fellow of the British Royal Society. The imperial dedication to scientific inquiry extended to Akihito, Hirohito’s son and the subsequent Emperor, who focused on Gobiidae fish investigations. Both father and son, recognized taxonomists, tirelessly cataloged Earth’s biodiversity, unveiling the mysteries of unnamed species.

On this Greenery Day, we encourage following in the footsteps of these royal scientists. Participate in the City of Saskatoon City Nature Challenge, a global initiative unfolding from April 26 to April 29, 2024, capturing the essence of the natural world. Snap pictures of plants, insects, birds, and more, fostering a shared experience of discovery.

Here we are on May 4, Greenery Day, a time of identifications! There have indeed been citizen scientists on iNaturalist credited with making new species discoveries as did Emporer Hirohito

Species Identification YouTube

As the challenge extends to species identification from April 30 to May 5, 2024, immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. The City Nature Challenge will unveil the results on May 6, 2024, contributing to the inventory of species, tracking invasive ones, and discerning changes in species ranges.

Greenery Day is not just a celebration but an invitation to explore, observe, and cherish the richness of our natural world, echoing the spirit of discovery championed by Emperor Hirohito and his son.