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The Identification Phase Has Begun: Let the Fun Begin!

It’s Tuesday, April 29, and do you know what that means? It’s the first day of the Identification Phase (April 29 – May 4, 2025) of the City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2025! Exciting, isn’t it? After days of exploring, observing, and snapping photos of everything from tiny insects to towering trees, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the next step. This phase is all about connecting virtually with the vast diversity of life around us, helping identify species from the comfort of your own computer. Trust me, it’s just as fun as the nature hikes themselves!

Now that the observation phase is over (though you can still upload until May 4, 2025), it’s time to embrace the hilarity and joy of iNaturalist’s identification process. The community in Saskatoon has shared some wonderfully quirky, funny, and downright charming photos and sound recordings of the wild creatures and plants they’ve encountered on their outdoor adventures. And you’re invited to join in the fun! Grab your cup of tea, open the iNaturalist app on your computer, and start identifying the species. You’ll be greeted by a variety of mysterious and amusing observations that will make you chuckle and appreciate the wonders of nature even more.

What’s in Store in Phase 2: Identification

You know what makes the identification phase so exciting? It’s the endless array of surprises. From a dog-like squirrel looking a bit too smug to an unusually blurry picture of a bird that you swear could be from another galaxy, the phase is filled with quirky observations and unexpected moments. But beyond the laughs, identifying these species is a crucial step in documenting the biodiversity of our city.

Here are just a few hilarious and fun observations you might encounter while identifying species:

The Insect with a Dramatic Pose – You’ve found what seems to be a harmless grasshopper, but wait… this one has positioned itself in a dramatic stance. Is it auditioning for a Broadway show? Who knows, but it’s definitely got character.
The “Mysterious” Blob – A blob on the ground that looks suspiciously like a piece of discarded candy, but as you zoom in, you realize it’s actually a species of fungi. Nature always has a way of keeping us guessing!
The Comedic Critter Sounds – Sometimes, the most entertaining moments come from the audio recordings that users share. You’ll hear everything from what seems like a squirrel arguing with itself to the haunting trill of a frog that sounds like it’s giving a TED Talk.
The Overly Enthusiastic Bumblebee – That bumblebee buzzing around the same flower, refusing to leave, may be doing its best impersonation of an enthusiastic intern trying to impress the queen bee. It’s these small details that make observing nature so delightful.
The “Mystery Plant” That Looks Like a Different Kind of Plant – A picture of what’s clearly a plant… but is it a thistle, a sunflower, or something new altogether? Sometimes you’re left scratching your head, but that’s the magic of iNaturalist! With the app’s computer vision helping, the guesswork can often lead to some fun revelations.

The iNaturalist Adventure: Fun, Learning, and a Sense of Community

One of the best things about being part of this identification phase is the sense of community it creates. As you identify plants, animals, fungi, and more, you’re not just participating in an individual activity—you’re joining a global movement. The City Nature Challenge connects nature lovers, citizen scientists, and experts from all over the world. And you? You’re right at the heart of it, making a difference in local biodiversity documentation!

And you can also offer a welcome message to those starting out on iNaturalist! How amazing is that to be an ambassador of good will and good cheer!

Every time you hit “Agree” on an identification at the highest level of your expertise, or offer your own expertise to help others, you’re contributing to an invaluable global database that can be used for science, conservation, and education. And, it is OK, to suggest plant, grasses, mammal or animal as the highest level, as that is a huge help! As you identify these species, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when an observation is marked as “Research Grade”—a badge of honor!

And hey, it’s also about the laughs. If you haven’t yet, check out the iNaturalist community’s responses to some of the strangest and most amusing nature observations. You’ll be amazed by the creativity, humor, and camaraderie shared among users as they share their knowledge and experiences in the identification process.

A Little Help from AI

Not sure what you’re looking at? Don’t worry! iNaturalist has a fantastic computer vision feature that helps suggest possible species based on your observations. Sometimes it’s spot-on, sometimes it’s hilariously off—one time it thought a photo of a tree was a bat! But either way, it’s a fun tool to experiment with. Don’t be afraid to add your own guesses if you think you know the species, the genus, or if you just want to say “lepidoptera” – an order of winged insects which includes butterflies and moths – each time you see a caterpillar. Then, you will get to meet those experts! And remember, there’s no wrong way to learn.

Ready to Help?

You don’t need to be an expert to contribute. iNaturalist’s platform is built for everyone. Whether you’re identifying a common backyard plant or something rarer, there’s always an opportunity to learn something new. And if you’re familiar with a particular species, you can bring your expertise to the table, helping those who are just getting started. Plus, it’s always exciting when an expert comes in to confirm the final species ID, adding an extra layer of excitement and credibility to the discovery.

What’s Next?

We’re wrapping up the City Nature Challenge on May 4, 2025, with the Identification Phase running until then. Global results will be announced soon after, on May 5, 2025, but for now, there’s plenty of time to get involved. Open iNaturalist, and dive into the world of discoveries! You’ll help expand the scientific understanding of local wildlife, all while having fun and getting a few laughs along the way.

So, if you haven’t already, sign into iNaturalist on your computer the same way as signing into your smart phone app and start identifying! The discoveries you make might surprise you, and who knows—you might just find the next celebrity squirrel or dramatic mushroom posing for its close-up! Hints and tips video

Let’s Identify, Have Fun, and Celebrate Nature

With the City Nature Challenge well underway, this phase is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Earth Month and contribute to a global citizen science project. Whether you’re identifying plants, animals, or fungi, every click brings us closer to understanding our natural world. And hey, who doesn’t love sharing a laugh along the way?

Ready to get started? Grab your laptop, sign into iNaturalist, and let the nature fun continue! Let’s make the world of nature just a little bit more fun and exciting.

Frequently used Responses

Frequently Asked Questions

How I Make Identifications

Identification Etiquette on iNaturalist –

Identification for beginners

The magic of George Genereux Park, City of Saskatoon at RM of Corman Park 344 boundary — Mosses

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

Unlocking the Power of iNaturalist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Identifications and Joining the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge

Welcome to the exciting world of iNaturalist! Are you ready to unlock the power of citizen science and join the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge? In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make identifications on iNaturalist and contribute to this thrilling event happening from May 2 to May 7, 2023. Together, we can make a difference by uniting as a team, networking with fellow nature enthusiasts, and learning about the biodiversity in our city and surrounding areas.

Making identifications on iNaturalist may seem daunting at first, but fear not! We’ll walk you through the process and provide you with some tips and tricks to get started. Whether you’re a seasoned iNat user or a beginner, we hope this article will inspire and motivate you to contribute to the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge.

SmartPhone nature Photo using the free iNaturalist app — CNCYXE2023

Tip 1: Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes As Lynn Harper, an experienced iNat user, wisely said, “You might make a mistake, but so what? I make mistakes, all humans make mistakes, and perfect beings aren’t allowed to join this project anyway.” So, don’t be afraid to make identifications and contribute to the iNaturalist community. You’re not going to break iNaturalist, and even experts sometimes struggle with identifications. Embrace the learning process and have fun!

Tip 2: Ask for Help If you’re unsure about an observation or need assistance with identification, don’t hesitate to ask for help. iNaturalist is a supportive community, and there are many experienced users who are willing to lend a hand. You can leave a comment on journal posts, send a private message to fellow users, or mention them in a comment on an observation by adding the “@” symbol followed by their iNat username. Don’t be shy – networking and collaborating with others is part of the beauty of iNaturalist!

Tip 3: Filter, Filter, Filter With millions of observations on iNaturalist, filtering is your best friend. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of observations, use filters to narrow down your focus. You can filter by species, location, date, and many other criteria to find observations that match your expertise and interests. This will help you make more accurate identifications and make progress on your identifications.

Step-by-Step Process Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making identifications on iNaturalist.

Choose Your Tab: iNaturalist has two main tabs for making identifications – the Explore tab and the Identify tab. You can try both and see which one you prefer. They are similar in many ways, so choose the one that works best for you.
Apply Filters: Start by going to the iNaturalist Explore page (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations) and click on the gray “Filter” button on the upper right. Here, you can specify your filters, such as observations that need identifications, observations from a particular location, or observations of a particular taxonomic group. Experiment with different filters to find the observations that interest you the most.
Review Observations: Once you’ve applied your filters, you’ll see a list of observations that match your criteria. You can choose to view them in different formats, such as a map, a list, or a grid. Lynn Harper recommends using the grid view, as it provides thumbnails of the photos that are large enough to see most of the details.

Step 4: Use Field Guides and Online Resources

If you’re not familiar with the species you’re trying to identify, don’t worry! iNaturalist has a built-in field guide feature that can help you narrow down your options. Simply click on the “Suggestions” tab on the observation page, and you’ll see a list of possible species based on the photo and location. You can also browse through the field guides specific to your region or taxonomic group to find more information and images for comparison.

In addition to iNaturalist’s field guides, you can also use external resources to help with your identification. Online plant databases, field guides, and botanical keys can be valuable tools in narrowing down your options. Make use of reputable sources and cross-reference information to confirm your identification. There are some online resources here.

Step 5: Make an Informed Guess

Based on the information you’ve gathered from the observation page, field guides, and other resources, make an informed guess on the identification. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Identifying species can be challenging, and even experts can sometimes make errors. The important thing is to do your best and contribute to the collective knowledge on iNaturalist.

Step 6: Leave a Comment and Move On

After making your identification, leave a comment on the observation page explaining your reasoning and how confident you are in your identification. Be polite and respectful in your comments, and avoid being overly critical or dismissive. Remember that iNaturalist is a community-driven platform aimed at learning and sharing knowledge, and constructive feedback is always appreciated.

If you’re unsure about your identification or want a second opinion, you can mention other iNat users in your comment or send them a private message. Collaboration and teamwork are key aspects of iNaturalist, and the community is generally supportive and willing to help.

Once you’ve made your identification and left a comment, move on to the next observation. Keep repeating the process, and you’ll soon find yourself getting more comfortable with making identifications on iNaturalist and using frequently used reponses.

Step 7: Be Mindful of Unknown Observations

As you browse through observations, you may come across observations that are still marked as “unknown.” These are observations that haven’t been identified to any taxonomic level yet. If you have the expertise and knowledge to identify these observations, take the opportunity to contribute and help fellow iNat users in their quest for knowledge.

When identifying unknown observations, be cautious and thorough in your research. Avoid making hasty guesses or assumptions, and provide a clear explanation for your identification. Remember that your identification can have an impact on the accuracy of the overall iNaturalist database, so strive for accuracy and precision. If not sure, don’t add a species level identification, but rather a higher up identification on the taxon tree, or leave it as just the first word in the species id, which would be the genus level.

Step 8: Keep Learning and Sharing Knowledge

iNaturalist is not just a platform for identifying species, but also a valuable resource for learning and sharing knowledge about nature. Take advantage of the community’s expertise and learn from other iNat users. Join discussions, read informative posts, and participate in webinars and workshops to expand your knowledge and improve your identification skills.

In addition to learning, don’t hesitate to share your own knowledge and expertise with others. Post your own observations, write informative descriptions, and provide accurate identifications to contribute to the iNaturalist community.

Getting Stared iNaturalist

How to use the iNaturalist identify page YouTube

What is an identification?

Conclusion

Identifying species on iNaturalist can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that contributes to our understanding of the natural world. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, ask for help, and keep learning. Participating in events like the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 identification phase can be a great opportunity to hone your skills and contribute to the scientific community. Remember to always follow best practices for identification, such as providing detailed observations, using field guides and reputable resources, making informed guesses, leaving polite comments, and being mindful of unknown observations.

By actively engaging in the identification process on iNaturalist, you not only improve your own knowledge and skills, but you also help build a robust and accurate database of biodiversity observations that can be used for research and conservation purposes. Your contributions can help scientists, researchers, and conservationists better understand and protect our natural world.

So, during the City Nature Challenge, you did indeed grab your smartphone, and head outdoors, and made observations on iNaturalist. With practice and perseverance, you’ll become a confident identifier and an integral part of the iNaturalist community. Let’s work together to unlock the mysteries of nature, one observation at a time!

Happy observing and identifying on iNaturalist! Thank you kindly!

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 – 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
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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