Tag: identification phase

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

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

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

BlueSky Social

Support via Zeffy

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

Support using Canada Helps

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

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 City Nature Challenge: Let’s Have Some Fun in Nature!

Alright, nature lovers, scientists, and backyard adventurers, here’s the deal: the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE 2025) is happening this year, and it’s going to be BIG! We’re talking April 25 – April 28, 2025, which is the perfect time for some outdoor fun. After all, Earth Month is turning 55, and we’ve got a whole weekend for you to get outside and join this global event, so why not take advantage of the Easter break from April 19 to April 27? 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.

But wait—are you asking, “What exactly is the City Nature Challenge, and why should I care?” Well, buckle up, because I’m about to tell you all about it!

The CNC is a worldwide collaborative event that encourages YOU (yes, YOU!) to get outside and document as many wild plants, animals, fungi, and other species as possible using the iNaturalist app. Whether you’re in the heart of the city, walking your sidewalk, sitting at a soccer game or out in the wilds of your local park, your goal is simple: observe, record, and share! Sounds like a blast, right?

And speaking of iNaturalist, let me tell you, some truly hilarious and heartwarming moments come from this app. It’s not just about tracking rare species (though that’s fun, too!). No, sometimes it’s about documenting the goofy, quirky things that happen when we interact with the natural world. There are iNaturalist projects that’ve popped up over the years—like the legendary “Show Us Your Blues” project, or the hilariously specific “Seeing Yellow: Celebrate the City Nature Challenge and Earth Month with a Splash of Sunshine” (yep, that was real!). One project even asked for purple organisms! But did we mention the joy of finding a purple flower or an American vetch? Seriously, nature has a way of surprising you, and sometimes it’s the most unexpected observations that bring the most laughs.

So, here’s your challenge: Download the free iNaturalist app to your smartphone if you haven’t already. It’s super easy—just grab the app from the Apple Store or Google Play and create an account. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to be a citizen scientist in this fun and global event. Whether you’re spotting wildflowers, tracking birds, discovering an insect or documenting an unexpected sighting of a particularly friendly squirrel, your observations count!

Here’s a question for you: What is the wildest thing you’ve ever seen in nature? Was it a bird doing an awkward dance? A frog giving you the side-eye? Share those moments with the world! And trust me, the stories that come from observing nature are some of the most hilarious and heartwarming tales. Nature doesn’t follow a script—it’s full of surprises and, sometimes, a whole lot of silliness.

The City Nature Challenge kicks off with the Observation & Data Collection Phase from April 25 to April 28, 2025. That’s when you’ll head outside, snap photos, and upload your observations using iNaturalist. Then, from April 29 to May 4, it’s time for the Identification Phase. Help identify what others have observed! Don’t worry if you’re not an expert. You can always rely on the AI tool in the iNaturalist app for help—or just have fun making your best guess, after all, it’s easy to say, this is a plant, or an animal, it can be that easy, or to use the magic of the iNaturalist Computer Vision technology to make a suggestion! Wow!

So, what are YOU going to do during this fun-filled weekend? Will you be the first to spot a rare mushroom? The one to discover an elusive butterfly? Or maybe you’ll just get super excited about a particularly silly-looking bug. Whatever happens, be sure to share it! Everyone in the iNaturalist community is rooting for each other to document as much as we can.

It’s all about connecting people to nature, growing community, and collecting important biodiversity data that can help with conservation efforts. Plus, there’s a little friendly competition thrown in, too. (Can your city outshine the others in documenting the most species? Let’s find out!)

We want YOU to participate and make this City Nature Challenge the best one yet. And don’t forget—help identify species from April 29 to May 4 and watch the results roll in on May 5. This event isn’t just about the observations; it’s about fun, learning, and sharing the joy of nature with others.

So, have you downloaded iNaturalist yet? What are you waiting for? The great outdoors is calling, and there are so many wild and wonderful things to discover! And who knows, you might just have the most unexpected, laugh-out-loud moment of your life while watching an organism in nature.

Get outside, get observing, and most importantly—get ready to laugh at the silliness of nature!

Let’s go, and let’s make this Earth Month one to remember! 🌍🎉

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.

_{Photo by Matthias Cooper on Pexels.com}

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

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

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

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

BlueSky Social

Support via Zeffy

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

Support using Canada Helps

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

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 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 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

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

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

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

BlueSky Social

Support via Zeffy

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

Support using Canada Helps

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

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!

The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) A Dioecious Catkin or Ament — The Trembling Aspen A Dioecious Catkin or Ament Tim1357 cc2

Red Fox — The Trembling Aspen A Dioecious Catkin or Ament Tim1357 cc2

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

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

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

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

Support using Canada Helps