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!
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:
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
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook 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
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 )
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..”
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 