Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Humboldt Broncos Memorial Forest. Come to Nature. Come to Life. Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestationk Areas Inc. friendsareas.ca
When I went to the woods, it was not to escape, but to engage—to meet Nature on her own terms, to inquire, observe, and bear witness to the great pageantry of life that unfolds quietly, daily, under our very feet. And it is with this same spirit that I beckon you, dear reader, to take part in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Big Backyard BioBlitz from July 28 to August 4, 2025.
This is no idle stroll nor fleeting pastime. It is an invitation to return to the elemental—to become a student once more of the chickadee, the wild strawberry, the tiger beetle, and the trembling aspen. The BioBlitz, now in its fifth year, is a great gathering of curious minds and earnest hearts. It calls upon citizens of field and city alike to explore, observe, and record the living things that share their corner of the Earth.
The poet listens; the naturalist records. In this endeavor, you shall do both.
Equipped with nothing more than a keen eye and a modest tool—a camera or a smartphone—one may walk the familiar trails with new intention. Each beetle scuttling over a stone, each moss-covered log, becomes a chapter in the great, unwritten natural history of this land. iNaturalist, the platform upon which your sightings will be shared, becomes your ledger, your field book, your connection to a nation of fellow observers.
There is no wilderness too small. A backyard garden, a roadside ditch, a lakeside thicket—all are cradles of life deserving of our gaze and our gratitude. For who is to say where wonder resides? It may well be that the caterpillar inching along your front porch holds the secret to tomorrow’s ecological insight.
By lending your eyes and ears to the BioBlitz, you become part of something vaster than yourself. You contribute to a living library of knowledge that helps scientists track shifting species ranges, identify rare and endangered flora, and take the pulse of ecosystems under pressure.
But perhaps more than data, what you collect is reverence.
This weeklong celebration is not merely scientific but soulful. It reminds us that we are not separate from nature, but of it. That to know a place is to love it. And that true conservation begins not only in grand protected parks but in the wild patches of our own daily lives.
So, wander slowly. Look closely. Listen deeply. Let the chickadee instruct you in cheerfulness, and the milkweed in patience. And in these humble acts of noticing, become again part of the wild family of life.
As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” During the Big Backyard BioBlitz, may you discover both.
Join the BioBlitz: Sign up today and become a steward of wonder from July 28 – August 4, 2025. Ready, set, snap!
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) Autumn colour of foliage CC3.0 Stan ShebsThe Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) Autumn colour of foliage CC 3 Walter Siegmund
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
Imagine a quiet morning in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or George Genereux Urban Regional Park where the first light of dawn filters through the towering evergreens and conifers that dominate the landscape. As the sun rises, it casts a golden glow over the lush woodland, wetland, and meadow ecosystems that form a unique tapestry of life. This serene setting is not just a collection of trees and plants but a dynamic living system where diverse organisms thrive and interact.
The Dance of the Ecosystems
In these remarkable places, the presence of evergreens and conifers has brought about a fascinating ecological phenomenon. These hardy trees, typically found in higher elevations and boreal forests, have created a special environment that merges with the moist mixed grasslands of the lower elevations around Saskatoon. This merging, known as an ecotone, creates a vibrant transition zone where the qualities of two different ecosystems blend.
In the woodlands, the evergreen canopy shelters a rich diversity of plants and animals. The fallen needles from these conifers enrich the soil with a unique layer of organic matter, which in turn supports a community of fungi, mosses, and lichens. These microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic material, making nutrients available for the diverse plant life that flourishes beneath the canopy.
The wetlands of the west swale, with the deep waters of the permanent wetlands and the shallow waters of the temporary wetlands and abundant plant life, offer a stark contrast to the woodland. Here, reeds and cattails sway in the gentle breeze, providing a habitat for amphibians and insects. The constant presence of water creates a unique microclimate, which supports species adapted to wet conditions. Birds such as the herons and ducks find sanctuary in these wetlands, while insects like dragonflies and damselflies dart above the water, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Further afield, the meadows bask in the open sunlight, where wildflowers and grasses create a carpet of color and life. This area supports a different set of species, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as mammals such as deer and rabbits. The diversity of plant life in the meadows provides ample food and shelter, ensuring a thriving community of organisms.
A Tribute to Richard St. Barbe Baker
In this symphony of life, the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker, a pioneer in silviculture and a passionate advocate for trees, resonates deeply. Known as a “forest doctor,” Baker dedicated his life to studying and preserving forests around the world. His work led to the creation of the International Tree Foundation, an organization committed to reforestation and forest conservation.
Baker’s vision aligns with the principles of sustainable development. He understood that forests are not just collections of trees but complex ecosystems that support a myriad of life forms. His legacy continues to inspire those who work to preserve and enhance the diversity of living things.
Careers in Understanding Nature
The richness of the afforestation areas provides a living classroom for many careers dedicated to understanding and preserving biodiversity. Botanists study the various plant species and their roles in the ecosystem. Herpetologists focus on amphibians and reptiles, exploring their habitats and behaviors. Zoologists and wildlife biologists investigate the lives of mammals and birds, while entomologists delve into the world of insects.
Mycologists and lichenologists examine fungi and lichens, essential players in nutrient cycling. Dendrologists, who specialize in trees, study their growth patterns and ecological roles. Ornithologists observe and document the behavior and migration patterns of birds.
Lichen City Nature Challenge CNCYXELichenLichen
Bridging Knowledge Systems
As we embark on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, there is an increasing emphasis on integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Indigenous peoples have long understood the interconnectedness of life, using traditional knowledge to manage and sustain their environments. This wisdom complements modern scientific approaches, providing a holistic view of ecological relationships.
Sustainable Development Goals and Conservation
Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Life Below Water and Life on Land, we recognize the importance of conserving and restoring natural habitats. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of vertebrates and invertebrates helps us ensure that greenspaces, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands, are preserved and managed sustainably.
By studying how individual organisms survive and adapt, we gain insights into the mechanisms that support biodiversity. This knowledge is essential for developing strategies to protect and enhance the natural world, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from its beauty and resources.
The Hidden World of Micro-Organisms
In the soil beneath our feet, a hidden world of micro-organisms plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health to understand noxious invasive species. Dr. Eric Lamb’s research into soil microbial communities reveals how these tiny organisms contribute to nutrient cycling and soil fertility. Their work underscores the importance of understanding and preserving the microbial world, which is vital for sustaining plant life and, by extension, the entire ecosystem.
As you explore the afforestation areas, take a moment to appreciate the intricate web of life that surrounds you. From the towering trees to the smallest microbes, each element plays a role in the grand tapestry of nature. By learning about and respecting this diversity, we can contribute to the ongoing preservation and enrichment of our natural world.
Activity 1: Ecotone Exploration
Objective: Understand the concept of an ecotone and how different ecosystems merge.
Instructions:
Create a large poster or digital presentation of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, including the woodland, wetland, and meadow ecosystems.
Using images or drawings, identify and label key features of each ecosystem, and illustrate how they merge into an ecotone.
Discuss how the presence of evergreens and conifers affects the soil and plant life in this transition zone.
Questions:
What are the main characteristics of the woodland, wetland, and meadow ecosystems found in the afforestation area?
How do evergreens and conifers influence the soil in the ecotone between the boreal forest and mixed grasslands?
What types of plants and animals are adapted to the unique conditions of the ecotone?
Why is the concept of an ecotone important for understanding biodiversity?
Objective: Explore various careers related to studying and preserving biodiversity.
Instructions:
Research the careers of botanists, herpetologists, zoologists, wildlife biologists, entomologists, mycologists, lichenologists, dendrologists, and ornithologists. Have you ever taken part in the dendrochronology study conducted by Dr Colin Laroque in the Mistik Askiwin Dendrochronology Lab (MAD Lab) to work with the Canadian Light Source (CLS) Synchrotron?
Create a brochure or presentation highlighting each career’s role, key responsibilities, and how they contribute to understanding ecosystems.
Include information about Richard St. Barbe Baker’s career and its impact on forestry and conservation.
Questions:
What are the main responsibilities of a botanist, and how do they contribute to our understanding of plant species –tree species / native wildflower plants?
How do herpetologists study amphibians and reptiles, and why is this important for conservation? What amphibians and reptiles are present in the afforestation areas (this can be searched on iNaturalist using the “Explore” feature)
What role do ornithologists play in studying bird behavior and migration? (E-bird resources are handy to determine birds of the afforestation areas)
Objective: Examine how local species adapt to their environments.
Instructions:
Choose different vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) and invertebrates from the afforestation area.
Research and present on how each species adapts to its specific habitat within the woodland, wetland, or meadow.
Create a visual display or report showing these adaptations and their importance for survival.
Questions:
How do the adaptations of a specific mammal help it survive in the woodland ecosystem? Would mammals adopt a naturalized “man-made forest” on the prairies, or only use trembling aspen bluffs or woodlands of the boreal forests north of the treeline?
What special features allow birds in the wetland to thrive in their environment?
How do amphibians adapt to the varying conditions of the wetland and meadow ecosystems?
Why are certain plants or insects particularly suited to the meadow habitat?
Hello nature enthusiasts of Saskatoon and beyond! We want to extend a big thank you to all the observers who came out on the first day of the City Nature Challenge on April 28. Your enthusiasm and dedication to documenting urban biodiversity is truly appreciated!
City Nature Challenge #CNCYXECity Nature Challenge #CNCYXECity Nature Challenge #CNCYXE
For those who are not familiar with the City Nature Challenge, it is an annual, global, community science competition that aims to engage residents and visitors in documenting the plants, animals, signs of life and other organisms living in urban areas. The challenge is a bioblitz, where participants use the iNaturalist app and website to document their observations. The goal is to collect biodiversity data and promote awareness and appreciation of nature in our urban environments.
The City Nature Challenge is not just about making observations and identifying species, but also about engaging the public and fostering a sense of community in citizen science. Participants do not need to be experts in species identification, as help is provided through iNaturalist’s automated species identification feature and the community of users, including professional scientists and expert naturalists. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature.
The observations on the first day of the City Nature Challenge were phenomenal, with a large network of nature enthusiasts supporting the crowd-sourced species identification system. The power of image recognition technology has made it easier than ever to identify the plants and animals that are all around us. From birds and insects to lichens and fungi, there is so much to discover in our urban greenspaces, yards, sidewalks, afforestation areas, swales, and riverbanks.
If you haven’t participated in the City Nature Challenge yet, don’t worry! There’s still time to get involved. The challenge is happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023, and you can participate by yourself, with your family, or even as part of a group. Simply take pictures of wild plants and animals using the iNaturalist app or website during the observation period. The next stage is identifying what was found, which will take place from May 2 to May 7, 2023. The results will be announced on Monday, May 8, 2023.
In addition to being a fun and educational activity, the City Nature Challenge is also a great way to monitor the biodiversity in our urban areas and contribute to scientific research. By participating, you are helping to create a valuable dataset that can be used to better understand and protect our local ecosystems. It’s a meaningful way to make a difference in our community while enjoying the beauty of nature.
We also encourage educators to engage their students in the City Nature Challenge as a way to promote community science and nature exploration. There are activities available on the City Nature Challenge website that can be used in classrooms and for youth groups to teach about biodiversity, ecology, and citizen science. It’s a hands-on way to get students excited about nature and encourage them to become stewards of the environment.
So, let’s continue to explore, document, and appreciate the urban biodiversity in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. Join us in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 and be part of a global movement to celebrate and protect our natural world. Together, we can make a difference and contribute to our understanding of urban biodiversity. Happy observing!
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 