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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

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

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

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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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““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

Embracing Truth and Reconciliation: A Call to Action on September 30

As we approach September 30, a significant day in our calendar, we reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of residential schools and the ongoing journey towards healing and understanding within Indigenous communities. It also offers us a unique opportunity to explore deeper ecological connections and recognize the inherent value of our natural world.

The philosophy of deep ecology, articulated by Arne Næss, urges us to rethink our relationship with nature—not merely as a resource for human use but as a community of living beings with their own rights. This perspective aligns closely with Indigenous worldviews, particularly the Cree concept of nîhiyaw tâpisinowin, which emphasizes holistic balance and interconnectedness. The word “nehiyaw” can be deconstructed to reveal its roots: “nîwo,” meaning “four,” and “–iyaw” or “miyaw,” meaning “body.” This translates to “People of the four body,” reflecting the sacred significance of the number four and its metaphorical representation of the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional dimensions of life.

In the Cree worldview, these four dimensions underscore the importance of holistic balance, reminding us that ecological knowledge is inseparable from spiritual and cosmological beliefs. This holistic understanding fosters reciprocal relationships among humans, land, animals, and spirits, highlighting our place within a “community of beings.” Such beliefs encourage us to engage with the natural world in a respectful and sustainable manner. Deep ecology also offers a perspective that prioritizes the well-being of the Earth and all its inhabitants, focusing on ecological systems as a whole, and eco-centric view, rather than placing humans at the center of importance the anthropocentric viewpoint.

Organizations like Perth City Farm, founded by Rosanne and Thomas Scott, exemplify this interconnectedness of spirituality and environmental activism. Their work emphasizes planting native trees and promoting biodiversity, creating spaces that honor both ecological integrity and cultural heritage. Rosanne’s insights, one of many environmentalists, influenced by Richard St. Barbe Baker, reflect the vital link between spirituality and ecological stewardship. She articulates how her own multicultural background informs her connection to nature, urging us to recognize how diverse spiritualities can enrich our environmental efforts.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us not only wear orange to honor the stories of those affected by residential schools but also to commit ourselves to a deeper understanding of our shared responsibilities. By advocating for the protection of our ecosystems and planting native species, we can help restore the balance that has been disrupted by invasive plants like Smooth Brome.

We must engage in conversations that encompass the physical, relational, and spiritual dimensions of our lives. By acknowledging the sacredness of the land and the interconnectedness of all life, we can foster a more inclusive dialogue about environmental sustainability. This involves creating spaces for Indigenous voices to be heard and respected, allowing their traditional ecological knowledge to guide our collective actions.

As we gather in reflection and action on September 30, let us embrace the principles of deep ecology and the nîhiyaw philosophy. Let us envision a future where our relationship with nature is not only about conservation but also about reverence. Together, we can work towards a sustainable future that honors both the land and the legacy of those who have come before us.

Join us in wearing orange and taking tangible steps toward reconciliation and ecological restoration. Let this day be a reminder that healing and sustainability go hand in hand, and together, we can cultivate a more just and harmonious world.

Reflect upon:

How do the terms and concepts within the Cree language reflect the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and spirituality in traditional Cree culture?

In what ways can understanding the concept of “nîhiyaw tâpisinowin” deepen our appreciation for the holistic approaches in Cree ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship?

How do cultural practices and ceremonies within Cree communities demonstrate the significance of language in preserving traditional ecological knowledge?

What role does the number four play in Cree spirituality and philosophy, and how can this understanding influence modern environmental practices?

How can we integrate Cree language and concepts into contemporary discussions on sustainability to honor and support traditional knowledge systems?