🌿🐞 Did you know about Nuttall’s Blister Beetles? These vibrant insects are a part of our local parks and greenspaces, often found on flowers like lupines and milk-vetch.
🌼 While they may look beautiful with their bright colors, handling them can be risky!
🚫 Their bodies contain cantharidin, a toxin that causes skin blistering if mishandled.
Here’s how to enjoy nature safely:
👀 Spot them from a distance—avoid touching!
🧤 Wear gloves if gardening or exploring where beetles are present.
🚫 Never crush, swat or handle them roughly.
🌱 Let’s respect their space and ours—keep a safe distance and admire their beauty responsibly!
Nature is amazing, but it’s always good to know who you’re sharing it with. Stay safe and enjoy your time in the greenspace! 🌳💚 #NatureSafety #BlisterBeetles #GreenspaceAwareness
Here’s a concise fact sheet about blister beetles (specifically focusing on L. nuttallii, Nuttall’s Blister Beetle), tailored for park greenspace users:
Nuttall’s Blister Beetle (Lytta nuttallii)
- Appearance: Medium-sized, brightly colored beetle often found on flowers.
- Behavior: Feeds on leguminous plants like milk-vetch and lupine.
- Caution: Handle with care to avoid skin contact with cantharidin, a blister-inducing substance exuded when disturbed.
- Season: Most active in June and July, often seen in groups (circuses) on flowering plants.
- Safety: If exposed, wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical help for severe reactions.
This fact sheet aims to inform park users about the beetle’s habits, potential hazards, and basic safety measures when encountering them.
Friendsareas.ca
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/
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friendsafforestation@gmail.com
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.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
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
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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 )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
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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
