When it comes to connecting with nature, most of us think about peaceful walks in the woods or awe-inspiring views of wildlife. But what if I told you that you could also enjoy nature through the lens of humor and quirky observations? iNaturalist, the go-to app for documenting biodiversity, offers a treasure trove of delightful (and occasionally hilarious) projects to make your nature explorations a bit more fun. Whether you’re into silly images, species with bizarre names, or hilarious animal interactions, iNaturalist has something to make you smile. Let’s dive into some of the most delightful projects you can join—and maybe get a good laugh along the way.
Woodland Skipper Ochlodes sylvanoides
1. Similar Species in the Same Photo (Syntopy)
Ever spotted two very similar-looking species living side by side? The Similar Species in the Same Photo (Syntopy) project is all about capturing that perfectly timed shot where two species coexist in the same frame. It’s like nature’s version of a game of “spot the difference.” Perhaps you’ll get lucky and catch a bee hovering near a flower while a butterfly lands next to it, or maybe even a salamander cheek by jowl with a frog. It’s a fun challenge that encourages sharp eyes and timing—who said nature photography couldn’t be competitive and amusing?
Join the Syntopy Project here!
2. Organisms On or Near Appropriate Signs
Have you ever seen a squirrel lounging on a “no parking” sign or a bird perched on a “no trespassing” sign? The Organisms On or Near Appropriate Signs project invites iNaturalist users to document instances where wildlife and signage cross paths in the funniest ways. It’s like nature playing a game of “guess what this sign means for me today.” Who knows? You might catch a deer resting near a “wildlife crossing” sign—nature’s own sense of humor.
Join the Organisms On or Near Appropriate Signs Project here!
3. Organisms Named After Other Organisms
Some animals and plants are named in honor of other creatures, which can result in some hilariously confusing or curious names. The Organisms Named After Other Organisms project highlights species with names that pay tribute to other species, like the “Barred Tiger Salamander” (Ambystoma mavortium). A salamander named after a tiger? The world of zoology can be quite the chuckle fest. Join this project and celebrate nature’s creative naming conventions!
Explore Organisms Named After Other Organisms
4. Screenshots, Snaps, and Other Silly Images
Ever taken a photo of an organism and thought, “This looks a little… odd”? That’s where Screenshots, Snaps, and Other Silly Images comes in. This project is for all the funny, quirky, and downright silly photos you’ve snapped of wildlife. Think of it as the blooper reel for nature photography. Whether it’s a bird making a strange face or a snail looking like it’s giving side-eye, this project celebrates all the awkwardly charming moments in nature.
Join the Silly Images Project here!
5. Observational Comedy
Sometimes nature just seems to be putting on a show, and the Observational Comedy project is here to capture it. Ever watch a bird dramatically fluff its feathers or a squirrel dart across the path like it’s auditioning for a comedy show? This project encourages you to observe and share the funny behavior you witness in wildlife. Nature truly can be a stand-up comedian, and you’re the audience—camera in hand.
Join the Observational Comedy Project here!
6. WeirdWildWonders
The name says it all: WeirdWildWonders is all about those strange and marvelous things you encounter in nature. Strange fungi that look like they’ve wandered off the set of a sci-fi movie? Check. Plants that seem like they belong in a “What on Earth is that?” catalog? Double-check. If you love the weird, the wonderful, and the truly bizarre, this project is for you.
Check out WeirdWildWonders here!
7. Fascinating Fascination
Ever seen a plant with unusual growth patterns that resemble art rather than nature? That’s fascination! The Fascinating Fascination project highlights plants with strange, abnormal growths, often creating mind-bending patterns and shapes. From weirdly twisted stems to contorted flowers, fascination is nature’s way of being weirdly artistic. It’s like nature’s version of abstract art—minus the expensive gallery ticket!
Join the Fascinating Fascination Project here!
8. Geralds of the World
Let’s be honest: the world is full of Geralds. This project invites you to share your photos of any creature (or even plant!) named “Gerald” or one that just looks like a Gerald. These are the animals that might remind you of your quirky uncle, who’s always wearing mismatched socks. You’ll get a good laugh and some heartwarming photos of nature’s Geralds all over the world.
Meet the Geralds of the World here!
9. ARThropod
For those with an artistic eye, the ARThropod project is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered. It’s all about the unintentional art created by arthropods—those little creatures like insects and spiders that create webs, cocoons, and tunnels that look like abstract art. These tiny artists don’t need brushes or clay; they use silk, clay, and sometimes even excrement to create amazing patterns. It’s nature’s most unique form of unintentional art.
10. Funny and Unusual Animal Names
And finally, if you’re in the mood for a hearty laugh, the Funny, Long, or Just Plain Weird Animal Names thread on the iNaturalist forum is a must-read. From animals with incredibly long names that make you wonder who had the time to come up with them, to names that are downright hilarious, this thread will have you snickering at nature’s peculiar sense of humor. After all, who can resist a creature with a name like the Spotted Wobbegong or Ghost Flower?
Check out Funny Animal Names here!
Why not join in the fun and contribute your own findings to these hilarious projects?
Nature is a constant source of inspiration and joy, and with iNaturalist, you get to share that joy with a global community of nature enthusiasts who are just as excited to laugh and learn as you are. Whether you’re snapping a shot of a squirrel near a sign or finding art in a spider’s web, iNaturalist gives you the tools to document and share the funny side of nature. So, go ahead, embrace the giggles, the quirky creatures, and the strange occurrences in the wild. Who knew citizen science could be this fun?
The holiday stretch from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 27, 2025, is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Not only is it the perfect time to unwind, but it also happens to overlap with two very special celebrations: the 10th birthday of the City Nature Challenge (CNC) April 25 – April 28, 2025 and the 55th birthday of Earth Month! It’s a double dose of nature-loving joy, a time to honor all things green, thriving, and wonderfully wild. So, why not make the most of this unique opportunity and step outside to connect with the natural world in a whole new way? Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful day with friends and family or setting off on your own nature-filled adventure, this holiday is the perfect chance to embrace nature’s weird, wild, and totally amusing side. Let’s go explore!
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
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..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 