range shift – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

It’s official—the numbers are in, and Saskatoon, you’ve outdone yourselves.

As the sun rose and fell over four days of nature-inspired curiosity, a wave of boots hit the ground, lenses zoomed in on wings and petals, and a chorus of chirps, buzzes, and croaks filled the air. The City Nature Challenge 2025—our region’s own biodiversity bonanza—delivered a brilliant snapshot of life on the land, in the skies, and beneath our feet.

Let’s talk numbers, because they tell a wild story. 72 observers made 874 observations of 300 unique species, backed by the sharp eyes of 139 identifiers from around the globe. That’s not just a headcount—it’s a celebration of the diversity we live among every single day.

A Bite from the Unexpected

Among the many highlights, one encounter raised eyebrows and perhaps pulses. Melissa Clawson, a sharp-eyed vector ecologist with a soft spot for mosquitoes, identified a game-changing moment: the Anopheles quadrimaculatus, also known as the North American Malaria Mosquito. Yes, you read that right—a species with a storied past in disease transmission made its presence known in Saskatoon. This find could mark a noteworthy range expansion for the species, and it’s a powerful example of how citizen science can uncover emerging ecological stories.

Familiar Faces, Prairie Darlings

Not all our finds were ominous. Some brought pure delight that spring has arrived. Take Pulsatilla nuttalliana, the Prairie Pasqueflower, with its violet blooms ushering in spring like a prairie poet laureate. Or the ever-endearing Turdus migratorius, the American Robin, whose cheerful call reminded us that even our most common neighbours are essential threads in this ecological quilt.

Quietly at Risk

But this year’s challenge did more than entertain—it informed. Several species documented during the blitz are species at risk, painting a more sobering but essential portrait of our shared responsibilities.

The Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle (Chilocorus stigma)—a striking, tiny beetle with a superhero name—was spotted twice. A beneficial predator of scale insects, its numbers have been in decline elsewhere.
The Togwotee Harvestman (Togwoteeus biceps)—rare, reclusive, and just plain weird—was observed twice as well, a haunting reminder of how much we still don’t know about the understory.
The Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus), whose red eyes and slick profile belie its vulnerability, surfaced in local waters.
Spring Cankerworm Moths (Paleacrita vernata) made a strong showing, their understated appearance belying their ecological role—and, in some areas, their precarious future.
Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus)—those iconic silhouettes—remind us of the success of conservation efforts, and the thin line they walk.
And let’s not forget the Red-tailed Mining Bee (Andrena erythrogaster), a pollinator whose presence is as hopeful as it is vital.

Even flora had their moment. Rough Fescue (Festuca hallii), a hallmark of healthy native grassland, stood proud. American Elm (Ulmus americana) and Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), which face threats from disease and invasive pests, were also logged. Their inclusion in the dataset is a quiet plea for protection.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the army of community scientists and nature nerds—armed with smartphones, hand lenses, and a love for the wild. But let’s shine a spotlight on those who made the whole thing happen.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, a nonprofit environmental charity, didn’t just participate—they launched this year’s CNC YXE 2025 campaign. From designing educational pamphlets and creating social media buzz to rallying the public and coordinating the effort, their tireless organizing made this event sing. Their voice echoed across Saskatoon—”come see what’s out there!”—and people listened.

And it wasn’t just them. Heartfelt thanks are also due to Sask Power, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, the Saskatoon Nature Society, the Saskatoon Public School Board, and Wild About Saskatoon. Your support turned curiosity into community, and data points into stories. You and all the countless volunteers and citizen scientists helped make sure that each photo snapped, each bird spotted, each beetle discovered, added up to something much larger—a moment of connection between a city and its natural surroundings.

So here’s to the moss-covered, the many-legged, the winged, and the wild. Saskatoon, you showed your true colours this year—and they’re vibrant, rare, and absolutely worth protecting.

Let’s do it again next year.