Have you ever looked at a moss and thought, “That looks like it’s making a face”? Or spotted a fungi that seems to be smiling back at you? Well, brace yourself for a wild ride through some of the quirkiest, most hilarious, and most delightful projects on iNaturalist! We are diving headfirst into the wackiest corners of the nature world, where humor and curiosity collide. And trust me, you’re going to want to bring your smartphone along for the adventure. The City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE 2025) is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to get involved, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned citizen scientist.
Join the Fun for the City Nature Challenge (April 25-28, 2025)
What is the City Nature Challenge? It’s a global event that invites participants to observe and document as many wild plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as they can between April 25 – 28, 2025. The CNC helps bring people closer to nature, fosters community engagement, and collects vital data for scientific research—all while having ridiculous amounts of fun!
Let’s Talk About Those Silly, Silly Organisms:
- Mosses with Faces: Moss doesn’t just sit there looking all green and innocent—oh no! Sometimes it’s got a whole lot of personality. Some people have observed moss patches that look like faces (grumpy faces, happy faces, you name it).
- Funny Faces in Fungi: Mushrooms from the store are for dinner—the mushrooms in nature well, they’re for your imagination! Spot a fungi with a face, and you’ve got the perfect iNaturalist hilarious moment. Who knew fungi could be so expressive?
- Silly Snails of the World: Snails might move slow, but they sure know how to take a funny photo. From snails in weird positions to those sporting shells with wacky designs, it’s like nature’s own little joke.
- Unexpected Garden Guests: Sometimes the wildest creatures show up in your garden. Was that a frog in your petunias? Or maybe it’s a beetle wearing a tuxedo? Who knows? It’s nature’s version of a surprise party!
- Animals with the Best Hairstyles: We all love a good hairdo, and nature is full of animals that have some of the most bizarre and stylish looks—whether it’s a bird rocking a fabulous feathered messed up spikes or a mammal with a wild tuft of fur that looks like it came straight from a shampoo commercial.
- Insects with Outrageous Fashion Sense: Some insects truly know how to strut their stuff. Whether it’s the colors of a butterfly or the stylish wings of a beetle, there’s no shortage of eye-catching outfits in the bug world.
- Backyard Photobombs: You think you’re just taking a picture of a lovely flower? Think again. Nature has a way of photobombing with critters popping into your frame in the most unexpected and hilarious ways.
- The Pug Faces of the Animal Kingdom: If you’ve ever looked at an animal and thought, “That face is just like a pug!”—this is the project for you. Animal expressions can be downright hilarious, and some animals just seem to have that lovable, squishy-faced look.
- Wildlife With the Best Expressions: Some animals have faces that are pure comedy gold. Whether it’s an owl with a squint or a squirrel with a look of pure surprise, these expressions will make you laugh out loud.
- Bizarre Birds Doing Bizarre Things: Birds are already funny, but when they start acting odd, it’s pure gold. From dancing birds to those caught mid-sneeze, bird-watching has never been so entertaining.
Fun Projects You’ll Definitely Want to Join:
Funny Observations
Check out this amazing project, dedicated to documenting funny observations of all kinds! Funny Observations on iNaturalist is a community-driven catalog of hilarious and weird moments in nature, so get your camera ready for those jaw-dropping “what did I just see?” moments.
Funny Scientific Names
Did you know there are some seriously funny scientific names for plants and animals? Like Spongiforma squarepantsii or Otocinclus batmani. These names are so silly you can’t help but laugh. Explore more at the Funny Scientific Names project.
Sussy Baka Quandale Dingle Amogus
This one’s mostly a joke, but hey—if you want to share some memes or post serious observations while having a laugh, you might just enjoy this project. Who said citizen science couldn’t be fun and absurd? Check it out here.
Made-Up Animal Games
Yes, you read that right. There’s a project for made-up animal games, where people create and share games involving animals, inspired from the photos of animals while using iNaturalist. Who knew playing games with the photos of animals could be this fun? Join here.
How to Get Involved in the City Nature Challenge
- Download the iNaturalist App: It’s super easy. You can start recording your observations right from your smartphone. There are also tutorials to help guide you through the process of submitting your observations. iNaturalist app (Apple) | iNaturalist app (Android).
- Observe and Document: Get outside and start observing! You can capture animals, plants, fungi, or even fungi faces with hilarious expressions. The possibilities are endless, and the fun is contagious.
- Identify Organisms: Even if you don’t know what you’re seeing, the iNaturalist community is there to help. You can also help identify other people’s observations, contributing to global biodiversity documentation!
So, What Is the CNC?
The City Nature Challenge is a global citizen science event where participants in cities around the world record the most species they can find during a set period. This year, the event will run from April 25–28, 2025, and you’ll be contributing to a greater cause by gathering valuable data for scientific and conservation purposes. And guess what? It’s also an amazing chance to have fun with your friends and family while documenting the weird and wonderful creatures in your own backyard. Don’t forget—it’s during the Easter Break (April 19-27, 2025)!
Get Ready to Laugh, Observe, and Have Fun!
If you haven’t downloaded the iNaturalist app yet, what are you waiting for? It’s time to explore the wild world around you, make some hilarious discoveries, and contribute to real scientific data. Whether you’re spotting bizarre birds or the next moss face, the fun never stops with iNaturalist. And with the City Nature Challenge coming up, it’s the perfect time to start.
Who knows, maybe you’ll find that “funny” little organism you’ve been looking for. You could be the next person to spot an animal with the best hairstyle, or the wackiest wildlife expression. Whatever it is, let’s get out there and start documenting. There’s a world of wonders—and laughs—waiting for you.
Now go ahead—download the iNaturalist app, join the CNC, and let’s make Earth Month’s 55th birthday one to remember! 🌿🌎🎉
Come to Nature, Come to Life! …and, Whoa! There are also free events! Free events in a forest. A forest in Saskatoon. NO way, it doesn’t get much better than this.
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. 