As the final days of Easter Break wrapped up, so did the City Nature Challenge 2025 (CNC YXE), a four-day whirlwind of discovery, observation, and community engagement. This year, Saskatoon not only embraced the spirit of Earth Month but also marked the 10th anniversary of the global initiative to celebrate biodiversity in urban spaces. Through iNaturalist, over 800 observations from Saskatoon’s citizens were logged, showing our collective eagerness to connect with and protect the natural world around us.
Our city’s journey into nature was nothing short of inspiring, sparking curiosity in everyone who ventured outdoors—from the most seasoned naturalists to first-time observers. Through the eyes of the community, Saskatoon’s wild side came alive, with photos of everything from quirky insects to beautiful blooms, all documenting the biodiversity that surrounds us. Whether it was spotting the rare Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle or the iconic Horned Grebe, every observation counted.
But let’s be real—this wasn’t just a competition. It was about something much more profound: the joy of observing nature and the power of local collaboration. Volunteers, schools, community organizations, and even the weather itself came together to make the challenge a huge success.
What the Numbers Say:
Saskatoon may not have been at the top of the leaderboard, but we more than held our own. In fact, with 874 observations from our passionate volunteers, we outpaced Niagara Falls, Kincardine, and Regina, showcasing that even in the face of our unpredictable spring weather, nature thrives in our city. These observations weren’t just numbers—they were a testament to the dedication of our community. From local families to budding citizen scientists, we saw people from all walks of life getting involved and getting their hands dirty, learning and exploring side by side.
Biodiversity Blitz and Invasive Species:
The event wasn’t just a celebration of the natural world; it also sparked important conversations about invasive species and early detection. Volunteers were keen to spot potential threats like the Anopheles quadrimaculatus, a species whose range is expanding, and this helped local scientists monitor and address environmental changes before they become bigger problems.
While some species were charmingly quirky, like the vibrant red organisms observed in the Seeing Red initiative, others—like invasive plants—reminded us of the importance of vigilance in preserving our ecosystems.
A Community Effort:
None of this would have been possible without the tireless support of our local partners:
Saskatoon Public School Division: Your outreach encouraged the next generation to be nature detectives, fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship.
Wild About Saskatoon: You helped guide us through the wonders of our own backyard, reminding us that wildness is something to be celebrated and nurtured.
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas: Your passion and leadership drove the challenge from start to finish, ensuring the event was as impactful as it was educational.
Saskatoon Nature Society, Sask Power, Sask Tel, Sask Energy: Your unwavering support gave the challenge the energy it needed to succeed.
And to the volunteers—you are the heart of this endeavor. Each observation, each photo, each recorded sound was a small but mighty contribution to a much larger movement. Whether it was sharing a moment with a prairie dog or capturing the call of a warbler, your curiosity and commitment sparked joy, creativity, and a renewed appreciation for the world around us.
Finally, a huge thank you to the scientists and naturalists—both locally and globally—who helped identify our observations and provided expertise. Your knowledge turned our enthusiasm into meaningful data that will help us protect and preserve our environment for generations to come.
Looking Ahead:
As we look ahead to next year, we can’t help but imagine an even bigger, wilder, and more connected CNC YXE. With more community involvement, more schools participating, and an ever-growing network of supporters, the future is bright for Saskatoon’s urban biodiversity. This isn’t just about logging species—it’s about building a culture of curiosity and stewardship, where we all have a role to play in the conservation of the places we love.
So, as the City Nature Challenge ends for 2025, we’ll continue to keep our eyes open, our boots on the ground, and our phones ready to capture the next big discovery. After all, we’re not just counting species—we’re making every species count.
#CNCYXE2025 #CityNatureChallenge #BiodiversityBlitz #SaskatoonWildSide #CitizenScience #NatureIsForEveryone
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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Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
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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
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 