spots – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

Springtime in Saskatchewan brings new life, and what better way to celebrate the season than by getting outside and exploring the fascinating world of spots in nature? As Easter break overlaps with the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE 2025), taking place from April 25 to April 28, 2025, we’ve got the perfect way to reconnect with nature—by documenting the incredible wildlife and plants around us!

The Spotty Challenge
The City Nature Challenge isn’t just about discovering all the amazing wildlife in our area—it’s about contributing to a global effort to protect biodiversity. Today, right now, we’re focusing on one quirky theme: Spots. From ladybugs to leopard frogs, birds to beetles, there are countless organisms in Saskatchewan that sport spots in some form. Even leaves with egg spots count! We invite you to think about which organisms in your neighborhood have those signature markings and share your findings with the world.

When you think of “spots” in Saskatchewan, what comes to mind? Perhaps you’ll find lady beetles, Northern Flickers, or even the distinctive markings of a Northern Leopard Frog. Look closely at the plants and fungi around you too—there’s a lot more to spots than meets the eye. We’re all eager to see what you discover and share with the CNC community.

Species at risk: Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo) butterfly depends on buckwheat host plant.

The City Nature Challenge 2025: Celebrate Nature and Earth Month

The CNC YXE 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge and the 55th birthday of Earth Month. What better way to celebrate than by being part of a global movement dedicated to documenting and understanding nature? During Easter Break, while you’re enjoying some time off from school or work, step outside with your smartphone and explore. Use the iNaturalist app to record and photograph wild organisms you find—whether in your yard, at the bus stop, along the sidewalk, or in local parks. Every contribution adds to our understanding of local biodiversity and supports conservation efforts worldwide.

How to Participate

Create an iNaturalist account: The iNaturalist app is your main tool for documenting wildlife. It’s easy to use and helps you track your observations while contributing to a global database.
- Download the iNaturalist app on Apple or Android.
- Need help getting started? Check out the iNaturalist tutorial to learn how to upload your observations and make the most of the app.
Join the CNC YXE 2025 Project:
By joining the City Nature Challenge project, you’ll receive updates and be able to monitor how we’re doing compared to other communities. You can even check out observations from around the world and track our progress in real time.
Observe & Upload (April 25–28):
The observation phase of the CNC will run from April 25–28. Go outside and find as many wild organisms as you can—be they plants, fungi, animals, or even critters with spots! You can upload your photos to iNaturalist and contribute to global biodiversity data.
Help with Identification (April 29–May 4):
Once the observation phase ends, the identification phase begins! Help identify species by reviewing observations made by others. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned nature enthusiast, there’s always something new to learn and contribute. Not sure what something is? Don’t worry! iNaturalist’s computer vision can assist in making suggestions.

Why Should You Participate?
The CNC is more than just a fun outdoor activity—it’s a chance to connect with your local environment, build a community around nature, and make meaningful contributions to global conservation. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature as a family during the Easter break! Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned naturalist, there’s always something new to discover.

Plus, the competition is friendly! The CNC fosters a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging people from all backgrounds to join in and contribute. Whether you’re at home or on a nature walk, your observations will help paint a picture of the incredible biodiversity in our area.

Let’s Make This Year’s CNC the Best Yet!
As Saskatoon and surrounding areas enjoy their Easter break from April 19 to April 27, now is the perfect time to step into nature and start documenting. From backyard bugs to birds in the sky, spots are everywhere—and we want to see them all! Share your findings, join the global conversation, and help us celebrate both Earth Month 55th birthday and the City Nature Challenge’s 10th birthday.

Don’t forget to tag your observations with the #CNCYXE2025 and #spotty to share your spotty discoveries and help us show the world just how vibrant our local biodiversity really is!

Happy spotting!

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:

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 – 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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation