bird – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Unleashing the Power of Teamwork: Join the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge and Learn the Art of Identification!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of exploration, discovery, and collaboration? The Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) 2023 took part April 28 to May 1, and it’s time to gear up for the second phase – the identification phase happening from May 2 to May 7, 2023. We need you! This is your chance to be a part of a global citizen science effort and contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity in Saskatoon and its surrounding areas.

As you venture into the world of iNaturalist, you may have some questions about how to effectively make identifications. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with some identification tips and suggestions from experienced iNaturalist user, Alex Zorach, also known as @cazort on iNaturalist.

BioDivercity Challenge free iNaturalist App — City Nature Challenge CNCYXE

Alex emphasizes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to identification on iNaturalist. The process typically involves users proposing identifications, and others can agree or disagree with them. The notifications on your dashboard may be about people commenting on your observations or refining or agreeing/disagreeing with identifications. However, the pace of identification can vary depending on the taxon and region. Some taxa and regions may be more heavily watched than others, affecting the speed of identification.

Alex suggests that you exercise restraint with identifications and don’t feel pressured to identify everything to the species level. If you are reasonably certain about the genus, family, or a broader grouping, you can guess the broader grouping. This can help others narrow it down further. For example, if you are confident something is an oak, another user with more expertise in oaks may come along and provide a more specific identification.

You can also use iNaturalist as a tool to research identifications. You can browse through research-grade observations, but be cautious as some may be mis-identified. You can also check “Similar Species” on the page of a particular taxon to see what other species are commonly confused with it. This can help you identify characteristics that differentiate similar species and make more accurate identifications.

External tools can also be valuable resources for identification. For birds, you can use eBird to check range maps, timing of migration, and frequency in bar charts. For insects, BugGuide.net is a useful site, and for plants, BONAP can provide range maps. There are two facebook pages online with help at hand; Saskatchewan Mycological Working Group for lichen and mushrooms, and Saskatchewan Native Plants. These external tools can complement the information available on iNaturalist and help you make more informed identifications. There are more clues for identification online here.

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes! Identifications on iNaturalist are a learning process, and you can learn a lot from other users, even from those who are unsure about their identifications. When uncertain, share your reasoning behind your identification and be open to feedback. This is how you can push yourself towards expert level and expand your knowledge.

How to Become a Better Identifier by Carrie Selzer

The Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge is not just about making identifications, but also about fostering teamwork, networking, and uniting people with a shared passion for nature. By collaborating with fellow users, you can contribute to a global effort to document and understand the natural world, and help build a comprehensive and accurate database of biodiversity observations.

So, gear up for the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge and get ready for an exciting adventure in identification! Join the community of nature enthusiasts, scientists, and researchers in Saskatoon and its surrounding areas, and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Let’s come together, unleash the power of teamwork, and make a meaningful impact on our understanding of nature. Together, we can unlock the mysteries of our natural world, one observation and one identification at a time!

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 – 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
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook 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
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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

Thank You Observers! Join the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge for Biodiversity Conservation

Dear Nature Enthusiasts,

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the observers who came out on April 28, April 29, and April 30 for the City Nature Challenge in Saskatoon and Area. Wow! Your participation in this global community science competition to document urban biodiversity has been truly inspiring! Today, May 1, is the last day to celebrate nature classification for the City Nature Challenge.

The City Nature Challenge is an annual event that engages residents and visitors in finding and documenting plants, animals, and other organisms living in urban areas. The goals are to collect biodiversity data and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. This year, Saskatoon and Area are competing for the title of the most biodiverse city, and we’re excited to see the numbers rise higher and higher!

Ranked S2 by SCDC Woodland Skipper Ochlodes sylvanoides — City Nature Challenge CNCYXE

We’re especially grateful for the participation of Youth group leaders, teachers and their groups and classes respectfully, who have been competing against each other in a friendly challenge. Engaging youth in community science and nature exploration is a fantastic way to foster curiosity, promote environmental awareness, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

The City Nature Challenge relies on the use of the iNaturalist app and website to document observations. Even if you don’t know how to identify the species you’re observing, help is available through iNaturalist’s automated species identification feature and the community of users, including professional scientists and expert naturalists. It’s easy to participate – simply download the iNaturalist app, take a photograph of nature in your local area, whether it’s a tree, plant, insect, or animal, and upload it to the app. You can log back in later to learn more about what you’ve spotted as teams of experts review and update the information.

By participating in the City Nature Challenge, you are contributing to global efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect our natural world. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, providing food, medicine, and other resources, and supporting cultural and recreational activities. Unfortunately, biodiversity loss is a pressing issue, with many species threatened with extinction, including insects, which are suffering from the sixth global extinction event. This has consequences for our birds and other wildlife, and addressing biodiversity loss is a critical part of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 to conserve life on land.

Documenting biodiversity on iNaturalist can help us track trends in increases and declines in wildlife populations, which can inform conservation efforts and help us better understand the state of our local ecosystems. It’s a meaningful way to contribute to scientific research and make a difference in protecting our natural heritage for future generations.

As we reach the final day of the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge on May 1, we invite everyone to join us in this exciting competition. Whether you’re participating by yourself, with your family, or as part of a group, every observation counts! Let’s work together to raise the number of observations, species, and engagement in our city, and put Saskatoon and Area on the world stage for the City Nature Challenge 2023. Who will be the one who adds the last ever observation for the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and area, today May 1 before the midnight bell tolls?

To learn more about the City Nature Challenge in Saskatoon and Area, please visit FriendsAreas.ca. Thank you for your participation and support in conserving our urban biodiversity!

Planned events

Discovering Nature’s Wonders: Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge 2023

The Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 is in full swing, and nature enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement! The second day, April 29, brought about phenomenal observations, thanks to the large network of participants who are actively engaging in the crowd-sourced species identification system and all the folks locally photographing and recording sounds in nature! From plants to animals, insects to birds, the City Nature Challenge is a unique opportunity to explore the biodiversity of Saskatoon and its surrounding areas, and to contribute valuable data for scientific research.

Mushrooms, Grasshopper, Caterpillar, Fungi

Lichen — Mushrooms, Grasshopper, Caterpillar, Fungi

One of the highlights of the City Nature Challenge is the use of image recognition technology on the iNaturalist app, which allows participants to easily identify the plants and animals they come across. This makes it accessible even for those who may not have extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to learn and connect with nature, while also contributing to the collective understanding of the biodiversity in the region.

The City Nature Challenge also provides a platform to meet scientists and naturalists locally and from around the world. Through the iNaturalist community, participants can engage in discussions, share their findings, and learn from experts in various fields. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be a part of a global citizen science effort to document and protect our natural heritage.

One of the exciting aspects of the City Nature Challenge is the opportunity to monitor the return of migratory birds to the region. With spring in full swing, many bird species are making their way back after a long winter migration. From meadowlarks to robins, blue jays to black-capped chickadees, the challenge is on to spot and document these feathered travelers as they make their presence known with their distinct songs and calls. It’s a thrilling experience to witness the arrival of these avian visitors and contribute to the understanding of their populations in the area.

Insects are also a significant part of the City Nature Challenge. As Greg, one of the avid participants, says, “Bugs rule the numbers game!” Flies, butterflies, boxelder bugs, ladybugs, cocoons, ants, and many other fascinating insects can be spotted during the challenge. These tiny creatures play crucial roles in ecosystem health and provide endless opportunities for observation and discovery. With a keen eye and a sense of curiosity, participants can uncover the hidden world of insects and gain a deeper appreciation for their importance in nature.

But the City Nature Challenge doesn’t stop at just plants and animals. It’s an opportunity to explore all aspects of nature, including fungi, lichens, and other intriguing organisms. Participants are encouraged to leave no stone unturned and search for life in unexpected places. From the bark of trees to the cracks of fences, there’s always something waiting to be discovered.

Aside from the scientific and educational aspects, the City Nature Challenge is also about having fun and enjoying the wonders of nature. It’s a chance to reconnect with the natural world, whether it’s in a greenspace, your own yard, along the sidewalks, or in the beautiful afforestation areas and swales of Saskatoon. As always, it’s important to stay safe when exploring near water and wetlands, and to respect the natural environment and its inhabitants.

To be a part of the City Nature Challenge, all you need is a smartphone, the iNaturalist app, and a sense of curiosity. Join the thousands of participants from around the world who are taking part in this global citizen science event, and make your own exciting observations. Share your findings on social media using the hashtag #CityNatureChallenge, #CNCYXE, #FriendsAreas and be the voice for nature in your community. Download the iNaturalist app today, and let the adventure begin!

Planned events

Join an event, or document wildlife, and biodiversity in your home, yard, sidewalk, parkspace, tree, flower garden, eavestrough, local park, bus stop, on your daily walk, at a baseball game, in the dog park.

Thank You for Joining Us! Take Part in the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge and Discover Urban Biodiversity

Hello nature enthusiasts of Saskatoon and beyond! We want to extend a big thank you to all the observers who came out on the first day of the City Nature Challenge on April 28. Your enthusiasm and dedication to documenting urban biodiversity is truly appreciated!

For those who are not familiar with the City Nature Challenge, it is an annual, global, community science competition that aims to engage residents and visitors in documenting the plants, animals, signs of life and other organisms living in urban areas. The challenge is a bioblitz, where participants use the iNaturalist app and website to document their observations. The goal is to collect biodiversity data and promote awareness and appreciation of nature in our urban environments.

The City Nature Challenge is not just about making observations and identifying species, but also about engaging the public and fostering a sense of community in citizen science. Participants do not need to be experts in species identification, as help is provided through iNaturalist’s automated species identification feature and the community of users, including professional scientists and expert naturalists. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature.

The observations on the first day of the City Nature Challenge were phenomenal, with a large network of nature enthusiasts supporting the crowd-sourced species identification system. The power of image recognition technology has made it easier than ever to identify the plants and animals that are all around us. From birds and insects to lichens and fungi, there is so much to discover in our urban greenspaces, yards, sidewalks, afforestation areas, swales, and riverbanks.

If you haven’t participated in the City Nature Challenge yet, don’t worry! There’s still time to get involved. The challenge is happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023, and you can participate by yourself, with your family, or even as part of a group. Simply take pictures of wild plants and animals using the iNaturalist app or website during the observation period. The next stage is identifying what was found, which will take place from May 2 to May 7, 2023. The results will be announced on Monday, May 8, 2023.

In addition to being a fun and educational activity, the City Nature Challenge is also a great way to monitor the biodiversity in our urban areas and contribute to scientific research. By participating, you are helping to create a valuable dataset that can be used to better understand and protect our local ecosystems. It’s a meaningful way to make a difference in our community while enjoying the beauty of nature.

We also encourage educators to engage their students in the City Nature Challenge as a way to promote community science and nature exploration. There are activities available on the City Nature Challenge website that can be used in classrooms and for youth groups to teach about biodiversity, ecology, and citizen science. It’s a hands-on way to get students excited about nature and encourage them to become stewards of the environment.

So, let’s continue to explore, document, and appreciate the urban biodiversity in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. Join us in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 and be part of a global movement to celebrate and protect our natural world. Together, we can make a difference and contribute to our understanding of urban biodiversity. Happy observing!

Planned events

Celebrating the Beauty of Nature: First Day of City Nature Challenge Comes to an End

As the first day of the City Nature Challenge draws to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the participants in Saskatoon and Area who have downloaded the free iNaturalist app and taken pictures and sound recordings of the biodiversity and signs of life in our community. Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring!

We are thrilled to report that we have received a total of 126 observations, spanning across 36 different species. Among the unique sightings were butterflies and bees out already in the spring, Trembling Aspen catkins, and mallards back from down south. These observations provide valuable insight into the natural world around us and help us to better understand the biodiversity in our community.

We would also like to thank the identifiers who have helped us to confirm the species of the observations submitted so far. Your expertise is invaluable to the success of the City Nature Challenge, and we are grateful for your contribution.

And of course, we want to recognize the observers in Saskatoon and area who have taken the time to explore their surroundings and capture the beauty of the natural world. Your efforts have helped to increase our understanding and appreciation of the biodiversity in our community.

But the City Nature Challenge is not over yet! There are still four days left, with bioblitzes to engage in on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm, and on Monday at 7 pm. We encourage all participants to take part in Saskatoon and area and continue to submit their observations.

Remember, the City Nature Challenge is a chance to break free from the daily routine and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. It’s an opportunity to search, snap, and share for nature, and to discover the wonders of the world around us.

As we move forward with the challenge, we encourage all participants to continue to submit their observations and share their experiences with others. Remember, every observation counts, and together, we can make a significant impact on our understanding of the natural world.

So start practicing now! Get out there, explore your surroundings, and see what you can find. Who knows what unique sightings and discoveries await you?

And don’t forget to use the iNaturalist app to document and share your observations. Great news, spring is back and it’s the happiest time of the year! Let’s make the most of it and continue to celebrate the beauty of nature together.

Join us for the City Nature Challenge, taking place from April 28 to May 1. Together, we can make a difference and help to protect the natural world for generations to come.

Spring is Back! Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge and Celebrate Nature

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty and diversity of nature. If you’re a nature lover in Saskatoon and Area, mark your calendars for April 28 to May 1, 2023, because it’s time to participate in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023! With just four days left until the challenge begins, it’s time to get inspired, grab your smartphone, and be the voice for nature.

The City Nature Challenge is a global citizen science initiative that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and document the flora and fauna, sounds and photos of biodiversity and signs of life in their urban environments using the free iNaturalist app. In Saskatoon and Area, the challenge is brought to you by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., a local organization dedicated to conserving and protecting the natural areas in and around the city.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Spring time

American Red Squirrel Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada — Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Spring time

To participate in the City Nature Challenge, all you need is a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded. As you venture out into nature, whether it’s a park, a trail, or even your own backyard, be sure to record photos or sounds of the plants and animals you encounter. From flowers, leaves, to bark to habitat, every observation is valuable and contributes to our understanding of the natural world.

Sustaining life on Earth is dependent on healthy and diverse ecosystems, and the City Nature Challenge provides an opportunity to contribute to our understanding of urban biodiversity. It’s a chance to learn more about the species that call Saskatoon and Area home and raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving our natural heritage.

Hint 1: Download the iNaturalist app before heading out to participate in the City Nature Challenge. It’s a user-friendly tool that allows you to easily document and share your observations with a global community of nature enthusiasts and experts.

Hint 2: Don’t forget to charge your phones! You’ll want to have enough battery power to document as many observations as you can during the challenge period. Saskatoon is going wild, and you won’t want to miss any of the natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

During the challenge, be sure to explore, learn, and record as many observations as you can. From birds to insects to plants, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to discover in Saskatoon and Area. It’s a chance to connect with nature, deepen your understanding of local biodiversity, and contribute to global efforts to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems.

So, join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge, celebrate nature, and be the voice for our natural world. More information can be found at FriendsAreas.ca, the website of Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. It’s time to make a difference and be part of the global movement to conserve and protect nature. Let’s embrace the arrival of spring and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Saskatoon and Area’s natural heritage. Happy observing!

Planned City Nature Challenge events

Let us know about your school, classroom, group, or business event! Remember to include biodiversity spotted in your school yard, bus stop, back yard, local park, sidewalk!

Countdown to City Nature Challenge: Join the Effort to Map and Protect Saskatoon and Area’s Biodiversity

Are you in love with the incredible nature of Saskatoon and Area? Do you want to contribute to the mapping and protection of its biodiversity? If so, mark your calendars for April 28 to May 1, 2023, and get ready to participate in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023! With just a few days left until the challenge begins, nature enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join this global citizen science initiative and make a difference for local wildlife.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) This is the brightly colored male. The female of the species will use the cattails, reeds or rushes standing above the surface of the water to weave a nest, and lay 2-5 eggs. — Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

All you need to participate in the City Nature Challenge is a smartphone and the free iNaturalist app. Simply download the app, create an account, and start documenting the flora and fauna you encounter in Saskatoon and Area during the challenge period. It’s a fun and easy way to contribute to a global effort of mapping urban biodiversity and raising awareness about the importance of nature in our cities.

Last year’s City Nature Challenge was a huge success, with 52,000 people from 445 cities in 47 countries participating, resulting in over 1.69 million observations of more than 50,000 species including those participants who documented 2,244 rare, endangered, and threatened species. These observations provide valuable data for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to better understand and protect urban biodiversity.

One of the highlights of the City Nature Challenge is the opportunity to learn about species at risk or noxious invasive species in your area. The iNaturalist app has a built-in feature that will notify you with an icon if the species you observe is at risk or invasive. This allows participants to contribute to the conservation efforts by providing important information about the distribution and abundance of these species in Saskatoon and Area.

As the City Nature Challenge takes place in the spring, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the best of what the season has to offer. From blooming wildflowers to singing birds, the natural world comes alive during this time of the year. Participants are encouraged to share their observations (photos and sound recordings) on social media using the hashtag #CityNatureChallenge, #CNCYXE and tagging Friends Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc @Friendsareas or #FriendsAreas, the organization hosting the event. Let nature be heard, and let’s celebrate the beauty and diversity of Saskatoon and Area’s natural heritage together.

So, be the reason nature believes in humanity and join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge from April 28 to May 1, 2023. With just a few days left, it’s time to get ready, download the iNaturalist app, and start exploring the local parks, trails, and natural areas to document the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us. Together, we can make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of Saskatoon and Area’s precious natural heritage. Learn more at FriendsAreas.ca and be part of the City Nature Challenge!

Planned events

Please let us know of your business, school, classroom, or group’s City nature challenge planned events also!

Join us for the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023: Be the Voice for Nature!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure to explore and document the natural world in Saskatoon and Area? The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. are thrilled to invite the general public to take part in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023. This worldwide initiative encourages citizens, researchers, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts to join forces in a race against the clock to observe, document, and share information about the wildlife flourishing in our local areas.

What is the City Nature Challenge, you ask? It’s a friendly competition among cities and areas to engage the public in the collection of biodiversity data. Participants will use the free and user-friendly iNaturalist smartphone app to record observations of plants, animals, insects, and more in their neighborhoods and greenspaces. It’s a chance to connect with nature, contribute to vital conservation research, and be part of a global effort to document the incredible biodiversity found in our city.

Whether you’re an expert naturalist or a first-time observer, getting involved is easy. Simply download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone, head outdoors from April 28 to May 1, and start snapping photos of the nature around you. You don’t need to be a species expert – teams of experts will review and update the information submitted, so you can learn more about what you’ve spotted later on. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the diverse species that call Saskatoon and Area home and contribute to our understanding of local biodiversity.

By participating in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge, you’ll also be helping us compete for the title of the most Biodiverse City. The challenge awards cities and areas based on three criteria: the most observations, the most species found, and the most people engaged. It’s a chance to showcase the incredible biodiversity of our region on the world stage and put Saskatoon and Area on the map as a hotspot for nature enthusiasts.

To join in the fun and be the voice for nature, visit FriendsAreas.ca to learn more about the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023. Let’s come together as a community to explore, document, and celebrate the rich wildlife diversity that surrounds us. Download the iNaturalist app, make observations, and join us in this exciting global initiative to connect with nature and contribute to conservation research. Get ready to discover the wonders of our local nature and make a difference in the world of biodiversity science! CNC YXE DNU

Planned events

Counting Down to City Nature Challenge: Who Will Be the First and Last Observers in Saskatoon and Area?

Excitement is building in Saskatoon and Area as the much-anticipated iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023 draws near! With just three days left until the challenge begins on April 28, nature enthusiasts are gearing up to be the first observer in Saskatoon and Area to kick off this thrilling event.

As the clock ticks towards midnight on April 28, the anticipation grows to see who will make the very first observation of the City Nature Challenge in Saskatoon and Area. Will it be a rare bird, a blooming wildflower, or a curious mammal? Nature enthusiasts are eagerly preparing to head out into the local parks, trails, and natural areas to document the diverse wildlife that calls Saskatoon and Area home.

But the excitement doesn’t end with the first observation. As the City Nature Challenge progresses over the four-day period from April 28 to May 1, participants will be on the lookout for all types of flora and fauna, signs of life, capturing their observations and sound recordings through the iNaturalist app. It’s a friendly competition with a global impact, as cities all around the world participate in this citizen science initiative to document biodiversity in urban areas.

And as the challenge draws to a close on May 1 at 11:59 pm, the question remains: who will make the final observation in Saskatoon and Area? Will it be a a bird song recorded amid an evening with a stunning sunset, a majestic tree, or a unique insect? The race is on to see who will capture the last observation of biodiversity or signs of life, bringing the City Nature Challenge to a thrilling conclusion.

In addition to the individual observations, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have planned events during the City Nature Challenge period and invite other schools, classes, business and groups to create their own events. These events offer opportunities for participants to come together, learn from experts, and explore the local nature areas in a fun and educational way. It’s a chance to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn about the importance of biodiversity and afforestation, and contribute to the global effort of documenting urban nature.

Robert White, a renowned environmentalist, emphasizes the significance of afforestation as a nature-based solution to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. As he says, “Afforestation is now recognized internationally as an important nature-based solution to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.” The City Nature Challenge provides a unique opportunity for citizens of Saskatoon and Area to contribute to this important cause by documenting the rich biodiversity in their local natural areas.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to join the excitement of the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023. Who will be the first observer at the stroke of midnight on April 28? Who will capture the final observation at 11:59 pm on May 1? Will it be you? Don’t miss this chance to be part of a global citizen science initiative and celebrate the biodiversity of Saskatoon and Area. Get out, explore, and make your observations count! For more information, visit FriendsAreas.ca or Eventbrite and be part of the City Nature Challenge!

Planned events

Join us for Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023!

Are you ready to connect with nature, contribute to vital conservation research, and compete for the title of the most Biodiverse City? Saskatoon and Area are gearing up for the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023, happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023. This international initiative invites researchers, school groups, citizens, and wildlife enthusiasts across the world to come together and put nature on the map through the iNaturalist smartphone app.

George Genereux Urban Regional Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sept 24 — City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area

City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area

Similar to other nature-related international decades, such as the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration from 2021 to 2030, the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge aims to promote environmental goals, including the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems, combating climate change, safeguarding biodiversity, food security, and water supply. While much focus is on promoting restoration activity by national governments, the UN also wishes to promote efforts from other actors, ranging from the private sector and NGOs to regular individuals.

Participating in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge is easy and fun. Whether you are an expert, a seasoned #BioBlitz participant, or getting involved for the first time, you can contribute to the collection of biodiversity data in Saskatoon and Area. Simply download the free iNaturalist app, take a photograph of nature in your local area, whether it’s a tree, plant, insect, or animal, and upload it to the app. You don’t even have to know anything about the species you are observing. Teams of experts will review and update the information that’s submitted, so you can log back in later and learn more about what you’ve spotted.By participating in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge, you can help Saskatoon and Area compete for the title of the most Biodiverse City.

The challenge has three awards each year for the cities and areas that make the most observations, find the most species, and engage the most people. It’s a friendly competition that puts Saskatoon and Area on the world stage and highlights the rich biodiversity of our region.So, mark your calendars and join us for the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 from April 28 to May 1, 2023. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate and learn about the wildlife flourishing in our local greenspaces, while contributing to global efforts in conservation research. To learn more, visit FriendsAreas.ca and get ready to embark on a nature adventure like never before!

Planned events

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