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

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.

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

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

Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023 and Contribute to Ecosystem Restoration!

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and contributing to global efforts for ecosystem restoration? Then mark your calendars for the upcoming Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023 happening from April 28 to May 1, 2023. As we enter the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration from 2021 to 2030, let’s come together as citizen scientists and play our part in safeguarding biodiversity, combatting climate change, and promoting sustainable practices!

The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a global initiative aimed at promoting environmental goals and facilitating cooperation for the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems. With a focus on combatting climate change, safeguarding biodiversity, ensuring food security, and securing water supply, this decade presents a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to the restoration of our planet’s ecosystems.

While much of the focus is on promoting restoration activities by national governments, the UN also recognizes the importance of efforts from other actors, including the private sector, NGOs, and regular individuals like you and me. The Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge provides an excellent platform for citizens to actively participate in ecosystem restoration efforts right in their local communities.

Participating in the City Nature Challenge is easy and fun! All you need is a smartphone with the iNaturalist app, and you’re ready to start documenting and recording the biodiversity in your local area. By simply observing and documenting the different species of plants, animals, and insects that you come across during the challenge period, you can contribute valuable data to help scientists and researchers better understand and protect our natural world.

The City Nature Challenge is not only a great opportunity to engage in citizen science and contribute to global environmental goals, but it’s also a chance to connect with nature, learn about the biodiversity in our local area, and make a positive impact on our planet. It’s a fun and educational activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, from families with kids to solo nature enthusiasts.

By participating in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023, you’ll be joining a global movement towards ecosystem restoration and making a tangible difference in your local community. You can also take it a step further by becoming a co-host or partner organization, promoting the event on social media, or leading your own nature connect group bio-blitz. Together, we can contribute to the restoration of our planet’s ecosystems and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

So, are you ready to be a part of the solution and make a positive impact on our planet? Join us in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023 and take action towards ecosystem restoration. Let’s come together as citizen scientists and invest in our planet during this United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Together, we can make a difference and create a better world for ourselves and future generations!

For more information and to get involved, please visit the City of Saskatoon CNC YXE 2023 project page on iNaturalist, check out the CNCYXE2023 website or contact friendsafforestation@gmail.com. Let’s make Saskatoon shine in the City Nature Challenge 2023 and contribute to global efforts for ecosystem restoration!

Planned events

Join the City Nature Challenge 2023 in Saskatoon and Celebrate Earth Day by Investing in Our Planet!

Are you ready to make a difference for our planet and contribute to local biodiversity conservation efforts? Then mark your calendars for the upcoming iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023 happening in Saskatoon from April 28 to May 1, 2023. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, let’s come together as citizen scientists and invest in our planet by participating in this exciting environmental initiative!

West Swale and Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation Area wildlife Urban Forest Semi-Wilderness Area. Mountain Bluebird, White Tailed Deer Fawn. Barred Tiger Salamander or western tiger salamander. American Pelican, Mallard Duckling

The City Nature Challenge is a global event that encourages people from all over the world to document and record the biodiversity in their local communities using the iNaturalist app. This citizen science project allows anyone with a smartphone to become a nature observer and contribute valuable data to help scientists and researchers better understand and protect our natural world.

What makes the City Nature Challenge even more special this year is that the City of Saskatoon has joined the Canada-wide umbrella project, CNC Canada 2023, led by the Canada Wildlife Federation. This means that we, as a community, have the opportunity to showcase our city’s incredible biodiversity on the world stage and contribute to sustainable and climate action challenges through international collaboration.

Notably, this is the second year that Saskatoon and the province of Saskatchewan are taking part in the City Nature Challenge, making it a unique and exciting opportunity for us to learn from cities that have participated in previous years. It’s a chance for us to come together as environmental champions and guardians, and take action locally to protect our natural heritage in the face of climate change.

Participating in the City Nature Challenge is easy and free! All you need is a smartphone with the iNaturalist app, and you’re ready to start documenting organisms in your local area. During the challenge period from April 28 to May 1, you can go outdoors individually or join in-group nature connecting bio-blitz observations. There will also be a follow-up identification events from May 2 – May 7, 2023, where you can contribute as an identifier using your computer at home. The winners are announced May 8, 2023.

If you’re interested in becoming a participant, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. You can join the City of Saskatoon CNC YXE 2023 project page on iNaturalist, and even become a co-host or partner organization. You can also help promote the event by sharing your involvement on social media, finding sponsors, or leading your own nature connect group bio-blitz with a date/time meetup via Facebook events or Eventbrite.

By taking part in the City Nature Challenge, you’ll not only contribute to important scientific research and conservation efforts, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with nature, learn about the biodiversity in our local area, and make a positive impact on our planet. So, let’s come together as a community and celebrate Earth Day by investing in our planet through the City Nature Challenge 2023 in Saskatoon. Join us in this exciting event and let’s make a difference for our planet and future generations to come!

For more information and to get involved, please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com or visit the City of Saskatoon CNC YXE 2023 project page on iNaturalist. Together, let’s make Saskatoon shine in the City Nature Challenge 2023 and show the world the beauty and diversity of our local biodiversity!

Planned Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge events

Add yours today! or Register to take part above.

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. Your participation in this global community science competition to document urban biodiversity has been truly inspiring!

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!

We’re especially grateful for the participation of teachers and their classes, who have been competing against each other in a friendly challenge. Engaging students 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 sound recording or a photograph of nature in your local area, whether it’s a tree, plant, insect, signs of life 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.

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

What will you find above you in the sky, below you in a sidewalk crack, beside you in the fence picket, on the other side in the bark of the tree? What is crawling in the grass? What is flying overhead? What little insect creatures swim in the wetlands? Do you have eyes to see, and ears to hear? Are you connected with the land?

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