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

Empowerment Through Collaboration: Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist CNCYXE Challenge!

Join the Citizen Science Movement: Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist Challenge 2023 and Make a Difference!”

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure that involves teamwork, networking, uniting, and learning about the wonders of nature? If so, then mark your calendars for the second phase of the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023 identification phase happening from May 2 to May 7, 2023. This is your chance to contribute to citizen science, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a meaningful impact on local biodiversity conservation efforts.

You might be wondering, “How can I make identifications on iNaturalist if I’m not an expert?” Well, fret not! iNaturalist has made it easy for anyone, regardless of their expertise level, to participate and contribute to this unique and exciting challenge. When you come across a plant, animal, or any other organism in nature, simply take a photo of it using the iNaturalist app, and upload it to the platform. From there, you can try to identify what you saw using the “What did you see?” feature, which provides a list of suggestions based on appearance and what is typically found in your location.

Even if you’re not entirely sure of the exact species or are new to species identification, you can narrow down your observation to a category from the appropriate biological kingdom, such as “insect” or “bird”. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned naturalist or biologist, as other users in the iNaturalist community will be able to view your observation and make suggestions. With two or more positive identifications, your observation will become “research grade,” which means it will be more respected and valued by the citizen science community.

What’s more, the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge is not just about individual observations, but also about teamwork and collaboration. As you participate in the identification phase, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from experts, and build a sense of community around your shared passion for nature. The challenge creates a collaborative environment where participants can support and learn from each other, share knowledge, and collectively work towards identifying as many species as possible during the challenge period.

By taking part in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 identification phase, you are contributing to the understanding of local biodiversity and conservation efforts in your area. Your observations and identifications can help researchers and scientists better understand the distribution and abundance of different species, monitor changes in local ecosystems, and inform conservation strategies.

So, are you ready to be a part of this citizen science movement, unlock the power of teamwork, and make a positive impact on the environment? Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge from May 2 to May 7, 2023, and let’s come together to celebrate the wonders of nature, connect with our community, and contribute to scientific research. Your participation matters, and every observation and identification counts. Let’s make a difference together! Happy identifying!

YouTube Video on identifying

YouTube Video How to Use the iNaturalist identify page

Email if you would like to collaborate for a zoom meeting.

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
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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

Unleash the Power of Teamwork and Nature Identification: Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure of exploring and identifying the natural wonders of Saskatoon and its surrounding areas? If you have a passion for nature, photography, and citizen science, then the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) is the perfect event for you! This year’s identification phase of the CNC YXE challenge is set to take place from May 2 to May 7, 2023, and it promises to be an exhilarating experience of teamwork, networking, and uniting as a community in the pursuit of nature identification.

The CNC ‘City Nature Challenge,’ CNCYXE2023

The Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE is a unique event that brings together nature enthusiasts, amateur naturalists, and professional scientists to collectively document the biodiversity of the region using the iNaturalist app. During the first phase of the challenge, participants are encouraged to go out and observe as many species as possible, capturing their findings through photographs and uploading them to the iNaturalist platform. This creates a massive citizen science project, generating valuable data that contributes to our understanding of local biodiversity and helps with conservation efforts.

Now, as we move on to the second phase of the challenge, it’s time to put our teamwork and identification skills into action! One of the key tasks for this phase is to clear the backlog of observations that have no identifications, commonly referred to as “unknowns.” This is where your expertise and enthusiasm can make a real difference.

Tony Rebelo, Researcher at the South African National Biodiversity Institute SANBI, IUCN Species Survival Commission, and University of Cape Town UCT Harold Pearson Chair of Botany, suggests a simple strategy for this identification phase. “Make IDs to ‘family level’ in plants,” he advises. “Animals are not an issue, as birds, reptiles, frogs, moths, bugs, butterflies, fish, spiders, etc. are all easy enough. And fungi are too difficult: just please use “Fungi including Lichens” and then the observer should be encouraged to try a crosspost to Facebook Saskatchewan Mycological Working Group. But for plants, please try and get the families. These should be easy for flowers such as Daisies, Peas, Stonecrops, Orchids (if only), grasses,and other iconic groups. Ferns and Mosses are OK ‘families’ as well. Rebelo mentions that if you don’t know the family or genus, then just skip it: Do NOT ID them as ‘Plants’ or ‘Dicots’ unless there is no chance that they will ever be identified.” There are some interesting online hints and tips clues here.

In addition to identifying plant families, there are several other tasks you can do to contribute to the success of the Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE. Keep an eye out for superb photographs, outstanding observations, and really cool stuff, and nominate them for the “Observation of the Month” project. If you come across planted or captive species, make sure to mark them as such. Be vigilant for duplicates and add a comment for duplicates to help streamline the observations. If you encounter observations with multiple species, add a comment to ask the observer to separate them into their own observations, and add an ID of “State of Matter: Life” if needed. Finding multiple species in one observation, and asking the observer to duplicate the image for another organism it for the other organism is a key to add more observations to the City Nature Challenge. Watch for holes in leaves, bumps or eggs on leaves, insects nestled in the centre of flower blossoms, which would indicate multiple species in one image which could be duplicated into more than one observation. Every plant, animal, insect, etc has to have their own webpage on iNaturalist. Lastly, keep an eye out for pictures of pet dogs, birds, fish or cats, and mark them as not wild.

By actively participating in these identification tasks, you can make a meaningful contribution to the Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE and help unlock the full potential of the citizen science data collected during the challenge. Your efforts will not only contribute to our understanding of local biodiversity but also help with conservation efforts and provide valuable data for researchers and scientists.

Beyond the scientific and conservation aspects, the Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE is also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from experts, and foster a sense of community. The teamwork involved in identifying species and clearing the backlog of unknown observations creates a collaborative environment where participants can learn from each other, share knowledge, and build lasting relationships.

So, are you ready to embark on this exciting adventure and unleash the power of teamwork and nature identification? Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023 second phase – Identification- from May 2 to May 7, and be a part of this unique citizen science event. You know you want to! Whether you are a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, your participation can make a real difference in our understanding of local biodiversity and conservation efforts. Together, let’s celebrate the wonders of nature, connect with our community, and contribute to scientific research. Happy observing and identifying!

Let us know if you would like to meet over zoom to collaborate!

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!

Thanking Observers and Encouraging Identifications for Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023

Dear Nature Enthusiasts,

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the observers who came out for the City Nature Challenge in Saskatoon and Area, which took place from April 28 to May 1, 2023. It has been an incredible experience to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of our community in exploring and documenting the biodiversity in our region. The results have been outstanding, with thousands of observations made and numerous species identified.

Taxonomic Ranks, and Binomial Name Genus and Species

Taxonomic Chart Blank — Taxonomic Ranks, and Binomial Name Genus and Species

But the excitement is not over yet! The next phase of the City Nature Challenge is the identification stage, which will take place from May 2 to May 7, 2023. During this time, we encourage everyone, regardless of their expertise level, to get involved and help with the identification process. You don’t need to be a botanist, biologist, or entomologist to contribute. In fact, citizen scientists like you, who are members of the general public, play a crucial role in helping identify the observations made during the challenge.

If you’re unsure about how to identify a species, don’t worry! We have a valuable resource at our fingertips: YouTube with an identification hints and tips webinar! Simply sign into iNaturalist on your home computer, and take a look at the observations from Saskatoon and Area. You can help by changing the “unknowns” to plants, animals, or other appropriate categories. For example, if you see an unknown observation that could be a bird, or you hear a song that sounds like a bird, you can help by typing in “bird,” “crow,” or “pigeon.” These higher levels of identification are immensely valuable in building a comprehensive database of biodiversity in our area, and invite iNaturalist specialists over.

Additionally, iNaturalist offers suggestions through its image recognition technology, and you can compare these suggestions to the observation to help with identification. Your input and contributions to the identification process are invaluable in helping us gain a deeper understanding of the species that call our region home.

The City Nature Challenge is not just a competition, but also an opportunity to engage the public in the collection of biodiversity data and raise awareness about the importance of conserving our natural environment. By participating in this challenge, you are contributing to the global effort to protect and restore land habitats, combat biodiversity loss, and conserve life on land, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15.

We are grateful for your participation and passion for nature, and we invite everyone to join us in the identification phase of the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023 from May 2 to May 7, 2023. You can do it! Let’s continue to work together to showcase the incredible biodiversity of our region and place Saskatoon and Area on the world stage for the City Nature Challenge!

Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural heritage.

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

Discover the Natural Wonders of Saskatoon with the City Nature Challenge

Are you someone who loves spending time outdoors, observing the beauty of nature? Are you always intrigued by the diverse range of flora and fauna that surrounds us, but don’t know where to begin your journey to explore and document them? Look no further! The City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and area is the perfect opportunity for you to unleash your inner naturalist, and connect with the world around you in a meaningful way.

The City Nature Challenge is an annual international event where cities compete to see who can document the most species over a four-day period. This year, Saskatoon and area is participating in the challenge from April 28 to May 1, and you can be a part of it! You can join in as an individual, or as part of a group, and make observations of any plants, animals, fungi, or other organisms you see in your backyard, on your walks, or during your outdoor activities.

So far, the challenge has been off to an incredible start, with 136 species documented, including an American Mink, wolf spiders, zebra spiders, crab spiders, paradise jumping spiders, ducks, geese, robins, mourning cloak butterflies, blue jays, compton tortoiseshell butterfly, grebes, and pelicans, to name a few. With 46 identifiers and 20 observers already contributing, there’s no better time to get involved. Just use the explore feature in iNaturalist to see what has been discovered in Saskatoon already.

But why should you participate in the City Nature Challenge? For starters, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, explore new areas, and connect with nature in a deeper way. Not only that, but by making observations and documenting the species you see, you’re contributing to vital conservation research that can help protect and preserve our planet’s biodiversity. Plus, it’s a fun and engaging way to challenge yourself and learn new things.

So what are you waiting for? Download the iNaturalist app, and join us in taking part in the #CNC #CityNatureChallenge Saskatoon and Area! You can participate on your own, with your family, or as part of a group event, and every observation you make helps contribute to our understanding of the natural world. Let’s work together to document the incredible diversity of species that surround us, and make a difference for our planet’s future. Learn more at FriendsAreas.ca. or at Hints and tips

There are still two great events to join during the challenge, or just document nature on your own with iNaturalist on your smartphone!

Nature Census: Discovering Wildlife Wonders Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK Monday 05/01/2023 07:00:00 PM

Wildlife Expedition: Find Your Wild Side George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon, SK Sunday 04/30/2023 02:00:00 PM

Wildlife Montage. Red Winged Blackbird, White Tailed Deer Fawn, Garter Snake, JackRabbit, Mallard Ducklings, Black Crowned Night Heron

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

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

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 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!

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.

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