Embracing Nature’s Symphony: Participating in the City Nature Challenge Rain or Shine

Rain patters against the windowpane, a rhythmic dance of droplets painting the world outside in shades of gray. But amidst the storm, there lies a hidden opportunity, a chance to connect with nature in its most elemental form. Yes, even in the rain, you can be a part of the City Nature Challenge, unlocking the wonders of the natural world from the comfort of your own home.

Picture this: you’re nestled indoors, cozy and dry, yet your spirit yearns for adventure. Fear not, for the wild awaits just beyond your window. With the simple flick of a wrist and the tap of a screen, you can embark on a journey of discovery that transcends weather and time.

Enter the iNaturalist app, your gateway to a realm of biodiversity teeming with life. As raindrops cascade outside, open your window and listen closely. Can you hear it? The soft serenade of birdsong echoing through the air, a melody as old as time itself. Grab your phone, launch the app, open the windows and let the magic unfold.

Begin with your front yard, a canvas painted with the colors of urban flora and fauna. Record the chirps and trills of feathered friends perched among the branches, their songs a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Then, venture to the back yard, where hidden treasures await beneath the cloak of rain-soaked foliage. Capture the symphony of bird calls that reverberate through the damp air, each note a thread in nature’s intricate tapestry.

It’s that easy, stay indoors, open that window, it is that enchanting. With each recording, you become a citizen scientist, contributing to a global effort to document and preserve the wonders of our natural world. Every tweet, every chirp, is a voice heard in the chorus of conservation, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us even in the most unexpected of moments.

Then if you are adventurous, pop into the car, drive somewhere in Saskatoon and area, open the windows, and record the sounds again! Cool hey?

So, as the rain continues to fall outside, let us embrace the opportunity to connect with nature in all its splendor. Let us open our windows, our hearts, and our minds to the wonders that lie just beyond our doorstep. For in the midst of a storm, there is beauty to be found, and in the act of discovery, there is hope for a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Wow, indeed. Rain or shine, let us heed the call of the wild and embark on this adventure together. #CityNatureChallenge #EmbraceTheRain #NatureIsCalling 🌧️🌿

Then when the rain abates, get a bit of exercise outdoors just in case a little mushroom has emerged, as they love the rain! The Saskatoon Mycological Working Group or the NPSS mentions that we need a lot more people recording Fungi around Saskatoon to determine which ones are species at risk, and which are common.

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Caswell Hill Community Association, SOS Trees Inc., Rosewood Varsity View Community Association, Nutana Varsity View Community Association, Montgomery Place Varsity View Community Association. City Nature Challenge Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 led by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. Reach if you would like to sponsor the City Nature Challenge, or share the City Nature Challenge information as a collaborator!

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Certificates

Ready for my closer up

Tip No 1. Flower leaves bark habitat

Check captive cultivated

Make sure to record photo or sound

Click the + sign add another photo of the same organism

Petrichor in the forest, after the rain, what do you smell?

City Nature Challenge #CNCYXE

iNaturalist Observation with smart phone connecting with nature, supporting vital conservation research worldwide.

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.comFacebook 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 )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

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

Exploring Caswell Hill

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To the residents of this vibrant neighborhood, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work you do in nurturing this unique and established community and preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings. Caswell Hill truly stands out as a haven of greenery and connection to nature, thanks in large part to your dedication and efforts.

One of the jewels of our neighborhood is the unique Ashworth Holmes Park, with its expansive oval shape and accessible playground. It’s a place where families gather for picnics, where children laugh and play, and where neighbors come together to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. From the local dog park to the Mayfair Bowling Club, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this historic park. So many reasons to be out and about, and with iNaturalist loaded to the smart phone, an amazing time to Be the Voice for Nature!

But what truly sets Caswell Hill apart is the abundant biodiversity that thrives here. As we stroll through the boulevards, admire the yards, and alleys adorned with colorful flowers and greenery, we’re reminded of the deep connection between this community and the natural world. It’s inspiring to see residents transforming their lawns into clover lawns, and pollinator paradise gardens, attracting beneficial insects like bees and harmless parasitoid wasps that play vital roles in our ecosystem. What will you discover?

And let’s not forget about the four-leaf clovers that grace this area hiding within neighborhood pollinator paradise yards, and clover lawns. Legends and folklore have long celebrated these rare finds, with tales of fairies and good luck swirling around them. Whether you believe in their mystical powers or not, there’s no denying the joy of stumbling upon one of these elusive charms. What will you discover? And do you think four leaf clovers are lucky? Have you ever found one?

So, as we celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of Caswell Hill, we want to express our gratitude to the Community Association for their tireless efforts in preserving and enhancing this neighborhood and for spreading the word about the City Nature Challenge. Thank you for creating a place where nature thrives, where families come together outside, and where the spirit of community shines bright. What an adventure to combine the charm of this established neighbourhood and all its amenities with the iNaturalist app on the smart phone, an exciting way to awaken connection to nature, enhance your observation skills, and deepen your curiosity!

What a great opportunity to explore this area of the city for biodiversity for the City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2024!

City Nature Challenge CNCYXE

Red Osier Dogwood Cornus sericea flower

City Nature Challenge CNCYXE