Join the Fun: Making Identifications on iNaturalist for Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge 2023

Greetings nature enthusiasts! As the observation stage of the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge comes to an end, yet you can still upload images from your camera which were taken between April 28 to May 1. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the observers who came out to document the incredible biodiversity in our city and surrounding areas. Your contributions have been invaluable in helping us collect important data about the wildlife that call Saskatoon home.

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! The next phase of the City Nature Challenge is just around the corner, and we need your help in making identifications on iNaturalist. From May 2 to May 7, 2023, we invite you to participate in the identification phase of the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge, and contribute to the global effort of documenting biodiversity.

You might be thinking, “But I’m not an expert in botany, biology, or entomology, how can I possibly contribute?” Well, fear not! iNaturalist provides tools and resources that make identification easy and accessible to everyone, including citizen scientists like you. To help you get started, we have a YouTube video entitled “Identifications for iNaturalist : prelude to the City Nature CNCYXE Challenge” that outlines the basics of making identifications on iNaturalist.

During the webinar, you will learn about the iNaturalist tree, which provides a basic taxonomy to help you identify observations, and how to best utilize the power of iNaturalist Computer Vision Explorations. The computer vision technology is enhanced with artificial intelligence and machine learning, making it a valuable tool in identifying unknown observations. You will also learn about the iNaturalist Data Quality Assessment (DQA) and how it is used to assess the accuracy of identifications and Frequently used responses for identifications

Making identifications on iNaturalist is a collaborative effort, and your contributions are crucial in enhancing the accuracy and quality of the data. You can provide identifications based on your own knowledge, and also participate in discussions and collaborations with other members of the iNaturalist community. This creates a platform for learning, sharing, and contributing to our understanding of the biodiversity in Saskatoon and Area.

By participating in the identification phase of the City Nature Challenge, you not only contribute to the global biodiversity database, but you also help Saskatoon and Area compete in the challenge. The City Nature Challenge awards cities and areas that make the most observations, find the most species, and engage the most people. Let’s put Saskatoon and Area on the world stage and showcase our rich biodiversity to the world!

So mark your calendars for May 2 to May 7, 2023, and join us in the identification phase of the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge. Together, we can make a difference in understanding and conserving the natural world around us. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #CNCYXE and #CNCYXE2023 to share your experiences on social media and contribute to the global City Nature Challenge community. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this year’s challenge a success!

Hosted by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, the Saskatoon and Area City Nature Challenge is a unique opportunity for all nature lovers to come together, learn, and contribute to the conservation of our local biodiversity. Thanks for joining us between April 28 and May 1, 2023, and now the launch is on for the identification phase May 2 to May 7, 2023 as we take part in this international initiative to collect information about the wildlife flourishing in Saskatoon and Area. The winners of the City Nature Challenge will be announced on May 8, 2023, and we can’t wait to celebrate the achievements of our city and area in this exciting challenge!

So, get ready to dive into the world of iNaturalist, make identifications, and be part of Saskatoon and Area’s City Nature Challenge CNCYXE2023!

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 )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

Jax’s Story: A Tale of Rescue and Love

Jax was abandoned at Avalon Dog Park in Saskatoon, left to fend for herself in the bitterly cold February weather. Luckily, two kind ladies noticed her and called the SPCA to pick her up. When Jax’s new owners came to pick her up, they had a chance meeting with these two ladies. They had a feeling it was Jax when they saw her distinct appearance, and the SPCA soon confirmed that she was a rescue dog from New Hope Rescue.

Jax the Rescue Dog, now enjoying the South West Off Leash Recreation Area
Jax the Rescue Dog, now enjoying the South West Off Leash Recreation Area

When Jax’s new family adopted her, they knew very little about her history. Adoption agencies typically provide minimal information about the pets they place, but Jax’s foster family provided invaluable insight into her personality and quirks. They had even bought her a treat ball that she still treasures to this day!

Jax’s foster family also gave her a bath, an experience that left quite an impression on both Jax and her new family. Now, whenever Jax wants a bath, she’ll sit by the shower and let her humans know. It’s one of many ways that Jax has shown her new family just how much she trusts and loves them.

Foster families like Jax’s are an essential part of the rescue process, providing temporary homes and love to pets in need. It’s not always easy to say goodbye when it’s time for the pet to be adopted, but it’s a vital part of the work they do. As Jax’s new family can attest, it takes a special kind of person to be a foster parent, and they are incredibly grateful for the role that Jax’s foster family played in bringing her into their lives.

For Jax’s new family, it’s clear that the love and companionship that Jax brings into their lives is priceless. As they say, “I may have rescued Jax, but equally I think she rescued me.” There’s no denying the unconditional love and joy that pets like Jax bring into our lives, and we are all the better for it.

Jax the Rescue Dog, now enjoying the South West Off Leash Recreation Area
Jax the Rescue Dog, now enjoying the South West Off Leash Recreation Area

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 )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

Connect the Afforestation Areas with Others

Can you spare a few hours on the weekend Oct 15 to Oct 16? This is after the Thanksgiving weekend. Hours can be chosen on Sat Oct 15 between 10a.m.–6p.m. and on Sunday Oct 16 Sun between 11a.m.–5p.m. Email friendsafforestation@gmail.com if you can come out to help let folks know about the afforestation areas! Make a difference. Support the information booth. This is a most important parts of Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Education. 

For a park to be successful it must be where “be where life swirls” says Jane Jacobs.

October 15 Eventbrite

October 16 eventbrite

This will be sitting at a table indoors spreading the word through pamphlets and shared networking about the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Jane Jacobs warned us that “too much is expected of city parks. Far from transforming any essential quality in their surroundings, far from automatically uplifting their neighborhoods, neighborhood parks themselves are directly and drastically affected by the way the neighborhood acts upon them”

in the foreword to the Modern Library Edition of her The Death and Life of Great American Cities Jane Jacobs continues: At some point along the trail I realised I was engaged in studying the ecology of cities. (…) by city ecology I mean something different from, yet similar to, natural ecology as students of wilderness address the subject. A natural ecosystem is defined as “composed of physical-chemical-biological processes active within a space-time unit of any magnitude.”source

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 )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

Taking part in Conservation

Taking Part in Conservation: the Value of Citizen Science

This description is a quotation from the event page.

Join the Canadian Wildlife Federation in celebration of Earth Day and CWF’s 60th anniversary in learning how you can contribute to conservation using just a phone or digital camera.

Ordinary people turned citizen scientists are contributing valuable information every day to help conserve our natural world. Through apps and websites like iNaturalist Canada and initiatives like the City Nature Challenge, thousands of people are contributing millions of observations, filling gaps that scientists can’t accomplish on their own.

Join CWF’s English Webinar with James Pagé to hear about the value of citizen science data and how to take part.

Apr 22, 2022 at 10:am CST or 12:00pm Eastern

**************

Remember*

Spring is back!

4 days to be inspired for nature

April 29-May 2

City Nature Challenge Saskatoon

Celebrate Nature

CNCYXE

Be the Voice for Nature

More information

Friendsareas.ca

The City of Saskatoon CNC is brought to you by

Friends of the Saskatoon Aforestation Areas

The Canada Wide host for the CNC is the CWF

Celebrate 50 years! Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park were planted to trees in 1972, 50 years ago. Come out and say Happy Birthday!

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 )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

“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

#CityNatureChallenge #iNaturalistCanada #Biodiversity Founded by @NHMLA and @CalAcademy Community Science hosted by #friendsdareas #NatureCanada #CityNatureChallenge #BioBlitz #CitSciMonth #CommunityScience #CitizenScience #UrbanNature #UrbanBiodiversity #NatureInTheCity #NatureIsEverywhere #NatureForEveryone #NatureNerd #cnc #outdoors #nature #conservation #photography #biodiversity #citizenscience #inaturalist #wildlife #plantlife #wanderlust #naturelovers #optoutside #instagood #picoftheday #volunteer #training #parks #optingoutside #CNCYXE #CNCYXE2022 #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation #citizenscience #communityscience #EcologicalEmergency #naturelovers @sasktel #inaturalist #saskatchewanbirds #yxebirds #getoutdoors #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #citynaturechallenge2022 #yxe #thegreatoutdoors #citynaturechallenge2022 #citynaturechallenge #Canadacitynaturechallenge #citizenscience #Volunteering #nativeprairie #grasslands #wildlife #bees #pollinators #prairiepollinators #ExploreSask #NatureSask #wildlifewatcher #prairielife #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #socialdistance #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #beesknees #LeavetheLeaves #NoMowMay #nature4all #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas #saskatoon #saskatooning

iNaturalist

Today is a great day to open and sign into iNaturalist to your computer, and explore the world, Saskatchewan or Saskatoon for the exciting plants and animals around us.

Then on your smart phone download iNaturalist app, and sign in.

In the winter time, one can still take pictures of animals and birds. Discover fresh tracks and scat on the snow. Find plants, feathers, lichen on trees to take pictures of through the iNaturalist app.

There are YouTube tutorials posted, and informational iNaturalist pdfs online to get you started. There are getting started and teacher’s guides. You get out of it what you put into it.

Let us know if you have any questions or would like to go out to the afforestation areas for a tour!

Also, the Friends still has a prize worth $50 retail to anyone who finds the Linden tree in the west side of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area! Send us the GPS or let us know where you found it. It is a treasure hunt!

American Beaver, Porcupine, Red-winged Blackbird, Fawn, Mallard Ducks, Waxwing, Rabbit, Deer Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA
American Beaver, Porcupine, Red-winged Blackbird, Fawn, Mallard Ducks, Waxwing, Rabbit, Deer Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

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 )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

“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

“Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven.”

Henry Ward Beecher

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