Greenery Day: Celebrating Nature and Discovery

Common Yarrow Achillea Millefolium Legend: A Lower and upper part of the plant. 1 cup. 2 ray bloom. 3 tubular flower, bud with chaff leaf. 4 tubular flower. 5 stamen. 6 fruit. 7 fruit, cross section. 8. Fruit, longitudinal section. 9 stylus tip. (1-9 enlarged).

Linnaean system of classification Biological Classification Chart

Milkweed with Monarch Buttefly (Danaus plexippus)

Rosales Classification according to the USDA

Linden Tree Linnaeus family

On May 4th, we honor Greenery Day, a celebration rooted in the appreciation of nature, inspired by the deep connection Emperor Showa (Emperor Hirohito) had with the natural world. As a young individual, Hirohito, often described as a reserved introvert, discovered solace in nature under the guidance of his school biology teacher, Hirotaro Hattori. Hattori’s mentorship ignited Hirohito’s passion for microscopic observation and shell collections.

Emperor Hirohito’s fascination with hydrozoans became a notable part of his scientific legacy. His contributions to the ‘World Hydrozoa Database’ reveal 36 records, marking his discoveries in 1967. During a diplomatic visit to the USA, Hirohito diverted to the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory and Oceanographic Institution, where he met hydrozoan expert Howard Sanders. This encounter further fueled his interest in marine biology.

In 1971, Hirohito was recognized as a Fellow of the British Royal Society. The imperial dedication to scientific inquiry extended to Akihito, Hirohito’s son and the subsequent Emperor, who focused on Gobiidae fish investigations. Both father and son, recognized taxonomists, tirelessly cataloged Earth’s biodiversity, unveiling the mysteries of unnamed species.

On this Greenery Day, we encourage following in the footsteps of these royal scientists. Participate in the City of Saskatoon City Nature Challenge, a global initiative unfolding from April 26 to April 29, 2024, capturing the essence of the natural world. Snap pictures of plants, insects, birds, and more, fostering a shared experience of discovery.

Here we are on May 4, Greenery Day, a time of identifications! There have indeed been citizen scientists on iNaturalist credited with making new species discoveries as did Emporer Hirohito

Species Identification YouTube

As the challenge extends to species identification from April 30 to May 5, 2024, immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. The City Nature Challenge will unveil the results on May 6, 2024, contributing to the inventory of species, tracking invasive ones, and discerning changes in species ranges.

Greenery Day is not just a celebration but an invitation to explore, observe, and cherish the richness of our natural world, echoing the spirit of discovery championed by Emperor Hirohito and his son.

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

Unlocking the Secrets of Saskatchewan’s Mushrooms

In the realm of fungi, Mushroom Day takes center stage on April 16th, inviting enthusiasts to delve into the fascinating world of mushrooms. With over 14,000 varieties, these fungal wonders grace dark and damp corners, adding a touch of mystery to the natural world.

Mushrooms and fungi

Despite their allure, caution is paramount. Harvesting mushrooms requires more than just an appreciation for their diverse forms; it demands knowledge. The mushroom kingdom includes both culinary delights and potentially harmful species, emphasizing the importance of discernment.

Explore, Document, Discover: Mushroom Day Chronicles

For those eager to explore, the iNaturalist app becomes a trusty companion. Armed with a smartphone, enthusiasts can observe and document mushrooms safely, expanding their understanding of this diverse and often overlooked kingdom.

Mushrooms Unleashed: A Quest for Fungal Insight

Mushrooms and fungi

While the allure of mushrooms captivates, there’s a broader mission at play. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) highlights the critical gaps in our understanding of mushroom species in Saskatchewan. How many exist? Where are they found? Are they rare or abundant? The need for documentation is evident, and Mushroom Day provides an opportune moment to contribute.

As Mushroom Day prepares us for the City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2024, taking place in two stages from April 26 to April 29, 2024 anywhere in Saskatoon, it’s a chance to capture the essence of the fungal kingdom. Snap pictures of wild plants, insects, birds, and, of course, mushrooms. From scat, owl pellets, roadkill, animal and bird tracks, snakeskins, bones, feathers, seashells and skeletons, every aspect of life is fair game, a symphony of the living and the once living. Check out the four free events scheduled.

The second stage, from April 30 to May 5, 2024, invites participants to identify the discovered species. The unveiling of results on May 6, 2024, marks a collective effort to enhance our understanding of biodiversity. This challenge extends beyond mere observation; it’s a call to action to document species of concern, track invasive species, and monitor changes in species range.

Mushrooms and fungi

In the pursuit of knowledge, Mushroom Day becomes a celebration of the intricate relationships within ecosystems. It prompts us to be stewards of the natural world, fostering a deeper connection with the fungi that play a vital role in the delicate balance of life. So, let Mushroom Day be a reminder to look down, appreciate the fungal wonders beneath our feet, and contribute to the rich tapestry of biodiversity.

Watch “What is it?” about the iNaturalist app and City Nature Challenge on YouTube or the Fungi including Lichen. Hints and Tips. City nature challenge on YouTube created in partnership with the Saskatchewan Mycological Working Group.

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, 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.

Taking a photo of mushrooms (fungi)

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



Project FeederWatch: Bridging Citizen Science with Birdwatching

Nature has always been an endless source of wonder, offering solace, beauty, and a sense of connection to the world around us. Among the many creatures that inhabit our natural landscapes, birds hold a special place, with their diverse colors, melodies, and behaviors captivating the hearts of millions. But what if you could turn your passion for birdwatching into something more? Enter Project FeederWatch, an initiative by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, inviting bird enthusiasts of all levels to contribute to scientific research while enjoying the beauty of their own backyard.

What is Project FeederWatch?

Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project that allows individuals to observe birds and mammals outside their windows and contribute valuable data to scientific research. Launched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 1987, this program has been instrumental in tracking changes in bird populations across North America over the past three decades.

How Does It Work?

Participating in Project FeederWatch is both simple and rewarding. All you need to do is set up a bird feeder and keep track of the species that visit it during the designated counting periods. These periods typically run from November to April, aligning with the winter months when birds are most reliant on feeders for sustenance. However, even if you join mid-season, you can still contribute by following the online instructions to report your bird sightings.

Why Join?

The benefits of joining Project FeederWatch are manifold. Not only does it provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature from the comfort of your own home, but it also allows you to actively contribute to scientific research. By recording your observations and submitting them to the Project FeederWatch database, you become part of a vast network of citizen scientists helping researchers better understand bird populations, migration patterns, and ecological changes.

Moreover, Project FeederWatch offers excellent resources to aid participants in bird identification. From online guides and tutorials to webinars and community forums, there are ample opportunities to enhance your birdwatching skills and deepen your appreciation for the avian world.

Get Involved Today!

As we look towards the future, citizen science initiatives like Project FeederWatch play an increasingly crucial role in advancing our understanding of the natural world. By harnessing the collective power of birdwatchers across the continent, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges facing our feathered friends and work towards their conservation.

So why not join the ranks of citizen scientists today? Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning to explore the wonders of nature, Project FeederWatch offers a meaningful way to engage with the world around you. Visit their website at feederwatch.org to sign up for the next season and start counting your birds for science. Together, let’s make a difference one bird at a time.

LeContes Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii

Baird’s Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii)

Grasshopper_Sparrow CC2.0 dominic sheronY

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

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