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

Saskatoon and Area Community Bioblitz: Exploring Biodiversity June 8-11, 2023

Join us for the Saskatoon and Area Community Bioblitz, The Biodiversity Challenge, an exciting citizen science initiative aimed at documenting the rich biodiversity in the Saskatoon region. From June 8th to June 11th, we invite nature enthusiasts, scientists, and curious individuals of all ages to participate in this collaborative effort to observe and identify as many species as possible within our designated bioblitz area.

The bioblitz area, which encompasses diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban environments, is specified in the project journal, providing participants with clear boundaries to focus their exploration. Your observations can help us create a comprehensive inventory of the flora and fauna found in our region.

To participate, simply head outdoors and start making observations using the iNaturalist platform. Remember, all observations must be made by the stroke of midnight at the end of June 11th. However, we understand that you may have stored observations on your camera taken between June 8th and June 11th, so we will allow an additional 7 days for you to submit them.

Preliminary results will be tallied shortly after the submission deadline, but the identification and refining process will continue until July 31st. This extended period allows participants to collaborate, research, and refine their identifications, ensuring the highest possible accuracy in our final results.

By participating in the Saskatoon and Area Community Bioblitz, you will contribute valuable data that aids in conservation efforts, informs local environmental management, and deepens our understanding of the natural world. Together, we can uncover hidden gems of biodiversity and foster a greater appreciation for the ecosystems that surround us.

Join us on this remarkable journey to explore, document, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity of the Saskatoon region. Let’s make a difference and create a lasting impact for generations to come.

Important Dates:

Nature Explorer Night: Uncover Hidden Wonders

08/06/2023 06:30 PM June 8
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Our Planet, Our Responsibility: Support the Biodiversity Challenge! FREE June 8

Night Safari Adventure: Unleash the Wild Side

09/06/2023 06:30 PM June 9
George Genereux Urban Regional Park

From Awareness to Action: Champion the Biodiversity Challenge! FREE Friday Evening June 9

Wildlife Expedition: Explore Nature’s Hidden Realm!

10/06/2023 02:00 PM June 10
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK

Protecting Nature’s Marvels: Stand up for Biodiversity! FREE June 10, 2023

Nature Quest: Uncover Urban Biodiversity Wonderland!

11/06/2023 02:00 PM – 11/06/2023 04:00 PM June 11
George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon, SK

Small Actions, Big Impact: Take the Biodiversity Challenge FREE at George Genereux Park Sunday June 11 2:00pm FREE

Bioblitz Period: June 8th – June 11th, 2023
Final Observation Submission Deadline: June 18th, 2023
Preliminary Results: June 19th – July 31st, 2023
Final Results: July 31st, 2023

Note: Detailed information, guidelines, and the project journal will be provided on the official Saskatoon and Area Community Bioblitz Saskatoon Biodiversity Challenge website and the iNaturalist platform. Stay tuned for updates and engage with fellow participants through the project’s online community.

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

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.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planned events

Discover the Wild Side of Saskatoon: Participate in the City Nature Challenge 2023!

Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge and Discover the Beauty of Nature Around You!

City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area versus YQRCNC Regina and area in a mini SK challenge — City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure to explore and discover the wonders of nature right in your own backyard? The Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge is here, and you’re invited to be a part of it! This annual event, taking place from April 28 to May 1, 2023, is a global citizen science initiative that encourages people to get outside, observe and document the biodiversity around them, and contribute valuable data to scientific research. And the best part? Anyone can participate, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or new to nature observation!

In today’s busy world, finding time to connect with nature can be challenging. Many of us are caught up in work, school, and other responsibilities. But the City Nature Challenge offers a fun and accessible way to discover the beauty of the natural world, right where you are. You don’t have to go to a national park or a remote wilderness area to participate. You can search for nature in your own neighborhood, your local park, or even your own backyard!

So how can you get involved in the City Nature Challenge? It’s simple! All you need is a smartphone, and a free account on the iNaturalist app (in the field recordings) or website. The iNaturalist platform allows you to easily document and share your observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other living organisms, and contribute to a global database of biodiversity records. You can also join or view the progress of the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist project, specifically created for the City Nature Challenge, to connect with other local nature enthusiasts and see what they’ve found.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! The City Nature Challenge provides helpful resources to help you get going. You can download a PDF with hints and tips for searching for nature around your home, or watch a fungi-specific YouTube if you’re interested in exploring the fascinating world of mushrooms and other fungi. The City Nature Challenge is also a great opportunity to learn from experts and fellow participants through guided walks, workshops, and other events organized by local nature organizations.

As you embark on your nature adventure, keep your eyes and ears open for the birds that are returning to Saskatoon and its surrounding areas. Will you spot meadowlarks, robins, blue jays, or black-capped chickadees doing their two-note spring territory calls? And don’t forget about insects! As Greg says, “Bugs rule the numbers game!” Look out for flies, butterflies, boxelder bugs, ladybugs (also known as lady beetles), cocoons, ants, and other fascinating insects that may catch your eye. Remember to leave no stone unturned! Check on top of branches and stones for lichens, conks, or shelf fungi. Peek into the bark of trees, or into the cracks of fences – you never know what hidden treasures you might find!

The City Nature Challenge is not only about discovering the beauty of nature, but also about contributing to important scientific research. Your observations can help researchers and conservationists better understand and protect local biodiversity, monitor changes in populations, and make informed conservation decisions. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, you become a citizen scientist, making a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the natural world.

And don’t forget to have fun! The City Nature Challenge is a great opportunity to connect with nature, explore your surroundings, and learn something new. Whether you’re exploring a greenspace, your yard, along your sidewalk, the afforestation areas, the swales of Saskatoon, or the riverbank, there’s always something fascinating to discover. Schools, classrooms, businesses, and groups can even challenge others in a mini-challenge for even more excitement!

Planned events

Environmental protection and conservation

The world is rapidly changing, and so is the way we think about our environment. Traditional ecological ways of knowing are beginning to gain prominence in the debate on how to best protect and nurture our planet. These ancient practices, passed down from generations of people living in harmony with their surroundings, offer us a valuable insight into how we can best take care of our environment.

Afforestation naturalized green spaces is one of the most important ways of utilizing Traditional ecological ways of knowing for environmental conservation and protection in an city park space. Through the afforestation process, native species of trees and plants are planted in areas that have been deforested or otherwise damaged by humans. As these ecosystems grow, they provide a range of benefits to local wildlife and humans alike, such as improved air and water quality, increased carbon storage, and reduced soil erosion.

These practices provide us with an understanding of how to sustainably use and manage our environment, ensuring that it remains healthy for generations to come. By utilizing these methods, we can promote healthy ecosystems, while also providing an opportunity for people to learn from the wisdom of the past.

Traditional ecological ways of knowing is also a powerful tool for environmental education. By introducing these ancient practices and philosophies to children, we can help foster a deeper understanding of our environment and the importance of preserving it and being stewards for species at risk. By engaging with the land and its inhabitants, we can help to create a stronger sense of connection and stewardship towards the natural world.

As the world continues to change and our understanding of the environment shifts, it’s important to remember the valuable lessons that can be learned from traditional ecological ways of knowing. Through the use of afforestation and other traditional practices, we can help to restore our ecosystems, while also gaining a deeper understanding of how to best take care of our planet.

Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App Editor/Writer stage one contract position. The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in editing and a passion for preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of Saskatchewan’s prairie forests. They will be familiar with the Saskatchewan curriculum foundations and have an understanding of the interpretive potential of the afforestation areas ecology and the heritage potential of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park from an Indigenous and/or Métis perspective. You will also be responsible for incorporating Saskatchewan curriculum foundations into the app.

If you have the skills, passion and dedication we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a cover letter to friendsafforestation@gmail.com and join us in preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of Saskatchewan’s prairie afforestation areas.

Ruddy Duck. Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

An invaluable resource

Indigenous Perspectives on the Land and Virtual Prairie Forest Guide

As technology continues to advance, the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives is becoming increasingly important for the development of virtual guides. This is especially true for the virtual smartphone wayfinding guide for the prairie forests of North America. Through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous heritage, this guide will provide an invaluable resource for all.

The prairie forests of North America, and in particular the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, are home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. Through the integration of Indigenous philosophies, this virtual guide can provide a model for how to relate to the land and restore and build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The inclusion of Indigenous perspectives will provide an invaluable resource for all those seeking to explore and appreciate the natural world.

By utilizing traditional ecological knowledge and ethnobotany, this virtual guide will provide an in-depth look into the prairie forests and the flora and fauna that inhabit them. Through the use of Indigenous languages, this guide will also provide a unique window into the heritage and culture of the Indigenous communities that have lived in the prairie forests for generations.

The virtual guide will also be an invaluable resource for those looking to explore the prairie forests, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park. By providing GPS maps, descriptions, and photos of the flora and fauna, this virtual guide will make it easier for users to explore the prairie forests and appreciate all that they have to offer fostering environmental protection, conservation and guardianship.

By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the virtual guide, this resource can be used to foster understanding and appreciation of the prairie forests and the Indigenous communities that have lived there for generations. Through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous heritage and culture, and Indigenous languages, this virtual guide will provide an invaluable resource for all who seek to explore and appreciate the natural world.

The ideal candidate for this stage one contract position -Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App Editor / Content Writer- will have a degree in ecology, environmental studies, or a related field and will be knowledgeable about the prairie forest and its various plants, animals, and traditional uses to edit existing content and add missing interpretive stories. They must also have excellent communication skills, be organized and detail-oriented, and be comfortable working with a variety of software tools.

If you are interested in this opportunity and believe that you have the skills and experience necessary for success, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the best person for the job to our email address friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

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