Bat Appreciation Day: Guardians of the Night Sky
As the sun sets on April 17th, the spotlight turns to the silent heroes of the night—the bats. Bat Appreciation Day invites us to explore the fascinating world of these nocturnal creatures, shedding light on their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. But did you know that you can actively contribute to bat conservation right here in Saskatchewan?
City Nature Challenge: Unveiling Nature’s Secrets
In sync with Bat Appreciation Day, mark your calendars for the City Nature Challenge, unfolding in two stages from April 26th to April 29th, 2024. This unique event encourages citizens to become nature detectives, capturing the beauty of wild plants, insects, birds, mushrooms, and various signs of life. The next step? Identifying these species and unveiling the results on May 6th, 2024.
Bats in Saskatchewan: Unsung Insect Controllers
Saskatchewan’s bats play a vital role in insect control, gobbling up mosquitoes and other pests with unmatched efficiency. As solitary beings, even the migrating or hibernating bats maintain an air of solitude. However, their social structures and relationships are complex, especially among males. Celebrate Bat Appreciation Day by recognizing their invaluable contribution to our ecosystem.
The Bat Watch Program: A Call to Action
Want to go beyond appreciation and become a bat protector? Join the Bat Watch Program (batwatch.ca) for a hands-on experience in bat conservation. Discover how you can contribute to safeguarding these essential creatures and their habitats. Your observations and efforts can make a significant impact on the protection of bats in Saskatchewan.
Chiropterology: Unraveling the Mysteries of Bats
Ever wondered who studies bats? Enter the Chiropterologist—the scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of these winged wonders. The term “Chiroptera” originates from the Greek words ‘cheir,’ meaning ‘hand,’ and ‘pteron,’ meaning ‘wing.’ As we celebrate Bat Appreciation Day, embrace the opportunity to delve into the world of Chiropterology and deepen your understanding of these remarkable mammals.
City Nature Challenge: A Call to Document, Discover, and Conserve
Bat Appreciation Day aligns seamlessly with the City Nature Challenge’s mission to document and discover the rich biodiversity around us. From snapping pictures of wild plants to tracking animal signs, your contributions can aid in species inventory, detect invasive species, and determine changes in species ranges. Be part of this conservation effort and make a lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s natural heritage.
Bat Appreciation Day and Beyond: Be a Guardian of Bats
As we celebrate Bat Appreciation Day on April 17th, let’s not only appreciate these winged marvels but also take actionable steps to become their guardians. From participating in the City Nature Challenge to joining the Bat Watch Program, every effort counts in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Embrace the night sky, appreciate the bats, and contribute to the conservation of Saskatchewan’s natural wonders.
The 2024 City Nature Challenge in Saskatoon unfolds in two stages:
April 26 – April 29, 2024: Anywhere in Saskatoon and Area Record sounds, Snap pictures of wild plants, insects, birds, mushrooms and animals or signs of life which represent things that were once living or represent something that is living, like roadkill, scat, owl pellets, animal and bird tracks, snakeskins, bones, feathers, seashells and skeletons. Check out the four free events or even start your own event!
April 30 – May 5, 2024: Identify the discovered species.
Results will be unveiled on Monday, May 6, 2024.
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.
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:
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
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
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
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