Our Forest Returns Saskatoon

  We, the keepers of the afforestation, who tend the green places where the trees hum, and the wild grasses bow in the wind, we rise up in quiet awe, watching you— Wild About Saskatoon — a steady breath of solidarity, unfolding like the first tender leaf of spring. You, whose hearts are rooted deep in this land, whose eyes, trained to see the smallest of wonders, offer your hands in friendship, in support, in partnership. How quietly you have worked beside us, walking in the brush and the quiet places, guiding the Saskatoon nature discoveries with such patient care, with such joy, so that all may see what we see in the tangled roots of trees, in the rustle of leaves, in the flight of birds. From April 25 to April 28, 2025, we will walk together, side by side with you, along trails where the sun filters through the new leaves, where the river dances over the rocks, and the world whispers its secrets. We, the organizers, your fellow dreamers and protectors of wild things, hol...

Picture this: You’re strolling through your neighborhood or hiking along your favorite nature trail, when suddenly—WHAMMO! You spot a plant that looks almost like a superhero wearing a cape, an insect that’s clearly been taking its morning coffee a little too seriously, or a bird trying desperately to blend in with a tree. What do you do? Whip out your phone, snap a pic, and upload it to the iNaturalist app , of course! Welcome to the quirky, comical, and totally unpredictable world of wildlife observation during the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) ! This year’s City Nature Challenge (April 25–April 28, 2025) is coming up, and trust us—this is your golden opportunity to connect with nature in the most fun and hilarious way possible. The CNC isn’t just about collecting data on wildlife—it’s about celebrating nature’s weird, wacky, and wonderful quirks. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or just someone who loves a good laugh, iNaturalist will take you on a wild r...

  🌿 🐦 Get Ready for a Hilarious & Heartwarming Nature Adventure! 🦋 🌻 Join us for the City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) and explore the wild side of nature with iNaturalist! Here’s a sneak peek of the quirky, funny, and sometimes downright bizarre discoveries waiting for you: ✨ Did you know a group of porcupines is called a “prickle”? ✨ Ever wondered if deer could moonwalk? You might just find out! ✨ Funny animal homes—birds nesting in shoes, ants with unexpected real estate. ✨ Who’s the fastest in the wild? Those dragonflies are basically the F1 of insects! 🏁 ✨ And yes, those frogs with the cutest faces—you’ll melt! 💚 Want more laughs? From mysterious creatures in unexpected places to weird backyard critters, nature never fails to surprise. 🌳 How to Join the Fun: Download iNaturalist (Available on iOS & Android). Record your observations during the CNC (April 25–28, 2025). Help identify species (April 29–May 4, 2025). Have fun! It’s all about connecting with natu...

  🌍 🌿 Happy Earth Month, everyone! 🌿 🌍 https://youtu.be/kmj4Cg9SCow   This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge, we stand at a crucial moment. From April 25th to 28th, 2025, Saskatoon is calling on YOU to join a global celebration of nature. Let’s explore, document, and protect the wild world that surrounds us while contributing to citizen science through the iNaturalist app. 🌱 📸 Whether you’re venturing out for Twilight Biodiversity at Richard St. Barbe Baker, an Afternoon Adventure at George Genereux Park, or the Wetland Wonders at Chappell Marsh, every observation brings us closer to understanding and preserving the biodiversity that sustains our planet. This Earth Month, let’s take action: find it, snap it, and share it! Every photo counts in the global effort to track biodiversity, and your participation helps shape a sustainable future for all. 💚 🌳 Teachers & Group Leaders! We invite classrooms and groups to inquire about book...

  🌍 International Day of Zero Waste – March 30 🌍 As we approach International Day of Zero Waste, we are reminded of the growing urgency to tackle plastic pollution and embrace sustainable, circular approaches to production and consumption. Plastics have become integral to our daily lives, but the environmental toll is undeniable—more than 350 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, and less than 9% is recycled. 🌱 The solution? A circular economy, where plastic materials are reused, recycled, and innovated into new products. The City of Saskatoon and organizations like Sarcan are leading the way by strengthening recycling markets and reducing single-use plastics. ♻️ Today, we also reflect on the critical role that policy, innovation, and community efforts play in addressing plastic pollution. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, along with community volunteers, have already removed over 87,600 kg of hazardous waste from our local afforestation areas, a...

Good day, everyone! 🌿 We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Jane’s Walk Festival event: “Walking Through Time and Terrain” in the heart of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, home to the north end of Chappell Marsh in the City of Saskatoon! 🌍 This walk is part of the Jane’s Walk Festival, an annual celebration of community-led conversations inspired by urbanist Jane Jacobs. Her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities left a lasting legacy, advocating for people-centered, "bottom-up" development and vibrant, safe communities built by engaged citizens. 💬💡 On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM, join us as we explore the rich history and natural beauty of this green space. We’ll delve into the legacy of B.T. Chappell, a community champion, and discuss ongoing developments in the area, including improvements made by the City of Saskatoon under Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund. We’ll also reflect on the geological history of the West Swale wetland...