Prairie Cinquefoil Pinnate leaf with usually 4+ leaflet/side and leaflets with <10 teeth /side, etc. from Margaret Krichbaum margaret_eaglecap

A Gratitude Letter to the Community Association thank to your collaboration to promote CNC YXE on socials.

To the residents of this vibrant neighborhood, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work you do in nurturing this unique and established community and preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings. Caswell Hill truly stands out as a haven of greenery and connection to nature, thanks in large part to your dedication and efforts.

One of the jewels of our neighborhood is the unique Ashworth Holmes Park, with its expansive oval shape and accessible playground. It's a place where families gather for picnics, where children laugh and play, and where neighbors come together to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. From the local dog park to the Mayfair Bowling Club, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this historic park.

But what truly sets Caswell Hill apart is the abundant biodiversity that thrives here. As we stroll through the boulevards, yards, and alleys adorned with colorful flowers and greenery, we're reminded of the deep connection between our community and the natural world. It's inspiring to see residents transforming their lawns into pollinator gardens, attracting beneficial insects like bees and harmless parasitoid wasps that play vital roles in our ecosystem. What will you discover?

And let's not forget about the four-leaf clovers that grace this neighborhood's pollinator paradise yards, and clover lawns. Legends and folklore have long celebrated these rare finds, with tales of fairies and good luck swirling around them. Whether you believe in their mystical powers or not, there's no denying the joy of stumbling upon one of these elusive charms.

So, as we celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of Caswell Hill, we want to express our gratitude to the Community Association for their tireless efforts in preserving and enhancing our neighborhood. Thank you for creating a place where nature thrives, where families come together, and where the spirit of community shines bright.

What a great opportunity to explore this area of the city for biodiversity for the City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2024!

There is a compilation of helpful iNaturalist Canada How-To sheets here, and how to get involved with iNaturalist City Nature Challenge Saskatoon in French and English

City Nature Walk Song for families and children

What is it? When and Where did you see What? a YouTube Friends Afforestation iNaturalist training playlist

CWF Webinar #1: Observing with iNaturalist in urban spaces: webinar one in the City Nature Challenge series.

CWF Webinar # 2: Observing with iNaturalist around wetland habitat: webinar two in the City Nature Challenge series.

CWF Webinar #3: Observing with iNaturalist in forest settings: webinar three in the City Nature Challenge series.

City Nature Challenge 2024 iNaturalist Training

On iSSUU These are amazing resources to improve your skills, get familiar with iNaturalist as a beginner, and find wonderful ways of connecting and observing nature in French and English

iNat How-to's PDF for download

CNC YXE FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

The advocacy efforts led by the non-profit environmental charity, Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc, host for the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge, stand as a remarkable example of community-driven conservation and sustainable development. Their integration of citizen science, particularly through the iNaturalist app, supports professional ecological assessments, a testament to a recommended innovative approach to environmental stewardship.

An ecological assessment and management (EAM) process serves as the backbone of master planning initiatives. Municipal planners and sustainability managers, along with ecologists, collaborate to design assessments that characterize ecological conditions, diagnose potential problems, and select management options to protect valued ecological attributes. This comprehensive approach aims to minimize or avoid harmful environmental impacts, emphasizing the safety of communities and the environment.

The incorporation of citizen science data from iNaturalist enriches these assessments by creating a baseline inventory of flora and fauna. This data not only enhances the understanding of the ecosystem's biodiversity but also helps identify invasive species, species of concern, and ecosystem services to society. By leveraging technology and community participation, long range planners and sustainability project managers are able to gather invaluable data for their master planning efforts.

The mission and values of the organization underscore their commitment to conservation and community engagement. Through initiatives such as community clean-ups, educational events, and advocacy for nature-based solutions, they foster a deep connection between people and nature. Their dedication to environmental education, ensures that individuals of all ages are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the organization's alignment with international initiatives, including the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrates their commitment to addressing global challenges at the local level. By focusing on SDGs such as Life on Land, Life below Water, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities, they contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

In summary, Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas exemplify the intersection of community empowerment, technological innovation, and environmental advocacy. Through their collaborative efforts, they not only protect and conserve natural areas but also inspire a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment among citizens.

In a harmonious blend of community engagement and environmental stewardship, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas continues to champion the preservation and celebration of Saskatoon's natural heritage. Through dedicated efforts, from educational initiatives to restoration projects, City Nature Challenge events, the organization embodies a commitment to nurturing a sustainable relationship between humanity and nature.

Invitation to join in the City Nature Challenge 2024 CNC YXE 2024

As we stride forward, embracing the global call to action garnered by supporting the UN SDGs, we extend an invitation to all residents to join us in the City Nature Challenge 2024. From April 26 to April 29, let us unite as guardians of biodiversity, exploring, documenting, and cherishing the diverse life forms that grace our city. With each observation recorded -sound or photo- we contribute to a collective narrative of our ecosystem's vitality, empowering scientists and enriching our understanding of the natural world. Together, let us be the voice for nature, igniting a passion for conservation that reverberates across generations and continents. Join us in this exhilarating journey of discovery, as Saskatoon embraces biodiversity on the global stage.

Potentilla pensylvanica

Prairie Cinquefoil
Potentilla pensylvanica

Some of the pinnate basal leaves have 4 leaflet pairs. Leaf back view could confirm and/or close up of inflorescence to see if glandular. i.d. guideline from AT margaret_eaglecap

A huge thank you to the classrooms who came out yesterday to Saskatoon's forests to learn about nature, and their teachers! What an amazing day. Thanks for the people who came out in the evening to connect with Saskatoon's forest!

🌿 Day 2 of the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and Area 2024 is here, and the excitement is soaring as high as the Western Meadowlarks in the sky! 🦋 Today, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant flutter of butterflies, the melodic chirping of warblers and sparrows, and the sleek presence of magpies and blackbirds. But that's not all—get ready to be amazed by the intricate world of nature with sightings of running crab spiders, cutworm flies, and even really tiny true velvet mites! 🕷️🦋🌼 Isn't this assortment of wildlife simply exhilarating? 🌟 What will YOU discover today? Share your sightings and join the adventure! Let's celebrate the incredible biodiversity of Saskatoon and Area together! 🌳 #CityNatureChallenge #Saskatoon #NatureExploration #Biodiversity #CommunityEngagement 🌺

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Caswell Hill Community Association, SOS Trees Inc., 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. Reach if you would like to sponsor the City Nature Challenge, or share the City Nature Challenge information as a collaborator!

Springtime heralds the awakening of nature's vibrant symphony, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its splendor. As April draws to a close, an exciting opportunity unfolds: the City Nature Challenge. From April 30 to May 5, 2024, enthusiasts across Saskatoon are still invited to participate in this thrilling event, celebrating biodiversity and fostering a deeper connection to our natural world.

Capturing Moments, Preserving Nature

Did you find yourself captivated by the delicate beauty of the Prairie Pasqueflower, the elusive charm of the Gray Partridge, or the playful antics of the Franklin's Ground Squirrel? If so, your camera lens has become a portal to preserving these fleeting moments of biodiversity. Between April 26 to April 29, 2024, if you've captured images of these natural treasures, seize the opportunity to share them with the world. By uploading your snapshots to iNaturalist during April 30 to May 5, you contribute to a collective tapestry of biodiversity documentation.

Unveiling Nature's Mysteries

Identification phase April 30 – May 5, 2024

with results announced on May 6, 2024

Beyond capturing images, the City Nature Challenge extends an invitation to unravel nature's mysteries through the identification process. As you immerse yourself in the treasure trove of uploaded photographs, embrace the role of a detective, unlocking the secrets of the natural world. From distinguishing between plants and animals to uncovering species identities, every contribution plays a vital part in expanding our understanding of biodiversity.

Empowering Through Participation

Participating in the identification process is not only an opportunity to contribute but also a journey of self-discovery. Delve into the fascinating world of flora and fauna, guided by iNaturalist's intuitive suggestions and the invaluable insights shared in the identification hints and tips video. Together, we empower ourselves to become stewards of nature, nurturing a sense of responsibility towards preserving our planet's ecological richness.

Join the Movement

As we embark on this exhilarating journey, let us embrace the spirit of the City Nature Challenge and kindle a passion for conservation within our hearts. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, your contribution matters. Together, let's weave a narrative of biodiversity, celebrating the intricate tapestry of life that surrounds us.

The City Nature Challenge awaits your participation. From April 30 to May 5, 2024, let's unite in our shared love for nature, capturing its beauty and unraveling its mysteries one snapshot at a time. Embrace the call of the wild, and let your connection with nature flourish in the embrace of community and discovery.

Are You Ready to Take the Challenge?

Mark your calendars, gather your photographs, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. Join the City Nature Challenge and become a champion for biodiversity preservation. Together, let's make a difference, one observation at a time.

Let's Connect!

Visit iNaturalist on your compuier to upload your observations and dive into the exciting world of biodiversity documentation. Share your experiences, discoveries, and passion for nature using #CityNatureChallenge. Together, let's inspire a global movement towards a more harmonious relationship with our natural environment.

Snapshots of Diversity: City Nature Challenge Invites You!