Saskatoon and Area
City Nature Challenge 2024
CNC YXE 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Nature Challenge 2024: 
Saskatoon Embraces Biodiversity on the Global Stage
Saskatoon, April 26 to April 29, 2024

In a thrilling leap into the world of nature exploration, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas proudly announces Saskatoon's debut participation in the City Nature Challenge 2024 (CNC YXE 2024). This international initiative invites citizens to become biodiversity ambassadors, capturing the rich tapestry of wildlife flourishing in our city.

Unleashing the Power of Citizen Science

The City Nature Challenge encourages everyone, from seasoned naturalists to casual observers, to join forces in documenting the incredible biodiversity within Saskatoon and its surrounding areas. From April 26 to April 29, 2024, residents are invited to explore their neighborhoods, parks, and green spaces, capturing photos and observations of plants, animals, insects, fungi, and more.

The Heartbeat of Saskatoon's Biodiversity

Hosted by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, and sponsored by the Saskatoon Nature Society #CNCYXE2024 aims to engage the public in the collection of vital biodiversity data. Participants can utilize the user-friendly iNaturalist app to record their findings, contributing to three exciting award categories: most observations, most species found, and engaging the most people.

When you are at a baseball or soccer game, out for a family walk or picnic, standing at the bus stop, peeking under the dandelion leaves in the garden, find wildlife. It can be any wild plant, insect, mushroom, animal, fungi, or any other evidence of life (shells, scat, fur, tracks, feathers, nests, etc) iNaturalist accepts photos of the organism, as well as sound recordings of the organism you have found.

Be the Voice for Nature
Find it
Snap it
Share it
What will you discover?

Share this FB posting please

Saskatoon's Call to Action

Jerin  a 16-year-old high school student and passionate nature enthusiast, echoes the sentiment of the event, "I'd love to contribute any photos I take on my walks and bike rides around the city!" Jerin's commitment symbolizes the power of individual contributions to create a collective impact.

Take action locally for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
It's a fun challenge to take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Under Water. Documenting species at risk, engaging in early detection and rapid response for invasive species, and to document biodiversity which indicates to scientists species expansions and declines worldwide, and any changes in their habitat range helping to enrich knowledge for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Exciting Events and Collaborations
The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have organized four special events—one for each day of the challenge—offering participants a chance to connect, share experiences, and learn from fellow nature enthusiasts.

The Countdown Begins
Saskatoon  is registered to compete in the 2024 City Nature Challenge. With the countdown to April 26 underway, citizens are urged to embrace the challenge, whether they're at a baseball game, on a family walk, or even peeking under cabbage leaves in the garden—nature is waiting to be discovered.

Join Us in the Nature Revolution!
For more information on how to participate, event details, and updates, check out the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas YouTube video "What is It?" for observer hints and tips using iNaturalist and an Identification Hints and Tips video on YouTube shows how easy it is to participate in the identification phase!

The City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE 2024 runs in three phases

Observation, and data collection phase April 26 – April 29, 2024!

Identification phase April 30 – May 5, 2024

with results announced on May 6, 2024


Let's showcase Saskatoon's vibrant biodiversity and make a mark on the global stage in the City Nature Challenge 2024!

For media inquiries, please contact:
Julia Adamson, Chair Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas friendsafforestation@gmail.com

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


For more information
 Tutorial What is It? (iNaturalist hints and tips for getting started)

Support                  Collaborate



Hosted by the non profit environmental charity: Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.

The City Nature Challenge is run completely by volunteer organizers of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. Thank you very kindly for the collaboration efforts of community organisations and the sponsorship from the Saskatoon Nature Society, read more on this page!  If you’re part of a local stewardship or municipal group and would like to contribute to the promotion of the event, offer your skillsets, or make a donation to this city project please contact friendsafforestation@gmail.com to learn more. We can offer a charitable tax receipt for your donation as well. Send in your contribution for the City Nature Challenge 2024 today!

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.

City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and Area 2024 CNC YXE 2024iNaturalist