The "City Nature Challenge" is a global event that aims to engage citizens in documenting the rich biodiversity within their local communities.For our community, this event will be known as the "City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2024" (CNC YXE 2024). It is an exciting initiative that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to observe and document nature in Saskatoon and its surrounding areas.

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The goals of this challenge are multifaceted and include:

Engaging the Public in the Collection of Vital Biodiversity Data: The data collected via the iNaturalist app during the City Nature Challenge will be valuable for researchers and scientists, contributing to our understanding of local ecosystems and the biodiversity within them.

Increasing Awareness and Appreciation of Saskatoon's Natural Beauty: This event provides an opportunity for people to explore and appreciate the natural beauty that exists in Saskatoon. It can be a way to encourage more outdoor activities and foster a greater sense of connection to the environment.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Collaboration: The City Nature Challenge is a collaborative effort, with participants as citizen scientists contributing their findings to a global database and connections to experts worldwide. This sense of collective effort can foster a stronger sense of community and shared purpose.

Contributing to Global Efforts to Study and Protect Biodiversity: By participating in this global event, our community is contributing to a larger effort to understand and protect biodiversity on a global scale.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Guardians: By engaging young people in this challenge, we hope to instill a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment. Classroom field trips will provide hands-on experiences and inspire young minds to value and protect nature.

Our plans for the City Nature Challenge include organizing public facing events and Activities as well as classroom field trips that will encourage participation from people of all ages. We will provide training and resources to participants, including the use of the iNaturalist app for documenting observations. We also have training for the follow up identification period. Events include guided nature walks and educational sessions to help people learn more about the natural world around them. Though, that being said, participants can use the iNaturalist app to make recordings waiting at the bus stop, walking along the sidewalk, in the back yard or school yard, sitting at the soccer game, walking the dog, and even in the house, occasionally something wild may be spotted.

In terms of impact on youth in the community, we believe that the City Nature Challenge can be a transformative experience. It provides an opportunity for young people to connect with nature in a meaningful way, to learn about the importance of biodiversity, and to contribute to a global scientific effort. Through classroom field trips and other activities, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of nature and a sense of responsibility for its protection.

The City Nature Challenge (CNCYXE) is a global initiative that encourages people to observe and document nature locally using the free iNaturalist app. This initiative aims to engage citizens of all ages and backgrounds in collecting vital biodiversity data, which is then used by scientists and researchers to study and protect biodiversity.

The goals for the challenge include increasing awareness and appreciation of Saskatoon's natural beauty, fostering community collaboration, contributing to global biodiversity efforts, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through classroom field trips. The challenge documents species at risk, engages in early detection and rapid response for invasive species, and documents biodiversity, which indicates species expansions and declines worldwide and any changes in their habitat range.

In 2022 School classrooms were able to participate in field trips, where students learned about nature, environmental sustainability, and the importance of becoming stewards of our green spaces. This hands-on experience was invaluable, especially in today's era where we face the triple threat of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. These field trips sparked curiosity, inspired a love for nature, and empowered students to take action to protect our planet.

The funds allocated for the City Nature Challenge initiative will be strategically utilized to facilitate various aspects of the program.Specifically, the funds will be directed towards:

1. Marketing: The creation and distribution of posters and brochures to promote the initiative and encourage community participation.

2. Printing: Certificates and biodiversity language cards will be printed to recognize participants and enhance educational content.

3. Surveys: Follow-up surveys will be conducted for both the public and teachers who participate in the field trips to gather valuable feedback.

4. Transportation: Supporting bus trips for classroom participation, ensuring that students have convenient access to the events.

5. Sanitation Facilities: Providing portable washrooms for student use during the events, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic environment.

6. QR Code Signage: Placing QR code signage in strategic locations, providing participants with additional resources and information about biodiversity,conservation, and the City Nature Challenge.

7. Biodiversity Posters: Developing and displaying educational posters related to biodiversity, further enhancing the interpretive experience during field trips and in-person events.

8. Honourariums for field trip guides and leaders to support a larger number of classroom participation.

These allocations will help ensure the success and effectiveness of the City Nature Challenge initiative, facilitating community engagement and educational  outreach.

Did you know that CNCYXE2022 Saskatoon ranked second among the prairie province cities in Canada that participated in the City Nature Challenge? Globally, out of 447 cities, Saskatoon was in the top percentile for cities ranked in the same hemisphere and climate zone.Similarly, Saskatoon ranked in the top percentile for having the total number of observers out by city area. In the ranking of cities by population size, Saskatoon was in the top half of cities for the percentile ranking.

The Enchanted Forest Exploration field trip initiative aims engages students in nature's wonders, facilitates ecosystem understanding, and promotes environmental sustainability through educational programs on ecosystem preservation and sustainable stewardship. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 Climate Action, 14 Life Below Water, and 15 Life on Land. Additionally, they align with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 14, which addresses the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages, and 53, which pertains to public education programs.

To enhance community engagement, the program includes wildlife name cards in English, French, Nêhiyawêwin Cree, and scientific names. This inclusive approach reflects the commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature among participants.

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is pivotal amid the triple threat of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. It fosters:

1. Environmental Stewardship: By involving citizens in documenting nature, the CNC cultivates responsibility toward environmental preservation, fostering better conservation practices and a sustainable stewardship approach to natural resources.

2. Biodiversity Conservation: The data collected during the CNC will provide valuable insights into the local biodiversity, helping scientists and researchers to understand species distributions, habitat ranges, and changes in ecosystems. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about conservation efforts.

3. Community Engagement: A community-driven event, CNC encourages collaboration and interaction among all age groups, promoting a sense of community pride and nature connection that positively affects mental and physical well-being.

4. Educational Opportunities: Through the CNC, participants have the opportunity to learn about the natural world and the importance of biodiversity. This hands-on learning experience can inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and a desire to protect it for future generations.

5. Global Impact: As a global initiative, CNC unites communities worldwide in understanding and protecting biodiversity, contributing to a global sustainability and conservation movement. CNC’s potential impact includes promoting environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and educational opportunities locally and globally. Participation in CNC not only betters the local community but also contributes to global conservation efforts.