Explorations
Welcome to NatureCity Explorations!
We invite you to join us in investigating deeply into what we experience in nature. A basic assumption for us in Wild About Saskatoon is that all entities (plants, animals, soil, ecosystems, weather, topography, etc.) are connected, that everything is related.
The mission of NatureCity Explorations is to engage all of us in exploring nature in the city, learning by experiencing, experiencing by playing and reflecting, and reflecting through discussing and writing/drawing.
Live, love, and learn on, with, and about the land.
Places
Nature does not begin where the pavement ends. Plants will push their way up through tarmac and grow in cracks in concrete. Saskatoon is a nature city with many rich and complex ecosystems in and near it. We invite you to explore the wonderful variety of Nature Hotspots that exist here. In this section, we profile some of Saskatoon’s rich and biodiverse locations. As well, we invite you to visit some areas that have been reclaimed, such as Pollinator Paradises!
Nature Hotspots in and Around Saskatoon
Pollinator Paradise YXE
Pollinator Paradise YXE
Individuals, small informal groups, and organizations are taking on the joy of planting native plants to encourage a host of pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles and other bugs, as well as birds and small mammals. In these pages, learn about the many different shapes and sizes that citizens and groups have taken on for planting. From city and Meewasin parks, to front and back yards, to boulevards and meridians, to balconies and raised beds, people are gradually working towards increasing the biodiversity of our city.
Inquiries
To learn about our places, we need to examine them with all our senses, but also to pose some questions of ourselves and of nature.
When you are outside in nature, always consider: looking closely, listening, smelling, touching (but not poison ivy!) – and NOT tasting unless you know for sure for sure that what you are tasting is not poisonous. Then, ask yourself about the relationships you see among the various entities. For example: How might that plant be sharing the land with that other kind of plant?
PDF Printables
These printable resources are useful background materials and/or structured activities. Read the materials, and, if the process is not complicated, save on paper and put the information into your head for when you are next exploring in the wilds. (If you find it useful, for sure you may print!) There are some structured resources, as well, which you are entitled to bring and use, but must cite your source and must not sell and/or profit financially from. The materials should provide guidance for you and/or your students, family, friends, and offer, in many cases, much leeway in your exploration questions and processes.
Ideas to Take Outdoors
These ideas are far less structured than the PDF Printables, so you should easily be able to store the inquiry ideas in your head (or jot into your nature journal) while you travel with your family/friends/students in a Nature Hotspot. Be sure to take your nature journal with you.
Resources
Many organizations have created activities and lesson plans that can apply to school, family, and individual learning.
We have divided the resources into two groups, those which are found online, and printed resources (books, mostly available in the public library).
The more you know about the world around you, the better the questions you can pose of yourself, and the richer the observations you will make.
Online Resources
A platform offering quality programs and learning resources for Canadian schools, “empowering our children to change the world.”
Free educational materials, including downloadable fact sheets, online simulations/games, field tours, classroom speakers, and lesson plans.
A wide range of fun and informative nature-based learning resources for teachers, students and parents.
Resources for Teachers & Students Website
Outdoor Learning Store
Resources and tools for outdoor learning, offered for sale on a non-profit basis. Programs include a free podcast.
Saskatchewan Archaeological Society
Learning resources for teachers and families, including lesson plans, games, kits and activities.
They deliver watershed education programming throughout Saskatchewan to engage our youth, including Caring for our Watersheds and Watershed Wonders.
Saskatchewan Environmental Society
Curriculum-connected lessons, as well as other resources for teachers.
Saskatchewan Provincial Parks
Free, bookable “Outdoor Classroom” programs for teachers and activities for schools and families
Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council
Everything you ever wanted to know about composting, on one convenient web page.
SaskOutdoors
An extensive library of resources created in-house and by other organizations, mostly intended for classroom use though many are also appropriate for families, groups, and individuals. Includes lesson plans and other resources. Be sure to check out their “5 Minute Field Trips,” and the many other learning opportunities they offer.
Saskatchewan Wildflower photos
Photos and descriptions of more than 600 wildflowers found in the province.
Print Resources
Many of the books listed below can be borrowed from your library, purchased at your local bookstore or ordered online from Nature Saskatchewan and/or the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan
About birds:
Birds of the Saskatoon Area. 2002. Anna L. Leighton, Jim Hay, C. Stuart Houston, J. Frank Roy and Stan Shadick. Manley Callin Series No. 5.
Backyard Bird Feeding: A Saskatchewan Guide. 2021. Trevor Herriot and Myrna Pearman.
About insects:
Dragonflies & Damselflies in the Hand. 2011. G. Hutchings and D. Halstead.
Saskatchewan Butterflies. 2025. M. Gollop, A. Leighton, P. Taylor and L. Duczek.
About plants:
Conifers and Catkin-Bearing Trees and Shrubs of Saskatchewan. 2016. George Argus, Vernon Harms, Anna Leighton and Mary Vetter. Flora of Saskatchewan Fascicle 5.
Ferns & Fern Allies of Saskatchewan. 2011. Vernon L. Harms and Anna L. Leighton. Flora of Saskatchewan Fascicle 1.
Getting to Know Saskatchewan Lichens. 2011. Bernard de Vries.
Grasses of Saskatchewan. 2014. Anna L. Leighton and Vernon L. Harms. Flora of Saskatchewan Fascicle 4.
Lilies, Irises & Orchids of Saskatchewan. 2011. Vernon L. Harms and Anna L. Leighton. Flora of Saskatchewan Fascicle 2.
Rushes, Bulrushes and Pondweeds plus the remaining Monocots of Saskatchewan. 2018. Vernon L. Harms, Anna L. Leighton and Mary A. Vetter. Flora of Saskatchewan Fascicle 6.
Sedges (Carex) of Saskatchewan. 2012. Anna L. Leighton. Flora of Saskatchewan Fascicle 3.
The Path to Wild Foods: Edible Plants and Recipes for Canada. 2019. By Sandra Walker.
About Conservation:
Conserving the Legacy: Wildlife Conservation in Saskatchewan 1905-2005. 2022. Wayne Pepper.
Prairie: A Natural History of the Heart of North America. 2020. by Candace Savage.