UPDATED January 14, 2025
Welcome to the Saskatoon Young Naturalists. 2025 is our 57th year of hands-on conservation education.
The Young Naturalists program is a collection of nature-based activities designed for kids aged 5 to 11 years and their families.
TO REGISTER for any of the activities listed below, please send an e-mail to naturekids@saskatoonnature.org (or saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com) (Both e-mail addresses go to the same location. I usually respond within 24 hours.) Registration is taken on a first-come basis and space is limited on most activities. At least one adult must accompany your child on each Young Naturalists activity. You can register for any Young Naturalists program at any time. Each Young Naturalist activity is an individual activity, separate from the other activities. You must register for each activity separately (however you can register for more than one activity at one time).
Young Naturalists’ activities are open to all ages and offer nature-based activities designed for families. Content is geared towards the 5 to 11 year old range. We operate on the belief that children’s (and parents’) learning is enhanced when the parents/guardians are present. Parent/Guardian supervision is required on all Young Naturalists’ Programs.
The Saskatoon Young Naturalists’ began in 1968. The Young Naturalists is a joint program with the Saskatoon Nature Society and the Saskatoon Zoo Society. Thanks to these organizations most programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming Programs:
Tracks and Scats
Saturday, January 18, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Affinity Learning Centre)
We’ll look at the basic animal track patterns for some of the common animals found around Saskatoon. If weather permits we’ll do a little exploring for animal tracks in the snow. And we’ll also make a plaster track craft you can take home.
Enrolment is limited. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to enrol or for more information.
At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Chickadee Pishing
Saturday, February 1
1:00 p.m.
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
Advanced Registration required: e-mail saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com
It is a birding field trip to the Beaver Creek Conservation Area. We’ll check out the different birds on our hike to the bird blind and feeding station. But the stars of the show are the Black-capped Chickadees! Pishing is the time-honoured technique of attracting birds for a closer look. The chickadees at Beaver Creek are well accustomed to pishers, so it is a great place to practice the technique. Dress warmly and give it a try. Cost is free. Bird snacks are provided (feel tree to bring one for yourself). Bring your binoculars if you have some. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org for more information or to sign up for this field trip. At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Owl Pellets
Saturday, March 8, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Affinity Learning Centre)
Free. Advanced Registration Required: e-mail saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register.
In this indoor session we’ll take a look at the ecology of the Great Horned Owl in Saskatchewan and learn all about owl pellets. What’s an owl pellet? More importantly, what’s inside an owl pellet? Find out at this exciting presentation. Space is limited. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to register or for more information. At least one parent or guardian must accompany children on all Young Naturalists’ programs.
Birdhouse Workshop
Saturday, April 5, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Affinity Learning Centre)
Cost $8.00/child. Enrolment is limited. Advanced Registration required.
e-mail saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register
Join the Young Naturalists for this National Wildlife Week program and our 56th year of constructing birdhouses. Spring is just around the corner so it is time to prepare for the bluebirds and Tree swallows return from their winter migration. These cavity-nesting birds will be looking for suitable nesting sites. We can help them out by making your own birdhouse. Space is limited. Advanced Registration is required. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to register.
*Note: There is a small fee to cover the cost of materials for this program. $8.00 per child, or $5.00 per child for members of either the Saskatoon Nature Society or the Saskatoon Zoo Society.
Crocus Hike
Friday, April 18 (Date is subject to change)
1:00 p.m.
Northeast Swale
Advanced Registration Required.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Young Naturalists as we walk on the native prairie and look for Prairie Crocus and other signs of spring. Cost is free, but advanced registration is required. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to register or for more information. At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Please note that the actual date of this hike may change depending upon the arrival of spring weather.
Looking ahead: 2025 Programs
Tracks and Scats – January 18, 2025
Chickadee Pishing – Saturday, February 1, 2025
Owl Pellet Dissection – March 8, 2025
Birdhouse Workshop – April 5, 2025
Crocus Hike – Friday, April 18, 2025 (date subject to change)
Pond Dipping -Saturday, May 3, 2025
Great Horned Owl Field Trip – May 2025 TBA
Mary Houston Bluebird Trail – Various dates throughout June
July Mid-Week Butterflies – July 9, 2025
August Mid-Week Butterflies – August 6, 2025
Sandhill Crane Field Trip – late September 2025
Saw-whet Owl Field Trip – October 2025
Bird Feeder Workshop – November 1, 2025
Christmas Bird Count for Kids – December 27, 2025
Young Naturalists Programs for Groups:
Due to enrolment restrictions, the Young Naturalists’ Program is normally unable to accommodate groups (the program is designed for families). If you have a special interest group (such as Scouts, 4-H, school group, etc.) please email saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to arrange a special program for your group. There may be a charge for this programming.