UPDATED May 26, 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:
Note: The Pond Dipping scheduled for May 3 has been moved to September 6
Mary Houston Bluebird Trail
May 28 to July 10
Multiple Field Trips
Cost: Free
Space is limited on each field trip. Advanced registration is required for each field trip.
To register email saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com
Did you know the Young Naturalists have been monitoring bluebird populations around Saskatoon since 1969? Join naturalists Greg Fenty as he works with bluebirds and Tree Swallows along the Mary Houston Bluebird Trail. This activity takes place over the whole month of June with multiple field trips. Space is limited on each field trip, so advanced registration is required (e-mail saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register). This year we have two meeting locations. One on the west end of Saskatoon for field trips to the Grandora and Pike Lake area, and one on the south end for field trips to the Blackstrap area.
July Mid-week Butterflies
Wednesday, July 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Northeast Swale
Cost: Free
Space is limited. Advanced registration is required. (email sasaktoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register)
Join the Young Naturalists as we explore the Northeast Swale in search of butterflies and other insects, along with their favourite wild flowers. On this field trip we learn the proper techniques for catching (and releasing!) and observing butterflies. We hope to catch a variety of butterflies and other insects (and probably the odd spider and harvestman) to learn about their ecology.
August Mid-week Butterflies
Wednesday, August 6 at 11:00
Northeast Swale
Cost: Free
Space is limited. Advanced registration is required. (email sasaktoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register)
Join the Young Naturalists as we explore the Northeast Swale in search of butterflies and other insects, along with their favourite wild flowers. On this field trip we learn the proper techniques for catching (and releasing!) and observing butterflies. We hope to catch a variety of butterflies and other insects (and probably the odd spider and harvestman) to learn about their ecology.
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 – Saturday, April 12, 2025 (date subject to change)
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
Pond Dipping -Saturday, September 6, 2025 NEW DATE!
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.