UPDATED April 19, 2026
We're in the news!
Thanks to CBC's Creator Network and video producers Carmen Gilmore and Paul Cluett, the Saskatoon Young Naturalists are featured on CBC. It was an exciting project for the Young Naturalists.
Bluebird Trail Video:
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7075886
Bluebird Trail News:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/bluebird-trail-conservation-scientists-birding-9.7045172
Bluebird Trail Radio Interview:
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-66-the-morning-edition-sask/clip/16198070-become-citizen-scientist-bluebird-trail
Welcome to the Saskatoon Young Naturalists. 2026 is our 58th 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:
Crocus Hike
Saturday, April 25, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Northeast Swale
Cost: Free
Space is limited. Advanced registration required.
Email saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register.
Celebrate Earth Week 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.
*The date for this program may change depending upon the blooming time for the crocus.
Pond Dipping
Saturday, May 9, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Pike Lake Provincial Park
Cost: Free Space is limited. Advanced Registration is required.
Our annual pond dipping field trip is back!. Join the Young Naturalists for our hands-on nature activities including our search for wild dragons, damsels, fairies, and frogs* – and other aquatic invertebrates too. We will even check out the nature trail for Poison Ivy (really)! Space is limited on this very popular program so register early!
E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org for more details or to register.
Great Horned Owl Field Trip
Cancelled for 2026.
Our Great Horned Owl population is down this year as well as available owl banders to lead this field trip.
Mary Houston Bluebird Trail
May 25 to July 7
Multiple Field Trips will be scheduled.
Watch for the schedule coming in mid-May.
Cost: Free.
Space is limited on each trip.
Advanced Registration is required.
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.
Be sure to check out the CBC Creator Network Video from the 2025 Bluebird Trail: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7075886
Looking ahead: 2026 Programs
Sunday, January 25 Tracks and Scats
Saturday, March 14 Owl Ecology/Owl Pellets (SFFP&Z)
Saturday, February 7 Chickadee Pishing
Saturday, April 18 Birdhouse Workshop (SFFP&Z)
Saturday, April 25 Crocus Hike
Saturday, May 9 Pond Dipping Field Trip
May (TBD) Great Horned Owl Field Trip - CANCELLED
May 25 to July 7 Mary Houston Bluebird Trail
Wednesday, July 8 July Mid-week Butterflies
Wednesday, August 5 August Mid-week Butterflies
Saturday, October 3 Sandhill Cranes
October (TBD) Northern Saw-whet Owl Field Trip
Saturday, Nov 14 Bird Feeder Workshop (SFFP&Z)
Sunday, Dec 27 Christmas Bird Count for Kids (SFFP&Z)
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.