CBC Saskatchewan’s Creator Network serves as a platform for young digital storytellers from diverse backgrounds to create original video content for CBC, sharing stories from their unique perspectives. Those interested in contributing or pitching their own stories can do so through the provided link.
Each spring, individuals of all ages venture out of Saskatoon to participate in the Mary Houston Bluebird Trail, a citizen science initiative. Established in 1969, this trail extends approximately 80 kilometers from just south of Langham, Sask. to just north of Hanley, Sask. Along the trail, small birdhouses are spaced every 400 meters, serving as nesting sites for migrating birds closely monitored by volunteers.
The project is led by Greg Fenty, a biologist and retired environmental educator, in collaboration with the Saskatoon Young Naturalists through the Saskatoon Nature Society. The Bluebird Trail consists of nest boxes that are observed for bluebirds and tree swallows to track their productivity and survivorship, offering valuable insights into population changes over time.
Bluebird populations faced decline until the 1950s due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Efforts in conservation and monitoring have since increased, shedding light on their migratory patterns and longevity. Volunteers, including families and children, participate in banding birds and learning to identify different species, fostering a deeper connection with nature and wildlife.
The Bluebird Trail not only provides a hands-on learning experience for volunteers but also instills a sense of environmental stewardship. For newcomers like Pi Srithammawut and his son Pacer, the project offers a unique opportunity to engage with nature and learn about their new environment. Similarly, long-time volunteers like Betty McBride find joy in observing and assisting the baby birds while enriching their own lives and those of their grandchildren.
The experience of being a citizen scientist on the Bluebird Trail has a lasting impact on participants like Maycie McWillie, who credits the project for igniting her passion for nature and biology. Many bluebirds also return to the trail, showcasing the success of conservation efforts and the importance of ongoing monitoring and research.
As spring approaches, volunteers eagerly await the start of the monitoring and banding season under Fenty’s expert guidance. Through hands-on activities like building bird boxes and observing bird life cycles, participants not only contribute to scientific research but also deepen their understanding of biodiversity and conservation.
Overall, the Bluebird Trail project serves as a valuable educational tool and community engagement initiative, bringing together individuals of all ages to appreciate and protect the natural world.