Deep Woods Dietitian

11/21/2025

No, that’s not Elphaba’s broom stuck in a tree… but it is a witches’ broom!

Called witches’ broom for a good reason, this occurs when the buds that make twigs and side shoots lose control, and multiple stems grow in a tangled and abnormal manner. The cluster grows from a central source on a tree, thus resembling a dense broom or a bird's nest. There are several causes of witches’ broom, such as fungal activity, or even due to insect damage. Or maybe it was caused by the Wicked Witch of the West? 🧙‍♀️

Learn more about Saskatchewan forests at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/forestry.

11/18/2025

Did you know planting native plants can attract beneficial insects to your garden? 🐞These include predators like lady beetles, lacewings, ambush bugs and hoverflies that naturally manage pests such as aphids, reducing the need for chemical controls and supporting a healthy ecosystem.

The Xerces Society recommends these top plants for attracting predatory species:
🌱Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
🌱Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)
🌱Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
🌱Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Other tips for success when planting a native plant garden include
🌿Plant a diversity of native flowers to provide nectar and pollen when prey is scarce.
🌿Ensure blooms from spring through fall so predators have food year-round.
🌿Avoid pesticides, even organic ones—they harm beneficial insects.
🌿Learn to recognize natural enemies: Lacewing larvae, for example, can consume hundreds of aphids in a week!

Learn more at Xerces Society: https://www.xerces.org/blog/planting-for-helpful-predators-how-natural-enemies-can-control-garden-pests-for-you

Check out our list of recommended native plants here:https://wildaboutsaskatoon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Recommended-Plant-List-PPYXE-2024.pdf

Pollinator Paradise YXE is a project of Wild About Saskatoon, joyfully advocating for nature in Saskatoon, SK

11/16/2025

Are you looking for an unique gift this holiday season for the wildflower and pollinator enthusiast on your list? Check out our Pollinator Garden Seed Collection on our online store.

A seed collection of eight wildflower species. Includes individual seed packets of Prairie Coneflower, Smooth Aster, Gaillardia, Purple Prairie Clover, Bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Stiff Goldenrod and Giant Hyssop. Comes with a mini booklet that includes a sample pollinator garden layout, instructions and tips for creating your own pollinator garden.

🐝 ✨️❣️🎄

10/29/2025

In botany, a berry is a fleshy fruit that develops from a SINGLE o***y of a flower:

Berries have a fleshy middle portion (pericarp), a soft outer peel (exocarp), and a soft area around the seeds (endocarp). They typically have many seeds, but can have just one.

Some examples of berries include grapes, currants, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, persimmons, and bananas.

📖:Texas plants

10/27/2025

Looking for a winter activity to help you get through the cold, dark months?
Consider participating in Project FeederWatch! This citizen science project runs from November to April and welcomes birders of all skill levels, whether you're a novice or an expert. 🐦

To participate, all you need is a window with a view of some birds! A feeder isn’t required, but having one can help attract more birds for you to observe and record throughout the winter. You can join the project with a small donation (no minimum amount), and by following the simple protocol to count visiting birds, you'll contribute valuable data to this long-running citizen science initiative.

Learn more and register for Project FeederWatch here: https://www.birdscanada.org/you-can-help/project-feederwatch

For a gallery of common backyard birds to watch out for, check out website: https://wildaboutsaskatoon.org/feeding-winter-birds/

Wild About Saskatoon joyfully advocates for nature in beautiful Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

10/24/2025

Wrapped up our October Food Festival tour in Mistawasis this week! Got to chat about wild plants with lots of fun people.

To be continued in 2026. 😉

10/18/2025

A great opportunity to be a citizen scientist. You might even discover a new species! We still have a lot to learn about SK fungi. 🍄‍🟫

We have 3 opportunities to join for you to join us with the Fall Myco Blitz! This is a free event. We will be documenting fungi species on inaturalist and taking samples for DNA sequencing! All levels of expertise are welcome from very beginners to seasoned naturalists. All you have to do is download inaturalist, which is also free, and sign up!

Who knows, you may discover a new species or a rare one! These efforts will go towards building a better North American species data base, but also one specifically for SK!

To get involved, go to saskmycology.ca to sign up!!

10/18/2025

A unique learning opportunity

Join us for a unique cultural learning experience on November 1 from 1:00–4:00 pm at Wanuskewin Heritage Park 🌾🦫

Local Knowledge Keeper Judy Cook will lead a Traditional Beaver Skinning & Preparation Demonstration, sharing teachings about the beaver’s significance and the respectful process of preparing its pelt.

This hands-on workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn traditional skills and connect with Indigenous knowledge. But please note, this program may not be for the squeamish!

🪶 Free to attend
📍 Classroom at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
🤝 In collaboration with CanNorth and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, reflecting our shared commitment to education and environmental stewardship

10/16/2025

Another amazing food festival today — this time in One Arrow!

So much to learn from all the booths. The homemade iced teas were incredible, with blends of berries and wild plants like hyssop and wild mint. The wonderful was whipping up tasty creations from simple food scraps, and once again impressed everyone with his stellar hosting skills.

So glad we got to join in! Thanks STC Community Nutrition!

And we found a buffalo 🦬 friend in St.Louis on the trip home!