Once upon a time, there was a beautiful wetland nestled within a lush forest in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. This wetland, spanning across 7 hectares or 17 acres, was an integral part of the ecosystem, providing habitat for various plants and animals. It was known as the West Swale wetland and was situated at the north end of Chappell Marsh, a precious natural resource.
Marsh Magic: World Wetlands Day, Where Miracles Unfold
World Wetlands Day Wetlands and Human Well-Being 2 February 2024
The West Swale wetland was part of an ancient glacial spillway river that existed long before humans set foot on the land. This spillway river was known as the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway and was an essential feature in the evolution of drainage networks for the South Saskatchewan River watershed. The West Swale was a remnant of this river, which featured rushing waters across the floodplains with the force and speed of Niagara Falls.
Isn’t it so scary to speak of wetlands in the past tense like that?
Today, the West Swale wetland can still be seen on Google satellite maps as a lush and fertile valley fed by underground springs between the wetlands. It is separate from the moist mixed prairie ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.
The wetland was home to a variety of plant species, including reeds, cattails, and other aquatic plants, which helped to filter the water and remove impurities. The wetland also provided a breeding ground for various bird species, including ducks and geese.
However, humans have had a significant impact on the West Swale wetland over the years. The landscape architecture, including building and construction activities, have disrupted the natural flow of the creek that once existed between the afforestation areas and the South Saskatchewan River. This disruption has resulted in a loss of habitat for various plant and animal species that rely on the wetland for survival.
The West Swale wetland is a testament to the importance of wetlands in maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem. It highlights the need for humans to take action to protect and preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations. By doing so, we can ensure that wetlands like the West Swale will continue to provide critical habitat for various plant and animal species and contribute to the overall health of our planet.
Wetlands are important ecosystems that play a vital role in the natural environment. The West Swale wetlands, nestled within the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area woodlands and meadows, are a prime example of the significant role wetlands play in preserving natural habitats. The West Swale was formed from an ancient glacial spillway river, the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway, which once connected the North and South Saskatchewan Glacial Rivers. Today, the West Swale remains separate from the moist mixed prairie ecosystem and is a lush and fertile valley fed by underground springs between the wetlands. In addition to the permanent wetlands of the northern portion of Chappell Marsh, both the George Genereux Urban Regional Park and Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area feature temporary wetlands. These wetlands play an important role in the evolution of drainage networks for the South Saskatchewan River watershed, and their preservation is vital for maintaining the natural balance of the environment.
Ripples of Change: Celebrating Wetlands, Shaping Tomorrow.
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker!
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 