Category: biography

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5 Please and thank you!

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition ~ an active group interested in forest management~ or make a donation to “Save our Saskatchewan” [SOS] Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area 😉

1./ Learn.

A new book celebrating the life of the first global conservationist will be certified CO2 Neutral

Come Join Us

St Barbe Presentation

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

40th Anniversary Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area 1978-2018

Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF

Richard St. Barbe Baker L.L.D, O.B.E. photo credit University of Saskatchewan. University Archives and Special Collections. Richard St. Barbe Baker Fonds MG71.

Introducing

Richard St. Barbe Baker, OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF

At the 40th Anniversary of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Presented by Paul Hanley who personally knew St Barbe

On National Tree Day: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 6:00 pm

National Forest Week September 23 to 29, 2018 2018 #NationalForestWeek

Meet at the SW OLRA parking lot

coordinates {latitude and longitude} 52.1004657,-106.7539449 (map)

Paul Hanley knew Richard St. Barbe Baker, and will introduce a biographical account of Richard St. Barbe Baker at this event on Wednesday September 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. With an introduction by Richard Kerbes, SOS Elms Coalition [Save Our Saskatchewan Elms] and Renny Grilz, P.Ag. Resource Management Officer, Meewasin Valley Authority

Paul Hanley, environment awareness promoter, activist, free lance writer, speaker, and author will present his new book, Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist which includes a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and an introduction by Jane Goodall.

National Forest Week is a celebration of forests and our environmental resources in Canada. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area provides an opportunity for those in Saskatoon and area to discover out Saskatoon forests, and to appreciate Richard St. Barbe Baker, a silviculturist of international fame. Come participate in this event, and help to spread the word about this valuable habitat, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, located in the City of Saskatoon. Learn more about the namesake of this semi-wilderness wildlife habitat, the founder of the International Tree Foundation, Mr. Richard St. Barbe Baker.

The Saskatchewan Roots of the Man of the Trees by Paul Hanley; “Although born in England, Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982), the world-renowned forester who became renowned as the Man of the Trees in the 1920s, had a long association with Saskatchewan. …In her introduction to the book, Jane Goodall comments that Baker “was, without doubt, one of the greatest advocates for the protection and restoration of forests ever. I am amazed by his life and accomplishments. He is one of my heroes.”

Did you know that the back cover will feature a “Tree Positive logo” because inside the cover features:

One new tree will be planted and one existing tree will be saved for every copy of this book that is published. Trees will be planted in Kenya by the International Tree Foundation and in Haiti by the Smallholder Farmers Alliance. Trees that would otherwise be at risk for cutting will become protected forest areas through the work of The Forest Trust and with ongoing multi-stakeholder oversight.

Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982)

“Saskatchewan’s forests cover 34 million hectares, more than half of our province,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. “National Forest Week is a great time for everyone to consider the many ways that forests and trees add to our lives, every day.”

“A wind from the great hills and forests blows through this book. Here the author gives us some feeling of the surge of Richard St. Barbe Baker’s long life. He is one who burst into life and has been carried by the drive of his enthusiasm to make his mark upon our planet. Earth is richer for Richard St. Barbe Baker. He knew from his youth that the Earth was a sentient living being and that we humans are an integral part of nature. He is truly a steward of the planet, accepting the task that God gave Adam of tending the creatures he had made. His passion for trees has led him to give his dynamic energy to awakening mankind to the folly of exploiting the tree cover of the earth for gain, without replacing the loss. St. Barbe has probably done more than any man alive to awaken a love of trees. His crusade has initiated a great deal, but much more needs to be done if mankind is to survive. …This is indeed a healthy book and we are the wealthier for reading it…This book will bring joy and inspiration to many.”~This introduction for Richard St. Barbe Baker’s book, My Health, My Wealth, by Sir George Trevelyan, Bt, M.A. might equally apply to Paul Hanley’s book Paul’s book, Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist

“The average citizen has yet to learn the importance of Forestry…the man in the street does not know that the presence of Forests, in reasonably proportionate areas, is vital to human health and in order to stay the process of the disintegration of the surface of the land….Happily the solution of the Problem is at hand.” ~University of Saskatchewan,University Archives & Special Collections,Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Paul Hanley, Saskatoon, SK

Paul Hanley Eleven on You Tube

Paul Hanley Meewasin Conservation Award 2014

Paul Hanley, Eleven Billion People Will Change Everything.

Paul Hanley, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Page 1

Paul Hanley, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Page 2

Visit Paul Hanley’s website:
http://www.elevenbillionpeople.com/

To learn more about U of R Press, visit:
https://www.uofrpress.ca/

To check out Sask Books’ Book store, visit:
http://www.skbooks.com

For more information:

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

1./ Learn.

Legal documents relating to property on the Broadlands estate.

June 9 Tribute

Surely a great tree has fallen.

Dr Richard St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E., Hon. L.L.D. (Sask), F.A.I.L., For, Dip. Cantab. (St. Barbe) 9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982.

Six and Thirty Years have Passed

The World lost a great man

In recognition of St Barbe’s love of trees

Plant a tree in memory.

Contact Trees Canada, the Meewasin Valley Authority or the City of Saskatoon

“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.” ~John Muir

“A society grows great when old men plant trees

whose shade they know they shall never sit in”

“a great
man
is
gone. Tall as the truth was who; and
wore his
… life
like a …
sky.”
―E. E. Cummings

On June 9, 2011, the British Columbia government renames a portion of the Trans-Canada Highway. Those driving between Langley and Abbotsford will be traversing “The Highway of Heroes.” The commemoration is to honour 13 BC soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice in Afghanistan. Victoria, BC.

The Maori of yore revered his natural tree cover, the giant Kauris, pines and Totaras. When a great Maori Chieftain fell in battle, or died, they would say: “Surely a great Totara tree has fallen.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

What tributes and accolades have honoured Richard St. Barbe Baker? In Saskatoon, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area has its dedication ceremony on June 15, 1985. On the University of Saskatchewan campus, a conference inaugurated the Richard St. Barbe Baker Foundation June 4 and 5 1984. In 2013, near the site of St. Barbe’s last tree planting [just days before his death], the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Baha’i Community erected a plaque commemorating St. Barbe.

How will you celebrate the memory of Richard St. Barbe Baker?

Will you be as the Watu wa Miti, or Men of the Trees? The forest scouts who promised that they would protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.

St Barbe

Additional information has been uncovered regarding, “St. Barbe” and whether it should be part of the surname, or used as a middle name.

Lt. Dr. Richard Edward St. Barbe Baker, OBE, ACF, MC, LL.D, F.A.I.L., For. Dip. Cantab.

Commonly he is known as Richard St Barbe Baker, earth healer and conservationist, or affectionately referred to as “St Barbe” by his friends.

The “e” in Barbe is silent as confirmed by the West End Local History Society, where Richard St. Barbe Baker grew up in the country house, “The Firs” on Beacon Road, West End, Hampshire, England.

“Many wonderful days filled Richard St. Barbe Baker’s long life. As an adult he was affectionately called by his middle[sic] name, St. Barbe ~ a French surname that had been in his family for generations. His admirers considered him a ‘saint’ because he whole-heartedly devoted himself to helping the planet. He called himself a conservationist and an “Earth Healer. (Malnor. 2009) ”

Richard St. Barbe Baker was the eldest living child born to Reverend John Thomas Wright Baker and Charlotte Purrott. Baker and Purrott were married in 1886, and it was around this time that John Baker added the St. Barbe family name to his surname. In total, John and Charlotte had six children all christened with the addition of St Barbe in the surname ‘St Barbe Baker’ in honour of a branch of the family connected with the St Barbe’s of Romsey [Westender May June 2017. Volume 10 Number 11].

Arms of St Barbe of Ashington, Somerset and Broadlands, Hampshire and St Barbe baronets: ''Chequy argent and sable'' Modified from commons File:Blason Palamède.svg by User:Chatsam Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported — Arms of St Barbe of Ashington, Somerset and Broadlands, Hampshire and St Barbe baronets: ”Chequy argent and sable” Wikimedia Commons 3.0

What is known of the St. Barbe family of Romsey and the English country house, Broadlands?

Broadlands English country house, Romsey,Test Valley district of Hampshire, England. — Broadlands English country house, Romsey, Test Valley district of Hampshire, England.

“After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Broadlands was sold to Sir Francis Fleming in 1547. His granddaughter married Edward St. Barbe, and the manor remained the property of the St. Barbe family for the next 117 years. Sir John St Barbe, 1st Baronet (c. 1655–1723) made many improvements to the manor but died without progeny having bequeathed it to his cousin Humphrey Sydenham of Combe, Dulverton. In the chancel of Ashington Church, Somerset, is a monument of grey and white marble, inscribed:

Here lies Sir John St. Barbe, Bart. possessed of those amiable qualities, which birth, education, travel, greatness of spirit, and goodness of heart, produce. Interred in the same vault lies his second wife Alice Fiennes, aunt to the present Lord Say and Sele. His first was Honour, daughter of Colonel Norton. He died at his seat of Broadlands in Hampshire Sept. 7, 1723, leaving for his only heir and executor Humphrey Sydenham, esq., of Combe in Somersetshire, who ordered this marble to his memory.{Source}”

Furthermore, “The St Barbe Family originated from Normandy. One of its chiefs was an officer in the Army of William the Conqueror. His name is on the Roll of Battle Abbey and he is supposed to have been the Founder of the Family in England.{Source}”

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1066 and all that… Gregorie.org.

Broadlands, Romsey

Burke, John and Bernard. St. Barbe of Broadlands. A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies of England
Publisher Scott, Webster & Geary, 1841

Cave, Edwards and John Nichols. Obituary. Charles St. Barbe, Esq. F.S.A. The Gentleman’s Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, for the Year …, Volume 186

Parker J.H. and J. Descent of the St. Barbe Family.The Gentleman’s Magazine and Historical Review, Volume 209 1860

Malnor, Bruce and Carol. Earth Heroes: Champions of the Wilderness. Volume 1 of Earth Heroes Series. Illustrated by Anisa Claire Hovemann. Publisher Dawn Publications. ISBN 158469467X, 9781584694670. 2009.

St. Barbe, Sir John, 1st Bt. [c1655-17230, of Broadlands, Hants. History of Parliament: the HOuse of Commons 1660-1690, ed. B.D. Henning, 1983

Westender July – August 2014 Volume 9 Number 6West End Local History Society

Westender January and February 2017 Volume 10, Number 9 West End Local History Society

Westender May June 2017. Volume 10 Number 11. West End Local History Society.

Westender September and October 2006 Volume 5 Number 7West End Local History Society.

For more information:

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

1./ Learn.

“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger

Professor Laurence Roche

“Never before in the history of man has forestry, both in the developed and developing worlds, attracted so much public attention. Environmental degradation and the decline of forests in industrial countries, the continued destruction of forests in developing countries, and evidence of global climate change have all combined to raise the awareness of politicians, planners, and the media to the vital importance of forests in the well-being of nations, and to the knowledge that in our time, the remnants of natural forest ecosystems, with their great diversity of habitats, are in danger of destruction. “~Laurence Roche[7]

plant-in-person-globe-hand

Professor Laurence Roche, B. Agr., M.A., M.F., Ph.D. [October 20, 1927-November 23, 1999] had never met the world renowned silviculturist Richard St. Barbe Baker, however Roche was an avid reader of the books published by Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker, L.L.D, O.B.E. F.A.I.L., For. Dip. Cantab., It was these books, that convinced Laurence Roche to persue a lifetime career in forestry.

Professor Roche born in Wexford, Ireland, had eight siblings. His cousin was the novelist John Banville, and besides devouring works by Baker and novels by Thomas Merton theologian and mystic, Roche was widely read. Considering the same trajectory as Richard St. Barbe Baker, Roche contemplated entering a school of Divinity to become a priest, however Baker’s works inspired Roche to leap feet first, and pursue forestry at Trinity College, Dublin receiving his B.A., B. Agr. [Forestry] in 1960. Roche followed up with a traveling scholarship completing his Masters in Science [1962] and Doctorate from the University of British Columbia [1966].

Business, Technology, 21st Century Culture, Planet Earth

Planet Earth, the World, is in our Hands

Roche received postings in both Canada for the Canadian Forest Service and Professor of Forestry and Head, Department of Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Roche embraced a global view following in the footsteps of Richard St. Barbe Baker. Roche advocated that forests were not isolated economic resources for immediate gain. Tropical forests needed to be viewed and assessed in an ecological and social context, and educated African forestry corps to take a lead in safeguarding their forests.

Working alongside John Bene in 1975, they recommended and established programmes on agrisilviculture in developing countries leading to more efficient land use, programmes to improve the lot of rural forest dwellers, by addressing hunger, shelter and degradation of the environment. John Bene, an indefatiguable Canadian forester and inspiring visionary, initiated priorities on tropical forestry research and lead the way to establish the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF) [now known as the Nairobi-based World Agroforestry Centre] in 1977.

“The relationship of populations to their ecosystems is the forest geneticist’s central area of inquiry, and, if he is to gain a fairly complete understanding of these relationships, he must regard the intricate patterns of evolution and coevolution. Therefore, forest genetics engages in ecosystems biology, or, more narrowly, in population biology. ..The environmental conditions that permit a population to survive permanently, and with which this population interacts, today are usually designated as its “ecological niche.” ~Laurence Roche [10]

world-kids- Roche recognized that “almost all tree species studied to date exhibit habitat-correlated, genetically based variation. When the species is distributed over a wide range of environments, variation within a species is often very great. It is this variation, referred to as the genetic resources of the species, which is the basis of evolutionary development, and the starting point for selection and breeding programmes. Such programmes are virtually non-existant for tropical trees. ~ Laurence Roche.[3]”

Following his work with IDRC advisor Bene, to integrate forestry, and agriculture with animal husbandry to optimize tropical forest land use, Roche accepted a position as Professor Department of Forestry and Wood Science, School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd.

Roche was the founding father of the “Journal of Forest Ecology and Management,” a peer reviewed periodical focusing on the forest ecology interaction with forest management, alongside innovation and research in the fields of biological, ecological and social issues in regards to the management and conservation of natural forests and their biosphere. Forest Ecology and Management is committed to open access bringing forward new ideas and approaches to forest management, and forest ecology.

The spirit and zeal of Professor Roche continued following his retirement. Though settling down in Madaboy, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Ireland, Roche continued to advocate for the tropical forest, making frequent journeys. Roche also provided counsel to the Food and Agricultural Organisation headquartered in Rome. According to Trevor West, Roche was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole [The Order of Agricultural Merit] in 1991, and was elected an honorary fellow of Trinity College Dublin [TCD] in 1993.

“I had news that an ecological survey was being undertaken in the Sahara, to the North of the Gold Coast, and I learnt that the local tribesmen had been forced by increased desertification to retreat to a small patch of land, the last remaining patch of forest in the area. There was desert behind them for a thousand miles, and desert to either side of them for a thousand miles, the chiefs had forbidden marriage and the women refused to bear children because the end of the forest was in sight….I was determined that the Kenyans should never have to suffer such an appalling social and ecological disaster.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Forest Ecology and Management Science to Sustain the World’s Forests Editors-in-Chief: Mark Adams, Dan Binkley, Todd S. Fredericksen, Jean-Paul Laclau, Harri Mäkinen, Cindy E. Prescott, Yowhan Son

2. Major figure in Third World Forestry Sat. Dec. 4, 1999. The Irish Times.

3. Roche, Laurence. Conserving Endangered Tree Species. The Road to Extinction: Problems of Categorizing the Status of Taxa Threatened with Extinction : Proceedings of a Symposium Held by the Species Survival Commission, Madrid, 7 and 9 November 1984
IUCN conservation library International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Editors Richard Fitter, Maisie Fitter Contributors International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Species Survival Commission, United Nations Environment Programme Edition illustrated. Publisher IUCN, 1987. ISBN 2880329299, 9782880329297

4. Roche, Laurence. Neglected value of green city lungs New Scientist. 8 Sep 1977. Vol. 75, No. 1068. ISSN 0262-4079

5. Roche, Laurence. Report on trhree weeks consultancy in Forest Genetics Resources Conservation, Brazil. Consultant Final Report IICA/Embrapa-Procensul II Publisher Bib. Orton IICA / CATIE. JUne 254-July 14, 1987.

6. Roche, L. Gene Resource Conservation International Union of Forestry Research Organisations (IUFRO) Working Party S2.02.2 L. Roche. Head Department of Forestry University of Ibada, Nigeria.

7. Roche, Laurence “The Profession of Forestry Now and in the Year 2000.” The Commonwealth Forestry Review, vol. 71, no. 1, 1992, pp. 13–19. JSTOR, JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42608498.

8. Roche, Laurence The Professional Forester and the Farmer: One Man’s Experience.” The International Forestry Review, vol. 1, no. 2, 1999, pp. 112–114. JSTOR, JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42609155.

9. Roche, Laurence The Silvicultural Significance of Geographic Variation in the White Engelmann Spruce Complex in British Columbia
The Forestry Chronicle, 1970, 46(2): 116-125, https://doi.org/10.5558/tfc46116-2

10. Stern, Dr. Klaus and Laurence Roche. Genetics of Forest Ecosystems
Volume 6 of Ecological Studies Edition illustrated. Publisher Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. ISBN 3642655173, 9783642655173. Page 1 and 3.

11. West, Trevor. Roche, Laurence . Dictionary of Irish Biography. Cambridge University Press.

St. Barbe’s Vision

How did Alan Grainger describe Richard St. Barbe Baker? “Richard St. Barbe Baker was a giant of a man, like the redwood trees he loved so much. He thought big, he lived long, and some would even say he talked long too.” Dr. Alan Grainger, Senior Lecturer Global Change and Policy, School of Geography, Faculty of Environment Unversity of Leeds, UK

There were six characteristics integrated into Richard St. Barbe’s vision according to Alan Grainger.

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Richard St. Barbe Baker L.L.D, O.B.E. photo credit University of Saskatchewan. University Archives and Special Collections. Richard St. Barbe Baker Fonds MG71.

White-tailed Deer Fawn. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

1/ Planetary scale. Richard St. Barbe Baker founded the Men of the Trees Twahamwe in 1922 [now known as the International Tree Foundation]. After 1940, St. Barbe Baker organised international World Forestry Charter gatherings seeking global initiatives in response to forestry and environmental problems.

2/ Historical perspective.

“The trees worked for millions of years to make it possible for man to come on this planet. Yet, man, who owes his presence on this Earth to trees, has been cutting, burning, greedily and recklessly. He has turned the forest to desert, until today we are faced not only with a timber famine, but with a food famine.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

3/ Man’s tendency to over exploit the land, clearing forests, and taking too much from the land

“If man loses one third of his skin he dies; if a tree loses one third of its bark, it too dies. If the earth is a sentient being, would it not be reasonable to expect that if it loses one third of its trees and vegetative covering, it will also die?

The trees and vegetation, which cover the land surface of the Earth and delight the eye, are preforming vital tasks incumbent upon the vegetable world in nature. Its presence is essential to earth as an organism. It is the first condition of all life, it is the ‘skin’ of the Earth, for without it there can be no water, and , therefore, no life.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

4/ The recognition on the planet of two spheres the first being vegetation and animal life, and how this biosphere interacts with the second sphere, that of humanity.

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Trembling Aspen grove Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA

Mallard Ducks. West Swale Wetlands (Chappel Marsh) Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

Jack Rabbit Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

5/ Mankind’s responsibility to care for his home, this planet Earth, and its biosphere.

“Man has lost his way in the jungle of chemistry and engineering and will have to retrace his steps, however painful this may be. In doing so, perhaps he may be able to recapture the rhythm of life and the love of the simple things of life, which will be an ever-unfolding joy to him.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

“This generation may either be the last to exist in any semblance of a civilized world or that it will be the first to have the vision, the bearing and the greatness to say ‘I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life, I will play no part in this devastation of the land, I am determined to live and work for peaceful construction for I am morally responsible for the world of today and the generations of tomorrow.'”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

6/ Forests maintain the environmental stability for the global wellness of the world. Forests have their own characteristics.

“It is with a spirit of reverence that I approach God’s creation, this beautiful Earth. The ancients believed that the Earth was a sentient being, and felt the behaviour of mankind upon it. As we have no proof to the contrary, it might be as well for responsible people to accept this point of view and act accordingly.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Richard St. Barbe Baker’s philosophy blended together the diversity of Nature with human advancement, spirituality and technological advances. St Barbe was a pioneer, often referred to as a man ahead of his era, seeking a unified world vision to safeguard the forests of the earth, appreciate and enhance Nature’s beauty and bounty “encouraging all to work for the future well being of humanity rather than for immediate gain”. “In communion with our fellow man, and tree-wise, strive to make the Earth more fruitful again.” Richard St. Barbe Baker

“when the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

“If the armies of the world now numbering 22 million could be redeployed in planting in the desert, in eight years a 100 million people could be rehabilitated and supplied with protein rich food, grown from virgin sand. If we could accept the challenge, and make that a One World Purpose, this would unite East and West and be the scientfic and physical answer to this world’s dilemma.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker”

For more information:

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

1./ Learn.