Clean Green Community Scene – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Guardians of the Flow

“Guardians of the Flow: Protecting West Swale Wetlands on World Water Day”

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), wetlands mammal enjoys the emergent vegetation around Chappell Marsh such as cattails

Permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer

As we celebrate World Water Day on March 22, it’s crucial to turn our attention to the local gems that sustain our region—the West Swale Wetlands home to the Chappell Marsh in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Here are ten effective ways we can play a role in safeguarding these vital ecosystems:

Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about the importance of West Swale Wetlands and Chappell Marsh. Advocate for their protection and sustainable management.
Wetland Clean-Up Events: Organize or participate in clean-up events to remove any litter or debris that could harm the wetlands. Every piece matters!
Native Plant Restoration: Support and participate in initiatives to plant native vegetation around the wetlands. Native plants contribute to the health of the ecosystem.
Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste responsibly. Avoid dumping toxic materials like oil, shingles, or tires, which can harm the water quality and biodiversity.
Community Monitoring Programs: Join or establish community monitoring programs to keep a close eye on the wetlands’ health. Report any unusual activities or signs of pollution.
Responsible Pet Ownership: Keep pets on a leash and pick up after them. Pet waste can introduce harmful bacteria and nutrients into the wetlands.
Water Conservation: Practice water conservation at home. Conserving water in our daily lives directly impacts the water supply for wetlands and the South Saskatchewan River.
Support Wetland Conservation Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to wetland conservation. Your support makes a significant difference.
Participate in City Planning: Engage with local government planning processes to ensure sustainable urban development that considers the protection of wetlands.
Environmental Education Programs: Participate in or support environmental education programs about wetlands. The more we know, the better equipped we are to protect these essential ecosystems.

Remember, the West Swale and Chappell Marsh are integral parts of the South Saskatchewan Watershed, affecting our water supply and urban biodiversity. By taking these steps, we become stewards of these invaluable resources, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

🌊 Join us in safeguarding the West Swale Wetlands and Chappell Marsh! 🌿 On March 27, Saskatoon City Council votes on the Saskatoon Freeway Phase 2 Functional Design Report. Public comments due by March 25. Let’s take action for #WorldWaterDay on March 22! #SaveTheWetlands #ProtectOurWaterways @SwaleWatchers. Learn more about how you can help protect these vital ecosystems and ensure sustainable urban development. 🌎 Together, we can make a difference for our environment and future generations. Act now! #WetlandConservation #EnvironmentalProtection #CommunityEngagement 🌱💧

Every living being is connected intimately, and from this intimacy follows the capacity of identification and as its natural consequences, practice of non-violence .. Now is the time to share with all life on our maltreated earth through the deepening identification with life forms and the greater units, the ecosystems, and Gaia, the fabulous, old planet of ours.
Arne Næss

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

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.com Facebook 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 )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

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

Harmony in Nature’s Heart

Harmony in Nature’s Heart: Chronicles of the Saskatoon Afforestation Fellowship

In the year 2024, a game-changing opportunity arose, promising to amplify the punch of every donation aimed at keeping things green. “Make It Monthly 2024” hit the streets, a bonus donation scheme where CanadaHelps tosses in an extra twenty bucks for every new monthly donation of twenty or more. This move was all about keeping the momentum going, making sure this charity sticks to their vision with stability and long-term game plans. One of the players in the mix was the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, a bunch of naturalists aiming to keep nature in the black in Saskatoon.

Gray Comma Butterfly Spring Polygonia progne — Mushrooms and fungi

For these Friends, this was their bread and butter. With their hustle on the ground, they were all about sowing the seeds of tomorrow while keeping the locals happy. The “A Vision for a Sustainable Future GPS-PFG” gig was their main jam, focusing on a GPS Prairie Forest Guide (PFG) app that was meant to be the bomb, giving folks the lowdown on the local flora and fauna. It was all about connecting the dots between nature, traditional ecological knowledge, and playing it smart.

Another gig on the menu is the “Saskatoon City Nature Challenge CNCYXE2024,” getting folks to roll up their sleeves and pitch in on the biodiversity front through citizen science. It is all about getting out there and keeping tabs on the local critters and plants.

Then there is the “A forest of activity, a canopy of health, ParticipACTION Community Challenge,” giving the locals a kick in the pants to get outdoors and break a sweat. It is about health, happiness, and getting back in touch with what’s real.

Now, for those looking for some thrills, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and some local sled dog mushers had a proposition: Frozen Trails and Wagging Tails: Dog Sledding Delight at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. It was all about hitting the snowy trails and throwing a bone to nature in Saskatoon. They were all about making memories and soaking in the sights and sounds of WinterCity YXE. Your dough is what makes it all possible.

So, with each dime dropped and a little extra from CanadaHelps, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas could keep the wheels turning. They were doubling down on the green game, keeping the fires burning bright for a tomorrow that looked a little greener. “Make It Monthly 2024” and let’s double down on the good stuff. After all, a sustainable future starts with you.

St Barbe Presentation 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 and Robert White, personal friends of 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) Both Robert White, and Paul Hanley were personal friends of Richard St. Barbe Baker, and will introduce Richard St. Barbe Baker at this event on Wednesday September 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Paul Hanley, environment awareness promoter, activist, free lance writer, speaker, and author will introduce his new book, Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist “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.

A bit of fog and hoar frost in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

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

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.com Facebook 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 )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

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

A Milestone for Environmental Restoration: 5657 Pounds of Toxic Waste Removed

The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Waste:

How Removing Hazardous Waste Promotes Forest Health, Biodiversity, and a Safer Park Experience for City Residents

George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon, SK October 3 clean up

Introduction:

In a remarkable triumph for environmental conservation, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area recently witnessed the successful removal of a staggering 5657 pounds (2566 kilograms) of toxic and hazardous waste. This landmark initiative, undertaken by a dedicated environmentalists, marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the park’s natural beauty, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a safer experience for park users.

The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Waste:

Urban parks are often havens of tranquility within bustling cities, offering respite from the concrete jungle and providing valuable ecosystems for plants and animals. However, these green spaces can also fall prey to the consequences of human activities, including the illegal dumping of toxic waste. Toxic chemicals and hazardous materials not only pose a direct threat to wildlife but also seep into the soil, contaminating water sources and adversely affecting plant life.

Environmental Restoration: Benefits for Forests and Biodiversity:

By removing the 5657 pounds of toxic waste from George Genereux Urban Regional Park, an immediate positive impact has been achieved for the surrounding forest ecosystem and its inhabitants. The removal of hazardous materials prevents their absorption into the soil and water, allowing trees, plants, and wildlife to flourish unhindered. This restoration effort provides an essential lifeline for the park’s delicate balance, helping to restore biodiversity and foster a healthier environment.

A Haven for Wildlife:

The removal of toxic waste from urban parks is particularly crucial for protecting wildlife. These areas serve as important habitats for a diverse range of species, from birds and small mammals to reptiles and insects. Toxic substances can poison animals directly or accumulate in the food chain, causing long-term damage and potentially endangering entire populations. By eliminating hazardous waste, the park becomes a safer sanctuary for its resident and migratory wildlife, ensuring their survival for generations to come. YouTube Before Video

Promoting Public Safety and Recreational Enjoyment:

The removal of toxic waste from George Genereux Urban Regional Park not only benefits the environment and wildlife but also enhances the safety and enjoyment of the park for its visitors. Hazardous materials present a significant risk to human health, especially when exposed through direct contact or inhalation. By eliminating these hazards, park users can enjoy their time outdoors without concerns about toxic exposure, fostering a sense of well-being and encouraging more people to embrace the park’s recreational opportunities.

In addition to the removal of toxic waste, it is worth noting that the existence of a protective fence surrounding George Genereux Urban Regional Park and Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area stands as a testament to the commitment of safeguarding these cherished natural spaces. The clean-up effort focused on addressing the garbage that had been concealed among the trees, undetected until early spring when it became apparent. The diligent efforts during the clean up ensured the prompt identification and removal of these hidden hazards. It is particularly reassuring that, thanks to these efforts, no new instances of dumping have occurred within either the George Genereux Urban Regional Park or the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing vigilance and environmental stewardship in preserving the integrity of these afforestation areas.

The Importance of Community Engagement:

The successful removal of toxic waste from George Genereux Urban Regional Park is a testament to the power of community engagement and environmental stewardship. Such initiatives require the collaboration of local residents, environmental organizations, and governmental bodies to ensure the protection and restoration of urban green spaces. This milestone achievement should inspire other communities to take action against environmental degradation and rally together to preserve the natural treasures within their cities.

Furthermore, in the effort to remove the toxic waste from George Genereux Urban Regional Park, the environmental team expresses immense gratitude for the invaluable support received from Meewasin’s Clean Up Campaign. The availability of designated bins and the provision of trash bags greatly facilitated the collection and disposal process. This partnership between the environmentalists and Meewasin highlights the significance of community collaborations in tackling environmental challenges and working towards a cleaner and healthier future for urban parks.

Conclusion:

The removal of 5657 pounds of toxic and hazardous waste from George Genereux Urban Regional Park and the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is a significant victory for environmental restoration and protection. By eliminating these harmful substances, the park’s forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and park users can thrive in a safer, healthier environment. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of collective action and underscores the importance of preserving urban regional parks as vital havens for nature and community well-being.

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
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.com Facebook 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

Help requested please SAT Sept 24 9:30 – 1:30 pm

Help requested please SAT Sept 24 9:30 – 1:30 pm Many Hands Make Light Work for Forest Conservation Clean UP

YouTube Video

While it is still autumn, come help pick up lumber, small lumber pieces, wood, wood pallets. A park user who enjoys the park space of the afforestation areas has spotted some lumber, wood, wood pallets and small lumber pieces for removal – a start has been made, but would go ever so much faster with more hands and more people please and thank you! If a fence is going up, it would be so nice not to have a fence around a forest with garbage, it would be wonderful to have a forest green space without any garbage, and without any lumber in the forest. The City of Saskatoon will supply a Loraas Bin. SAT Sept 24 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

If you have a truck ahead of time, that would be handy to bring the one pile of wood out of George Genereux forest, before the fencing is installed! We could use the Richard St. Barbe Baker Loraas bin to help clean up both afforestation areas that way.

What a treat that would be. email friendsafforestation@gmail.com or phone 306.380.5368 for further information. See directions attached from a Google Satellite Map! Thank you for your consideration in coming to help out at the clean up for sure.

Here is a map for where we are meeting at the Loraas bin being installed for the day.

To get to the forest these are the directions GPS location of park entrance after turning off of Cedar Villa Road is this 52.102382, -106.788681

Drive on 22nd Street West in the City of Saskatoon in a westerly direction like you were heading out to Pike Lake.
At the traffic light intersection Turn left (south) onto Sk Highway 7.

As you are driving south on SK Hwy 7, pass by the intersection with 11th Street, pass by the 11th Street compost, and pass by the Poor Boys Esso.
Drive on top of the CNR overpass of the Sk Hwy 7 (Pike Lake Highway).
At the very bottom of the overpass there is a place to turn left off of Sk Hwy 7 (Pike Lake Highway) onto Cedar Villa Road)

for clean up drive on red arrows

To get to the Loraas bin, clean up site GPS location of Purple STAR = Loraas Bin GPS 52.101117, -106.777684

George Genereux Park Success!

Saturday May 21 marks the first day that all the historic trash in the park has been removed! Where the other year was phenomenal, due to the vast size of the park, a few piles on wayward trails were missed. And now…. and now, the Clean Green Community Scene has created a safe George Genereux Urban Regional Park for exploring and discovering nature.

A huge thank you goes out to ecotourists from Chile, to Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, to SOS Trees, Meewasin and the City of Saskatoon. It is truly phenomenal to have a very wonderful green space coming into its own. And it was delightful to see all the songbirds, the 13 striped ground squirrel, and other animals peeking their heads out to see what was going on to make their semi-wilderness homes safer!

Thanks again! It is a wonderful time to get the forest all cleaned up as tomorrow, May 22 is the United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity. Wow! What a treat for the International Day for Biological Diversity, indeed.

Wildlife Montage. Red Winged Blackbird, White Tailed Deer Fawn, Garter Snake, JackRabbit, Mallard Ducklings, Black Crowned Night Heron

Stay tuned for the upcoming events for the 50th anniversary of the afforestation areas

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

In appreciation to Len’s Hauling!

Under good advice, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. reached out to Len’s Hauling to help with a clean up when COVID protocols limited the numbers of volunteers who could come out. And the June 5 clean up of 2021 was a success! And their motto is right, they do grab all the garbage!

Then afterwards we reached out to Len’s Hauling to import compost for the trails which were no longer trails but had become oceans and were impassible for walkers. Then they had the right people and equipment to make the compost work in the trails for a much better parkspace experience.

Well Len’s Hauling were the people to call! Friendly, and helpful. Provided advice, and helped to turn the George Genereux Urban Regional Park greenspace around into a park from degraded land! Wow! They went over and above, and served the citizens of Saskatoon so very well in their contributions so that everyone could enjoy this spectacular forest which is 60 hectares (148 acres) in size.

So, long story short, if you ever need a phenomenal job done, text Len’s Hauling (306) 241-0821 they have amazing dumpsters, trucks, skidsteers, front end loaders, and truly wonderful people! Thank you kindly for your help to everyone at Len’s Hauling! What a fantastic 50th birthday present for George Genereux Park!

Celebrate 50 years! Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park were planted to trees in 1972, 50 years ago. Come out and say Happy Birthday!

YouTube

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

Three Days Away

Send in your cool/unusual/rare sightings! What is way interesting during the City Nature Challenge April 29- May 2? That is only three days away! Wow

For rare sightings during the City Nature Challenge CNCYXE don’t place your iNat observation on private but do protect your rare sightings with obscured! And do let us know, so that the Community Science teams at the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County can run a press release!

In Saskatoon and area we are taking part in #CNC2022! Join us between April 29 – May 2 as we take part in this International initiative to collect information about the wildlife flourishing in Saskatoon and area.

Researchers, school groups, citizens and wildlife enthusiasts across the world will be taking part in this race against the clock to put nature on the map, submitting photos and observations of wildlife in their neighbourhoods and greenspaces through the free, easy to use iNaturalist smart phone app.

New finds! Species that haven’t been recorded in particular areas before. Important finds of rare/endangered/threatened species. Observations that have a great story that go along with them. Really cool photos. Fun finds!

Send your photos of yourself, your friends or your family taking images in nature with iNaturalist! friendsafforestation@gmail.com

Taking a photo of mushrooms (fungi) with iNat on a smart phone

City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area versus YQRCNC Regina and area in a mini SK challenge — Taking a photo of mushrooms (fungi) with iNat on a smart phone

Celebrate 50 years! Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park were planted to trees in 1972, 50 years ago. Come out and say Happy Birthday! We have some cool events planned coming up!

YouTube

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

Why results could get you on the Tonight Show

The results are in!

So this is the note from Regan Olson, environmental protection officer with the City of Saskatoon;

“The George Genereux Urban Regional Park is an afforestation area located on the north side of the overpass on Highway 7 at the west end of Saskatoon. At this location, 30 cubic yard roll-off bins were filled with various waste by volunteers from the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, SOS Trees Inc., City staff and residents from nearby. This included heavy equipment such as a skidsteer and a tractor which were essential to get some of the heavy items that have been illegally dumped here over the years. These large piles included shingles and concrete. The concrete was relocated to help re-enforce present berms on site that are utilized to help block access.

A huge thank you goes out to those that donated time & equipment to make this possible!!

The bin was emptied 5 times in total with waste with an accumulated weight of 9,860 Kg’s

9 tires that were taken to A1 tire for recycling.

A small amount of syringes were clean up and properly disposed of from this site.

Also please see the link below for more information on this area:“

“George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

Can you imagine it, 5 each 30 cubic yard roll-off bins were taken away full to the top with trash placed into the forest – an urban regional park – by folks too lazy or too cheap to go to the landfill! These bins are much bigger than the 4.5 𝑚 cubed 𝑜𝑟 6 cubic 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙 bins behind apartment buildings to give you an idea of the size. The bins at the forest were 5 times bigger than the apartment building bins, and still five each of the 30 cubic yard size were filled up! So that is like hauling away 25 apartment sized bins from a forest, can you imagine!!??? Who would be crazy enough to dump in an urban regional park, and says to themselves well here is a gorgeous forest, so I think I’m going to dump some trash so the classrooms doing nature place based education field trips can wade through the garbage. Arrrgghghhh! How silly is that. So here we have some wonderful results from stewards of Saskatoon urban regional parks.

For those of you who like Imperial measurements, 9,860 kg is 21,737.58 pounds! That is like hauling 20 Grand Pianos out of the park or the volunteers picking up and lifting 20 American Bison out of the park. Or to put it another way, the volunteers would have had to lift 50 adult bears to get to that weight. So, a lot was accomplished, and there is just no way to say thank you often enough! So this means that on average each and every volunteer did 1/2 ton each!!! WOW WOW WOW isn’t that amazing.

Thank you so very much to volunteers from SOS Trees Inc. for helping out during the Arbor Week Celebrations with the afforestation area clean up at George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Thank you kindly to members from the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. for coming out to the clean up.

We had so many folks from the community who heard of the clean up as well, and wanted to help out and learn more about the afforestation area. So, to all these people, thank you for taking time on a Saturday to help with the clean up, the afforestation area is amazing now, absolutely amazing, and so much safer, and pleasant to enjoy as an urban regional park, indeed.

The City of Saskatoon environmental protection officer Chelsey Studer was out helping with the clean up loading buckets, her truck, other trucks, and helping with hazardous waste collection and tire collection. The City of Saskatoon arranged the Loraas bins to be on-site and waived the tipping fees.

Appreciation is extended to Evan & Ila’s No Frills Westgate Plaza 2410 22 St W at Avenue W North for helping with refreshments on the hot day. As people sweltered, the bananas, juice, water and granola bar kept everyone hydrated, full of sustenance – so that was Yay!

We had some unique people out at the clean up. Two helpers from Len’s Hauling came with a truck, kept track of the volunteer bags to take them to the Loraas dumpster on-site, and they hauled so very much out of the forest. They took care of the old stove, lumber, the heavy water-sogged fibreglas insulation that was at least 8 feet wide, and rolled into 4 foot diameter rolls, and weighed a ton. The final one, was so heavy, it needed three people to get it into the bucket of the front end loader, and up into the truck. Another fiberglas roll needed to be cut in half to also get it dragged out of the forest and into the front end loader bucket.

Speaking of the front end loader, Don who lived nearby took care of a whole house that was discarded in the forest, lumber, plastic siding, eavestroughs, were in a pile, and volunteers helped load the bucket and off the front end loader went to the Loraas bin on-site. Wow! The front-end loader, and Don’s expertise driving it helped so very much and we are all grateful. The front-end loader, took care of much more than just the fibreglas insulation, he was able to scoop lumber and shingles that had decayed into the sod turf, scoop bags of garbage the volunteers had piled together, and a huge motor that was in the forest, which was much to heavy to shift by volunteers on foot. He was up at the lake enjoying our summer weather, and made a special trip back while the Loraas bins were out just to help, so that is also going above and beyond. Thanks!

Another amazing help for the clean up was Paul and his puppy dog with his skid steer. Well Paul shifted shingle piles also into the Loraas bin, piles of wood, and cement blocks. There was, for some reason more than one pile of concrete at the afforestation area. Paul also found another motor in the afforestation area which is now removed, and in the Loraas bin and taken away. While Paul did many loads of trash to the Loraas bin, he also moved the concrete and cement onto the existing built berms to help reinforce barriers to prevent more trash dumping! Yay! This was so much appreciated also!

CJWW radio broadcast the cleanup on the airwaves, and online additionally which was so very helpful. It was a tricky wicket, because to comply with COVID protocols, it was originally thought that 10 people would be the maximum outside, but then the protocols changed to 150 shortly before the clean up date, and how to change 10 people to 150 in a short time, well CJWW came to the rescue! Thank you ever so much!

Sept 19, 2020 – 9,270Kg or 9.27 tons or 10.2 US tons or 204,367 pounds removed

So on October 3, 2020 – 2,660 kg’s was removed

There were additionally six cleanups in 2020 using the MVA bins, and one day with the MVA support to fill truck and trailer.

June 5, 2021 – 9,860 Kg’s removed

Between 2020 and 2021 the TOTAL is OVER 21,790 kg of trash removed from George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon and note cement placed onto berms not included in weight

So to everyone who celebrated some very special days….

June 5 ….. Arbor Week request for city proclamation by SOS Trees Inc.!

June 5 ….. the first day of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

June 5 ….. International Trails Day.

June 5 ….. World Environment Day.

June 5 is….. Clean Green Community Scene.

Hats off to you! You are truly part of #generationrestoration

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

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

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

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook 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 using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

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

June 5 Clean up

Help celebrate World Environment Day and International Trails Day during Arbor Week! Make a difference

George Genereux Park Clean Up PAMPHLET Poster

Celebrate World Environment Day, help restore the ecosystem for forest trails, help restore George Genereux Urban Regional Park for everyone to enjoy

Event Timing: June 5 2021 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Event Address: George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon GPS 52.1086103,-106.7926227
Contact us at (306) 380 5368 or friendsafforestation@gmail.com

become a part of #restorationgeneration

For more information Google Forms
and thank you for registering
Eventbrite

NOTE: The following changes will be made to the province of Saskatchewan public health orders during Step One of the Re-Opening Roadmap just in time for this Clean Green Community Scene!
Limit of 150 people at public outdoor gatherings; and
Current province-wide masking mandate remains in place.

Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park on October 3

George Genereux Park Clean Up. Celebrate World Environment Day, help restore the ecosystem for forest trails, help restore George Genereux Urban Regional Park for everyone to enjoy

Event Timing: June 5 2021 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Event Address: George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon GPS 52.1086103,-106.7926227
Contact us at (306) 380 5368 or friendsafforestation@gmail.com*

*Description of Clean Green Community Scene and Directions

As part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean up, Arbor Week, World Environment Day, and International Trails Day please come out and help restore the George Genereux forest to enjoy. It is a unique habitat with a willows ecosystem, amur maples for deep red autumnal walks, and trembling aspen stands in a mixed woodland with spruce and pine. The George Genereux Urban Regional Park is about ½ mile by ½ mile in size 147.8acres – Lots of room to socially distance – located on part of NE 21-36-6 W of the third meridian (west of the SkHwy 7) at GPS 52.1086103,-106.7926227.

This is an initiative of SOS Trees Coalition Inc. Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., Meewasin, City of Saskatoon, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and Tim Horton’s Pitch In Week.

Directions: Arrive at George Genereux Urban Regional via the Pike Lake Highway, Saskatchewan Highway 7. The greenspace is to the south of Blairmore Shopping malls, and south of the 11th Street compost, take the first right after wetlands and then a quick left.

It is wise to come dressed for the weather – a hat, closed toe footwear, sunscreen, bug spray & water bottle, canvas gloves, masks. We supply refreshments (i.e. water bottles, juice boxes, granola bars). There will be on-site free facemasks, sanitizer, plastic gloves & trash bags.

Thank you

Name *

Are you with an organization? *Do you want more information about 1/ SOS Trees Inc. or 2/ Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. or the afforestation areas in Saskatoon? George Genereux Urban Regional Park Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

There are small items and some larger items. What can you bring? *Wheelbarrow, 2 or four wheel dolly, skid steer, or bob cat, wagon

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 using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, 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! Canada Helps

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

“The continuing challenge of restoration. …”reconstruction,” ”restocking,” and “rebuilding,” of “doctoring sick land.”…Habitat restoration is both desirable and feasible.
-Aldo Leopold ed. Joy B. Zedler Author

Walk Lightly on the Earth

Global Recycling Day is very important when it comes to thinking about the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. Members of the public, South West Off Leash Recreation Area dog walkers, the Stewards and Stakeholders of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, The Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. all have come out to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and to George Genereux Urban Regional Park for “Clean Green Community Scene” volunteer clean ups to restore these urban regional parks to amazing winter wonderland green spaces which are enjoyed all year around.

Recycling is so, so very important when you see what was collected during the various clean up days. There were toys which would have been so much appreciated by another family. Clothing was discarded in the urban regional park which could have been put to much better use. Very environmentally hazardous items were discarded like flammable oil and tires which are very disastrous in a greenspace. Furniture would have been much better displayed in someone’s home rather than being ruined by ticks, rain, mice, and other vermin in the forest.

Did you know the City of Saskatoon has some amazing recycling programs?

We can compost at the compost areas in town.

SARCAN has newspaper and cardboard depots

Citizens can recycle paint, and electronics at SARCAN along with their bottles, and cans.

Residents can take in clothing, toys, household or garage items to a number of thrift stores

Furniture is welcome at many thrift and second hand stores also

Metal appliances can be turned in for cash

Did you know that the City of Saskatoon landfill also has an eco-centre? Used oil, antifreeze, oil filters and diesel exhaust fluid can make use of the eco-centre

The City of Saskatoon has arranged an amazing landfill so the residents do not get typhoid and diptheria! And we should use it rather than the environment.

The City of Saskatoon also collaborates with Community Associations for spring/fall community clean ups to help residents if they see litter accumulating in the neighbourhood which is amazing for sure. Cleaning up their parks, and streets, and alleyways is a great way to have a safe and healthy neighbourhood for our children to grow up in.

Do your part! Do your part on March 18, Global Recycling Day, and every day

#RecyclingHeroes

Waste Reduction Week – HELP!

Donate clothes and household items to Goodwill!

Recycle ~ Reduce Waste

Keeping the trash out of the woods.

Consider our wetlands, our rivers, our drinking water

We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.
Barbara Ward

The Winter Staycation Take It Outside Challenges continue!!! Today take a picture of the bag of trash you pick up in the afforestation area while out in the forest. Email the picture in to be eligible for our prize draw!!! Email another amazing way to reduce, reuse and recycle! What was forgotten in the list above?

YouTubePlaylist
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com
Facebook 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
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 using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, 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! Canada Helps

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
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

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

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.
Chief Seattle

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Help requested please SAT Sept 24 9:30 – 1:30 pm Many Hands Make Light Work for Forest Conservation Clean UP

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