man of the trees – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Arbor Week is Coming Up: SOS Trees and Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Have Events Planned

May 20th – 28th, 2023
Healthy Trees, Healthy People

Trees are essential to our survival and well-being. They provide us with oxygen, food, and shade, and are critical to sustaining our environment. That’s why Arbor Week is such an important event. It’s a time to celebrate trees and their role in our lives, and to take action to protect them.

This year, Arbor Week will be celebrated from May 20th to 28th. The Saskatchewan Government and City of Saskatoon have both officially proclaimed the last week of May as Arbor Week. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. have planned a series of events to mark the occasion.

SOS Trees Coalition is inviting Saskatchewan municipalities and community organizations to celebrate Arbor Week through educational activities, planting, and protecting trees in their community. The theme for Arbor Week 2023 is Healthy Trees, Healthy People, which emphasizes the role of trees in enhancing mental, social, and physical health.

Forest Gathering Walk 50th Anniversary #NationalForestWeek and the 30th anniversary of Maple Leaf Day and #NationalForestWeek

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. have organized invigorating walks in two beautiful parks, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. The walks will be guided by knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who will share their insights about the incredible benefits of trees to our environment, including their role in purifying the air, providing habitat for wildlife, conserving water, and improving mental and physical health.

During the walks, participants will have the chance to observe diverse tree species, learn about their unique characteristics, and appreciate their beauty up close. They will also have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities that promote environmental awareness and tree conservation. The walks are a perfect opportunity to network, make new friends, and build lasting memories.

All tour guides have undergone a vulnerable sector search to ensure the safety of participants. The walks are scheduled as follows:

Sun May 21 George Genereux Urban Regional Park at 2:00 pm Tour Guide Julia Adamson
Mon May 22 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area at 6:30 pm Parking P2 Tour Guide Madeline Berezowski
Fri May 26 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area at 6:30 pm Parking P2 Tour Guide Madeline Berezowski

In addition to the walks, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. invite you to partake in the Prairie Forest Guide beta version to celebrate Arbor Week. This link for the Prairie Forest Guide https://pfg.friendsareas.ca/ can be accessed anytime for a sneak preview, however, for the full interpretive story experience, the digital wayfinding guide produces the full story in text and audio format when the user is walking in the forest 😉 enjoying the sights, sounds and scenery.

Arbor Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees, and to take action to protect them. Let’s come together to celebrate and protect our precious green spaces for generations to come!

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

A Friendly Reminder: Elm Tree Pruning Ban protects the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas

As spring arrives and people start thinking about pruning trees in their yards, it is important to remember that there is a provincial-wide ban on pruning elm trees from April 1 to August 31 due to the risk and threat of Dutch elm disease (DED). This ban is in place to prevent the spread of the fungal disease which can be deadly to elm trees.

Saskatoon is known as the “City of Bridges” and “The Paris of the Prairies” due to its many beautiful elm trees. In fact, one in every four trees in Saskatoon is an elm tree and is at risk of DED. The Afforestation Areas, planted in 1972 and 1973, also contain many elm trees among the recommended tree species which include American Elm and Siberian Elm.

American Elm Ulmus Americana autumn leaf

Elm Leaves Drawing — American Elm Ulmus Americana autumn leaf

Recently, DED was found in the nearby Montgomery Place neighborhood. It is crucial to prevent the spread of this disease to other areas, including the Afforestation Areas. Storing cut elm as firewood or in any form anywhere is not recommended. The bark beetle makes its way to decaying elm wood, and the beetle carries the DED fungus on its back. By having any form of elm tree cut in or nearby to the Afforestation Area, all elm trees are at risk.

Besides the fact that pruning elm trees during the ban is subject to a provincial-wide ban, Bylaw 7767 also states that “no person shall damage or destroy any vegetation or any structure in a Park or Recreation Facility.” Therefore, it is important for all park users to be stewards of the Afforestation Areas and watch for signs of DED in elm trees, including flagging and yellowing of leaves off-season at the top of the tree canopy. It is also important to watch for signs of cut elm and mention it to the City of Saskatoon Urban Forestry Department at 306-975-2890.

As users and stewards of the Afforestation Areas, it is our responsibility to protect the trees from diseases and to maintain their health. The Afforestation Areas are home to many species of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Trees are an important part of their habitat, and cutting down or damaging trees in the forest can have a significant impact on their survival.

We encourage all residents to be aware of the Dutch elm disease and the importance of following the provincial-wide ban on pruning elm trees anywhere in Saskatoon and area. By doing so, we can help protect our beautiful elm trees and the wildlife that depends on them.

If you suspect that an elm tree in the Afforestation Areas or elsewhere may have DED, please contact the City of Saskatoon Urban Forestry Department immediately. They will send an arborist to assess the tree and determine if it needs to be removed.

In conclusion, let us all do our part to protect the elm trees in the Afforestation Areas and throughout Saskatoon from Dutch elm disease. By following the provincial-wide ban on pruning elm trees and reporting any signs of DED, we can ensure that these beautiful trees continue to thrive for generations to come. Thank you for being a responsible steward of our natural environment.

Cross-cultural learning

Are you an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer who is passionate about reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons?

We are looking for a creative writer to help us with the interpretation of the Prairie Forest Guide app and review of existing content and research. This app provides an opportunity for cross-cultural learning and understanding of the land and its history, and to support reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons.

The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about the local Indigenous culture, history, and geography. They should also be able to research and fact-check the interpretation of the app, ensuring accuracy in its content.

The successful candidate will be a creative and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about reconciliation and cross-cultural learning. They should have excellent writing and research skills and be able to work independently and collaboratively.

If you are an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer who is passionate about reconciliation and cross-cultural learning, we want to hear from you! Please send us your resume and a writing sample for consideration to friendsafforestation@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

Cultural and environmental heritage writing

Are You an Experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer?

We’re looking for an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer who can edit and run reconciliation, traditional ecological ways of knowing fact checks on The GPS interpretive app. The GPS interpretive app is designed to facilitate place-based learning for families, health and wellness enthusiasts, classrooms, nature lovers, and greenspace park users.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in cultural and environmental heritage writing, reviewing and editing along with an understanding of the importance of reconciliation and traditional ecological ways of knowing. They should also have a passion for nature and the outdoors, and a desire to help educate others about the importance of protecting and preserving nature.

Responsibilities for this position include:

Editing and running reconciliation, traditional ecological ways of knowing fact checks for The GPS interpretive app
Developing content for the app that is both accurate and engaging
Ensuring accuracy in all content related to traditional ecological ways of knowing
Collaborating with the app developers and other stakeholders to ensure the accuracy of the app

Qualifications for this contract position include:

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, or a related field
Strong writing / editing skills, with experience in cultural and environmental heritage writing
Understanding of reconciliation and traditional ecological ways of knowing
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

If you are an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer and are interested in this contract position, please send a CV and writing samples to friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

Bring the past to life

Contract term position stage one; Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer

Are you an experienced writer and editor with a deep knowledge of Indigenous and Métis history? Do you have the passion and skill to create high-quality interpretive stories that bring the past to life? If so, then we are looking for you!

We are an organization working on a project to create a digital wayfinding app for afforestation areas. We are seeking an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer to help us develop and review existing virtual markers that will bring to life the Indigenous and Métis history of the land.

As a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer, you will be responsible for researching and creating stories that accurately reflect the history of the land. You will be expected to use your writing and editing skills to ensure that the stories are well written and factually accurate. You will also be responsible for fact-checking the new and existing stories to ensure accuracy.

Experience with Indigenous and Métis history is essential for this position. We are looking for someone who is passionate about telling stories that bring the past to life and who can create stories that accurately reflect the history of the land.

In addition to your writing and editing skills, we are looking for someone who is a team player and who can work with other members of the project team to ensure that the stories are accurate and engaging.

If you feel you have the skills and passion to help us bring the past to life, then we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a writing sample to us today friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

Bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons

Are you passionate about the environment, culture, and heritage of the prairie forest? Are you interested in finding ways to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons, and to promote reconciliation? If so, then we want you to join our team as the Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide Smart Phone App Editor!

We are looking for an editor with a demonstrated ability to relate and apply knowledge of Aboriginal knowledge, culture, and ethical standards. The successful candidate will be working to develop and edit existing stories on a mobile app that will provide outdoor education opportunities in a public park space. This app will be designed to honour the United Nations Decade on Indigenous Languages, and to provide meaningful, culturally-relevant information about the prairie forest’s history and current state.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with technology and a background in Aboriginal Studies. The candidate must have a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and culture, and must be able to work with diverse stakeholders to ensure the app is developed in a culturally-sensitive manner. They must be comfortable working with a team of designers, developers, and other professionals to ensure the app meets all objectives.

If you are interested in joining our team as the Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide Smart Phone App Editor, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Long Jawed Orb Weaver Spider Tetragnathidae

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

Are you passionate about the environment and culture?

Are you passionate about the environment and culture? Do you have an understanding of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its application in afforestation areas? Are you an experienced app editor with expertise in dealing with invasive species, protecting species at risk, and using traditional and medicinal uses of plants?

If so, then we want to hear from you!

We are currently seeking an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide app editor for a project during the United Nations Decade on Ecological Restoration. This project will involve creating an app that will provide information on the traditional and medicinal uses of plants found in the afforestation areas, as well as dealing with invasive species and their impact, and protecting species at risk.

The ideal candidate should have:

An advanced knowledge of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its application in afforestation areas
Experience creating and editing apps
Knowledge of dealing with invasive species, protecting species at risk, and using traditional and medicinal uses of plants
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, please send us your CV and a brief letter of interest outlining your experience and why you would be the perfect candidate for this role to friendsafforestation@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), species at risk

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

Seeking an Innovative Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App Editor

Are you a writer / editor who is passionate about environmental heritage, culture and Indigenous perspectives? We are looking for an experienced story teller editor to build a unique and comprehensive self guided tour to guide visitors through the 474 acres of greenspace located in the heart of the Midwest. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop new and edit existing stories for a guide that integrates Indigenous philosophy and provides new models of how to relate to the land and restore and build relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities.

This project is an exciting opportunity to create a self guided tour via a smart phone that combines Traditional Ecological Knowledge, ethnobotany, Indigenous heritage and culture, and Indigenous languages. The app will be used to explore and appreciate the many species of plants and animals found in this greenspace. The app will also provide an opportunity to learn about traditional ecological practices, as well as how to care for and protect this valuable habitat.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep understanding of Indigenous perspectives and cultures, as well as a passion for the environment and its protection. Experience in developing stories, and editing existing stories is an asset. The actual programming and coding of the app is completed. We are looking for someone creative and innovative who can bring this project to life with stories, and editing existing stories. If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to our email friendsafforestation@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Yellow Sunflower Moth Stiria rugifrons on top of Curlycup Gumweed Grindelia squarrosa

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

Thank you for your donation!

As donations are received, a page from the Living Legacy book will be released for free pdf download!

The first donation was received, and here is a link to the promised free pdf download page from the Living Legacy 50 for 50 activity book connecting activities with place based exploration!

Your support goes towards funding bus to transport classrooms for field trips, renting porta-potties for a day’s adventure for water testing, eco-tours or iNaturalist Citizen Science discoveries.

During 2022, this year of the trees 50th birthday, financial support goes to protect the forests, wetlands and species at risk in such endeavours as trash cleanups removing toxic and hazardous waste from the semi-wilderness habitat, wildlife fencing installation, park amenities and so much more! Tours for the General Public, anniversary films reviving local heritage and events for National Forest Week.

Once again, thanks kindly for your donation.

Order your copy of Living Legacy activity book and support the semi-wilderness environment and conservation of the flora and fauna. Take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land, UN SDG 14 Life Below Water and UN SDG 13 Climate Action as afforestation areas are nature based solutions for climate action. Supporting 2022-2032 International Decade of Indigenous Languages and the 2021 to 2030 United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

50th anniversary of World Environment Day, 50th Birthday for Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon — 50th Birthday of the tree plantings at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon

A round of appreciation is extended to the City of Saskatoon, Mosaic, Sask Energy for their support in assembling this publication, thank you kindly.

Canada Environment Week

Two great events to celebrate the environment, nature and the ecosystem.

June 5

You are cordially invited to special tree planting ceremony by the University of Saskatchewan collaborating with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas on World Environment Day, June 5, 2022 taking place at 2:00 pm on the University of Saskatchewan campus near the Diefenbaker Centre.🌳🌲🌳🌲

This ceremony echoes a tree planting ceremony 40 years ago to the day of the last tree planted by the Richard St. Barbe Baker in union with the University of Saskatchewan on World Environment Day, June 5, 1982 near the Diefenbaker Centre. This collaboration between the U of S and Richard St. Barbe Baker on his visit here from New Zealand, honoured him as a former graduate (1913), and recipient of an honorary doctorate in 1971. This tree was the last tree this extraordinary champion of trees and forests planted as he died in Saskatoon four days later. In 2014, the Meewasin Valley Authority placed a marker on the MVA trail near the tree he planted.😃😃😃🌳🌲😃😃😃🌳🌲🌳🌲😃😃😃

The 50th anniversary of World Environment Day June 5, 2022 Only One Earth!

http://friendsareas.ca/

The celebration continues into Canada Environment Week with the two local Northern Prairie City challenge.

BioDiverCity Challenge Saskatoon area and in Saskatchewan. Thursday June 9 to Sunday June 12 Northern Prairies Challenge Sign up for BioBlitzes at the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas! Explore nature anywhere in Saskatoon and Area or in Saskatchewan with the free iNaturalist app. Explore Nature with a purpose! Support Global Conservation during Canada Environment Week

During Canada Environment Week

In love with Saskatoon and area’s incredible nature?

In love with the province’s ecosystems?

Download the free iNaturalist app

Find it

Snap it

Share it

What will you discover?

Thursday June 9 to Sunday June 12

BioDiverCity Challenge a challenge between Northern Prairie Cities!

More information

Friendsareas.ca

http://friendsareas.ca/

June 5 World Environment Day You are cordially invited to special tree planting ceremony by the University of Saskatchewan collaborating with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas on World Environment Day

BioDiverCityChallenge Thursday June 9 to Sunday June 12 Four Days to help shape conservation efforts, assist with scientific studies and land management in our local area!
City of Saskatoon and Province of Saskatchewan

#outdoors #nature #plantlife #naturelovers #optoutside #instagood #FriendsAreas # #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas #saskatoon #saskatooning #WorldEnvironmentDay #Environment #conservation #June5 #50thAnniversary #Jubilee #ceremony #event #NatureInTheCity #NatureIsEverywhere #NatureForEveryone #NatureNerd #cnc #outdoors #nature #conservation #photography #biodiversity #citizenscience #inaturalist #wildlife #plantlife #wanderlust #naturelovers #optoutside #instagood #picoftheday #volunteer #training #parks #optingoutside #BioDiverCityChallenge #BioDiverCity #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation #citizenscience #communityscience #EcologicalEmergency #naturelovers @sasktel #inaturalist #saskatchewanbirds #yxebirds #getoutdoors #naturephotography #yxe #thegreatoutdoors #citynaturechallenge2022 #citynaturechallenge #nativeprairie #grasslands #wildlife #bees #pollinators #prairiepollinators #ExploreSask #NatureSask #wildlifewatcher #prairielife #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #socialdistance #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #beesknees #LeavetheLeaves #NoMowMay #nature4all #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas #saskatoon #saskatooning #sustainability #sustainable #events #nature #forest

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

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