Significant Role- The Old Bone Trail

The Old Bone Trail is a 1.5 km walking trail that follows the route buffalo bones were taken to the rail yards in Saskatoon. The Métis people were responsible for bringing the bones to the yards, and passing through the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area RSBBAA on the way. The Indigenous and Métis history of the land that is part of the afforestation areas is one aspect that needs to be included through virtual markers on the digital wayfinding app.

The Old Bone Trail was created historically and we now remember the significant role buffalo bones played in the development of Saskatoon. The bones were collected by Métis people, who drove the bones to the rail yards in Saskatoon, passing through the RSBBAA on the way. The bones were then shipped to the USA where they were used for fertilizer, resulting in the growth of the city of Saskatoon.

The trail is also designed to help people understand the Indigenous and Métis history of the land that is part of the afforestation areas. The digital wayfinding app includes virtual markers that tell the story of the land, the people, and the buffalo bones story belonging to the Old Bone Trail heritage. Through these markers, users can learn about the history of the land, and how it was used by the Métis people to collect the bones and bring them to the rail yards.

The Old Bone Trail is a unique and important part of Saskatoon’s history. It is not only a reminder of the important role buffalo bones played in the development of the city, but also an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous and Métis history of the land. With the help of the digital wayfinding app, users can gain a deeper understanding of the land, the people, and the buffalo bones that were brought to the rail yards in Saskatoon.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about cultural and environmental heritage and has a proven track record of writing and editing existing engaging and informative content. You should have a good understanding of the issues surrounding naturalized areas, as well as a strong grasp of the English language. Knowledge of the United Nations Decade on Indigenous Languages (Treaty Six) and traditional ecological knowledge is an asset.

If you think you have what it takes to be a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer – Editor, please contact us today to learn more about stage one of this contract position at friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

March 1 If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb

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

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

An invaluable resource

Indigenous Perspectives on the Land and Virtual Prairie Forest Guide

As technology continues to advance, the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives is becoming increasingly important for the development of virtual guides. This is especially true for the virtual smartphone wayfinding guide for the prairie forests of North America. Through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous heritage, this guide will provide an invaluable resource for all.

The prairie forests of North America, and in particular the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, are home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. Through the integration of Indigenous philosophies, this virtual guide can provide a model for how to relate to the land and restore and build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The inclusion of Indigenous perspectives will provide an invaluable resource for all those seeking to explore and appreciate the natural world.

By utilizing traditional ecological knowledge and ethnobotany, this virtual guide will provide an in-depth look into the prairie forests and the flora and fauna that inhabit them. Through the use of Indigenous languages, this guide will also provide a unique window into the heritage and culture of the Indigenous communities that have lived in the prairie forests for generations.

The virtual guide will also be an invaluable resource for those looking to explore the prairie forests, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park. By providing GPS maps, descriptions, and photos of the flora and fauna, this virtual guide will make it easier for users to explore the prairie forests and appreciate all that they have to offer fostering environmental protection, conservation and guardianship.

By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the virtual guide, this resource can be used to foster understanding and appreciation of the prairie forests and the Indigenous communities that have lived there for generations. Through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous heritage and culture, and Indigenous languages, this virtual guide will provide an invaluable resource for all who seek to explore and appreciate the natural world.

The ideal candidate for this stage one contract position -Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App Editor / Content Writer- will have a degree in ecology, environmental studies, or a related field and will be knowledgeable about the prairie forest and its various plants, animals, and traditional uses to edit existing content and add missing interpretive stories. They must also have excellent communication skills, be organized and detail-oriented, and be comfortable working with a variety of software tools.

If you are interested in this opportunity and believe that you have the skills and experience necessary for success, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the best person for the job to our email address friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

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

The Sacredness of Water

The Sacredness of Water and Indigenous People’s Relationship with Nature

Water has long been seen as a source of spiritual and physical nourishment, and for Indigenous people, this has become an essential part of their heritage, connection to the land, and sense of identity. Water is seen as a symbol of life, as it is necessary for survival, and is an integral part of many Indigenous ceremonies and rituals.

The West Swale wetlands, in particular Chappell Marsh, has been an important location for many Indigenous people. It is a place of great spiritual significance, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is also a popular tourist destination, and a place where local communities come to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

However, this relationship between Indigenous people and the land has been threatened by the human dimensions of water issues. Water contamination, overuse, and pollution have put a strain on the health of the wetlands and its inhabitants. Furthermore, the development of the wetlands for tourist and recreational activities has caused further disruption to the natural environment.

The human dimensions of water issues are not limited to the West Swale wetlands. Across Canada, Indigenous people are struggling to protect their sacred water sources from industrial and agricultural pollution, as well as residential development. This has had a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people, and has caused a disconnection from the land that has been a part of their culture for centuries.

The sacredness of water and the importance of the relationship between Indigenous people and the land must be respected and honored. We must recognize the need for sustainable water management practices and the need to protect and conserve water sources, both in the West Swale wetlands and across Canada. We must also respect the spiritual significance of water for Indigenous people, and ensure that their connection to the land is preserved and celebrated. Only then can we begin to restore the balance between humans and nature.

Innovative App Editor – Writer for Cultural & Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide. 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 interpretive heritage stories and knowledge of life on land is a must. No technical coding required. We are looking for someone creative and innovative who can bring this project to life. If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to our website.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

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

Intangible cultural educational experience

The ancient story of the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway, now known as the West Swale, has been preserved in the landscape of the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. This geological formation has left its mark on the region with its unique topography and its profound influence on the ecology of the area. Now, a new virtual smartphone app is providing an interactive and immersive experience to learn about the glacial spillway’s role in the Ice Age and its impact on the lives of the Paleoindian people who once lived in the region.

The app, called Yorath Island Glacial Spillway, provides an educational platform for students and laypeople alike to explore the site and its history. Through interactive maps, detailed imagery, and thoughtful interpretation, users are given an in-depth look at the formation and its impact on the environment. The app also provides a deeper understanding of the Ice Age mammals that called the area home and how the glacial spillway affected their lifestyle.

In addition to providing an educational experience, the app also serves as a conservation resource. By providing detailed information about the formation and its significance, users can learn how to protect the area and ensure its continued existence.

The Yorath Island Glacial Spillway app is a unique tool that allows users to explore and gain a greater appreciation for the geological history of the Pacific Northwest. With its interactive maps and engaging interpretation, the app can help bridge the gap between the past and present, and provide a deeper understanding of the area’s importance to the Ice Age and to its Paleoindian inhabitants.

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

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

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

WinterCity walk

We all know that getting outside and connecting with nature is essential for our mental and physical health and wellbeing. But when the winter months arrive, it can seem like a daunting task to get out in the cold and explore the outdoors. However, a wintertime nature escape can be just as magical and therapeutic as any summer adventure.

Exploring the forest during winter can bring unique opportunities to connect with nature. The snow-covered trees and the crisp air can provide a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and relaxation. The decrease of life in the winter months also means that the sounds of nature are amplified, allowing us to take in the subtle tones of the forest.

The frigid temperatures of winter can also bring unexpected surprises. If you’re lucky, you could stumble across a group of animals migrating to warmer climates, or a herd of animals gathering in an area to keep warm. Taking a walk in the forest during winter can be an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats.

Spending time in nature during the winter months can also provide a number of health benefits. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving overall physical health. Taking a walk in the woods can also help to boost your immune system and help you to fight illnesses.

But it’s important to be prepared before heading out in the cold. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, and to bring food, water, and a map if you plan to explore for a long period of time.

So don’t be afraid to get out and explore the forest during winter. You’ll be rewarded with a peaceful, tranquil environment and the chance to connect with nature in a way you’d never have imagined. Come visit the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or the George Genereux Urban Regional Park today!

Biodiversity Challenge

A Biodiversity Challenge in Saskatoon and Area September 15-18. Help us to track phenological (seasonal) changes in our biodiversity! Meet Forest Guide: Sam Ereke, BSc, MSc, Research Scientist. Look in your back yard, your house, bus stop, forest, park, greenspace, near the wetlands for wildlife! Record the discoveries on the iNaturalist app. YouTube videos providing iNaturalist hints and tips All you need is your smart phone to participate! Its so easy, download the free iNaturalist app, take pictures of signs of life including spider webs, sea shells, feathers, scat, tracks. As well as the pollinators, plants, mushrooms, insects, birds, squirrels and other wildlife

There are also Nature Connection BioBlitz Group Events

This Biodiversity Challenge taking place Sept. 15-18 is a great way to usher in #NationalForestWeek!

Day One Group Meetup EVENT on Sept 15 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Day Two Group Meetup EVENT on Sept 16 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Day Three Group Meetup EVENT on Sept 17 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Day Four Group Meetup EVENT on Sept 18 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

YOUTUBE video

Saskatoon Area Biodiversity Challenge Sept 15 – 18

National Forest Week brings attention to our forests and trees from coast to coast across Canada. Our forests and trees provide habitats for wildlife, insects, polllinator species, birds and so much more! What is the ‘triple environmental emergency we are facing?

1. Loss of biodiversity
2. Climate change
3. Out of control pollution.

Out of control pollution.
Our native biodiversity needs wild spaces, food and homes such as trees and forests provide in which to thrive. Forests, tree planting, and forest conservation initiatives are nature-based solutions towards climate action. Pollution, pesticides, herbicides are escalating the extinction events. Creating safe, organic forest spaces is a large step to halt and slow down the silent sixth mass extinction event of invertebrates, the planet’s bird food on wings. Ornithologists and botanists have noticed that the songbird, and raptor populations have declined by a staggering 48%. The monitored wildlife populations are reduced by a catastrophic 68%. A loss of forests and habitats have caused over 2/3 of our animal populations to totally disappear.

Richard St. Barbe Baker said it this way, “If a person loses one third of his or her skin, the person will die; if a tree loses a third of its bark, the tree will die, and if the world loses a third of its trees, the world will die.
We live less that five minutes without air and the trees give us air we breathe. We live less than five days without water, and trees are absolutely essential in the water cycle. We live less than five weeks without food, and without the trees we could not grow food.” (Filson, Bruce K. October 7, 1982, Western People, p. 5)

This biodiversity Challenge is a great way to discover new trees and unexplored forest places, or perhaps it is a time to return to celebrate a favourite forest you love and are familiar with

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

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.

Wetlands Curriculum

Do you want to explore the wetlands while you are out at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? Here are some teacher and student curriculum resources. Great for homeschoolers and families as well!

Threatened in Saskatchewan as recorded by SCDC Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) This is the brightly colored male. The female of the species will use the cattails, reeds or rushes standing above the surface of the water to weave a nest, and lay 2-5 eggs. — Threatened in Saskatchewan as recorded by SCDC Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes

Government of Saskatchewan fact sheets and Sask H2O Stewardship and Conservation

Sask Rivers Public School Division Grade 2 water curriculum supports

Watersheds Canada
- Module #1: Native Plants
- Native plants: main video lesson
  Plant video update #1 video
  Plant video update #2 video
  Plant video update #3 video
- Wildflower Field Guide Scavenger Hunt lesson plan PDF
  -> Plant Identification Guide table PDF
  -> Native Wildflower Identification cards PDF
  -> Favourite Wildflower table PDF
- Journey of a Seed lesson plan PDF
  Planting Native Wildflower instructions PDF
- Parts of a Plant worksheet (three adaptations) PDF
- Freshwater: main video lesson
- Frog Call Lesson and Game PDF
  -> Set of frog cards PDF
  -> Frog identification guide (adapted from the Toronto Zoo) PDF

Global Schools Program Sustainable Development SDG Activities Guides for the Classroom includes:

Quality Education and Inequality
Responsible Consumption
Clean Water and Sanitation

Forests Ontario Aquatics ( Assess wetlands and interpret data)

Ducks Unlimited

Canadian Water Resources Assocation Project Wet Instructional Resources

PCAP Become Water Wise teacher resources

Watersheds on Earth Teacher Grade 8 Resources

YPTE Water Cycle

Oldman Watershed Council [Oldman River in Alberta] Learning AT Home 2020 Websites, Games, Activities

Canadian Geographic Protect your Watershed

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

Where’s Waldo Nature Connect

“Where’s Waldo” Nature Connect at the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas

What do Sherlock Holmes, Nature, “Where’s Waldo”, conservation and Word Search puzzles have in common? Have fun detecting, and finding nature out of doors in the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. We need your skills! The more eyes that come out the merrier, and the more variety in species can be found! Young, old and anywhere between, groups and individuals, it all makes a difference to compiling a baseline data inventory at the Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Park in the City of Saskatoon!

There has not been an ecological assessment conducted at the afforestation areas yet. So many people think that there are only afforested tree species [exotic], and brome grass and nothing else, yet how does that explain a baker’s dozen species at risk? How does that explain the moist mixed grassland prairie species in the trembling aspen bluffs which have remained since before 1972, they are over 50 years old? How many people can actually see the laboratory in ecological succession happening in the afforestation areas? What about the wetlands? How come the forest is raising the water-table for the wetlands, and it has not dried up yet? This was a feature which Richard St. Barbe Baker advocated for a lot. What is it that trees do? Their roots go down, down, down, and bring water up to the leave, where there is transpiration, and there are micro-climates of rain for the trees and forests. Can you imagine if there were more and more trees and forests? Then there would not be micro-climates, there would be larger scale nature based solutions to climate change.

Ranked S2 by SCDC Woodland Skipper Ochlodes sylvanoides — Threatened in Saskatchewan as recorded by SCDC Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes

Two sundays in a row two different species at risk have been identified. Their lives depend on you to help document the biodiversity in the afforestation areas! So what will happen next Sunday?

Come out on your own or venture out at a group meet up time as follows:

Aug 8 meet at George Genereux Urban Regional Park GPS 52.1089473,-106.7925807
Aug 15 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.1006373,-106.755882 SW OLRA
Aug 22 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.1038557,-106.7890613 West Side
Aug 29 meet at George Genereux Urban Regional Park GPS 52.1089473,-106.7925807
Sep 5 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS
GPS 52.1006373,-106.755882 SW OLRA
Sep 12 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.1038557,-106.7890613 West Side
Sep 19 meet at George Genereux Urban Regional Park GPS 52.1089473,-106.7925807
Sep 26 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.1006373,-106.755882 SW OLRA
At the meetups, we can help you get familiar with the iNaturalist app.

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

Congratulations!

The Government of Canada is collaborating with the Meewasin Valley Authority about the potential for the Meewasin Valley to become a National Urban Park. This initiative is one which would help protect biodiversity in urban centres, while providing urban residents with the capacity to connect with nature.

“We see opportunities, potentially, in expanding the land base for Meewasin, we see opportunities in potentially looking at collectively investing in infrastructure, collectively investing in protecting biodiversity that exists within the Meewasin Valley Authority. And so I think that the federal government is willing to do its part with respect to financial contributions,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of environment and climate change and minister responsible for Parks Canada.

“Canada’s National Urban Parks Program is part of a broader southern strategy of restoration that includes natural infrastructure, tree planting and regeneration of wetlands, and is vital in the fight to stem the tide of rapid biodiversity loss.”

During this United Nations Decade on Restoration, certainly preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems is much needed. It is terrifically exciting that the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Government of Canada are doing their part in restoration!

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

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