Be a part of nature

The United Nations International Day of Forests takes place on March 21.

So, just how many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals do forests contribute to? That is a great question!

So All 17 UN SDGs are (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Well-being, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (10) Reducing Inequality, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life On Land, (16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals.

So it is really easy to say that forests support habitats and biodiversity for Life on Land UN SDG Goal 15. Yay!

Did you know that afforestation, and nature based solutions are great ways to mitigate climate change as forests absorb GHG from the air. That means, that forests also contribute to UN SDG Goal 13 Climate Action.

Richard St. Barbe Baker says “When the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear”. Therefore, protecting forests have a definite function in UN SDG Goal 14 Life Below Water.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations mentions that ” some cities have started to change towards a greener, more sustainable and more resilient model of urban development. They are investing in forests, wetlands and other green spaces – “green infrastructure” – to tackle urban issues previously addressed with engineered solutions that often involve concrete, asphalt and steel.” Voila! Afforestation definitely contributes to UN SDG Sustainable cities and communities.

“Whether you drink water from a well or a municipal supply, forests keep that water clean and abundant. They do this by capturing rainwater and recharging underground aquifers. They also act as a natural filter as water moves over land, cleaning it of pollutants so it arrives at our lakes, rivers and streams in a better condition.” –Source So here we have a free ecological service provided by forest for the UN SDG Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the UN SDG Goal 7. Well, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park contribute to Sask Power’s transmission lines, and Sask Energy Trans Gas Natural Pipe lines to keep Saskatchewan residents safe, and warm with efficient, sustainable and modern energy.

This brings us to UN SDG Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development mentions that those adhering to Goal 16, “agree to work more closely with major groups and other stakeholders and encourage their active participation, as appropriate, in processes that contribute to decision-making, planning and implementation of policies and programmes for sustainable development at all levels” and further acknowledges “the need to facilitate informed policy decision-making on sustainable development issues and, in this regard, to strengthen the science-policy interface.”

So you say how would you say that afforestation areas address the UN SDG Goal 2 of Zero Hunger? Ethnobotany, along with health and wellness of course fulfills this goal, Expanding on this goal, when the time is right and the ecological assessment is completed there will be opportunity to explore restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas. What comes to mind is native permaculture three sisters community gardens, followed by native forests included berry bushes. Now this is a solution in a growing city, to afforest trees in an afforestation area.

So, we have covered a few of the UN SDGs now, but you say, how is it possible that an afforestation area can focus on the UN SDG Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals. Well the City of Saskatoon long range planners agree with the UN on this, “A successful development agenda requires inclusive partnerships — at the global, regional, national and local levels — built upon principles and values, and upon a shared vision and shared goals placing people and the planet at the centre.”

Now we come to UN SDG Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. encourage everyone to celebrate Global Recycling Day March 18 Waste Reduction Week in Canada Monday, October 16 to Sunday, October 22. In light of the waste dumping which occurs in these amazing urban regional parks, those park users alongside the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. are committee to promoting Reduce, Reuse, Recycle lifestyle.

When we get to UN SDG Goal 4 Quality Education, we can bring to mind the child in nature, and place-based learning. Our urban students don’t have the opportunity to explore a mixed woodlands forest like their rural counterparts do. There are so many subjects open for classrooms at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. There is science of course learning about the flora and fauna. There is also geology, geography, en plein air art is amazing, history, ethnic and cultural learning, and English composition when it comes to learning about the three amazing role models whom the afforestation areas and wetlands commemorate, and don’t get me started on health, wellness and physical education. The possibilities are endless!

How in the dickens would an afforestation area meet the needs of the UN SDG Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being? Perhaps this one is one of the easiest of them all. We know that the Fatbike Fat Tire Brigade has created a winter trail network to enable walking, cycling, snowshoeing, bird watching hikes, tours, and cross country skiing. Those promote good health and well-being. The PaRx team program is expanding from British Columbia to Alberta, and next – who knows Saskatchewan? What is PaRx? They are doctors who recognize that connecting with nature, and being out in a forest, say, is a great presecription for health. PaRx states that, “Backed by hundreds of studies over several decades, research suggests that connecting to nature is one of the best things you can do to improve your health” Wow! Check it out how Shinrin-Yoku or Nature Bathing is a great prescription for health and wellness.

So, the The United Nations International Day of Forests takes place on March 21. For the Take it Outside Winter Staycation Challenge we have two opportunities for you to be entered into the prize draw! One is to take photos of the afforestation areas while out enjoying them. The other challenge is to identify how you personally can take action locally on the UN SDG goals as you celebrate the afforestation areas. Email your photo, or Email how you, personally, are taking action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals! Good luck!

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better
Albert Einstein

Hoar Frost and Rime Ice covering the trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon , SK , in the bright morning sunlight

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

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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

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

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
John Muir

This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy.
Susan Poliz Shutz

Our River Challenge

For our challenge today, we would like you to email to us at friendsafforestation@gmail.com what you think would belong in a list for the Rights of Rivers! March 14 is International Day of Action for Rivers, think of how you, personally can take action for the International Day of Action for Rivers! The theme for 2021 is celebrating the Rights of Rivers. We have a spectacular challenge for our Winter Staycation for you!

March 14 is a marvellous Sunday! And it is a day to think about the South Saskatchewan watershed! What is the South Saskatchewan watershed you say?

South Saskatchewan River Basin Shannon_1 CC4.0

This above picture shows the river basin, the catchment area, or the drainage basin for the South Saskatchewan River. This is a contemporary image of the south Saskatchewan River Basin. The image which follows shows the formation of the West Swale from the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway. The hydrological surface drainage patterns shown in the topological map above are a stark difference to the glacial spillway below which shows that the waters in the Glacial North Saskatchewan combined with Glacial Rice Lake. When the waters from the retreating glacier reached a great volume, the shoreline of Glacial Rice Lake could not contain the water anymore. and there was a sudden surge of spillwaters through the Yorath Island Channel and the Moon Lake Channel cascading in an eruption across the Cory Plains until the waters were stopped in the Glacial South Saskatchewan Lake. Yorath Island was formed from the deposited till and rubble of this Pleistocene Glacial event. Today we create river drainage maps for the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. The glacial spillway with its huge surge of water created a momentous and catastrophic joining between the two basin areas. Because of the land topography, there are remains of the Yorath Island Channel and the Moon Lake Channel seen today on Google Satellite maps, and they show evidence of the rich and lush riparian waterway which once existed, and which is still connected through underground springs and wetlands.

Yorath Island Channel, Moon Lake Channel, Sutherland Channel and Cory Plain Channel Pleistocene Era South Sk River Valley 2588000 to 117000 years ago Adapted from Larry Edwin Hodges

This was a contributing factor to the formation of the South Saskatchewan River as we know it today. As you walk in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area imagine the Pleistocene ice age mammals startled by the glacial spillway. Imagine this same ice age mammals creating new trails along the two new rivers in the Moon Lake Channel and the Yorath Island Spillway. Wonder as they wandered to the water’s edge for a drink of water. Where would the Palaeo-Indian fit into this scenario? Would they similarly follow the animal trails? Would they hunt the ancient ice age mammoths. Would the Palaeo-Indian find the two new rivers in the Moon Lake Channel and the Yorath Island Spillway handy to help them forage, and find food to eat? There were major encampments found where these channels met the Glacial South Saskatchewan Lake. As you walk in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, imagine living during the time of ice age mammoths.

Then, appreciate the semi-wilderness habitat we have in Saskatoon today. Along with the waterfowl, do we have other animals using the West Swale Wetlands named after B.T. Chappell as Chappell Marsh? Have you spotted a muskrat or any ducks, geese, herons, or terns? The West Swale is a geological treasure in the City of Saskatoon.

During this day, International Day of Action for Rivers, think of how you, personally can take action for the International Day of Action for Rivers! The theme for 2021 is celebrating the Rights of Rivers.

Today think of geology, and geography, and the history of ancient rivers which formed today’s rivers which we appreciated so much.

For our Winter Staycation challenge today, we would like you to email to us at friendsafforestation@gmail.com what you think would belong in a list for the Rights of Rivers!

Download our International Day of Action for Rivers Pamphlet

As a further challenge for the Winter Staycation Take It Outside program, record on iNaturalist or the eBird hotspot for Chappell Marsh the wetlands birds which you have sighted. The International Day of Action for Rivers Pamphlet contains a water birds checklist as an indicator of what might be sighted. The Geese and some ducks are back already (March 11)

Perhaps some ideas for Rights of Rivers may centre around the following….(To get you started)

A River’s right to its own river basin and all the watersheds within the waterbasin.
A River’s right to retain their river bank, and lush riparian ecosystem along the shorelines
Freedom from pollution, destruction to live in harmony with Mother Earth.
A River’s right to our collective recognition of the inherent value of clean fresh water for the survival of living species on land and underwater.
A River’s right to flow naturally unimpeded.
A River’s right to guardians and stewardship.
A River’s right to support shoreline and wetlands flora and fauna in its biosphere.
…What is another great Right for Rivers? Email us today

We must begin thinking like a river if we are to leave a legacy of beauty and life for future generations.
David Brower

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

“I thought how lovely and how strange a river is. A river is a river, always there, and yet the water flowing through it is never the same water and is never still. It’s always changing and is always on the move. And over time the river itself changes too.
Aiden Chambers

Life is like the river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere.
Emma Smith

GREEN STRATEGY Emerging Priorities for Saskatoon’s Future Green Network

Your chance to contribute to the City of Saskatoon Survey!

AUGUST 6, 2019 DEADLINE!!!

Grus canadensis Sandhill Crane

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. Josh Billings

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

If you think the afforestation areas are absolutely fantastic, and if you like a mixed wood forest right here in the City of Saskatoon, then take this survey. It will surely help the City of Saskatoon prioritize “The purpose of this survey is to determine which of the proposed Emerging Priorities residents prefer to see included in Desired State Vision.

The project team will identify Options comprised of a series of actions designed to address the Emerging Priorities from the Desired State Vision. These Options will be proposed to City Council in early 2020.”

GREEN STRATEGY Emerging Priorities for Saskatoon’s Future Green Network

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

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)

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!

QR Code FOR PAYPAL DONATIONS to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. — Paypal

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

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

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

2018 is the year of the Dog the characteristic word this year is ACTION!
(Feb. 16, 2018 – Feb. 04, 2019)

Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… yourself, right now, right down here on Earth. Bradley Whitford

Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. Joel A. Barker

The way to change the world is through individual responsibility and taking local action in your own community. Jeff Bridges

Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you. — Thomas Jefferson

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

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

“Everything I know I learned from dogs.”

“Everything I know I learned from dogs.” – Nora Roberts

Year of the Dog
(Feb. 16, 2018 – Feb. 04, 2019)

A dog wags it’s tail with it’s heart.

Martin Buxbaum

There is only one smartest dog in the world, and every boy has it.

Anonymous.

The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be.

Konrad Lorenz.

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

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

Saskatoon rallies to clean up forest

The beauty of the day, is sought for by every human being.

“And earth, in gladness, lay and smiled,
To see the beauteous sight.” ~Mrs. M.A. Livermore.

Juliet Kadzviti reported that PA groups works to clean up illegal garbage A group of volunteers joined “Keep Prince Albert and Area Beautiful” and cleaned up illegal dumping sites around the city. Stan Sutor, a member of the clean up group believes that the groups efforts are seeing some positive results, “I went back to those sites, and very little garbage has re-accumulated so I think we are making some progress and I’m hoping we will keep the momentum going and more public engagement would be nice.”
Community Park Clean Up Builds Teamwork and is an amazing initial step to foster community pride and innovations. It seems as though trash begets more trash, and pride forsters pride. Experiencing nature without a human footprint, allows community volunteers to take appreciation in that part they have played to take care of their own community. A sustainable environment where humans have “left no trace” is a true celebration, indeed, and it begins very simply by picking up one piece of litter.

Saskatoon comes together Saturday July 9, 2016 (rain date July 16) to clean up the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. He who takes nature for his guide is the Concern of every Man to whom Nature hath given the Power of feeling.

Live for others, Live for something. Do good, and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storm of time can never Destroy. ACTION! That’s the word. Good deeds done for the environment will shine as brightly on the earth as the stars of heaven. Pleasure we all desire, as can be seen billows of green that break upon the sight In bounteous crescendos of delight. The beauty of the day, is sought for by every human being. ‘Tis only more intense, in the forest, here where Creation’s ardors all condense for delight of so gladsome a sight.

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.~Joyce Kilmer

“…I seemed to have entered the fairyland of my dreams. I wandered on as in a dream, all sense of time and space lost…buoyed up with an almost ethereal feeling of well-being, as if I had been detached from earth. I became intoxicated with the beauty around me, immersed in the joyousness and exaltation of feeling part of it all… Rays of light pierced the canopy of the forest… I had entered the temple of the woods. I sank to the ground in a state of ecstasy; everything was intensely vivid… The overpowering beauty of it all entered my very being. At that moment my heart brimmed over with a sense of unspeakable thankfulness which has followed me through the years since that woodland rebirth.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

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

Red-Winged Blackbird. West Swale Wetlands Chappell Marsh. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, SK

Great Canadian Shoreline Clean UP poster logo re: the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area clean up (Saskatoon, SK, CA)

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly
Membership with donation : $20.00 CAD -monthly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.

“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

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

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

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2018 is the year of the Dog the characteristic word this year is ACTION! (Feb. 16, 2018 – Feb. 04, 2019)

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Year of the Dog (Feb. 16, 2018 – Feb. 04, 2019)

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2018 is the year of the Dog the characteristic word this year is ACTION!
(Feb. 16, 2018 – Feb. 04, 2019)

Year of the Dog
(Feb. 16, 2018 – Feb. 04, 2019)