Thank you is extended to all the clean up volunteers all those from the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, from SOS Trees, from Saskatoon Search and Rescue, from the members of the general public who heard about the afforestation areas or who are users of the afforestation areas.
It is true what is said that many hands make light work. The clean up began at 9:30, and before the estimated end time of 1:30 the very large Loraas dumpster was filled to the top, and another one was about 3/4 full! It is hard to believe.
But it was so rewarding to know that the fencing will go up around the greenspace which no longer has trash in it, so it will be safe for park users of all ages. It will be nice to enjoy both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and George Genereux realizing that they are a great deal safer, now that the garbage is cleared out, and the fencing is going up to mitigate more continual trash dumping!!! Wow!
So again. Thanks to the volunteers. Thanks to Regan Olson, environmental protection officer at the City of Saskatoon. Thanks to the City of Saskatoon for helping out with the landfill fees. Where an attempt was made to clean up the park truck load by truck load to the landfill, this surely went a lot easier! Thanks to the Loraas truck driver, and we had amazing weather, couldn’t have been a nicer nor more beautiful autumn day. Everyone said they were going to return and enjoy a wonderful walk, knowing what a grand contribution was made by all! Thank you.
Here is a sampling of images from the day! What an amazing birthday present for the 50th anniversary of the afforestation areas to have such amazing stewards, and folks helping out.
This is a wonderful way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of #NationalForestWeek, and the 50th anniversary of the afforestation areas!
Sept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community SceneAn “after” image of the afforestation area. After the amazing clean up of the greenspaceSept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community SceneSept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community SceneSept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community SceneSept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community SceneSept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community SceneSept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community Scene
Please educate yourself about the seasons when deer – vehicle collisions occur – the peak months (Nov-Dec rut and May-July fawn rearing)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
The number of vehicles on Valley Road and Township Road 362A (Cedar Villa Road) has increased exponentially. There is a greenspace at Chappell Marsh Conservation Area, and right across the road is the forest at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. It is wise to slow down; if a deer jumps out from between the trees of the forest to the farmers field, or to the conservation area, it is best to take precautions, and be safe. The number of deers killed on Valley Road and on Township Road 362A (Cedar Villa Road) is taking its toll on the animal population over the last few months, and can be disastrous for drivers.
“The human cost of vehicle collisions with wildlife is substantial. On average 387 people are injured and 4 killed in animal related collisions on Saskatchewan roads…The peak times for collisions are dawn and dusk. Yellow wildlife warning signs indicate areas of high risk. No matter the season or time of day, it’s important to watch for signs of wildlife and reduce your speed accordingly. Slowing down reduces the distance required to stop and decreases the force of impact in the event of a collision. ”
“Reduce Speed
Speed is one of the most common factors in vehicle collisions.
Speed:Reduces the drivers ability to steer away from objects in the roadway
Speed: Extends the distance required to stop
Speed: Increases the force of impact, in the event of a collision
With good road conditions, drivers tend to increase their speed. Some studies suggest that wildlife vehicle collisions occur more than expected on clear nights, on dry road conditions and on long straight stretches. Drivers may tend to be more cautious on curves or in poor weather“ Wildlife Collision Prevention Program.
“It happens so quickly. It’s just like somebody cutting you off or something like that,” Jordan Goodlad told CBC News in describing his encounter with a deer on the road… “You almost don’t realize it ’til it’s done.” CBC News
If we are willing to be still and open enough to listen, wilderness itself will teach us. Steven Harper
“If you’ve driven on North American roads, you’ve seen roadkill – animals that have been killed by passing traffic. At some time, you may have run over a small animal on the road. You may even have had the harrowing experience of striking a large animal. “ Canada Safety Council
“Roads attract wildlife because they provide a travel corridor, easy access to vegetation and in the winter, a source of salt. ..[Fish and Wildlife] Officers advise drivers to reduce their speed at night and around water or on tree-lined roads. Scan the road and ditches for animals and use high beams when possible; deer eyes glow when struck by light. “ Tim Evans.
“The fall/winter season is a busy time of year for wildlife. While we always recommend keeping an eye out, your chances of colliding with a wild animal increase from October to January. (In the spring, wildlife collisions also increase between May and June.)
Think it can’t happen to you? Check out the statistics:
Every 38 minutes in Canada, there’s 1 collision between a motor vehicle and a wild animal. 89% of collisions with wildlife happen on two-lane roads just outside cities and towns.
86% of wildlife collisions happen in on warm weather days.” SGI Canada 2017
“While a vehicular collision with a deer can be very costly and sometimes cause personal injury, a collision with a moose can have very dire consequences” says Darrell Crabbe. “That’s why we engage in this annual campaign. It is our hope that the message will save lives, both human and wildlife.” Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
Please be careful out there! Save a deer, and protect yourself.
Grandfather,
Look at our brokenness.
We know that in all creation
Only the human family has strayed from the Sacred Way.
We know that we are the ones who are divided.
And we are the ones who must come back together,
To walk in the Sacred Way.
Grandfather,
O Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other. Ojibway Prayer
I always thought of deer as solitary animals that weren’t very interesting. But my goodness, that was very wrong. The big eye-opener for me was that they’re social. They have family groups. Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
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
““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.
“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.
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 SW 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
Please help protect / enhance /commemorate 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!
The trees and vegetation, which cover the land surface of the Earth and delight the eye, are performing vital tasks incumbent upon the vegetable world in nature. Its presence is essential to earth as an organism. It is the first condition of all life; it it the ‘skin’ of the earth, for without it there can be no water, and therefore, no life.~Richard St. Barbe Baker
It is not a farce.…”To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.” ~Terry Tempest Williams
“Clearly, human pressure is exerting a sudden and cataclysmic impact on much of this province, if viewed in the time-frame of evolution and geology to which the rhythms of ecosystems are tuned. The groundswell of environmental concern taking shape among us, its citizens, results in public pressure for new and stronger strictures on human exploitation and desecration…Such action is needed as the embodiment of an ethical responsibility to the land and living things, for our own well-being as well as for that of all other species.” Theberge, 1989. P.376
Red arrow out at Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon Police Services Canine Training Unit
Red arrow out at Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Red arrow out at Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon Police Services Canine Training Unit
For the past three or four years, visitors to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area may have noticed bright orange arrows painted on the ground.
Folks may have wondered what kind of event could this be? When does it take place? Can I walk my dogs at the South West Off Leash Recreation Arrow with the arrows on the ground?
The arrows are to provide a course for the new recruits into the Saskatoon Police Canine Unit. It is a rigorous workout, and those recruits whom are successful pass one of the challenges in eligibility for working with the Saskatoon Police Canine Unit. The training session occurs early on an autumnal morning.
Twitter provides updates on the day to day hard work of the canine unit. However, police services are not all that they are involved in. The canine unit works to support conservation, visit sick kids in hospital, and work as therapy dogs in the community.
“Police officers chosen to be dog handlers must be in above average physical condition, comfortable around animals, and possess the ability to read the dog’s body language.”(SPS)
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 SW 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
Should you wish to help protect / enhance the 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!
“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.
“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.”Richard St. Barbe Baker
“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.”Richard St. Barbe Baker
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx)
Native species, Trembling Aspen or Populus tremuloides, quaking aspen, trembling aspen, American aspen, Quakies, mountain or golden aspen, trembling poplar, white poplar,, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA
Trembling Aspen grove Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA
Trembling Aspen grove Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA
A ramet is an individual plant belonging to a clone. The botanical term for a sucker is ramet. The clone originates from one ortet. An ortet is the original or mother plant. A clonal colony is also referred to as a genet. A genet is the group of genetically identical individuals, such as plants, fungi, or bacteria, that have grown in a given location, all originating vegetatively, not sexually, from a single ancestor. In plants, an individual in such a population is referred to as a ramet. All plants (ramets) reproduced asexually from a common ancestor (ortet) and have identical genotypes which means it is an exact clone or perfect copy of the original ortet. A genotype is the genetic constitution of an individual organism.
The Trembling Aspen May 25, 2019
Tomáš Herben of the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University and at the Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Science relates rhizomes to clonal growth. Rhizome is from both Latin and Greek root rhizoma meaning “mass of tree roots”, and from the root rhizoun meaning “cause to strike root, root into the ground” and from the Green rhiz meaning “root” and -ome. In botany, rhizome is a horizontal, underground plant stem which is able to produce the shoot and root systems of a new plant. Duana A. Pelzer, also states that “Aspen (Populus tremuloides) dominates the southern treeline in western Canada, has long‐lived below ground connections between mother and daughter ramets, and reproduces vegetatively via resprouting rhizomes.” The Trembling Aspen clone can be called rhizomatous.
The Trembling Aspen May 25, 2019
Scientists, foresters or gardeners can practice vegetative propagation using rooted cuttings, grafting, or tissue culture. In the case of the Trembling Aspen, the original plant is also called the ortet.
The Trembling Aspen root suckers are produced from meristems featured in the cork cambium of the root systems. The Cambium is a layer of tissue between the wood and the bark from the Latin cambium meaning “exchange” and Latin cambiare “change. The cork cambrium, also called a phellogen, produces an outer protective barrier or corky tissue, and an inner phelloderm- a thin, food conducting vascular tissue.
The Trembling Aspen tree bark May 25, 2019
The roots twist, coil and undulate underground. Growing sideways, laterally, they do not reach lower than 40 cm (16 inches) below the surface of the soil and most often stay within 2 to 10 cm (1 to 4 in) from the soil surface.
A meristem is a collection of cells forming plant tissue in the zones where plant growth can take place. These undifferentiated cells (meristematic cells) have the capability for cell division, promoting growth and change. Meristem comes from the Greek root “merizein” which means “to divide” which is the main function of the merismatic cells, to change and divide thus providing new growth for the tree. Differentiated plant cells cannot produce new growth, as they cannot change.
The shoots develop following apical dominance. Apical dominance occurs when the shoot apex inhibits the growth of lateral buds so that the plant may grow vertically upwards towards the light. These shoots however, lie in wait, remaining dormant due to hormones called “Auxin” expressed by the main Trembling Aspen clone. High soil temperature, depletion of carbohydrate food sources, or excess soil moisture may inhibit the formation of suckers. If the Aspen Grove is disturbed, the hormonal balance is upset within the Trembling Aspen grove. There is a decrease in Auxin allowing meristem to develop into buds, then into shoots above ground, finally developing fully producing ramets which can be visibly seen above ground as part of the Trembling Aspen grove. Suckers originate after disturbances such as clearcutting, girdling, tree defoliation or fire.
The Trembling Aspen Dioecious Catkin or Ament May 25, 2019
When the suckers start to form, the parent root changes. The suckering rhizomatous root system has four parts:
The root collar, stump or root cap
The distal parent root
The proximal parent root
The adventitious roots
The root collar is the underground area of the Trembling Aspen sucker where it adjoins the stem. This root collar is the protective layer, so that apical meristem (upward changing new growth) is not affected by rocks, dirt or pathogens (germs.) The sucker roots and the parent roots cannot be distinguished from each other at the root collar, root cap or stump.
The distal parent root grows quite large to accommodate the new sucker formation. The distal parent root fills with juicy sap, and is quite succulent and tender. Distal means situated on the outside edge away from the point of attachment to the parent.
The proximal root which is on the close side of the root collar, or stump formation. Proximal means to be on the nearest to the point of attachment.
The adventitious roots of the newly initiated root suckers reveal growth downwards on the distal end of the roots reaching down to the root cambium of the Trembling Aspen clone or grove. Adventitious means formed accidentally or in an unusual anatomical position. These sucker roots will rely on the parent root for water and nutrients for the first few years. In some cases the suckers rely on the parent roots for more than 20 years. This interplay between parent root and ramet gives the sucker a distinct advantage over Aspen seedlings and other species arising on the forest floor.
Whereas shoots arising inside the meristem are one way to give rise to shoots as above, there are also shoots which arise from the exterior surface of Aspen roots from pre-existing primordia. It is believed that these primordia arise from injury or disturbance to the root system, perhaps by a grazing animal. Primordia comes from the Latin root prīmōrdiālis which is the earliest stage of development of the organism.
Root sprouting is the most commonly seen means of reproduction for the Trembling Aspen. This is referred to as vegetative asexual reproduction.
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) Leafy branchlet, Female Ament or catkin, Young Male Ament or catkin, Fruit, Floral Bract.
A Trembling Aspen grove or stand of trees is connected underground by this common root system originating from the ortet. Each Aspen Clone is dioecious. One Aspen stand of trees may be composed of a mosaic of clones with their roots interspersed with each other. Dioecious means that there are distinct male and female organisms, or boy and girl clones. A stamen is the pollen producing male organ of the flower. Pistils arise on the flowers of the female Trembling Aspen stands, and feature a base ovary, a style or pillar which extends from the ovary to the stigma. The stigma is sticky enabling it to capture the pollen from the male Trembling Aspen clone.
The Trembling Aspen Dioecious Catkin or Ament
A Trembling Aspen feature aments, also referred to as catkins. Each catkin bears many tiny dense flowers. The name catkin comes from the German root “kätzchen,” or in Dutch “katteken” meaning kitten. The aments look like the furry tail of a kitten. The catkins can be anywhere from 1 to 8 cm in length (1-1/2” – 3”) The flowers with red stigmas are female flowers. The flowers bearing black, dark anthers are male flowers. The seeds will spread in the wind across distances of 500 meters (1,600 feet) up to several kilometers in heavy winds. The seeds are plumose, which means having many fine filaments or branches which give a feathery appearance. Seedlings have barriers to establishment because early spring rainfall in the semi-arid prairie regions may be followed by a dry period ~ killing newly germinated seedlings.
The Trembling Aspen Dioecious Catkin or Ament
Trembling Aspen will hybridize, or cross with other species of poplar trees (Populus)
The extent of a single Trembling Aspen clone of trees can be determined by several features; morphology, and phenology. These two methods bring in the observation of the leaf size and shape, the character and colour of the bark, and the changes in the season. Morphological analysis is the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features such as the outward appearance of the shape, structure, colour, pattern and size of the visible aspects. Morphology has as its roots the Greek word, morphé “form” and logos “the study of.” The study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate, as well as habitat factors (such as elevation) is the science referred to as phenology. Phenology means the study of the influence of climate on recurring natural phenomena, and is derived from phainō, which is Greek for “to show, to bring to light, make to appear” and logos.
Taking the observations one step further would be to employ a procedure called digital morphometrics. This digital approach utilizing scanned leaf images carefully tracking the location and statistics of each leaf, and comparing the digital scans of each leaf recording the analysis and observation of the morphology of each digital leaf scan. Specific and unique clone signatures appear under the observation of discernible patterns.
Aspens feature leaf dimorphism which arise from two types of leaflets, featuring short fixed shoot (stem) growth, and long free shoot growth. Short shoots can only produce embroynic early leaves, and are the very first set of leaves which appear in the spring from the winter bud. Embroyo is from the Greek embryon, “a young one”, or “one that grows at an early stage of development.” This is referred to as the spring flush. The first late leaves are also present in the winter bud, but they are arrested primordia or stopped at the beginning. Primordia comes from primus meaning ”first” and ordior “to begin”.
The Trembling Aspen Autumn foliage
Lateral long shoots may produce “early” or “late” leaves. The fact that the long shoots can produce two types of leaves means that they are called heterophyllous stems or shoots. Heterophyllous meaning having two different kinds of leaves on the same stem comes from the Greek root heteros meaning “other”, and phyllon, “leaf”. Late leaves have more variety in their shape than the early leaves. Gland-tipped teeth are featured around the leaf margins on late leaves only.
A Trembling Aspen Clone leaf flush will occur at the same time because clones share the same genotype. Likewise, since the Trembling Aspen genet is all one clone, the entire genet will change colour all at once in the autumn.
Scientists have studied how to differentiate one clone of Trembling Aspens from another, and there is much discussion and preferences stated on the criteria and methods used. Hana Jelı´nkova et al have determined that finding the unique signature morphological traits to be superior to the use of spring phenology for successful analysis.
Spring phenology is more accurate than autumn phenological changes according to Michael Grant, and J.M.I. McGrath et al wrote that the phenology during spring flush showed a variety in morphology depending upon climate change variations. Both first and second leaf flushes, and their characteristics (morphology) were studied by Samuel B. St. Clair’s team. Defoliation of the leaves by insects, may require the trees to flush out a second time, as would drought and temperature extremes such as a late spring frost causing damage and defoliation of the first flush. Defoliation is to destroy or cause widespread loss of leaves.
The Trembling Aspen Leaflets and Dioecious Catkin or Ament May 25, 2019
The size and shape of leaves showed a variety between Trembling Aspen groves depending upon if the trees were in an area of elevated oxygen or Carbon Dioxide. In an interesting data collection, Reimo Lutter et al studied spring and autumn phenology on the Aspen tree from one year to the next, and found that the growing season has been lengthening.
“The timing of bud break and bud set represents events in survival and growth, discernment of these mechanisms and their interactions with climatic variables is a key to understand the consequences of the projected climate change for Populus forests”(Sivadasan, 2017). Leaf phenology has been shifting in response to earlier leaf flushing due to warm winters in relation to climate change state Yongshuo et al. Now then, Joyce G. Greene suggested that it would be wise to look at six different features to seperate Aspen clones;
“Sex
Time of leafing, and of leaf fall
Spring and Autumn leaf colour
Shape and Size of leaves,
Leave serration
Pubescence of dormant buds.”(DeByle, 1985)
Burton V. Barnes developed another set of criteria for distinguishing clones, by season and in order of usefulness.
All Seasons
Bark
1. Texture
Color
Stem Characteristics
Form
Branching habit (angle, length, and internode length)
Susceptibility to injury
Sunscald
Frost crack
Insect and disease injury Miscellaneous
Self-pruning
Galls ~ Plant galls are abnormal swelling outgrowth of plant tissues caused by various parasites, from viruses, fungi and bacteria, to other plants, insects and mites.
Spring
Sex
Time of flowering, and flower characteristics
Time, color, and rate of leaf flushing
Summer
Leaf shape (width : length ratio), color, and size
Shape of leaf blade base
Leaf margin; number, size, and shape of teeth
Shape of leaf tip
Leaf rust infection
Autumn
Leaf color
Time and rate of leaf fall”
(DeByle, 1985)
Note: Pages 149-152 of Norbert V DeByle book features an appendix entitled, Wild Mammals and Birds Found in Aspen and Aspen-Conifer Mixed Forests of Western United States and Adjacent Canada.
Article copyright Julia Adamson
The Trembling Aspen Autumn foliage
Citizen Science:
Use these tools to track the morphology and the phenology of the Trembling Aspens out at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and in the George Genereux Urban Regional park. There is more than one Trembling Aspen stand in both the afforestation greenspaces.
A great way to engage in citizen science at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and in the George Genereux Urban Regional park is to post your images on their facebook pages!
Is it easy or difficult to determine how the Trembling Aspen clone groves are distinct from each other in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and in the George Genereux Urban Regional park? Can this interesting experiment to study morphology and phenology in relation to clonal colonies be repeated to determine where one genet begins and another ends? How many female genets are there? How many male genets? How many Trembling Aspen groves are mixed mosaics of both female and male clones?
What is the role of Auxin?
Have you seen Heterophyllous long stem shoots?
What colour is the bark of the Trembling Aspen?
What colour is the Trembling Aspen leaf in the autumn?
What is a catkin?
What time of year would it be best to see a catkin – spring, summer, autumn or winter?
What does dioecious mean?
What is the difference between stoloniferous roots and those which are rhizomatous?
What is an ortet, and what is a ramet? Are they related to each other?
How do Trembling Aspens propagate?
What colour are Trembling Aspen stigmas? What colour are Trembling Aspen anthers?
What does plumose mean?
What does morphology mean?
What is phenology?
Would you prefer to use phenology or morphology to study an Trembling Aspen stand of trees to determine if it is a mosaic, or a male clone or a female clone?
What upsets the Trembling Aspen’s hormonal balance?
How can studying phenology with citizen science lay the methodology for observing the effects of climate change?
DeByle, Norbert V.; Winokur, Robert P. (August 1985), (PDF), United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. General Technical Report RM-119. https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_rm/rm_gtr119.pdf, retrieved May 25, 2019
Herben, Tomáš (September 2001), Rhizome: a model of clonal grow(PDF), Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University and at the Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Science, retrieved May 25, 2019
Schier, George A (May 29, 1972), Origin and Development of Aspen Root Suckers, U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Intermountain and Range Experiment Station, Ogden Utah, retrieved May 25, 2019
Sivadasan, Unnikrishnan; Randriamanana, Tendry; Chenhao, Cao; Virjamo, Virpi; Nybakken, Line; Julkunen‐Tiitto, Riitta (October 7 2017), Effect of climate change on bud phenology of young aspen plants (Populus tremula. L), Ecol Evol. 2017 Oct; 7(19): 7998–8007. Published online 2017 Sep 1. doi: 10.1002/ece3.3352, retrieved May 25, 2019
SPECIES: Populus tremuloides, Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) Index of Species Information Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory, 2018, December 4, retrieved May 25, 2019
“Children’s experience with the natural world seems to be overlooked to a large extent in research on child development, but it would be interesting to examine children’s early experiences with nature and follow how those experiences in nature and follow how those experiences influence the child’s long-term comfort with and respect for the natural world ~ comfort and respect…Given the power of nature to calm and soothe us in our hurried lives, it also would be interesting to study how a family’s connection to nature influences the general quality of family relationships. Speaking from my own personal experience, my own family’s relationships have been nourished over years through shared experiences in nature ~ from sharing our toddler’s wonder upon turning over a rock and discovering a magnificent bug the size of a mouse, to paddling our old canoe down a nearby creek during the children’s school years, to hiking the mountains.” ~ Martha Farrell Erickson
“Healing the broken bond between children and nature may seem to be an overwhelming, even impossible task. But we must hold the conviction that the direction of this trend can be changed, or at least slowed. The alternative to holding and acting on that belief is unthinkable for human health and for the natural environment. The environmental attachment theory is a good guiding principle: attachment to land is good for child and land.” ~ Richard Louv
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
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!
“They recognize that while knowledge about nature is vital; passion is the long-distance fuel for the struggle to save what is left of our natural heritage and ~ through an emerging green urbanism ~ to reconstitute lost land and water. Passion does not arrive on videotape or on a CD; passion is personal. Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered indicator species: the child in nature.”~ Richard Louv.
Come visit the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
“The fate of an individual or a nation will always be determined by the degree of his or its harmony with the forces and laws of Nature and the universe. Man is not alone in the universe but is surrounded by sources of power, harmony and knowledge. The fullness of life depends upon man’s harmony with the totality of the natural cosmic laws. Our individual evolution is a job that has to be carried on day by day by each individual himself. It is a livelong task” Richard St. Barbe Baker
The Poplar his branches richly green
Broad to the winds did wildly fling;—
The first in beauty and in power,
All bowed before the forest-king.
But ere its brilliant leaves were sere,
Or scattered by the Autumn wind,
The voice merged into the buzz of autumn noises, and footsteps and other conversation
the wild geese went and came unchecked
Geese are Weed Destroyers they are close grazers
Very valuable in ridding grasslands or fields of troublesome weeds.
As the blear autumnal light burst forth
The Saskatchewan woodpecker drums
this musical rapping may be heard.
“He alternates his tapping with his stridulous call,
and the effect on a cool, autumn-like morning is very pleasing.”
“In that vast evergreen forest Nature works in perfect rhythm; roots digging deep or exploring nearer the surface for food and moisture. Imperceptibly Nature builds those mighty pillars with aisle innumerable, arches multiplex, in the cathedral of the forest.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
For more information:
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 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
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!
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
In regards to your financial donations to protect / enhance the afforestation areas, please contact the City of Saskatoon, Corporate Revenue Division, 222 3rd Ave N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5 To support the afforestation area with your donation please state that your donation will support the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, or both afforestation areas. Please and thank you! Your donation, however large or small is greatly appreciated.
Chaque fois que je fais les courses, je vote résolument “Oui aux aliments en vrac!” et “Oui aux produits biologiques!” Pour mes enfants, je rêve d’un avenir plus sain et sans déchet: je suis heureuse d’y investir mon argent chaque semaine.”
― Bea Johnson
“Has any one of us ever really seen a Tree? When we become aware of trees we may catch glimpses of them in moments of spiritual vision and, identifying ourselves with the trees, become conscious of the rising of the sap; the upward thrust of life; leaf burgeoning, their consciousness of the changing seasons; we may share their passionately boisterous exuberance of life in the height of a storm, and their tranquility when at rest; with them we will enjoy the glad murmur of the ripening seed clusters when after weeks of drought the steady warm rain brings relief to thirst; and we will know that these creatures, our elder brethern, are intimately related to us in their love and hunger for life. We may even catch their enthusiasm and aspire heavenwards while still rooted in our Mother Earth and in communion with our fellow men and, tree-wise, strive to make the Earth more fruitful again.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker
And at once the voices once silent, now inspire
Weel, sit thee down, an’ hark what I’ve to say.
Setting in woodlands so illumined and fair
Who can describe the colours asplendour through the day
O western forest, what dost ye hold
Now ere the autumn’s scarlet leaves
Alight upon bright crowns of triple gold!
Flutter as birds adown the wold,
The Flowers of the Forest are a’ wede away.
O! day-time is weary, an’ dark o’ dusk dreary
O’er the spreading woods and forests
For the Flowers o’ the Forest have all stown away.
O bring me a leaf from the Old Forest,
A tuft from the stoic Scots pine;
A leaf from the elm and high Poplar tree
And a branch of blue spruce combine.
Out of the mid-wood’s twilight
Into the meadow’s dawn,
Ivory limbed and brown-eyed,
Flashes my Faun!
And as the golden sunset sparkles more,
Which, rambling, shines through the leafy trees,
Then came the vision of the night before
A bright and wondrous vision in the mind.
The little quivering disk of golden fire
Amid the forest, gold lit, illumined and fair,
Breeze whisper gentle, dancing with joy
Who can describe them, who sings where?
For more information:
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 Facebook: StBarbeBaker Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Facebook: South West OLRA
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!
Come, let us go and be glad again together
A lone heron flies over to its inland nest:
Or a dark line of ducks will come in across the marsh
And sail overhead to the wetlands of the west.
Yet we have known the light!—Was ever such an August?
Where nothing is, but all things seem,
But sweet shapes and beauty and delight
And we the shadows of the dream,
Now a little wind rises up for our returning;
Silver grows the East as the West grows grey;
Shadows on the waters, shaded are the meadows,
The firs on the hillside—naught so dark as they.
A youthful Elm its drooping boughs
In graceful beauty bent to earth,
As if to touch, with reverent love,
The kindly soil that gave it birth;—
All brightly clad in silvery green,
And scarlet berries gay to see,
We welcome next a constant friend,
The brilliant, cheerful Buffaloberry tree
Erect the pine stands in graceful strength;
Its spire points upward to the sky;
And nestled in its sheltering arms
The birds of heaven securely lie.
On time-worn boughs the moonbeam falls,
And silvers o’er the scots pine spire,
While silvery, russet and golden leaf
Repeat the heavenly fire.
How shall I greet thee, Autumn? with loud praise
Still all these ways and things are thine, and still
With sunset-visions of thy splendid gold
Now the same peace rests behind the hill
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
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!
“Has any one of us ever really seen a Tree? When we become aware of trees we may catch glimpses of them in moments of spiritual vision and, identifying ourselves with the trees, become conscious of the rising of the sap; the upward thrust of life; leaf burgeoning, their consciousness of the changing seasons; we may share their passionately boisterous exuberance of life in the height of a storm, and their tranquility when at rest; with them we will enjoy the glad murmur of the ripening seed clusters when after weeks of drought the steady warm rain brings relief to thirst; and we will know that these creatures, our elder brethern, are intimately related to us in their love and hunger for life. We may even catch their enthusiasm and aspire heavenwards while still rooted in our Mother Earth and in communion with our fellow men and, tree-wise, strive to make the Earth more fruitful again.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker
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.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 