Tag: City planning

Exploring the Future of Saskatoon’s Green Spaces: CALL TO ACTION

Exploring the Future of Saskatoon’s Green Spaces: A Look at the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

The upcoming meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services on May 7, 2024, promises to be a pivotal moment for Saskatoon’s natural areas. At the forefront of the agenda is Item 7.2.1, focusing on the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – Natural Area Management and Conceptual Master Plans [CC2023-0406]. This meeting follows up on the earlier Natural Capital Asset Valuation pilot project report, and update shedding light on the city’s commitment to sustainable management of its green infrastructure.

A Call for Action: The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and Swale Watchers invite stakeholders and citizens to participate in the discussion by submitting their comments and feedback on the proposed Natural Area Management and Conceptual Master Plans by WSP Management and the City of Saskatoon. To get your opinions into the agenda, the deadline for submissions is set for 5:00 pm on Monday, May 6, 2024. This inclusive approach by the City of Saskatoon highlights the city’s dedication to engaging with its residents in matters concerning the preservation and enhancement of natural spaces.

A Stepping Stone for Sustainability: The Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area hold significant importance as they serve as a stepping stone for the implementation of the City of Saskatoon’s YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy. These areas play a crucial role in testing and refining management practices that align with the city’s sustainability goals. The success of the management plans for these sites will pave the way for similar initiatives in other green spaces across Saskatoon.

Interdepartmental Collaboration: A notable aspect of the proposed plans is the involvement of various departments within the City of Saskatoon complex. While the Sustainability Department spearheads the YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy, collaboration from other departments underscores the holistic approach towards natural area management. This integrated effort ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to comprehensive and effective solutions.

Expanding Horizons: If the management plans for the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area prove successful, the City of Saskatoon aims to broaden its horizons to encompass other green spaces within the city. George Genereux Urban Regional Park, already included in the inventory of the YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy, stands to benefit from similar initiatives aimed at enhancing its ecological value, restoration protecting species of concern, while balancing recreational opportunities.

Conclusion: As Saskatoon continues its journey towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, the upcoming meeting presents a crucial opportunity to shape the future of its natural areas. By actively participating in the discussion and providing feedback on the proposed management plans, citizens can contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Saskatoon’s green spaces for generations to come.

The Urban forest and climate change
The Urban forest and ecological succession
Rime Ice at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. NE 21-36-6 W 3 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 NE 21-36-6
Wildlife in Forest
Wildlife in Forest
Wildlife Montage. Red Winged Blackbird, White Tailed Deer Fawn, Garter Snake, JackRabbit, Mallard Ducklings, Black Crowned Night Heron
Wildlife Montage. Red Winged Blackbird, White Tailed Deer Fawn, Garter Snake, JackRabbit, Mallard Ducklings, Black Crowned Night Heron
St Barbe Presentation Introducing Richard St. Barbe Baker, OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF At the 40th Anniversary of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Presented by Paul Hanley and Robert White, personal friends of St Barbe On National Tree Day: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 6:00 pm National Forest Week September 23 to 29, 2018 2018 #NationalForestWeek Meet at the SW OLRA parking lot coordinates {latitude and longitude} 52.1004657,-106.7539449 (map) Both Robert White, and Paul Hanley were personal friends of Richard St. Barbe Baker, and will introduce Richard St. Barbe Baker at this event on Wednesday September 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Paul Hanley, environment awareness promoter, activist, free lance writer, speaker, and author will introduce his new book, Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist “Includes a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and an introduction by Jane Goodall" National Forest Week is a celebration of forests and our environmental resources in Canada. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area provides an opportunity for those in Saskatoon and area to discover out Saskatoon forests, and to appreciate Richard St. Barbe Baker, a silviculturist of international fame. Come participate in this event, and help to spread the word about this valuable habitat, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, located in the City of Saskatoon. Learn more about the namesake of this semi-wilderness wildlife habitat, the founder of the International Tree Foundation, Mr. Richard St. Barbe Baker.

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.comFacebook 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 )

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Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

““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

Guardians of the Flow

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

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), wetlands mammal enjoys the emergent vegetation around Chappell Marsh such as cattails
Permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
West Swale Wetlands (Chappel Marsh) Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA
Mallard Ducks Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

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

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

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

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

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

Arne Næss

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

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

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′

Addresses:

Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A

Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A

S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A

NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063

Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook 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

““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

Borrowed from your children

A Stroll in Safety: Afforestation Areas Embrace Jane Jacobs’ Vision. At the afforestation areas there are now vehicle restriction barriers at the Afforestation Area formerly named George Genereux Urban Regional Park, and at the entrance to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.  There are now signs telling men, women and children that they are now entering the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, or entering the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
“Trees, forests, and other forms of life – you have not inherited them from your forefathers, you have borrowed them from your children yet to be born. Their preservation, their enrichment, is the solemn responsibility you bear.” ― Native American teachings
What happened as a result of signs and vehicle restriction barriers at the South West Off Leash Recreation Area, and at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park? What was the result of signs and vehicle restriction barricades?  Illegal trespass has declined to nil.  Illegal activity [i.e. trash in the park] has declined to nil. Woo Hoo!!!!!!!  The greenspaces are now safe. These portions of the afforestation areas are most definitely showing the progress in tune with the philosophy of Jane Jacobs ~ activist best known for her influence on urban studies [city planning] which introduced sociological concepts such as “eyes on the street”.  Nature enthusiasts, dog walkers, bicyclists, photographers are coming out to these areas …. and …. really enjoying it.  There is safety!  This is wonderful progress!
Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) marks a global celebration, serving as a pivotal moment in the women’s rights movement. IWD directs attention to critical issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and the prevention of violence and abuse against women.
Progress Unveiled: Afforestation Areas Now Safe and Sound
“A city street equipped to handle strangers, and to make a safety asset, in itself, our of the presence of strangers, as the streets of successful city neighborhoods always do, must have three main qualities: First, there must be a clear demarcation between what is public space and what is private space. Public and private spaces cannot ooze into each other as they do typically in suburban settings or in projects. Second, there must be eyes upon the street, eyes belonging to those we might call the natural proprietors of the street. The buildings on a street equipped to handle strangers and to insure the safety of both residents and strangers, must be oriented to the street. They cannot turn their backs or blank sides on it and leave it blind. And third, the sidewalk must have users on it fairly continuously, both to add to the number of effective eyes on the street and to induce the people in buildings along the street to watch the sidewalks in sufficient numbers. Nobody enjoys sitting on a stoop or looking out a window at an empty street. Almost nobody does such a thing. Large numbers of people entertain themselves, off and on, by watching street activity.” ― Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Have you walked the afforestation areas?  Have you really walked these urban regional park to be able to discover and respond to the complexities which exist through observation?  Who has walked George Genereux Urban Regional Park? Jane Jacobs’ Dream: Eyes on the Street, Safety on the Sidewalk How can the Afforestation areas be a “walkable safe location for all to enjoy”?  And today, International Women’s Day (IWD), would women feel comfortable walking in the city, in all urban regional parks, and in the afforestation areas? Walk the walk AND Talk the talk Very wonderfully, full city addresses have been enabled for all city parks, and for the afforestation areas.  An address very wonderfully aids in the safety process in cities, as addresses enable a call for help to friends or family and to emergency support. The visitors include men, women and children.
The world’s forests are a shared stolen treasure that we must put back for our children’s future.

Desmond Tutu

Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982)
Cross Country Skiing in the Forest – a health benefit of Green Infrastructure and WinterCity YXE
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”― Jane Jacobs
The question is asked again, would you, lady, gentleman or child, feel safe today, International Women’s Day (IWD) or any day in the City of Saskatoon, in its urban regional parks, in the Afforestation Areas and in your city? It is hoped that the answer to this question is a resounding “yes!”, if not why not?  What can you do? Observe, Experience, Do Something. In honour of ~  International Women’s Day (IWD)~ perhaps a statue should be erected in the City of Saskatoon afforestation areas. Why?
“I believe with Ruskin, that I must be just to the Earth beneath my feet, to the neighbour by my side and to the Light that comes from above and within that this wonderful world of ours may be a little more beautiful and happy from my having lived in it. “Richard St. Barbe Baker.
For more information: 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.comFacebook 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
““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

Zoning Notice

 

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area includes the south parts of section 22 and 23 township 36 range 6 west of the third meridian, and the Zoning Notice on page A4 mentions that the 310.4 acres of land on SW 22 36 6 W3 and SE 22 36 6 W3 are being changed from DAG1 to AG, “applied to lands used for the provision of public utilities.”

Check page “A4” of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix dated Monday April 15, 2019 and also check page “A10” of Saturday April 13, 2019.  See also Official Community Plan Notice

DAG1 means that the land is currently designated under the Corman Park – Saskatoon Planning District Zoning Bylaw.  Section 22 are those lands which basically are west of the Chappell Marsh wetlands, and section 23 to the east.  By altering the zoning to AG, it will infer that the entirety of the Richard St. Barbe Baker becomes AG (section 23, is already classified as AG, and was annexed Aug 2, 1963, and is currently totally within the City Planning district. City of Saskatoon Expansion of City Limits Map

The George Genereux Urban Regional Park 147.9 acre greenspace is located at NE quarter section 21 township 36 range 6 west of the third meridian, and has a civic address of 133 Range Road 3063.

This self same parcel of land so described above is being changed from the current interim zoning description DAG1 which means land designed without adequate services as shared with the RM of Corman Park 344 planning in conjunction with the City of Saskatoon planning.  The change will be from DAG1 to FUD – Future Urban Development for the community services department, planning and development.     “The FUD District is intended to apply land use controls and provide interim land uses and regulations until urban development occurs.”  This parcel of land was totally annexed into the City of Saskatoon boundaries on Sept 1, 2015, though remained in DAG1 (the Corman Park – Saskatoon Planning District Zoning Bylaw).

The question arises, why the George Genereux Urban Regional Park  is not being classified the same as the other neighbouring afforestation area named Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, which is classified as AG or agricultural district.  AG refers to “lands used for the provision of public utilities” and both afforestation areas, were classified as urban regional parks during the naming by city council in 1979.

Both George Genereux Urban Regional Park and  Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area are home to the Sask Energy Transmission line from the Queen Elizabeth Power Station to sites north and west of the QE.  Similarly both afforestation areas are home to the Trans Gas  natural gas lines, so it is an anomaly that they are being classified differently for the Building Standards city department when they are removed from the ” Corman Park – Saskatoon Planning District Zoning Bylaw” and plunked directly into the “Saskatoon city zoning bylaw” (not shared).

And the other question is why are they being classified as AG or agricultural district, and not as park space or naturalized area?

Please phone Paula Kotasek-Toth for further information.  City council will hear all submissions on the proposed amendment April 29, 2019 at 6:00 pm in City Council Chamber, Saskatoon, SK.  Please send a written submission before this date to

His Worship the Mayor and Members of City Council

C/O City Clerk’s Office, City Hall

222 Third Avenue North

Saskatoon, SK

S7K 0J5

Thank you.

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

You Tube Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

You Tube George Genereux Urban Regional Park

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!

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1./ Learn.

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“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.


“Be gentle – gentle – gentle with the tree,….Put your hands like this to bless it…I want you to feel your love going out from your fingertips to the …[tree], and, you know, this will help it grow, make it happy…We love to be blessed don’t we? And the trees love to be blessed. ..” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker

 

 

 

 

Afforestation Heritage

Saskatchewan Heritage defines Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as that which “encompasses the underlying fabric of our lives — stories, skills, traditions, ways of doing things, ways of speaking, and ways of interacting with each other and the environment.”Source “Living Heritage are those values, beliefs, and ways of living we inherited from past generations that we still use to understand the present and make choices for the future.” Heritage Saskatchewan The City of Saskatoon has a true and rich heritage as can be seen in the Planning process of 1960. The conventional wisdom shown by Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, A. L. Ligtemoet, Assistant Parks Superintendent City Planner Bill Graham certainly honours the time-honoured tradition and legacy set by the great foresters who stood before them, Richard St. Barbe Baker and John Evelyn.

What is happening at the afforestation areas to safeguard the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker and nurture the concept of Living Heritage?

How can you become involved in curating the Living Heritage of the afforestation areas in the southwest sectors of Saskatoon?

How can you create opportunities in your organisation or your class to relate the stores of the afforestation areas in Saskatoon and Richard St. Barbe Baker?

How do the afforestation areas in Saskatoon, these semi-wilderness urban forests, impact your personal cultural identity, and the concept of Saskatoon’s urban regional parks?

A story from Richard St. Barbe Baker’s international organisation Men of the Trees journal “Trees”; We have saved for posterity many trees and woodlands, besides influencing large-scale re-afforestation both at home and over-sees. But for our aid, the finest Redwood groves of California would have fallen to the axe.

John Evelyn, FRS (31 October 1620 – 27 February 1706) was an English writer, horticulturist, vegetarian, gardener and diarist.
John Evelyn, FRS (31 October 1620 – 27 February 1706) was an English writer, horticulturist, vegetarian, gardener and diarist.

We would like to think that the Spirit of John Evelyn lives on in the Men of the Trees of today and through our TREE – PLANTING FUND we are endeavouing to help to restore our tree cover. With the co-operation of affiliated nurserymen, throughout the country trees are being raised each year for planting during Arbour Week, November 4th-10th and onwards.
It is not sufficiently realized that many of todays major problems are directly due to ignorance of the importance of trees. Millions of acres of rich farmland are now deserts as a result of the wholesale destruction of trees and forests. The Sahara of Africa, the dustbowls of America and Austraila, and erosion in New Zealand are tragic evidence of the results of this ignorance.

It is a race between education and catastrophe. …With Ruskin they belive that: “God has lend us the earth for our life. It is a great entail. It belongs as much to those who are to come after us as to us and we have no right, by anything we do or neglect, to involve them in any unnecessary penalties, or deprive them of the benefit which was in our power to bequeath.” University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71.

John Evelyn, FRS (31 October 1620 – 27 February 1706) was an English writer, horticulturist, vegetarian, gardener and diarist. Evelyn wrote a treatise named Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees , even as early as 1664, Evelyn was aware of the need that a growing army required trees, economy and forestry went hand in hand. This book, Sylva, served as the foremost text on forestry, and even in contemporary times, is still being re-printed.

Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees 1664
Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees 1664

The introduction, written by John Nisbet states; “It is unnecessary to say much about this charming classic of Forestry, of whose various excellences the reader can herein judge for himself. Gracefully written in nervous English and in a cultured style, ornately embellished according to the then prevailing custom by apt quotations from the Latin poets, it contains an enormous amount of information in the shape of legends and of facts ascertained by travel, of observation, and of experience. No man of his time could possibly have been better qualified than Evelyn for undertaking the special duty laid upon him; and he carried out his task in a brilliant manner. Sylva soon ran into several editions. …The publication of Sylva gave an enormous stimulus to planting in Britain, the benefits from which were subsequently reaped at the end of the XVIII and the beginning of the XIX century…Apart from the planting done in the royal woods and forests, details of Evelyn’s diary shew that he was frequently called upon to give advice with regard to laying out private plantations,—as well as of ornamental gardens, on which subject he was also considered one of the leading authorities of the time.”

As the international organisation “Men of the Trees” created by Richard St. Barbe Baker, treasured the treatise, Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees and walked in the footsteps of Richard St. Barbe Baker and John Evelyn. So, should the current generation learn from our past generations, and follow in the footsteps of these two foresters. Similarly, the role of the City of Saskatoon parks department, planting the 660 acres of afforestation areas in 1972 and preserving them in perpetuity, is truly a part of the City of Saskatoon’s rich heritage.

A green belt for the city starts with Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, who walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty. Together with City Planner Bill Graham they worked on parkways and planted trees for the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway at these sites. 1972, A. L. Ligtemoet, Assistant Parks Superintendent sets before council that these first 660 acres of afforestation areas be kept in perpetuity. The city pioneer’s Wellman, Graham, and Ligtemoet surely did, indeed follow in the footsteps of the conventional wisdom set down as building blocks in the forestry profession by Baker and Evelyn.

“Safeguarding our Living Heritage is accomplished through documentation, celebration, transmission of knowledge and skills, and adopting sustainable practices and processes…It sounded the trumpet of alarm to the nation on the condition of their woods and forests.’”Heritage Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Heritage week February 20-24 2017
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52° 06′ 106° 45′

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 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

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 /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!

QR Code FOR PAYPAL DONATIONS to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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Payment Options
Membership : $20.00 CAD – year
Membership with donation : $20.00 CAD – monthly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

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You Tube Video Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

You Tube Video Richard St Barbe Baker presented by Paul Hanley

You Tube Video Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale wetlands

You Tube Video Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – Saskatoon’s best kept secret.

 

 

Our task must be to free ourselves … by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.~Albert Einstein

“This generation may either be the last to exist in any semblance of a civilised world or that it will be the first to have the vision, the bearing and the greatness to say, ‘I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life, I will play no part in this devastation of the land, I am determined to live and work for peaceful construction for I am morally responsible for the world of today and the generations of tomorrow.’” ~ Richard St Barbe Baker