community – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Empowerment Through Collaboration: Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist CNCYXE Challenge!

Join the Citizen Science Movement: Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist Challenge 2023 and Make a Difference!”

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure that involves teamwork, networking, uniting, and learning about the wonders of nature? If so, then mark your calendars for the second phase of the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2023 identification phase happening from May 2 to May 7, 2023. This is your chance to contribute to citizen science, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a meaningful impact on local biodiversity conservation efforts.

You might be wondering, “How can I make identifications on iNaturalist if I’m not an expert?” Well, fret not! iNaturalist has made it easy for anyone, regardless of their expertise level, to participate and contribute to this unique and exciting challenge. When you come across a plant, animal, or any other organism in nature, simply take a photo of it using the iNaturalist app, and upload it to the platform. From there, you can try to identify what you saw using the “What did you see?” feature, which provides a list of suggestions based on appearance and what is typically found in your location.

Even if you’re not entirely sure of the exact species or are new to species identification, you can narrow down your observation to a category from the appropriate biological kingdom, such as “insect” or “bird”. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned naturalist or biologist, as other users in the iNaturalist community will be able to view your observation and make suggestions. With two or more positive identifications, your observation will become “research grade,” which means it will be more respected and valued by the citizen science community.

What’s more, the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge is not just about individual observations, but also about teamwork and collaboration. As you participate in the identification phase, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from experts, and build a sense of community around your shared passion for nature. The challenge creates a collaborative environment where participants can support and learn from each other, share knowledge, and collectively work towards identifying as many species as possible during the challenge period.

By taking part in the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2023 identification phase, you are contributing to the understanding of local biodiversity and conservation efforts in your area. Your observations and identifications can help researchers and scientists better understand the distribution and abundance of different species, monitor changes in local ecosystems, and inform conservation strategies.

So, are you ready to be a part of this citizen science movement, unlock the power of teamwork, and make a positive impact on the environment? Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge from May 2 to May 7, 2023, and let’s come together to celebrate the wonders of nature, connect with our community, and contribute to scientific research. Your participation matters, and every observation and identification counts. Let’s make a difference together! Happy identifying!

YouTube Video on identifying

YouTube Video How to Use the iNaturalist identify page

Email if you would like to collaborate for a zoom meeting.

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

Unleash the Power of Teamwork and Nature Identification: Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure of exploring and identifying the natural wonders of Saskatoon and its surrounding areas? If you have a passion for nature, photography, and citizen science, then the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge (CNC YXE) is the perfect event for you! This year’s identification phase of the CNC YXE challenge is set to take place from May 2 to May 7, 2023, and it promises to be an exhilarating experience of teamwork, networking, and uniting as a community in the pursuit of nature identification.

The CNC ‘City Nature Challenge,’ CNCYXE2023

The Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE is a unique event that brings together nature enthusiasts, amateur naturalists, and professional scientists to collectively document the biodiversity of the region using the iNaturalist app. During the first phase of the challenge, participants are encouraged to go out and observe as many species as possible, capturing their findings through photographs and uploading them to the iNaturalist platform. This creates a massive citizen science project, generating valuable data that contributes to our understanding of local biodiversity and helps with conservation efforts.

Now, as we move on to the second phase of the challenge, it’s time to put our teamwork and identification skills into action! One of the key tasks for this phase is to clear the backlog of observations that have no identifications, commonly referred to as “unknowns.” This is where your expertise and enthusiasm can make a real difference.

Tony Rebelo, Researcher at the South African National Biodiversity Institute SANBI, IUCN Species Survival Commission, and University of Cape Town UCT Harold Pearson Chair of Botany, suggests a simple strategy for this identification phase. “Make IDs to ‘family level’ in plants,” he advises. “Animals are not an issue, as birds, reptiles, frogs, moths, bugs, butterflies, fish, spiders, etc. are all easy enough. And fungi are too difficult: just please use “Fungi including Lichens” and then the observer should be encouraged to try a crosspost to Facebook Saskatchewan Mycological Working Group. But for plants, please try and get the families. These should be easy for flowers such as Daisies, Peas, Stonecrops, Orchids (if only), grasses,and other iconic groups. Ferns and Mosses are OK ‘families’ as well. Rebelo mentions that if you don’t know the family or genus, then just skip it: Do NOT ID them as ‘Plants’ or ‘Dicots’ unless there is no chance that they will ever be identified.” There are some interesting online hints and tips clues here.

In addition to identifying plant families, there are several other tasks you can do to contribute to the success of the Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE. Keep an eye out for superb photographs, outstanding observations, and really cool stuff, and nominate them for the “Observation of the Month” project. If you come across planted or captive species, make sure to mark them as such. Be vigilant for duplicates and add a comment for duplicates to help streamline the observations. If you encounter observations with multiple species, add a comment to ask the observer to separate them into their own observations, and add an ID of “State of Matter: Life” if needed. Finding multiple species in one observation, and asking the observer to duplicate the image for another organism it for the other organism is a key to add more observations to the City Nature Challenge. Watch for holes in leaves, bumps or eggs on leaves, insects nestled in the centre of flower blossoms, which would indicate multiple species in one image which could be duplicated into more than one observation. Every plant, animal, insect, etc has to have their own webpage on iNaturalist. Lastly, keep an eye out for pictures of pet dogs, birds, fish or cats, and mark them as not wild.

By actively participating in these identification tasks, you can make a meaningful contribution to the Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE and help unlock the full potential of the citizen science data collected during the challenge. Your efforts will not only contribute to our understanding of local biodiversity but also help with conservation efforts and provide valuable data for researchers and scientists.

Beyond the scientific and conservation aspects, the Saskatoon and Area CNC YXE is also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from experts, and foster a sense of community. The teamwork involved in identifying species and clearing the backlog of unknown observations creates a collaborative environment where participants can learn from each other, share knowledge, and build lasting relationships.

So, are you ready to embark on this exciting adventure and unleash the power of teamwork and nature identification? Join the Saskatoon and Area iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2023 second phase – Identification- from May 2 to May 7, and be a part of this unique citizen science event. You know you want to! Whether you are a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, your participation can make a real difference in our understanding of local biodiversity and conservation efforts. Together, let’s celebrate the wonders of nature, connect with our community, and contribute to scientific research. Happy observing and identifying!

Let us know if you would like to meet over zoom to collaborate!

Gifts for You : Seasons Greetings

Share the gift of health and wellness this winter. Come celebrate winter in the forest! Appreciate this semi-wilderness habitat with species at risk, eBird hotspots for bird viewing, and an off leash recreation area. Have you come out to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or to the George Genereux Urban Regional Park yet? Join the growing community who appreciate these forest spaces. Directions

A 2023 calendar for you to download and print presenting both wildlife and wilderness habitats from Saskatoon’s hidden gems. In gratitude for everyone who became members, and gave donations, we were happy to be able to have calendars this year to showcase these natural heritage greenspaces. We have no more printed copies, so we would like to share the pdf with whomever would like a copy to download and experience the forests this way.

The 50 for 50 Legacy Activity Book is now online to view on ISSUU or download page by page! Thanks for all the amazing donations to make this book come online page by page. Enjoy the crossword puzzles, word searches, challenges, arts activities, and so much more.

There are also forest pamphlets and more activity pages.

Also in development is the smart phone self-guided digital wayfinding GPS app, the Prairie Forest Guide Interpretive Stories for the forest journey. The rich geological, historical, natural, and cultural heritage of the areas honours where we have been. Science, conservation, and hands on learning about the land, the environment and sustainability ensure our future.

50th anniversary of World Environment Day, 50th Birthday for Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon — Wildwoods of Saskatoon film now online, 50th Birthday for Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon

Legacy of Saskatoon’s Hidden Forest Now online; 50th anniversary celebartion Richard St. Barbe Baker Global Conservationist and Humanitarian receives Honourary Doctorate of Laws U of S

Connect the Afforestation Areas with Others

Can you spare a few hours on the weekend Oct 15 to Oct 16? This is after the Thanksgiving weekend. Hours can be chosen on Sat Oct 15 between 10a.m.–6p.m. and on Sunday Oct 16 Sun between 11a.m.–5p.m. Email friendsafforestation@gmail.com if you can come out to help let folks know about the afforestation areas! Make a difference. Support the information booth. This is a most important parts of Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Education.

For a park to be successful it must be where “be where life swirls” says Jane Jacobs.

October 15 Eventbrite

October 16 eventbrite

This will be sitting at a table indoors spreading the word through pamphlets and shared networking about the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Jane Jacobs warned us that “too much is expected of city parks. Far from transforming any essential quality in their surroundings, far from automatically uplifting their neighborhoods, neighborhood parks themselves are directly and drastically affected by the way the neighborhood acts upon them”

in the foreword to the Modern Library Edition of her The Death and Life of Great American Cities Jane Jacobs continues: At some point along the trail I realised I was engaged in studying the ecology of cities. (…) by city ecology I mean something different from, yet similar to, natural ecology as students of wilderness address the subject. A natural ecosystem is defined as “composed of physical-chemical-biological processes active within a space-time unit of any magnitude.”source

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

June 5 Tree Planting Ceremony University of Saskatchewan World Environment Day 50th Anniversary Celebration

Loving Winter Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in Saskatoon Another exploration opportunity exists at George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon

Questions For You! The time is NOW!

City of Saskatoon Public Engagement Survey on the Blaimore Sector Plan Amendment

The 132 hectare (326 acre) Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (within which is the South West Off Leash Recreation Area and the 60 hectare (148 acre) George Genereux Urban Regional Park might become part of the Blairmore Sector Plan. Find out what that means for these areas! What are the implications?

With your input into the questionnaire the afforestation areas could be added into the Blairmore Sector – hence the name Blairmore Sector Plan Amendment.

The City of Saskatoon has released the Blairmore Sector Plan Amendment with NEW boundaries containing four reports, two videos and a questionnaire survey online.

This City of Saskatoon webpage link will only by online until Friday July 8.

Included in the Natural Areas Screening reporting section is a Natural Area Screening report which gives a report- a real time snapshot in time- on the plants, the animals, as well as insects of woodlands and wetlands. There are photos, and information about what makes the natural area of the forest function, along with suggestions and recommendations from EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. who have a specialist team that focus on the living things around us and their habitat.

There is information about the background of sector plans looking at neighbourhoods and where 70,000 people can live in new areas of Saskatoon.

Also included is the Official Community Plan Sector Plan, The Blairmore Sector Plan, Southwest Sector Area Map, video presentation about the Blairmore Sector Plan Amendment Project and another video presentation about the Natural Area Screening Study.

In the engage section there is the opportunity for you to write out what you think about Blairmore Sector Plan Amendment. NOTE and REMEMBER This webpage link will only by online until Friday July 8, so the time is now to check it out!

NOTE: There is a short amount of time to engage and complete the online survey to provide concerns and suggestions to the City of Saskatoon Blairmore Sector Plan Amendment! The deadline is Friday July 8. Remember, this is your opportunity to make your voice count to add the afforestation areas to the Blairmore Sector Plan. When you take the time to provide feedback then there may be additional opportunities for another time to provide concerns and suggestions. The City of Saskatoon may consider the opportunity to continue the dialogue with the general public and make another public engagement offer after the summer.

What is your level of interest in two urban regional parks as the City of Saskatoon expands opening its doors to another 70,000 residents? What do you think about the expansion of the Blairmore Sector Plan? What is your level of interest in two semi-wilderness areas homes to species at risk? What do you think about Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park? Do you think that these two afforestation areas should be added to the Blaimore Sector? Do you like the recommendations? Do you have more suggestions? What do you see for opportunities and potential?

What is your level of interest as the deadline is Friday July 8?

SmartPhone nature Photo using the free iNaturalist app

YouTube

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!

Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities

“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

9 Powerful Tips To Help You on #givingtuesday

We are coming up on #GivingTuesday on November 30, 2021.

Donations help so much, by making a donation on Giving Tuesday the funds go towards the conservation of the afforestation area as trees are the largest and cheapest method of removing CO2 from the atmosphere mitigating climate change. Forests clean our air, our water, and regulate our climate. Forests help to manage and alleviate flooding.

Child running through the forest having a great time connecting with nature

American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica) — Child running through the forest having a great time connecting with nature

Your donation goes towards assisting the installation of interpretive signs and the creation of an afforestation area outdoor classroom for children across the City of Saskatoon.

Did you know? You can receive as much as 53% back through charity tax deductions. Receipts can be issued by the non-profit charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. does for your donation.

Connecting on #Giving Tuesday with a donation or by contacting Donate A Car Canada for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. helps to install wildlife friendly fence can be installed. This allows the deer fawns and moose calves to pass through without getting caught in the fence, or without being left behind.

“Think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.”
John Rockefeller

Your reach out for The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. when you donate on #GivingTuesday, or contact Donate A Care Canada goes towards the installation of a garbage receptacle to protect the semi- wilderness habitat without pollution in the environment. This installation will protect the natural areas at this amazing habitat.

YouTube Video

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to contact Donate A Car Canada or donate via Canada Helps and help habitat for bees and other pollinators which help keep our planet and our city green. They are facing habitat loss, and what a better place than the afforestation areas to protect their habitat where herbicides and pesticides are not in use.

Your donation also helps provide the means for classrooms of children, or youth groups to come out to the afforestation areas by bus for inquiry-learning on-site in these naturalized afforestation areas.

I absolutely believe in the power of tithing. My own experience is that the more I give away, the more that comes back. That is the way life works
Ken Blanchard

What about the contribution your donation makes towards installation of a metal park identification sign and mitigate illegal motorized vehicle trespass and illegal trash dumping.

Your contribution helps to create and maintain a GPS place-based learning Prairie Forest app to take the afforestation areas online, and share the community stories of legends, and memories.

Reaching out to Donate A Car Canada or by making a donation for #GivingTuesday in support of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. does help to provide groups of volunteers with gloves and trash bags to conduct clean ups. Community volunteer clean ups go a long way to protect the woodlands, grasslands and wetlands.

A gift like these make a real difference. Make an impact with your gift, and help make the world a better place.

YouTube

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal 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!

Donations can be made through Canada Helps or Contact Donate A Car Canada for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities

““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

“Life’s persistent and most urgent question is “What are you doing for others?””
Martin Luther King Jr.

Starting Over from great comments

We had some fantastic comments and input from our first input to the introduction of Our Forest Returns Saskatoon! We didn’t start from the beginning, that’s for sure. We started over on our YouTube video, indeed.

There is illegal trash dumping, and illegal trespass going on, so the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc is an environmental charity seeking environmental protections in the form of motorized vehicle barriers and park identification signs to alleviate problems, and preserve the environment as first steps. This concept was developed at a community meeting held at City Hall with input from a varied segment of the people who live in the area, users of the afforestation areas and many stakeholders came out. See the minutes which provided the initial direction and were recorded by Trish from the Montgomery Place community which are online!

We appreciate all the input, and if you can nominate our charity for the GoreGiving campaign on social media ie. facebook or twitter, it would help so much, indeed!

@GoreMutual #GoreMutual . Thank you for your wonderful @GivingTuesdayCa campaign to give $5,000 to nominated charities. I nominate @FriendsAreas Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas for their dedication to 2 amazing urban regional parks, education & awareness programs

I nominate the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas @FriendsAreas for the @GoreMutual Giveaway. The Friends take action on climate change, protect trees, forests, wetlands & species at risk & promote a social distancing healthy active lifestyle connecting with nature! #GoreMutual #GivingTuesday #OurForestReturns

Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park on October 3

Bicyclists in forest. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Areas has a Winter Trail Network

Small Yellow Lady's Slipper - Cypripedium parviflorum Courtesy Judy Gallagher cc2-0

GivingTuesday #OurForestReturns #SaskatoonWildForestAngels

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

DRAFT 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

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

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

“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.

Clean up Thank You!

We wish to give a heartfelt round of thank you to everyone, and all those from around Saskatoon who cleaned up the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [west side] and all those people who helped with the clean up at George Genereux Urban Regional Park on Saturday October 3. An amazing job was done at both urban regional parks in the City of Saskatoon making them a great deal safer and much more enjoyable as we admire the amazing autumn colours of the forest. This is indeed a city we can be proud of! Clean ups are instantaneous ways of creating a visible and tangible difference in the protection of our city’s environment.

The first Monday of October, Monday October 5 is World Habitat Day, and truly, what an amazing difference to the habitat of the semi-wilderness areas out at George Genereux Urban Regional park and at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area! Thank you kindly again for everyone who came out!

Thanks kindly to Shell Station at 11th Street and Dawes Avenue, Petro Canada on 11th Street and Witney Avenue, Boston Pizza Blairmore, Poor Boys Gas and Food Bar 11th Street and Sk Hwy 7 and Canadian Tire Confederation. These corporations indeed helped with the clean up of October 3, 2020 at George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Additionally the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., City of Saskatoon, Meewasin Valley Authority, Fatlanders Fatbike Brigade Inc. , residents from the City of Saskatoon all showed up alongside a journalist who all took part in the clean up occurring on October 3, 2020.

Please be aware that the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux have some magnificent and beautiful elm trees. Please follow guidelines for pruning, and please dispose of any elm leaves and branches in bags for the landfill. Thanks very much

Facebook Fundraiser. STOP Dutch Elm Disease pandemic from entering the afforestation areas! Help protect this City of Saskatoon Urban Regional Park!

There would be very little point in my exhausting myself and other conservationist themselves in trying to protect animals and habitats if we weren’t at the same time raising young people to be better stewards.
~ Jane Goodall

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

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 / 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

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.

“Our work seeks to focus attention on the necessity of developing security for the global village, meeting its need for clean air, water, food and a healthy habitat, as well as fostering clarity of vision on cooperation and development.”
— Rosalie Bertell

All of us share the environment

All is Ours Day April 8

From the nēhiyawak – Cree people the word, Wahkohtowin means “everything is related.” Wahkohtowin connotes interconnectedness, so circles are used as symbols to represent the way in which every element of a system is part of the whole. Today as you celebrate All is Ours Day, consider the spirit of Wahkohtowin which denotes the interconnected nature of relationships, communities, and natural systems.

“Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.” — Sylvia Earle

The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) May 25, 2019

Branta canadensis Canada Goose

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Forest

“All things share the same breath — the beast, the tree, the man. The air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.” — Chief Seattle

“The COVID-19 threat has shown that governments can act swiftly and resolutely in a crisis, and that people are ready to change their behavior for the good of humanity. The world must now urgently adopt the same approach to the existential challenge of climate change” reports Mary Robinson and Daya Reddy.

On Wednesday April 8, there are two weeks before the Earth Day celebration! This year’s Earth Day 2020 theme is Climate Action, which will be explored during Earth Month. Today why not start an energy diary. When and where did you use energy? Don’t forget the hidden energy forms you use without thinking about it. Did you talk on the phone? Watch T.V.? Play a video game? Sit in a heated house? Eat food from a fridge or freezer? Did you need to use any lighting? Warm up food on a stove, or in an oven? Did you dress in clothing washed in a washing machine and dried in a dryer? What about a computer, how much screen time did you use? What about hot water – perhaps you needed a hot shower when you awoke? Did you use carbon fuels like gas, natural gas, or oil? Did you use electricity? Does your city electrical power plant burn coal to produce electricity? Is your residence fitted for solar or wind electrical power generation? Are you a climate activist? Have you turned to renewable sources of energy if you or your family own a home? Have you phoned or emailed your landlord about renewable sources of energy on the place you rent?

The COVID-19 protocols have indeed improved air pollution as the world population stays home, and the economy slows down. This shows, that the collective action taken can make a difference!

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:

Canada Helps

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

Instagram: St.BarbeBaker

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

You Tube Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

You Tube George Genereux Urban Regional Park

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

Canada Helps

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” — Native American Proverb

“The environment is where we all meet; where all of us have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” — Lady Bird Johnson

What is a Friends Group?

Autumn picture of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas supported by the non profit group Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. Please join now, like, support, share.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. was formed as a non-profit incorporation in the same manner as other Saskatoon non-profit groups which support and advocate for their benefactor, respectively.

Friends of the Library is “a fundraising and advocacy group for Saskatoon Public Library”. It is known that “Libraries need Friends – it’s just that simple. In fact,… many public libraries were established through the efforts of community members who understood the value of libraries to their communities and also understood that libraries needed community support to survive”

Friends of the Forestry Farm House has a “mandate to increase awareness of the history of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo by:a) preserving the Superintendent’s Residence and b) encouraging interpretation of the site.”

Friends of the Bowl Foundation is “about modernizing Saskatoon Minor Football Field allowed us to enhance the visitor and user experience by adding offices, change rooms, meeting spaces, and event and entertainment facilities.” The Friends is “about rising to every challenge and tackling obstacles head on, because we know that adversity builds character.”

So the question is, if libraries, heritage sites, and sports complexes need “friends” why not forests? Do not forests and trees need “friends” to raise money and support them? Do not forests and trees need “friends” to raise money and support them, especially when they are absolutely so beautiful to wander through in all the seasons of the year?

The afforestation areas are prime historical, natural and geological heritage sites. Two afforestation areas have survived since 1972 tree planting as a Saskatoon parks department tree nursery, a heritage testament to Saskatoon as a “Green Survival” City. The site’s dramatic and diverse landscape topography dominated by natural features, particularly swales and wetlands, and diverse varieties of mature trees, shrubs, plants and ponds that achieve a pastoral appearance; – the landscape of approximately 660 acres in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and additional 160 acres at George Genereux Urban Regional Park are laid out in a park-like manner with planning in the “picturesque” style, design, with the placement and juxtaposition of afforested and natural features that combine to create panoramic perspectives that include mature trees, shrubs.

The afforestation areas feature the preservation of the original indigenous aspen groves and tracts of undisturbed and uncultivated moist mixed grass prairie vegetation throughout the framework of the park. The natural and original setting in the South Saskatchewan River watershed, part of the Moist Mixed Grasslands near Saskatoon that contain Cottonwood, Aspen Grove and Mixed woodland forests, numerous springs, wetlands, and marshes, etc.

The natural green corridor which provides habitats to a variety of indigenous plants, trees and fauna intermixed with drought resistant specimens of exotic species of trees advised under the leading authority of the foremost PFRA of the time. The afforestation areas are compliant with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change featuring closed forest formations of various storeys and undergrowth and are conforming to the forest concept under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity featuring a complex, continuous, mature forest system of trees, animals and humans. The afforestation areas act as natural carbon sinks, maintains biodiversity, provides flood control, creates breathable air, carbon storage, healthy maintenance of soils, water purifications, micro- and macro-climate control, and nutrient cycling.

The forests are valued at over Thirty Nine Billion Dollars and act as carbon sinks. They are named after Richard St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E., L.L.D. and George Genereux who are two outstanding Saskatoon personages. Additionally, the wetlands namesake, Chappell Marsh commemorates Canadian National Railway General Superintendent Saskatchewan district Benjamin Thomas Chappell who was honoured as Chief Iron Horse, during a sacred ceremonial function by eight Cree chiefs.

How can you help? Become a member at only $20/year, make a donation, volunteer to help out or serve on the board of directors. Donations and membership can be made through Paypal or Etransfer using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com Thank you kindly.

Just as “Friends” support libraries for instance, it is wonderful to acknowledge the efforts of community members who understand the value of forests to their communities and also understand that forests need community support to survive.

If you value your time spent wandering through the woods, consider becoming a member, at $20/year it is less than a movie for one night, and you know you are contributing to saving the forest for many, many days of forest outings throughout the year!

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

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!

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: ^***

“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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All is Ours Day April 8

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