The Old Bone Trail: Remembering The Legacy Of The Métis
The Old Bone Trail, a historic route that was once used by Métis people to transport bison bones from the Saskatoon area to the railway yards, is being highlighted for its role in preserving the memory and legacy of the Métis in Canada. The trail, which is still in use today, is part of the friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. initiative, which seeks to bring awareness to the Indigenous and Métis history of the land.
The Métis first used the Old Bone Trail in the late 1800s to transport bison bones from the area to the railway yards. The bones were used for fertilizer, and the Métis were able to make a living from their work. The trail was an important part of the Métis’ economy and is still remembered today.
The Friends are now working to preserve the memory of the Old Bone Trail and the Métis who used it. They have created a digital wayfinding app that includes virtual markers that highlight the Indigenous and Métis history of the land. This app allows users to access information about the trail and its importance to the Métis people.
The Old Bone Trail is a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Métis people, who were able to make a living from their hard work and ingenuity. The Friends is working to ensure that the history of the Old Bone Trail and the Métis are not forgotten, and that the legacy of the Métis is preserved for future generations.
The Old Bone Trail is an important part of the Indigenous and Métis history of the land, and the Friends are working to ensure that it remains part of the landscape. Through their work, they are preserving the memory of the Métis and their contribution to the local economy. By using the digital wayfinding app, users can access information about the trail and its importance to the Métis people. The Old Bone Trail is an important part of the local history and it is important that it is remembered and preserved.
We’re looking for a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer – Editor to work with us to help protect these areas, which are laboratories in ecological succession and habitats for federally and provincially listed species at risk. As a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer – Editor, you’ll have the opportunity to help us communicate these important messages to a wider audience and ensure that these areas are protected for generations to come. Help to edit existing stories and write new ones exploring cultural richness of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park.
Hoar Frost and Rime Ice covering the trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon , SK , in the bright morning sunlight
Contract term position stage one; Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer
Are you an experienced writer and editor with a deep knowledge of Indigenous and Métis history? Do you have the passion and skill to create high-quality interpretive stories that bring the past to life? If so, then we are looking for you!
We are an organization working on a project to create a digital wayfinding app for afforestation areas. We are seeking an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer to help us develop and review existing virtual markers that will bring to life the Indigenous and Métis history of the land.
As a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer, you will be responsible for researching and creating stories that accurately reflect the history of the land. You will be expected to use your writing and editing skills to ensure that the stories are well written and factually accurate. You will also be responsible for fact-checking the new and existing stories to ensure accuracy.
Experience with Indigenous and Métis history is essential for this position. We are looking for someone who is passionate about telling stories that bring the past to life and who can create stories that accurately reflect the history of the land.
In addition to your writing and editing skills, we are looking for someone who is a team player and who can work with other members of the project team to ensure that the stories are accurate and engaging.
If you feel you have the skills and passion to help us bring the past to life, then we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a writing sample to us today friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
A Unique Opportunity for a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer / Editor
Do you have a passion for protecting and celebrating our planet’s unique cultural and environmental heritage? Are you interested in learning about and honoring the United Nations Decade on Indigenous Languages? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
We are looking for a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer to join our team. You will be working with us to protect and preserve naturalized areas and their habitats for federally and provincially listed species at risk. You will also be using Traditional Ecological Knowledge to help protect these important areas, which are laboratories in ecological succession.
As a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer, you will be responsible for reviewing researched written articles about the importance of preserving our cultural and environmental heritage. You will be expected to work closely with our team to ensure all information is accurate, highly informative, and engaging. You will also be responsible for producing information that is culturally relevant and respectful of Indigenous languages.
In addition to researching and writing, you will also be expected to participate in field trips and other events to learn more about the natural history of the areas we are trying to protect. You will also be responsible for promoting our cause through your writing and engaging with the public through social media platforms.
We are looking for someone with a strong passion for protecting the environment and a strong understanding of traditional ecological knowledge. You should have excellent writing, editing, reviewing and research skills, and be able to write in a clear, concise, and engaging style. You should also have experience communicating cultural heritage to promote environmental protection leadership.
If you are interested in joining our team and helping us to protect and celebrate our planet’s unique cultural and environmental heritage, please send your resume and writing samples to friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Angulate And Round Shouldered Spider Genus Araneus
Seeking an Editor for Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App
Are you passionate about the Canadian Prairies and their unique cultural and environmental heritage? Do you have a degree in education, as well as hands-on success and experience in outdoor and environmental education learning experiences? If so, then you may be the perfect fit for the position of Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App editor.
The Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App is an innovative educational tool that seeks to promote reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous persons. It focuses on the social and natural aspects of the prairies and allows users to explore and learn about the unique culture and environment of the area.
As the App editor, you will be responsible for ensuring the content of the App is accurate and up-to-date. You will work with a team of designers, developers, and content specialists to create an engaging and informative experience for users. Additionally, you will be responsible for editing existing App stories, and including additional relevant content which is missing.
The ideal candidate for this position should have a degree in education or a related field and experience in outdoor and environmental education learning experiences. You should be comfortable working in a team environment and have an eye for detail. Additionally, you should be passionate about the Canadian Prairies and the unique cultural and environmental heritage of the two Saskatoon Afforestation Areas namely Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park.
If you are interested in this position and think you have the qualifications and experience necessary, we look forward to hearing from you. Please submit your application and any supporting documents to the Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App team at friendsafforestation@gmail.com.
Hairy Woodpecker male (note the red) (Picoides villosus)
The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. wish to thank our donors for their donations through Canada Helps and Paypal Giving. Thanks to you contributions, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas can offer place based educational learning trips to the afforestation areas helping to sponsor portable toilet rentals or offset bus trip fees to nature immersion classes. Because of you, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas can protect the wildlife habitats, the flora and fauna from illegal trespass and illegal dumping as your contribution goes towards trash bags for clean ups, wildlife friendly fencing and the tagging of the fencing.
Your generosity supports the greenspaces of the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park.
Your amazing contribution is a testament to the difference between a parking lot and a greenspace park, a semi-wilderness habitat, indeed. Because of you, it will be possible to support these greenspaces, and protect them for this generation and the next.
If you live in Saskatoon and area- thanks for calling for your recycling pick up. We will sort the bottles and stand in line. Your contribution goes a long way in environmental protections.
Order your copy of Living Legacy activity book and support the semi-wilderness environment and conservation of the flora and fauna. Take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land, UN SDG 14 Life Below Water and UN SDG 13 Climate Action as afforestation areas are nature based solutions for climate action. Supporting2022-2032 International Decade of Indigenous Languages and the 2021 to 2030 United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2021–2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Thank you kindlyFlowers and Butterflies abstract artwork in appreciation of supporters at the 2016 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CARoses in appreciation of supporters and sponsors of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park Saskatoon, SK, CAThanks so muchHappy Girl
Linking communities, and nations to encourage sustainability.
A film to disseminate the narratives of tree planting, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Life On Land, and the imperative of forests worldwide.
Join the celebration at the Remai Modern Friday July 22 at 7:00 pm CST as the local community comes forward to value cultural heritage, heritage education, and new ways of exploring conservation collaboration.
What is intangible heritage? Experience the richness of Richard St. Barbe Baker as the film commemorates the centenary of the International Tree Foundation founded by this global conservationist on July 22, 1922.
It is the heritage of our city, and the heritage of the world. Bringing together memories and celebrating our story. It’s capturing the lost and forgotten and celebrating the significance of nature based solutions to climate change as foreseen by Richard St. Barbe Baker, a visionary ahead of his time.
Hear from International Speakers and the story they tell of our local champion.
Presented here are the ways in which the Saskatoon Afforestation areas and the Legacy of Saskatoon’s Secret Forest package supports the UN SDGs.
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Our goal is to aim towards UN SDG 2 -Zero Hunger- when the time is right and if approved. Richard St. Barbe Baker promoted the concept of agro-forestry in Kenya, Africa before the concept or word was invented in contemporary times. In this way Baker supported the health and survival of the Kikuyu. In a similar vein, there may possibly and perchance be a future opportunity to do restoration work in the afforestation areas in support of agroforestry endeavours, pollinator gardens, and food forests.
Contributing to UN SDG 3 -Good Health and Well-being- currently the Legacy of Saskatoon’s Secret Forest package follows Richard St. Barbe Baker’s International Tree Foundation mission ‘to develop a tree sense in every citizen, and to encourage all to plant, protect and love their native trees.” By protecting trees, there is protection of the 132 hectares [326 acre] Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in Saskatoon, and the 60 hectare [148 acre] George Genereux Urban Regional Park for health and wellness as people come out to an urban greenspace to reap the benefits of cycling, walking in nature which has multiple health benefits as extolled by the Canadian PaRx program, shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”)
UN SDG 4 -Quality Education -is supported by an educational package in pdf format available for free download for the general public, teachers, classrooms worldwide to experience place based learning and immerse in the morphology of Richard St. Barbe Baker’s humanitarian efforts advocating for forests and trees worldwide.
UN SDG 5 -Gender Equality- is supported by encouraging everyone to take Baker’s Watu Wa Miti (Forest guardian) pledge to 1/ plant ten trees, seedlings or seeds each year 2/ take care of trees everywhere 3/ Do a good deed every day. By encouraging all to do a good deed every day, then environmental conservation, stewardship and guardianship creates a safe greenspace for all users. Illegal trespass is not encouraged to support gender equality for the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and all efforts are being followed to mitigate all illegal trespass and to encourage legitimate users and the general public of Saskatoon who honour UN SDG 5.
UN SDG 6 -Clean Water and Sanitation- has seen a great partnership with members of the community to become as Watu Wa Miti and take care of trees everywhere. Richard St. Barbe Baker said “Men and trees, water and trees, man and water are inseparable. This is the trinity of life.” As the community has repeatedly come together to protect trees, in a partnership with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup the West Swale Wetlands named Chappell Marsh are protected. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have had a great partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin, SOS Trees, Montgomery Place community Association, Fatlanders Fatbike Brigade, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Saskatoon Baha‘i community, Len’s Hauling, the CISV, Children’s International Summer Village, and the Peace Bus programme and we are grateful to many more who have come out to restore the wetlands and greenspace environs for human visitors, the semi-wilderness habitat and the species at risk who make these areas their home. The afforestation areas situated in the West Swale is a watershed created by the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway connecting the North Saskatchewan River, and draining into the South Saskatchewan River, the locale of the City of Saskatoon’s drinking water.
UN SDG 7 -Affordable and Clean Energy- is supported in following the example of Richard St. Barbe Baker who wrote many books, and spoke on radio programs about the importance of education and awareness. The heritage and environmental tours, and interpretive programming focuses on messages by both SK Energy and Sk Power for providing to our province much needed power and energy in a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk) near the humid continental climate (Dfb), with typically warm summers and long, cold winters. Energy conservation strategies are brought forward in the Friends interpretive and tour packages.
UN SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities – ties well into the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker who travelled by steam boat between the two Great Wars led campaigns around the world including the reclamation projects for the world’s deserts and protection of virgin forests from destruction. The International Tree Foundation was established by Baker at its height in over 105 countries. Baker, one of the first students at the fledgling University of Saskatchewan, always wished to have a branch of the ITF here in Canada. Working in that vision, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, work with the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin, green groups and classrooms in Saskatoon and around the world to follow in Richard St. Barbe Baker’s footsteps so vital in this era of climate change, and in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production- is so very vital to the protection of forests and trees, along with wetland habitats. There are certain items so easy to recycle which the flora and fauna of forest and wetlands cannot use sustainably. By following Baker’s Watu Wa Miti pledge “take care of trees everywhere” the legitimate users in the forest help to support a “Leave no Trace” greenspace ethic. Reduce, reuse, recycle takes action on waste reduction- and protects our forests and wetlands.
UN SDG 13 – Climate Action- is supported by this Green Survival initiative of the City of Saskatoon to plant and preserve 660 acres of afforestation areas in 1972. The early parks department initiative of 1972 did indeed follow Baker’s Watu Wa Miti pledge to 1/ plant ten trees, seedlings or seeds each year 2/ take care of trees everywhere 3/ Do a good deed every day. Richard St. Barbe Baker founded, assisted and inspired were responsible for planting at least 26 billion trees, internationally, during his lifetime. International groups founded from his inspiration, continue onwards planting trees! “When the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear”.~Richard St. Barbe Baker
UN SDG 14 – Life below water- is supported by realizing and supporting the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker Baker said, “Trees above all are the beings which attract the waters of the Trees above all are the beings which attract the waters of the firmament, conserve them in their shade, govern the whole vegetable kingdom in its great economy of water, leading it gently into springs, streams and rivers and maintaining fertile potency in the soil of a region.“
UN SDG 15 – Life on Land- is honoured time and time again by the work, teachings, and legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker. “The importance of forests cannot be underestimated. We depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and mitigate climate change. Yet, despite our dependence on forests, we are still allowing them to disappear.” (WWF, 2019) The World Wildlife Fund WWF, made St. Barbe the very first inaugural Honorary Life Member.
UN SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – was apparent in Baker’s holistic worldview as he met and learned the Kikuyu language in Kenya Africa, and implemented an agro-forestry campaign to provide food for a population facing extirpation from colonial slash and burn agricultural methods employed at the time of Baker’s Kenya posting as Assistant Conservator of Forests. From there Baker went on to create this working model of the International Tree Foundation, which inspired the formation of other World Green Groups. Ecologists, environmentalists, conservationists who knew Richard St. Barbe Baker were honoured and grateful to spoke to the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker during the heritage documentary.
UN SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals- has been discussed already in this article. Local groups adopting stewardship and guardianship roles for the afforestation areas as users of the greenspace are amazing in supporting the UN SDG goals as mentioned. International environmental groups, and persons locally and from around the world coming together to advocate for the example set by Baker, supports local and UN SDG goals is totally enlightening! The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have seen some remarkable examples of the provincial motto; multis e gentibus vires: from many peoples, strength. Richard St. Barbe Baker had a similar motto, Twihamwe or Twahamwe, a word from the Kikuyu of Kenya, Africa.
“Kind people have been expressing superlatives on my work. But I can assure you that anything which I have been able to achieve has been team work. We have a motto in the Men of the Trees. TWAHAMWE. It is an African word meaning ‘pull together’ and I pass this on to all those concerned with conservation in this country. I would like to call you to silence for a moment with the words of Mathew Arnold:
“Calm soul of all things, make it mine, To feel amidst the City ‘s jar That there abides a peace of thine Men did not make and cannot mar. ”
So All 17 UN SDGs are (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Well-being, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (10) Reducing Inequality, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life On Land, (16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals.
So it is really easy to say that forests support habitats and biodiversity for Life on Land UN SDG Goal 15. Yay!
Did you know that afforestation, and nature based solutions are great ways to mitigate climate change as forests absorb GHG from the air. That means, that forests also contribute to UN SDG Goal 13 Climate Action.
Richard St. Barbe Baker says “When the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear”. Therefore, protecting forests have a definite function in UN SDG Goal 14 Life Below Water.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations mentions that ” some cities have started to change towards a greener, more sustainable and more resilient model of urban development. They are investing in forests, wetlands and other green spaces – “green infrastructure” – to tackle urban issues previously addressed with engineered solutions that often involve concrete, asphalt and steel.” Voila! Afforestation definitely contributes to UN SDG Sustainable cities and communities.
“Whether you drink water from a well or a municipal supply, forests keep that water clean and abundant. They do this by capturing rainwater and recharging underground aquifers. They also act as a natural filter as water moves over land, cleaning it of pollutants so it arrives at our lakes, rivers and streams in a better condition.” –Source So here we have a free ecological service provided by forest for the UN SDG Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the UN SDG Goal 7. Well, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park contribute to Sask Power’s transmission lines, and Sask Energy Trans Gas Natural Pipe lines to keep Saskatchewan residents safe, and warm with efficient, sustainable and modern energy.
This brings us to UN SDG Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development mentions that those adhering to Goal 16, “agree to work more closely with major groups and other stakeholders and encourage their active participation, as appropriate, in processes that contribute to decision-making, planning and implementation of policies and programmes for sustainable development at all levels” and further acknowledges “the need to facilitate informed policy decision-making on sustainable development issues and, in this regard, to strengthen the science-policy interface.”
So you say how would you say that afforestation areas address the UN SDG Goal 2 of Zero Hunger? Ethnobotany, along with health and wellness of course fulfills this goal, Expanding on this goal, when the time is right and the ecological assessment is completed there will be opportunity to explore restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas. What comes to mind is native permaculture three sisters community gardens, followed by native forests included berry bushes. Now this is a solution in a growing city, to afforest trees in an afforestation area.
So, we have covered a few of the UN SDGs now, but you say, how is it possible that an afforestation area can focus on the UN SDG Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals. Well the City of Saskatoon long range planners agree with the UN on this, “A successful development agenda requires inclusive partnerships — at the global, regional, national and local levels — built upon principles and values, and upon a shared vision and shared goals placing people and the planet at the centre.”
Now we come to UN SDG Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. encourage everyone to celebrate Global Recycling Day March 18 Waste Reduction Week in Canada Monday, October 16 to Sunday, October 22. In light of the waste dumping which occurs in these amazing urban regional parks, those park users alongside the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. are committee to promoting Reduce, Reuse, Recycle lifestyle.
When we get to UN SDG Goal 4 Quality Education, we can bring to mind the child in nature, and place-based learning. Our urban students don’t have the opportunity to explore a mixed woodlands forest like their rural counterparts do. There are so many subjects open for classrooms at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. There is science of course learning about the flora and fauna. There is also geology, geography, en plein air art is amazing, history, ethnic and cultural learning, and English composition when it comes to learning about the three amazing role models whom the afforestation areas and wetlands commemorate, and don’t get me started on health, wellness and physical education. The possibilities are endless!
How in the dickens would an afforestation area meet the needs of the UN SDG Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being? Perhaps this one is one of the easiest of them all. We know that the Fatbike Fat Tire Brigade has created a winter trail network to enable walking, cycling, snowshoeing, bird watching hikes, tours, and cross country skiing. Those promote good health and well-being. The PaRx team program is expanding from British Columbia to Alberta, and next – who knows Saskatchewan? What is PaRx? They are doctors who recognize that connecting with nature, and being out in a forest, say, is a great presecription for health. PaRx states that, “Backed by hundreds of studies over several decades, research suggests that connecting to nature is one of the best things you can do to improve your health” Wow! Check it out how Shinrin-Yoku or Nature Bathing is a great prescription for health and wellness.
So, the The United Nations International Day of Forests takes place on March 21. For the Take it Outside Winter Staycation Challenge we have two opportunities for you to be entered into the prize draw! One is to take photos of the afforestation areas while out enjoying them. The other challenge is to identify how you personally can take action locally on the UN SDG goals as you celebrate the afforestation areas. Email your photo, or Email how you, personally, are taking action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals! Good luck!
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better
Albert Einstein
Hoar Frost and Rime Ice covering the trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon , SK , in the bright morning sunlight
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
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
John Muir
This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy.
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.
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.
I know you’re all excited about our membership campaign and fundraiser and are eager to know what we are planning. This year’s campaign began September 12 2019 and will continue to run through the year. Our number one goal this year is to raise $250,000 so that we can
install interpretive signs celebrating the full rich heritage of the Afforestation Areas with an aim to include the general public, students and classrooms in the research projects into the natural, historic, cultural, geological heritage.
The Saskatoon Afforestation areas are prime places to study regeneration, ecological succession, geology, First Nations history and ethnobotany. The West Swale is a remnant of a glacial spillway known as the Yorath Island Spillway, and this influenced its flora and fauna and paleo-Indian activity in the area. Thus, the potential is there to study spiritual, medicinal, and nutritional uses of the area from a First Nations historical perspective plus assessing post-contact historic (Old Bone Trail) resources. Learning about B.T. Chappell the namesake of Chappell Marsh, Richard St. Barbe Baker namesake for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and George Genereux likewise namesake for the George Genereux Urban Regional Park are truly enlightening. Heritage Tours and the educational opportunities expound upon are 1/ getting involved in citizen science bio-blitzes to develop a baseline inventory, 2/ student guardian programs 3/ engaging in a Clean Green Community Scene Trash cleanup at GGURP for environmental protection and the aforementioned 4/ observation and education around ecological succession and regeneration, land use, and environmental stewardship programming.
These goals will go a large way towards
1/ protecting the environment for the benefit of the public on a long-term basis at the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, which were preserved in perpetuity by City of Saskatoon Council in 1972.
2/ To protect the environment for the benefit of the public by reducing pollution and by cleaning up illegal trash dumping in the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas
3/ To provide public amenities by maintaining the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.
4/ To protect and preserve the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas natural and historic heritage with a view to celebrating the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and educating the public about it. Commemorate; honor and respect the past, celebrate the present and provide a legacy for the future.
The afforestation areas are important natural areas which mitigate flooding, cool the local climate, bring rain, and are a carbon sponge to mitigate Carbon emissions.
By becoming a non profit incorporation charity ~ The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. ~ includes the ability to have members come on board and secondly the ability to apply for grants will both come together to make it possible.
Every donation helps, and every member who joins also takes us closer to our goal. A huge thank you goes out to those donors who contributed and joined last Thursday, in just a few hours, $100 was raised. This Saturday, another impetus in our membership, and another $170 which places us closer to our goal. This is all wonderful and exciting news. Rome was not built in a day, and for those people who stepped up, thank you on behalf of the forest, on behalf of the habitat, and on behalf of the diverse bio-diversity in the afforestation areas. It is wonderful to see the The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. fundraising and membership campaign grow. Every journey begins with a single step.
Once again thank you to all the people who joined as members, and thank you for the donations. It matters not how big or small your donation is, it will go towards the protection of the afforestation areas. If you would like to volunteer, or be on the board of directors, please send an email to Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc
Another way to help out is to like, and share this post, and our posts on social media! Please help us to network, and protect the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas for present and future generations to enjoy this amazing habitat in the city of Saskatoon.
If we missed you, and you wish to become a member or make a donation, here is how to do it. Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please become a member or donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers sending in your membership or donation via friendsafforestation AT gmail.com. Thank you kindly
It is a glorious time of year, and it is great to see so many people out enjoying the semi-wilderness habitat at the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas for sure.
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!
A ton of thanks for your contribution towards signs at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Signs for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area lets the community know the story of this greenspace, its regional significance, natural history and wildlife, environmental features, historical natural and cultural features along with the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker, the first global conservationist.
Your generosity will directly benefit the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area greenspace and the visitors from Saskatoon and area. Thank you for supporting this worthwhile mission to encourage respect and guardianship of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with place based knowledge.
Meetings have taken place between the Meewasin Valley Authority, City of Saskatoon Stewards and Stakeholders of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area have met with to set a plan and procedure into place.
The Stewards and Stakeholders of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area are working towards a partnership with pupils in Saskatoon. It is an initiative to encourage environmental stewardship and awareness which can best be developed by beginning at a young age, and reinforced through daily activities such as this one.
Sask Outdoors, your support of this local environment project is truly invaluable, as is the mission which you advocate to “encourage educators and people who participate in outdoor recreation to practice and teach environmental responsibility. Explore. Play. Learn.”
Thank you from the Stewards and Stakeholders of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
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!
“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
Stand firm. Grip hard. Thrust upward to the skies. Bend to the winds of heaven. And learn tranquility. ~Richard St. Barbe Baker
“We feel that our greatest victory remains to be won when man will realize his oneness with the trees, the creatures and with all living things, not ours to destroy, but to be handed on for the enjoyment of future generations.” – Richard St. Barbe Baker
“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter… to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life.”― John Burroughs
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 