Greenery Day: Celebrating Nature and Discovery

Common Yarrow Achillea Millefolium Legend: A Lower and upper part of the plant. 1 cup. 2 ray bloom. 3 tubular flower, bud with chaff leaf. 4 tubular flower. 5 stamen. 6 fruit. 7 fruit, cross section. 8. Fruit, longitudinal section. 9 stylus tip. (1-9 enlarged).

Linnaean system of classification Biological Classification Chart

Milkweed with Monarch Buttefly (Danaus plexippus)

Rosales Classification according to the USDA

Linden Tree Linnaeus family

On May 4th, we honor Greenery Day, a celebration rooted in the appreciation of nature, inspired by the deep connection Emperor Showa (Emperor Hirohito) had with the natural world. As a young individual, Hirohito, often described as a reserved introvert, discovered solace in nature under the guidance of his school biology teacher, Hirotaro Hattori. Hattori’s mentorship ignited Hirohito’s passion for microscopic observation and shell collections.

Emperor Hirohito’s fascination with hydrozoans became a notable part of his scientific legacy. His contributions to the ‘World Hydrozoa Database’ reveal 36 records, marking his discoveries in 1967. During a diplomatic visit to the USA, Hirohito diverted to the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory and Oceanographic Institution, where he met hydrozoan expert Howard Sanders. This encounter further fueled his interest in marine biology.

In 1971, Hirohito was recognized as a Fellow of the British Royal Society. The imperial dedication to scientific inquiry extended to Akihito, Hirohito’s son and the subsequent Emperor, who focused on Gobiidae fish investigations. Both father and son, recognized taxonomists, tirelessly cataloged Earth’s biodiversity, unveiling the mysteries of unnamed species.

On this Greenery Day, we encourage following in the footsteps of these royal scientists. Participate in the City of Saskatoon City Nature Challenge, a global initiative unfolding from April 26 to April 29, 2024, capturing the essence of the natural world. Snap pictures of plants, insects, birds, and more, fostering a shared experience of discovery.

Here we are on May 4, Greenery Day, a time of identifications! There have indeed been citizen scientists on iNaturalist credited with making new species discoveries as did Emporer Hirohito

Species Identification YouTube

As the challenge extends to species identification from April 30 to May 5, 2024, immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. The City Nature Challenge will unveil the results on May 6, 2024, contributing to the inventory of species, tracking invasive ones, and discerning changes in species ranges.

Greenery Day is not just a celebration but an invitation to explore, observe, and cherish the richness of our natural world, echoing the spirit of discovery championed by Emperor Hirohito and his son.

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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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