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

A Botanical Marvel Unveiled: The First Prairie Pasqueflower at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

In a triumphant display of nature’s resilience, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area has welcomed a stunning newcomer to its diverse ecosystem – the Prairie Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla nuttalliana). This remarkable discovery marks a significant milestone for the area, igniting a wave of excitement and wonder among nature enthusiasts. Perhaps a first in its sighting at this location in decades.

The Prairie Pasqueflower, known for its delicate beauty and rarity, is a botanical gem rarely seen in gardens due to its challenging cultivation requirements. Often mistaken for its European cousin, Pulsatilla vulgaris, this native North American species holds its own unique charm and significance.

Seedlings of the Prairie Pasqueflower are notoriously difficult to transplant, requiring optimal conditions for growth. With an affinity for well-drained soils along with a unique mycorrhizal symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant which is produced with 30 years of uncultivated land and winter snow cover, these resilient blooms thrive in moist to dry environments with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Their presence serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving native prairies and their delicate ecosystems.

Historically, the Prairie Pasqueflower has been revered by settlers for its resemblance to the real crocuses found in their homelands, earning it the moniker “prairie crocus.” Additionally known as prairie smoke, cutleaf anemone, windflower, and gosling plant, this versatile flower holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish the natural heritage of the American prairies. Did you know that, the Blackfoot referred to this flower as Napi, meaning “old man,” drawn by the resemblance of the grey, silky achene seeds of the Prairie Pasqueflower to the grey hair of an elder.

However, the journey of the Prairie Pasqueflower hasn’t been without challenges. Exotic species and invasive plants pose a threat to its survival, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in protecting its native habitat. The decline of native prairies due to urban development, agriculture, and resource extraction further underscores the urgency of preserving these invaluable green spaces.

Urban areas, despite their limited land cover, hold potential in the conservation of the Prairie Pasqueflower. As human populations continue to grow, the significance of protecting and restoring urban green spaces becomes increasingly evident. Studies have shown a positive correlation between the distance from city centers and the frequency of occurrences of Pulsatilla patens, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats on the outskirts of urban areas.

As we celebrate the arrival of the Prairie Pasqueflower at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of our natural landscapes. Together, through education, conservation, and community engagement, we can ensure that future generations have the privilege of experiencing the beauty and wonder of native flora like the Prairie Pasqueflower. Let this remarkable bloom inspire us to protect and cherish the precious ecosystems that sustain life on our planet.

(Another Layer of Protection for Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area!)

Bibliography:

Esparrago Llorca, Javier. “Spatial distribution and habitat preferences of the prairie crocus (Pulsatilla patens) in an urban landscape.” Central European University, 2012. [Online] Available: https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2012/esparrago-llorca_javier.pdf

This study explores the spatial distribution and habitat preferences of the Prairie Pasqueflower in urban landscapes, shedding light on its ecological significance and conservation needs.

Wildeman, R.L. and Steeves, T.A. “Genetic considerations in the management of Pulsatilla patens (Ranunculaceae).” Canadian Journal of Botany, vol. 60, no. 4, 1982, pp. 485-491.

This article discusses genetic factors influencing the management and conservation of Pulsatilla patens, providing valuable insights into its reproductive biology and population dynamics.

Native Plant Conservation Campaign. “Pulsatilla patens: Pasque Flower.” [Online] Available: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PUPA

This resource offers comprehensive information on the Prairie Pasqueflower, including its habitat requirements, cultural significance, and conservation status, sourced from reputable botanical databases.

Johnson, D.E. “Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill.: Prairie Pasqueflower.” U.S. Forest Service, 2007. [Online] Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/pulsatilla_patens.shtml

This publication provides an overview of the Prairie Pasqueflower’s morphology, distribution, and ecological role, offering valuable insights into its natural history and conservation implications.

Turner, M.K. “Prairie Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens).” NatureServe Explorer, 2022. [Online] Available: https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.144481/Pulsatilla_patens

NatureServe Explorer provides detailed species information, including distribution maps, conservation status assessments, and ecological characteristics, contributing to our understanding of the Prairie Pasqueflower’s conservation needs.

Join the #CityNatureChallenge from April 26 to April 29! Document Saskatoon and area’s nature in the free @iNaturalist app by taking photos of wild plants and animals—and help contribute to the world’s largest citizen science event. More at FriendsAreas.ca/events

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Caswell Hill Community Association, SOS Trees Inc., Rosewood Varsity View Community Association, Nutana Varsity View Community Association, Montgomery Place Varsity View Community Association. City Nature Challenge Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 led by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. Reach if you would like to sponsor the City Nature Challenge, or share the City Nature Challenge information as a collaborator!

#CityNatureChallenge #iNaturalistCanada #Biodiversity Founded by @NHMLA and @CalAcademy Community Science hosted by #friendsdareas #NatureCanada #CityNatureChallenge #BioBlitz #CitSciMonth #CommunityScience #CitizenScience #UrbanNature #UrbanBiodiversity #NatureInTheCity #NatureIsEverywhere #NatureForEveryone #NatureNerd #cnc #outdoors #nature #conservation #photography #biodiversity #citizenscience #inaturalist #wildlife #plantlife #wanderlust #naturelovers #optoutside #instagood #picoftheday #volunteer #training #parks #optingoutside #CNCYXE #CNCYXE2023 #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation #citizenscience #communityscience #EcologicalEmergency #naturelovers @sasktel #inaturalist #saskatchewanbirds #yxebirds #getoutdoors #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #SNS #SaskatoonNatureSociety #citynaturechallenge2023 #yxe #thegreatoutdoors #citynaturechallenge2024 #citynaturechallenge #Canadacitynaturechallenge #citizenscience #Volunteering #nativeprairie #grasslands #wildlife #bees #pollinators #prairiepollinators #ExploreSask #NatureSask #wildlifewatcher #prairielife #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #socialdistance #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #beesknees #LeavetheLeaves #NoMowMay #nature4all #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas #saskatoon #saskatooning#naturelovers #inaturalist #saskatchewanbirds #yxebirds #getoutdoors #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #yxe #thegreatoutdoors #citizenscience #Volunteering #nativeprairie #grasslands #wildlife #bees #pollinators #prairiepollinators #ExploreSask #NatureSask #wildlifewatcher #prairielife #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #socialdistance #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #beesknees #LeavetheLeaves #NoMowMay #nature4all #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas

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 )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

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

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

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:

Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about the importance of West Swale Wetlands and Chappell Marsh. Advocate for their protection and sustainable management.
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!
Native Plant Restoration: Support and participate in initiatives to plant native vegetation around the wetlands. Native plants contribute to the health of the ecosystem.
Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste responsibly. Avoid dumping toxic materials like oil, shingles, or tires, which can harm the water quality and biodiversity.
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.
Responsible Pet Ownership: Keep pets on a leash and pick up after them. Pet waste can introduce harmful bacteria and nutrients into the wetlands.
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.
Support Wetland Conservation Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to wetland conservation. Your support makes a significant difference.
Participate in City Planning: Engage with local government planning processes to ensure sustainable urban development that considers the protection of wetlands.
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