Meet David Kirton during Arbor Week

We are delighted to announce that Councillor David Kirton will be extending his greetings at this Celebration for Arbor Week! hosted at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. David Kirton’s remarkable contributions to Saskatoon’s community and his deep-rooted connection to this visionary man-made forest on the prairie make his participation in our event a momentous occasion.

Arbor Week in the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas YouTube

Take in Tree-athlon at George Genereux Park May 29 and Branching Out: A Tree-Centric Celebration for Arbor Week May 31 with Councillor David Kirton both starting at 6:30 pm

As the gentle breeze rustles through the leaves, and the sun casts dappled shadows on the forest floor, there’s a sense of magic in the air at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Nestled amidst the vast prairie landscape, this sprawling 326-acre woodland is a sanctuary of biodiversity and a testament to the enduring beauty and resilience of nature. And this Arbor Week we invite you to join us for a captivating tree-focused event that promises to unravel the mysteries and wonders of this enchanting forest.

A Journey Through Tree Species: Uncovering Nature’s Tapestry

Step into the heart of the forest and embark on a journey through the intricate world of trees. With over 40 different tree species adorning the landscape, each with its own unique story to tell, there’s a wealth of discovery awaiting you. Learn about the legacy of the Green Survival Program, a historic initiative launched in collaboration with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) in 1972, which afforested this area and shaped the landscape we see today. Explore the significance of these efforts in preserving our natural heritage and the enduring impact they’ve had on the ecosystem.

Conservation and Preservation: Safeguarding Our Green Sanctuary

But our exploration doesn’t end with history. Delve deeper into the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the trees of this precious ecosystem. Gain insight into which tree species are of concern and understand the threats posed by noxious invasives. Discover practical steps you can take to contribute to the preservation of this green sanctuary and ensure the health and vitality of its trees for generations to come.


Making History Right Now: Shaping the Future of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

But the excitement doesn’t stop with our exploration of the past and present. As we gather to celebrate Arbor Week at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, we also have the unique opportunity to make history right now. Discover what lies ahead for this beloved green sanctuary as we unveil plans for the future. From zoning application change requests to master plan proposals, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air as we prepare to usher in a new chapter for the afforestation area. Learn about the exciting developments set to unfold this fall and how you can play a part in shaping the future of this treasured natural haven. Together, let’s write the next chapter in the rich history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and ensure that its legacy of conservation and stewardship continues to thrive for generations to come.

Honoring Environmental Stewards: Richard St. Barbe Baker and the PFRA

As you wander through the forest, you’ll also learn about the profound relationship between trees and legendary environmentalist Richard St. Barbe Baker. Discover his tireless advocacy for environmental conservation and the lasting legacy he’s left on this landscape. Explore the pivotal role of the PFRA in implementing sustainable land management practices across the prairies and its enduring impact on our natural environment.

A Call to Action: Celebrating Arbor Week in Style

Arbor Week holds special significance in the spring as it aligns with the optimal time for tree planting, encouraging robust canopy growth and promoting the health of our ecosystems. Join us as we honor this tradition and celebrate the beauty and importance of trees during Arbor Week at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Together, let’s cultivate a deeper appreciation for the vital role trees play in our environment and inspire action to safeguard their future.

Join Us in Celebration: Embracing the Wonder of Trees

Prepare to be enchanted as you delve into the mesmerizing world of trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. With engaging activities, informative presentations, and the opportunity to connect with fellow tree enthusiasts, this Arbor Week celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages. So mark your calendars and join us as we honor Arbor Week and celebrate the wonder of trees in all their splendor. We can’t wait to welcome you to this verdant oasis and embark on a journey of discovery together!

Explore other Arbor Week events

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 )

Advertisement

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Appreciating SaskPower’s Sponsorship


Appreciating SaskPower’s Green Vision: Empowering Conservation Through Education

In the heart of Saskatoon, amidst the urban bustle, lies a thriving ecosystem waiting to be discovered. Thanks to the generous support of SaskPower, the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2024 (CNC YXE 2024) has blossomed, inviting residents to connect with nature and foster a culture of conservation. As we look forward to this transformative event, it is essential to extend our heartfelt appreciation to SaskPower for their unwavering commitment to environmental protection and education.

SaskPower’s dedication to creating a culture of conservation and efficiency is evident through their support of educational programs focused on saving power and safeguarding the environment. By championing initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, SaskPower is empowering communities to make informed choices that benefit both the planet and future generations.

At the forefront of SaskPower’s environmental commitment lies a dedication to protecting our natural resources and minimizing environmental impact. Through projects like the Great Plains Power Station, SaskPower is leading the charge in sustainable infrastructure development, prioritizing environmental conservation at every step of the way.

Moreover, SaskPower’s financial support for educational programs underscores their belief in the power of education to drive positive change. By investing in programs that raise awareness about energy conservation and environmental protection, SaskPower is equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make a difference in their communities.

The recognition of green energy as more than just reducing carbon emissions but as a long-term environmental impact further underscores SaskPower’s leadership in environmental sustainability. By promoting a holistic approach to green energy, SaskPower is setting a precedent for other organizations to follow in prioritizing environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

As we express our gratitude to SaskPower for their invaluable support of the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2024, let us also recognize the profound impact they continue to have on our community and the environment. Together, with SaskPower’s guidance and support, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

CNC YXE 2024 hosted by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, with the wonderful support from SaskPower

Bibliography:

  1. “SaskPower – Our Environmental Commitment.” SaskPower. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.saskpower.com/Our-Power-Future/Our-Environmental-Commitment/Environmental-Protection.
  2. “SaskPower – Protecting Our Environment.” SaskPower. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.saskpower.com/Our-Power-Future/Infrastructure-Projects/Construction-Projects/Planning-and-Construction-Projects/Great-Plains-Power-Station/Protecting-Our-Environment.
  3. “SaskPower – Financial Support.” SaskPower. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.saskpower.com/about-us/Community-Contributions/Financial-Support.
  4. “Green Energy is More Than Carbon Emissions: It’s About Long-Term Environmental Impact.” CJWW Radio. January 5, 2024. https://www.cjwwradio.com/2024/01/05/green-energy-is-more-than-carbon-emissions-its-about-long-term-environmental-impact/.

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Saskatoon’s Response to Plastics Menace

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics – A Call to Action for Environmental Protection

Article: Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is a global initiative rallying individuals to demonstrate their support for environmental protection. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” emphasizes the urgent need to address the detrimental impact of plastics and microplastics on our planet’s health.

Planet vs. Plastics: Saskatoon Stands Strong for Earth Day 2024

Sept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community Scene

Plastics, ubiquitous in our daily lives, pose a severe threat to environmental well-being. Here are 10 ways plastics and microplastics are harming our ecosystems:

  1. Ocean Pollution: Plastics end up through our wetlands, and rivers in oceans, posing a direct threat to marine life through ingestion and entanglement.
  2. Microplastic Contamination: Microplastics, small particles resulting from plastic breakdown, infiltrate ecosystems and threaten aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
  3. Wildlife Disruption: Plastic pollution disrupts wildlife habitats, affecting animals’ natural behaviors and migration patterns.
  4. Toxic Chemical Release: Plastics release harmful chemicals, contributing to soil and water contamination, impacting plant and animal life.
  5. Air Pollution: Burning or degrading plastics release toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution and respiratory issues.
  6. Landfill Overload: Improper plastic disposal leads to overflowing landfills, causing soil degradation and leaching harmful substances.
  7. Chemical Runoff: Rainwater transports plastic additives into water bodies, causing chemical pollution with detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.
  8. Microplastics in Food Chain: Microplastics enter the food chain, posing potential health risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood.
  9. Invasive Species Transport: Floating plastics serve as vectors, transporting invasive species across water bodies and disrupting ecosystems.
  10. Climate Impact: The production and disposal of plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Members of the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade Inc. Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park on October 3

From Documenting Nature to Combatting Plastics: Saskatoon’s Earth Day

Recognizing the urgency of environmental protection, the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin and the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas advocate for environmental guardianship, and biodiversity inventories in order to undertake proactive greenspace management. Understanding the local biodiversity is paramount, and citizen science emerges as a powerful tool. It is a time to discover and inventory species of concern, and to track invasive species for early detection and rapid response, and to determine species range changes, i.e. expansion and contractions.

And…. While you’re capturing the diverse life forms for the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2024 by using the free iNaturalist app on your smart phone, do a little extra by picking up any plastic or litter that doesn’t belong in nature.

BioDivercity Challenge free iNaturalist App
City Nature Challenge free iNaturalist App

The iNaturalist app, a free smartphone application, facilitates biodiversity documentation and empowers individuals to contribute to environmental protection efforts.

Eco-Warriors Unite: Saskatoon’s Earth Day 2024 – No More Plastic Pollution

Participating in the City Nature Challenge on iNaturalist is a tangible way to take action:

  • April 26 – April 29, 2024: Capture images of diverse wildlife, documenting the richness of our surroundings.
  • April 30 – May 5, 2024: Identify the discovered species, aiding in creating an inventory of biodiversity.
  • What is it? a YouTube Video

Results unveiled on May 6, 2024, will foster a shared experience of discovery and renewal. Remember, we can only protect what we know. Let’s unite to safeguard our planet for future generations, turning the tide in the battle of “Planet vs. Plastics.” Hey, when you are out documenting biodiversity, pick up some plastic or trash that just doesn’t belong in nature. It’s a double win-win!

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, 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.

City of Bridges, City of Change: Saskatoon Takes On Plastics for Earth Day

Individuals do not exist in isolation, but in relationship and that individual existents are unique (and irreplaceable in the future) by virtue of the special set of relationships in which only they are (and can remain) embedded. The world is therefore seen in organismic terms rather than mechanical ones, in terms of interacting processes and fields rather than isolated things, and socially, in terms of an extended ecological community rather than in terms of essentially separate, competing individuals.

Alan Dregson

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Navigating Earth Week 2024 for a Sustainable Future

“Planet vs. Plastics: “Navigating Earth Week 2024 April 14-22, 2024 for a Sustainable Future”

In our era of the Anthropocene, where human influence rivals natural forces, Earth Week takes center stage with a crucial theme: Planet vs. Plastics. The impact of plastic on our environment, as highlighted by David Farrier, underscores the urgent need for collective action. The emergence of the noosphere or Anthropocene, a geological epoch shaped significantly by human activities, prompts us to reflect on our role in modifying the Earth’s elemental cycles.

City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area versus YQRCNC Regina and area in a mini SK challenge
City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area

Plastics, symbolic of this new age, serve as both a marker of humanity’s ascendancy and a potential threat to ecosystems ill-equipped to handle their presence. The undying quality of plastic, aptly termed the “quality of the undead” by Heather Davis, accentuates its ability to seal off and endure. As we face a plastic crisis predicted to rival climate change, our choices and actions during Earth Week become crucial.

A startling statistic reveals that millions plastic bottles are purchased globally every minute, contributing to an environmental crisis surpassing even climate change. Efforts to collect and recycle these bottles struggle to keep pace with their escalating use, resulting in a significant portion – over half of these- polluting our oceans. As responsible citizens, a simple act like dropping off recyclables for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, using Drop and Go number 106100594, or contacting them for pick up, can contribute , and double down on your efforts on environmental conservation and climate action.

Earth Week isn’t just about the amazing 5 R’s (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle); it’s an opportunity to become earth guardians and delve into citizen science to contribute to the City Nature Challenge 2024 in Saskatoon. We cannot protect what we don’t know! Join the vibrant, collective effort on iNaturalist and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders during the challenge’s two stages. Capture images of diverse life forms and identify discovered species, culminating in a shared experience of discovery and renewal on May 6, 2024.

While participating in the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge, go the extra mile—pick up any plastic or litter that doesn’t belong in nature. Let Earth Week 2024 be a celebration of harmony, conservation, and a commitment to building a sustainable future. It’s a Win-Win for the planet and us.

Participating in the City Nature Challenge on the free app iNaturalist is a tangible way to take action:

  • April 26 – April 29, 2024: Capture images of diverse wildlife, documenting the richness of our surroundings. Snap pictures of wild plants, insects, birds, mushrooms and animals or signs of life which represent things that were once living or represent something that is living, like scat, owl pellets, animal and bird tracks, skeletons, snakeskins, bones,roadkill, feathers, and seashells.
  • April 30 – May 5, 2024: Identify the discovered species, aiding in creating an inventory of biodiversity.
  • What is it? a YouTube Video

Results unveiled on May 6, 2024, will foster a shared experience of discovery and renewal.

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, 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.

Deep Ecology is rooted in a perception of reality that goes beyond the scientific framework to an intuitive awareness of the oneness of all life, the interdependence of its multiple manifestations and its cycles of change and transformation. When the concept of the human spirit is understood in this sense, its mode of consciousness in which the individual feels connected to the cosmos as a whole, it becomes clear that ecological awareness is truly spiritual. Indeed the idea of the individual being linked to the cosmos is expressed in the Latin root of the word religion, religare (to bind strongly), as well as the Sanskrit yoga, which means union.

Frijof Capra

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

🌿 Welcome to Saskatoon’s Hidden Gems! 🌳

Join us on a virtual journey to discover the breathtaking beauty and hidden treasures of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park. As we celebrate National Tourism Week from April 15-19, 2024, coinciding with Saskatchewan Tourism Week, we invite you to explore these natural sanctuaries nestled within the heart of southwest Saskatoon.

Spanning 326 acres and 148 acres respectively, these urban oases offer a unique travel experience that combines the tranquility of nature with the excitement of adventure. Immerse yourself in lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and hands on learning about the land that define these iconic destinations.

From leisurely walks along winding trails to thrilling encounters with rare species of birds, plants and animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Saskatoon’s afforestation areas. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an avid photographer, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, you’ll find inspiration and rejuvenation in every area of these semi-wilderness green afforestation havens located right within the south west section of the city.

But our journey doesn’t stop there. As stewards of the land, we’re committed to preserving and protecting these natural wonders for future generations. Through community engagement, biodiversity conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism practices, we’re ensuring that these green spaces remain vibrant and thriving for years to come.

So come along and experience the magic of Saskatoon’s Hidden Gems. Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler, there’s always something new to discover in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Which will be your favourite? Let us know in the comments.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more exciting adventures in nature. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our planet and the power of tourism to connect us with the world around us.

Happy National Tourism Week from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan! 🌎✨
Let’s celebrate Saskatchewan Tourism Week 2024 (April 15-19) at the same time! #TourismWeekCanada2024 and #GoGreen @tiac_aitc #TourismWeekCanada2024

Canada: Powered by Tourism

Come to Nature Come to Life!

Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/
http://www.friendsareas.ca/
friendsafforestation@gmail.com

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Reconnecting with Nature: A Prescription for World Health Day

In the age of modernity, where concrete jungles dominate and technology reigns supreme, it’s easy to forget our innate connection to the natural world. Yet, as we mark World Health Day on April 7, with a theme resonating “My health, my right,” it’s crucial to heed the wisdom of our ancestors and embrace the profound interconnections that bind us to all living beings.

Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and changes in abilities, and conflicts ravage lives, inflicting death, pain, and psychological distress. Moreover, the burning of fossil fuels not only fuels the climate crisis but also deprives us of our right to breathe clean air, with air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds. In the face of such challenges, it’s imperative to recognize the intrinsic link between human health and the health of our planet.

As Sylvia McAdam beautifully articulates in her exploration of Cree law, wahkohtowin—the concept of kinship and interconnectedness—lies at the heart of our relationship with nature. It reminds us that we are not separate entities but rather part of a vast web of life, where every creature, plant, and element is interconnected. Maria Campbell‘s elucidation of wahkohtowin further emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting these relationships, not just among humans but with all of creation.

In the spirit of World Health Day, let us reclaim our connection to nature and acknowledge our reciprocal obligations to the Earth and all its inhabitants. As we ponder the significance of this day and reflect on its vital role in promoting holistic well-being, let us immerse ourselves in the healing embrace of the natural world.

I invite you to join us at the City Nature Challenge, taking place between April 26 and 29 in Saskatoon and its surrounding areas. Whether through recording photos and sound recordings of organisms or participating in scheduled events, let us embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the intricate tapestry of life that thrives within our city.

In embracing nature’s abundance, we rediscover the essence of true health—harmony, balance, and interconnectedness. So, let us come together to celebrate the health of nature and the health of all organisms, for in doing so, we honor the sacred bond of wahkohtowin that binds us all.

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, 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.

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Scooping the Poop: A Responsible Act for Pet Owners

As responsible pet owners and park visitors, it’s crucial to clean up after our furry companions. While phrases like “stoop and scoop” have echoed through parks for years, some may wonder: why the fuss about dog waste when wildlife scat seems to go unnoticed?

Well, the truth is, not all scat is created equal.

Wild animals typically consume food within their ecosystems, resulting in waste that supports the natural balance of nutrients. This waste plays a vital role in dispersing native plant seeds and contributing to ecosystem health. Once digested, the nutrients are returned to the environment, aiding in the ecosystem’s health. Their waste is produced in manageable amounts over very large areas, allowing ecosystem decomposers to continue the natural cycles effectively.

On the other hand, dogs fed store-bought diets produce waste high in nitrogen and phosphorus, posing potential problems for ecosystems. Dog waste left in parks can lead to excessive nutrient levels, promoting the growth of invasive plant species and threatening biodiversity.

In 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorized pet waste as a nonpoint source pollutant, joining other pollutants like herbicides and toxic chemicals. Nonpoint pollution refers to pollution from various dispersed sources, such as waste left in the afforestation areas. During rainstorms, this waste washes into waterways, eventually reaching our drinking water source such as the South Saskatchewan River, lakes, streams, and oceans. The afforestation areas do not have storm drains to treatment facilities, allowing pollutants like pet waste to directly impact marine environments- the wetlands draining directly into the river through the West Swale.

Beyond environmental concerns, dog waste also poses health risks to humans, wildlife, and other dogs. It can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses like E. coli, Giardia, Salmonella, and roundworms, which can persist in the soil for years and infect wildlife.

Unlike wild animals, which disperse their waste over large areas, pet owners in urban areas often frequent the same places, resulting in concentrated waste. Imagine thousands of dogs each producing 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of waste daily, the impact is substantial. A gram of dog waste contains about 23 million coliform bacteria, twice that of human waste. It’s estimated that only 60% of dog owners consistently clean up after their pets, leaving significant amounts of waste and pathogens. In just a few days, waste from 100 dogs can contaminate waterways, i.e. the West Swale Wetlands – a swale (low lying area) which drains directly into the South Saskatchewan River Basin, polluting our drinking water in the South Saskatchewan River.

Pet waste is a major contributor to water pollution, with bacteria tracing back to animal sources, particularly dogs. Additionally, it contains excess nutrients, contributing to poisonous and deadly algal blooms and aquatic plant growth, which deplete oxygen vital for our waterfowl species at risk on the Chappell Marsh wetlands and all animal life using the wetlands.

Dog waste doesn’t just stay on the ground—it can also become airborne. Studies conducted in four Midwestern cities, particularly in Cleveland and Detroit during the winter, found high levels of fecal bacteria from dog waste in the atmosphere. Researchers believe that the increase in bacteria from dog feces may be due to a decrease in other bacteria from soil, dust, leaves, and water surfaces as snow covers the ground and leaves drop during the winter months.

But fear not, there’s a simple solution!

When visiting parks with your pet, be sure to pick up their waste promptly. Proper disposal is key—dog waste should be placed in designated receptacles or taken home for disposal. Remember, hanging waste in trees or leaving it on trails is not acceptable.

By scooping the poop, we’re not only keeping our parks clean and safe for everyone, but we’re also protecting water quality and promoting a healthier environment. So, let’s all do our part to ensure our parks remain beautiful and biodiverse spaces for generations to come!

Let us all practice for Scoop the Poop Week!

Here is information about the dog parks from the City of Saskatoon and reference to Saskatoon bylaw 8760 as well

Don’t take our word for it! Check out the Bibliography:

#ScoopThePoop #ResponsiblePetOwnership #CleanParks #ProtectOurEnvironment 🐾🌳

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

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

For more information:

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

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Addresses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker