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

Protecting Saskatoon’s Elm Trees: A Community Call to Action

In the midst of Saskatoon’s natural beauty lies a hidden threat to one of its most iconic species: the American Elm. Revered for its majestic stature and graceful canopy, the American Elm (Ulmus Americana) faces a formidable adversary in the form of Dutch Elm Disease (DED). As guardians of Saskatoon’s urban forests, it is imperative that we unite in our efforts to protect these cherished trees in the afforestation areas from the devastating effects of DED.

The urgency of this mission is underscored during the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Page 177 of the 2023 Service, Savings & Sustainability Monitoring and Response Plan revealed alarming statistics: the Parks Department detected four positive cases of DED in 2023, triggering the implementation of the Dutch Elm Disease Response Plan. This comprehensive plan involved the immediate removal and disposal of infected trees, as well as the initiation of elm wood sweeps in affected neighborhoods. Thank you for the prompt response by the city.

In response to this escalating threat, the City of Saskatoon launched a series of initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of DED which we are enormously grateful for. A Proper Elm Disposal Pilot program was introduced in 2023, offering free elm wood disposal for the month of October. The program aimed to address the barrier of cost associated with proper disposal, resulting in a significant uptake from residents. Based on its success, a program expansion is planned for 2024, further incentivizing prompt and proper disposal practices, stay tuned for further details.

One of the key components of the City’s efforts is the provision of free disposal of elm wood for Saskatoon residents. This initiative aims to encourage the prompt removal of elm wood, reducing the risk of disease transmission to healthy elm trees. Residents are reminded that an elm pruning ban is in place each year from April 1 until August 31. However, this new initiative allows for the free disposal of any elm wood that has been completely removed, previously cut, fallen, or intended as firewood.

Recognizing the importance of early detection and prevention, residents are urged to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of DED. American elm trees with DED may exhibit symptoms as early as June, with leaves wilting, turning yellow, curling, and ultimately turning brown. To report any suspicious symptoms, residents can contact Urban Biological Services 306-975-2890. or complete the online form.

Preventing the spread of DED requires collective action and unwavering dedication. Residents can contribute to this effort by adhering to essential guidelines, such as never storing elm wood, refraining from pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban, and reporting dead or dying elm trees to the City. By working together, we can protect Saskatoon’s urban forest and ensure the continued vitality of our beloved American Elm trees.

In conclusion, the imperative of following proper protocols for Elm management cannot be overstated. As stewards of Saskatoon’s natural heritage, it is incumbent upon us to take proactive measures to safeguard our urban forests for generations to come. Let us stand united in our commitment to protecting Saskatoon’s Elm trees and preserving the beauty of our cityscape.

Remember, our actions today will shape the future of our urban forest. Let’s stand united in our efforts to preserve Saskatoon’s Elm trees for generations to come.

American Elm Ulmus Americana autumn leaf — Elm Leaves

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

Innovative Solutions Sprouting for International Day of Forests

March 21st, marks the International Day of Forests, a global celebration highlighting the vital role of forests in our world. With this year’s theme, “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,” the focus is on the transformative power of innovative approaches to afforestation and reforestation efforts. These endeavors are not just about planting trees; they represent a crucial step towards climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation.

“Forests are ecosystems where rich biodiversity thrives, serving as home to 60,000 different tree species, 80 percent of amphibian species, 75 percent of bird species, and 68 percent of the world’s mammal species.”
Forests can help us limit climate change – here is how UNDP

Forests are not mere collections of trees; they are intricate ecosystems teeming with life. They provide habitats for an astounding array of species, making them essential for the planet’s biodiversity. St. Barbe Baker’s tireless commitment to encouraging tree planting internationally earned him the distinction of being the first Honorary Life Member of the World Wildlife Fund in 1989, a testament to his outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation.

As we ponder the significance of forests as homes to biodiversity, come out to the City Nature Challenge Events between April 26 and 29 to discover what might be found in Saskatoon!

Moreover, forests act as natural carbon sinks, playing a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate. In the last decade alone, these land-based ecosystems absorbed a substantial portion of carbon emissions, stemming from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

The legacy of environmental champions like St. Barbe Baker underscores the significance of individual efforts in safeguarding our forests. Utilizing organizations he founded with a global scope, or by motivating others, Baker played a pivotal role in planting billions of trees worldwide and conserving forests on an international scale. In recognition of his contributions, St. Barbe Baker was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Saskatchewan on November 6, 1971. Subsequently, Queen Elizabeth II honored him with the appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) during the 1978 New Year Honours. His commitment to preserving forests and inspiring global action serves as an inspiration for present-day conservationists.

“…today it is the duty of every thinking being to live, and to serve not only his own day and generation, but also generations unborn by helping to restore and maintain the green glory of the forests of the earth.”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

Furthermore, forests are not just vital for wildlife; they are also home to millions of Indigenous Peoples who have acted as their stewards for generations. These communities play a crucial role in forest conservation and management, utilizing traditional knowledge to ensure the sustainability of these ecosystems.

Innovative solutions are key to addressing the challenges facing our forests. From cutting-edge reforestation techniques to community-led conservation initiatives, there is a wealth of approaches that can drive positive change. International organizations with a global reach, initiated and those inspired by the likes of St. Barbe Baker, continue to spearhead tree-planting efforts and forest preservation projects worldwide.

As we commemorate the International Day of Forests, let us reflect on the importance of forests as essential pillars of our planet’s health. Through innovation and collective action, we can ensure that forests thrive for generations to come, safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and fostering a better world for all.

The City of Saskatoon has been recognized for its commendable efforts in alignment with this year’s theme, “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.” Saskatoon stands out as one of six major cities selected to receive funding of up to $20 million from Infrastructure Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund – Large Project Stream. This substantial funding presents a significant opportunity for the city to further its Green Infrastructure Strategy implementation plan, known as “Pathways for an Integrated Green Network.” In December 2022, City Administration put forward the Natural Areas Management Pilot Report, advocating for the creation of pilot management plans for areas like the forest at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. With a joint investment exceeding $34 million, courtesy of the Natural Infrastructure Fund, Saskatoon’s Green Network continues to flourish, offering both residents and wildlife access to uninterrupted, high-quality green spaces and natural areas within the urban landscape.

“If a man loses one-third of his skin he dies; if a tree loses one-third of its bark, it too dies. If the Earth is a ‘sentient being’, would it not be reasonable to expect that if it loses one-third of its trees and vegetable covering, it will also die?”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Forest — Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

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

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

Restoring Forests to Fight Climate Change

In the fight against climate change, trees are among our strongest allies. Not only do they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but they also cool our planet through a process called transpiration. This cooling effect has recently been studied in the Eastern United States, where researchers found that reforestation has significantly cooled the land surface and air temperature, providing a natural solution to the warming climate.

The study, led by Mallory L. Barnes from Indiana University, investigated the impact of reforestation on the climate of the Eastern United States (EUS) during the 20th century. The research team found that forests cool the land surface by 1–2°C annually compared to nearby grasslands and croplands, with the strongest cooling effect during midday in the growing season, when cooling is 2–5°C. Young forests (20–40 years) have the strongest cooling effect on surface temperature. This cooling effect also extends to the near-surface air, with forests reducing midday air temperature by up to 1°C compared to nearby non-forests.

The study’s findings have important implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Reforestation in temperate regions, such as the EUS, could provide a complementary set of benefits: mitigating climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while also helping with adaptation to rising temperatures by cooling surface and air temperatures over large areas.

This research has received widespread attention, including an article by The Guardian, which described the study’s findings as a “stunning feat” in curtailing the soaring temperatures caused by the climate crisis. The recovery of forests in the Eastern United States has helped stall the effects of global heating through transpiration, in which water is drawn up through the roots to the leaves and then released into the air as vapor, slightly cooling the surrounding area.

As we continue to face the impacts of climate change, the importance of trees in mitigating and adapting to these changes cannot be overstated. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are dedicated to preserving and restoring our forests, recognizing the critical role they play in protecting our planet. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

“Plant Trees, Save the World: The Ultimate Cooling Solution!”

References:
Barnes, M. L., Zhang, Q., Robeson, S. M., Young, L., Burakowski, E. A., Oishi, A. C., Stoy, P. C., Katul, G., & Novick, K. A. (2022). A Century of Reforestation Reduced Anthropogenic Warming in the Eastern United States. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(2), e2021GL097144. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL097144

Milman, O. (2024, February 20). Very cool: trees stalling effects of global heating in eastern US, study finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/20/trees-stalling-effects-of-global-heating-in-eastern-us-study-finds

“Forests: The Secret to a Cooler Climate!”

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 — Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

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

The Cooling Canopy: How Reforestation is Keeping Temperatures in Check

Restoring and preserving the world’s forests are promising natural pathways to mitigate some aspects of climate change. In addition to regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, forests modify surface and near-surface air temperatures through biophysical processes. In the eastern United States (EUS), widespread reforestation during the 20th century coincided with an anomalous lack of warming, raising questions about reforestation’s contribution to local cooling and climate mitigation. Using new cross-scale approaches and multiple independent sources of data, we uncovered links between reforestation and the response of both surface and air temperature in the EUS. Ground- and satellite-based observations showed that EUS forests cool the land surface by 1–2°C annually compared to nearby grasslands and croplands, with the strongest cooling effect during midday in the growing season, when cooling is 2–5°C. Young forests (20–40 years) have the strongest cooling effect on surface temperature. Surface cooling extends to the near-surface air, with forests reducing midday air temperature by up to 1°C compared to nearby non-forests. Analyses of historical land cover and air temperature trends showed that the cooling benefits of reforestation extend across the landscape. Locations surrounded by reforestation were up to 1°C cooler than neighboring locations that did not undergo land cover change, and areas dominated by regrowing forests were associated with cooling temperature trends in much of the EUS. Our work indicates reforestation contributed to the historically slow pace of warming in the EUS, underscoring reforestation’s potential as a local climate adaptation strategy in temperate regions.

Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the observed lack of 20th-century warming in the eastern United States (e.g., Meehl et al., 2012; Z. Pan et al., 2004; Partridge et al., 2018; Tosca et al., 2017). The work here does not identify widespread reforestation as the sole factor causing the EUS warming hole or its trend, but multiple independent data sources suggest it can be an important contributor to this lack of historic regional warming. Beyond that, the study provides robust evidence of local biophysical climate benefits of reforestation in the EUS. The strong and persistent increase in forest cover throughout the region in the 20th century contributed to cooling, which is consistent with observed temperature changes. In addition, the findings demonstrate that reforestation has a consistent cooling effect on both surface and air temperatures, especially during midsummer periods when high temperatures can be most harmful. These findings emphasize the potential for reforestation to provide local climate adaptation benefits in temperate regions such as the EUS, highlighting the importance of biophysical co-benefits of nature-based climate solutions.

But don’t take our word for it, please read:

A Century of Reforestation Reduced Anthropogenic Warming in the Eastern United States written by Mallory L. Barnes, Quan Zhang, Scott M. Robeson, Lily Young, Elizabeth A. Burakowski, A. Christopher. Oishi, Paul C. Stoy, Gaby Katul, Kimberly A. Novick and published in the American Geophysical Union AGU Advancing Earth and Space Sciences Journal by John Wiley and Sons Inc.

This scientific article was reviewed by The Guardian;

Very cool: trees stalling effects of global heating in eastern US, study finds Vast reforestation a major reason for ‘warming hole’ across parts of US where temperatures have flatlined or cooled. Written by Oliver Milman Feb 17, 2024.

Earth Day April 22, 2020 tree planting — Benefits of trees and afforestation

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

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