“The city that integrates landscapes, urban gardens, and green roofs to maximize biodiversity. Which strategies can be applied to protect and maximize biodiversity and to reintroduce landscape and garden ideas back in the city to ensure urban cooling?” Steffen Lehmann
Pelican Preenning
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands in the fog
West Swale Wetlands (Chappel Marsh) Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA
City of Saskatoon, SK, CA
Rime Ice at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. NE 21-36-6 W 3 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 NE 21-36-6
“The narrowing [and reduction of] roads, which calms traffic and lowers the UHI [urban heat island] effect, allows for more (all-important) tree planting. Preserving green space, gardens and farm land creates a green belt around the city, and planting trees absorbs CO2. …In all urban planning, we need to maintain and protect the existing ecosystem that stores carbon and plan for the creation of new carbon storage sinks by increasing the amount of tree planting. The increase is the percentage of green space as a share of total city land is to be performed in combination with an densification activities.” ~Steffen Lehmann
Planting in reserved lands purchased in 1960 for a green belt or tree belt begins in 1972. “A tree belt as a windbreak and to create a sense of enclosure is suggested along the edges of development for all areas which will not expand in the near future. Such a belt can already be considered along the northern boundary of Westview Heights. In conclusion it can be stated that a seemingly overwhelming demand lies ahead, however, through careful timing, programming and design there should be few difficulties. It should be remembered that the city forefathers reserved beautiful parks along the river, others have developed in Kiwanis Park, the University Grounds and numerous treed and landscaped streets. They did so under adverse conditions with a population of 20,000. They gave the city a reputation as the “City Beautiful” and today’s residents should be willing to uphold their tradition.” (Wellman. 1963. P 18)_At this time City Council passes an order in council that the afforestation is protected in perpetuity.
As we look out on the southern extent of circle drive, along the shorelines of the Gordie Howe Bridge, and out onto Township Road 362A the view of Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, can be seen Wellman walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty and brought his ideas to City Planner Bill Graham developing the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway, planting the parks, and establishing the trees.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park were afforested by the City Parks Department in 1972; 200,000 trees on 600 acres of land in three afforestation areas. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park were on the southwest side of the South Saskatchewan River, and the third was on the east side of the river, south of Diefenbaker park, and west of the Saskatoon Golf Course. The afforestation areas were all preserved in perpetuity in 1972.
Bibliography
Lehmann, Steffen. Part I. Sustainable Urbanism Climate Change, and Resilience. Green Urbanism. Formulating a Series of Holistic Principles. Sustainable Urbanism and Beyond. Rethinking cities for the future. Tigran Haas Editor. ISBN 978-0-8478-83836-3 Rizzoli International Publications Inc. New York. 2012
Wellman, Hilbert E. and Henry F. Frolich. (1963) Community Planning Scheme 1963. Henry F. Frolich, Assistant City Planner, and Hilbert E. Wellman, City Planning and Building Director. Page 18.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
“The aim of the Men of the Trees is briefly ‘ to develop a tree sense in every citizen, and to encourage all to plant, protect and love their native trees; for forestry is among the oldest and most honourable of the peaceful arts of men, and in its practice is unselfish and constructive service.’ ”
In the words of Henry van Dyke, America’s greatest tree poet,
He that planteth a tree is a servant of God;
He provideth a kindness for many generations
And faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
Did you know that the “linear urban park” has its history with Frederick Law Olmstead’s vision for a “shaded pleasure drive” for visitors travelling into an urban setting as they approached on foot or by horse drawn carriage.
The linear greenway gave way to auto parkways envisioned by Robert Moses.
November 20 book launch of Man of the Trees Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist, written by Paul Hanley with a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and introduction by Jane Goodall hosted by William Thomas Molloy OC SOM QC LL.D LL.B, at the Top of the Inn Ballroom, Sheraton Cavalier Hotel
White-tailed Deer Fawn. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA Spring time
Then greenbelts were the brainchild of Ebenezer Howard, Rexford Tugwell and Benton McKaye. These greenbelts were pioneered to control urban growth. Saskatoon had its own green belt envisioned by Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, who literally got out of his office, and walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter in 1960 choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty. Together with City Planner Bill Graham Wellman worked on parkways and planted trees for the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway at these sites. The afforestation areas, golf courses, and Diefenbaker park as well as several green spaces are a part of this concept, and have been incorporated into the Circle Drive plan as is evident around Gordie Howe Bridge completing the southern portion of Circle Drive in Saskatoon.
The current approach by long range planners is typified by the ecological vision, creating greenways and green networks utilising naturally occurring features such as river, swale and creek systems.
Marcus, Clare Cooper and Carolyn Francis. People Places Second Edition. Design Guidelines for Urban Open Space. ISBN 0-471-28833-0. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.New York. 1998 page 132
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
“The more successfully a city mingles everyday diversity of uses and users in its everyday streets, the more successfully, casually (and economically) its people thereby enliven and support well-located parks that can thus give back grace and delight to their neighborhoods instead of vacuity. ” ~Jane Jacobs American-Canadian journalist on Urban Planning
Rabbit
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Forest
1960. A green belt for the city starts with Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, who walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty. Together with City Planner Bill Graham they worked on parkways and planted trees for the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway at these sites. Alfred Henry Browne “Man of the Trees” city Parks Superintendent – “The Man Who Made Saskatoon Beautiful” had a vision for Saskatoon – planting over 30,000 trees in the city. Wyndham Winkler Ashley local horticulturist and founder of the parks board advocated trees, and dispersed tree seedlings. They all envisioned a green city.
“The Richard St. Barb Baker Afforestation Area was established in 1960 to create a green belt around the city. Trees, which act as habitat for local wildlife, were planted in rows to generate a man-made forest.”(World Web.com) From Jeffery O’Brien at the City Archives, it has been determined that in 1960, the city purchased the land, parts of Sections 22 and 23 Township 36, Range 6 West of the third meridian, south of the CN Chappell yards.
1972. Planting in reserved lands purchased in 1960 for a tree belt begins in 1972. “A tree belt as a windbreak and to create a sense of enclosure is suggested along the edges of development for all areas which will not expand in the near future. Such a belt can already be considered along the northern boundary of Westview Heights. In conclusion it can be stated that a seemingly overwhelming demand lies ahead, however, through careful timing, programming and design there should be few difficulties. It should be remembered that the city forefathers reserved beautiful parks along the river, others have developed in Kiwanis Park, the University Grounds and numerous treed and landscaped streets. They did so under adverse conditions with a population of 20,000. They gave the city a reputation as the “City Beautiful” and today’s residents should be willing to uphold their tradition.” (Wellman. 1963. P 18)_At this time City Council passes an order in council that the afforestation is protected in perpetuity.
Spring Sunset Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Trembling Aspen grove Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
1976 On June 7, the Planning and Development Committee prepare the South Saskatchewan River Corridor Study: Towards a River Edge Authority. From this an autonomous agency arises upon which Saskatoon and Corman Park agree to implement the report.
1978 Moriyama’s Meewasin Valley Project 100-Year Conceptual Master Plan is submitted by Raymond Moriyama Architects and Planners. Moriyama’s report includes the river valley of the South Saskatchewan River and also rural lands adjacent to the natural drainage systems feeding into the South Saskatchewan River. The “West Swale” as described by Golder Associates is a low lying wetlands area which has its confluence at the South Saskatchewan River. The West Swale – its wetlands and surrounding environment does have a congruency with the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The core concept of Moriyama’s plan was that this is indeed a unique land with a unique people, the objective is balance. As the current plans for the South West Sector (now the Blairmore Sector) are to develop the area west of Sk Hwy 7 as a residential, and the P4G has plans to place rural commercial/industrial in the lands around George Genereux Urban Regional Park and in the long term these may well be the plans for the lands south of Chappell Marsh Conservation Area, and south of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforesation Area alongside the Green Network Area Study it is even more imperative to address conservation practices and sustainable open space and parks preservation for future generations.
Additionally a sound neighbourhood or business park development needs to take into account the fundamental values of the Meewasin Valley Authority
1/ Nature conservancy.
2/ The improvement of water quality and a reduction of pollution
3/ The need for increased education and research opportunities
4/ An enhancement between rural and urban inter-relationships and users.
5/ An improvement of recreational opportunities
6/ The moving forward on cultural aspects in the area.
“Meewasin Valley Authority The Meewasin Valley Authority (Meewasin) was formed in 1979 to act as an agent of the City, the University, and the Province of Saskatchewan to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation. The Meewasin Valley Authority Act (MVA Act) establishes the mandate of Meewasin, its powers, and its jurisdiction, and the Conservation Zone. Meewasin‘s mandate can be summarized into three mandate areas: conservation, development, and education. It is around this time residents of the RM of Corman Park petitioned to protect agricultural lands from the MVA conservation area, leaving the westerly portion of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [RSBBAA] and all lands within the afforestation area formerly known as George Genereux park without management from the MVA
By 1979, the afforestation is named in the honour of Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker, L.L.D., O.B.E. – founder of the international group “Men of the Trees”
2013 South West Off Leash Dog Park becomes a small fenced off area within the afforestation area. During this year, Golder Associates conducted their natural screening of the southwest sector which included the “Wooded area” namely Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Maps show that the Blairmore sector afforestation areas are congruent with the wetlands area named the “West Swale”
2014. “Advantages of Incorporating Natural Wetlands as Features in Urban Planning Wetlands in landscape settings, whether urban or rural, provide open space, wildlife, aesthetic, recreation, ambient temperature, and educational benefits to local and regional residents in addition the direct stormwater flood management and water quality improvements….natural wetlands provide valuable ecological benefits such as groundwater recharge and improved water quality, storage and cycling of nutrients and sediments, carbon sequestration, and enhanced wildlife habitat and biodiversity. [1]”
2016 The Afforestation Area is one of the nature viewing sites in the updated version of the Saskatoon Nature Society’s latest book, Nature and Viewing Sites in and Around Saskatoon.
“While you are looking, you might as well also listen, linger and think about what you see.” Jane Jacobs American-Canadian journalist on Urban Planning
“The important thing to remember is that even if you seem like the only one in all of North American who uses more native [native plants] than aliens, wildlife will be better off for your efforts. The effects will be cumulative, and probably synergistic, as more and more people join you. And don’t forget that plants are long-lived. The [native tree] you plant tomorrow could easily live 300 years, servicing innumerable insects, birds, squirrels, mice, raccoons, and deer every year of its life. Yes, you can make a difference on a small plot of land. You can even make a difference if you own no land. If you live in an apartment, you may be able to influence the landscaping habits of your landlord, or the company you work for, or the township supervisors who control your city parks, or your sibling who does own property. If we humans are capable of turning hundreds of millions of acres of rainforest into depleted grasslands, and extirpating millions of buffalo from the plains, and billions of passenger pigeons from the skies and cod from the North Atlantic, we are also capable of returning natives to our gardens.” ~ Douglas Tallamy
2. Wellman, Hilbert E. and Henry F. Frolich. (1963) Community Planning Scheme 1963. Henry F. Frolich, Assistant City Planner, and Hilbert E. Wellman, City Planning and Building Director. Page 18.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.
“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
“Trees worked for millions of years to make it possible for man to come on this planet. Yet man, who owns his presence on this Earth to trees, has been cutting, burning, greedily and recklessly.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
Do you have an inkling of the inscrutable history of the afforestation areas? The history no longer needs be enigmatic, mysterious, unreadable, inexplicable, unexplainable, incomprehensible, impenetrable, inscrutable, unfathomable, unknowable; opaque, abstruse, arcane, obscure, or cryptic thanks to a bit of a time line.
“Wisdom: Knowledge rightly applied. We assimilate lots of knowledge. Whether or not we do anything with that knowledge is a measure of our wisdom. That implies some change … and change can be difficult.” – Hyrum W. Smith
Geographical Pre-History ~ the Pleistocene Era ~ creation of the Yorath Island Spillway which results in the current “West Swale.”
Protect your dog in the severe cold winter weather warnings.
Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK
1883 Temperance Colonization Society under John Neilson Lake, first examined this area in 1882 and found that it would make an excellent location to found their community based on the ideals of the temperance movement. Nutana settlement is formed which later becomes a neighbourhood of the current City of Saskatoon.
1884Surveyor’s Map Plan of Township No 36 Range 6 West of the Third Meridian. Dominion Land Office April 25, 1884.
1890The Qu’Appelle, Long Lake and Saskatchewan Railway (QLSRSC) reached Saskatoon in 1890. [In 1889, QLSRSC railways were leased to the Canadian Pacific Railway and finally taken over by the Canadian Northern Railway in July 1906. At the rail station between the villages of Riversdale and Saskatoon, there was the QLL&SR bridge which was rebuilt in 1905, and again after a train fell through it in March 1914; the CNR rail bridge was demolished in 1965 to make way for the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge and the Idylwyld Freeway. The first location of the CNR train yards was where the Midtown Plaza shopping centre stands in contemporary down town Saskatoon.] Note there are both CPR and CNR lines running parallel to each other south west of Saskatoon.
1886. On September 10th 1886 Xavier Gaugeon is doing homestead duties upon his military homestead, the eastern half of section 22 Township 36, Range 6 West of the Third meridian has broken 7 acres in 1887, and 25 acres by 1891 and has built a 14 x 16 foot house. The land is home to 7 horses and 16 cattle. NOTE the southern half of this homestead this would correspond to a middle portion of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [The 1/2 mile by 1 mile homestead begins 1/2 mile away from western edge and then extends 1/2 mile to the east]. The RSBBAA is defined as those parts of Southern half Section 22 and SW 23 township 36 range 6 west of the third meridian… On contemporary maps, CNR Chappell Yards takes up the entire northern half of 22 36 6 W3 the CNR rail line bisects this homestead location.
1899. William Kennedy Esq. puts in a homestead application for SW ¼ Section 22 Township 36 Range 6 West of the third meridian on April 28, 1899. As of 1899 Kennedy initially broke 5 acres of land, up a total of 125 acres by 1903. In 1903 ~ 85 acres were crop land. Kennedy owned 2 cattle and three horses with a frame house and log stable. Kennedy requests a land patent certificate on January 25, 1904. NOTE this a portion of land 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile extending alongside the extreme western edge of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. On contemporary maps it can be seen that the railway line and the current CNR Chappell yards cuts the northern edge of this homestead.
NE 21-36-6 W3 or George Genereux Urban Regional Park had no homestead entry. The afforestation lands SE section 23-36-6-W3 also had no homestead entry ~ the unnamed afforestation area also commonly referred to as Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [east and SW OLRA].
1906. In 1906 Saskatoon became a city with a population of 4,500, which included the settlements of Saskatoon, Riversdale, and Nutana.
1915Sectional Map Department of the Interior Topographical Surveys Branch. Sectional Maps. Portion of Saskatoon Sheet Sectional Map #215.
1922 A rail The CN junction is located on SE 24-36-6 W3 according to Bill Barry. A branch line runs through Section 23, township 36 Range 6 West of the Third meridian.
1924Map Rand McNally Map excerpt This map shows the “Old Bone Trail.” This trail was used by ox and red river cart or horse and buggy in the 19th century. The Old Bone Trail came into use when the Buffalo herds no longer roamed the plains in massive numbers, their bones bleaching dry in the sun. Settlers would try to earn a buck or two, and load up their wagons with the bones traversing the “Old Bone Trail” into the nearest rail station where they would be transported to plants which would then convert the bones to fertilizer. The overlay of the old cart trail on the Rand McNally Map shows how the railways followed the old grade of the trails. Later maps would illustrate how highways followed the grade of the rails. Around this time~ the 1920s, trails began to take their leave from history, and pioneers would utilize the trains for passenger and freight transport.
1960. A green belt for the city starts with Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, who walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty. Together with City Planner Bill Graham they worked on parkways and planted trees for the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway at these sites. A green city is envisioned.
“The Richard St. Barb Baker Afforestation Area was established in 1960 to create a green belt around the city. Trees, which act as habitat for local wildlife, were planted in rows to generate a man-made forest.”(World Web.com)
1966. According to Saskatoon’s Historic Building and Sites, the “railroad lines which dominated the landscape of downtown Saskatoon since 1890 were moved by the Canadian National Railways in 1966 to Chappell Siding west of the city. On a 285-acre site, the CN operates the most modern container, express and passenger services over 40 miles of track.”(Clubb. 1973. Note 124)
The CN Chappell yards are located to the north of the Richard St. Barb Baker Afforestation Area. Precisely the park is located at 52°6’6″N 106°45’19″W north off of Cedar Villa Road.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Horseback Riding
1972. Planting in reserved lands purchased in 1960 for a tree belt begins in 1972. “A tree belt as a windbreak and to create a sense of enclosure is suggested along the edges of development for all areas which will not expand in the near future. Such a belt can already be considered along the northern boundary of Westview Heights. In conclusion it can be stated that a seemingly overwhelming demand lies ahead, however, through careful timing, programming and design there should be few difficulties. It should be remembered that the city forefathers reserved beautiful parks along the river, others have developed in Kiwanis Park, the University Grounds and numerous treed and landscaped streets. They did so under adverse conditions with a population of 20,000. They gave the city a reputation as the “City Beautiful” and today’s residents should be willing to uphold their tradition.” (Wellman. 1963. P 18)
“The concrete and asphalt jungle, filthy air, and cold, stark angular outlines devoid of greenery, are the main characteristics of the modern metropolis,” writes Kathy Cronkite in Green Survival: War against ecology abuse. Three Saskatoon groups organizing main campaign. Cronkite continues, “Saskatoon’s parks and recreation board has preserved the area of Beaver Creek, Cranberry Flats, and the rifle range as open space to be enjoyed by Saskatoonians in pursuit of passive recreation such as picnics. It has also ventured into a massive project of planting 200,000 trees for local parks on 800 acres of land south of Diefenbaker Park and south of the CNR station. The Green Survival Program is jointly sponsored in North America by the Canadian Nursery Trades Association and the American Association of Nurserymen.” NOTE the rifle range is now referred to as Chief Whitecap Park and off leash recreation area.
An original afforestation tree planter recalls, “I am not too sure of the hierarchy at the time, but I believe Dave Scott was the Superintendent of Parks, and the Assistant at the time was a guy from the Netherlands named Alex Ligtermoet. It was his planting project that ultimately led to me getting out of the park and off the outdoor rinks, and onto the tree crew.
“Anyway, and possibly due to his European roots, it was Alex’s vision to create an urban forest on the edge of Saskatoon. I don’t know how the land was acquired, but the areas planted were adjacent to the CNR railway tracks so I assume that the land was part of the railway’s holdings. The trees were saplings that came in crates from the PFRA Nursery at Indian Head, and Alex had selected a variety of drought tolerant species because the sites would not be irrigated. We started on the east side of the river, just west of the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, and moved to the west side the following spring.
“The planting machine being towed by the tractor in the picture was purchased specifically for this project. I’m having a tough time remembering my co-workers names, but the tractor driver’s name was Bill. We took turns sitting on the seat of the planter. The boxes were loaded with saplings and a bell would ring to tell you it was time to jam another tree into the furrow, which was done at least 200,000 times over those 2 years. As a matter of fact, I know we got extra trees the second year, so the total number of trees planted is quite a bit higher. The area west of Highway 7 was the last to be planted, and was the sketchiest area even back then. There was a hobo (the precursor to the homeless) encampment in a small bluff of natural trees that made us uncomfortable on occasion. Overall, it is one of the things that I take some pride in and I have always enjoyed traveling over the train overpass on Highway 7 to watch my forest grow – that’s probably the best vantage point to view it.”(Newman, 2016).
Alex Ligtermoet, Assistant Parks Superintendent, in 1972 goes before City Council to have the 660 acres of afforested lands preserved in perpetuity, this was passed by councilors.
1974 “The City of Saskatoon started a unique project for the prairie called Afforestation, or “Man-made Forest.”
“The City Planning Department, in conjunction with the City Parks Division, investigated the possibilities of having an afforestation program aimed at improving the future environment of the city.”
“Initially, future residential areas were examined and the required area for public reserve located, the intention being to plant these future areas of open space so that when the subdivision was developed, there would be mature trees already established …This idea was extended beyond the limits of these future public reserve areas to encompass the remainder of the surrounding land, and in fact, to consider all those lands owned by the City of Saskatoon not presently developed.” (Ligtermoet, 1974)
1976 On June 7, 1976 the Planning and Development Committee prepare the “South Saskatchewan River Corridor Study: Towards a River Edge Authority”. From this an autonomous agency arises upon which both Saskatoon and Corman Park agree to implement the report.
1979 “The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area south of the CNR station is named in honour of Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker who received an honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan. St. Barbe was an internationally known forestry advisor and conservationist who attended the University of Saskatchewan in 1910 and homesteaded near Beaver Creek. The trail marker and dedication were co-sponsored by Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Baha’i community.” (White, 2014).
At this same time George Genereux urban regional park received its name honouring Saskatoon resident, George Genereux, the 1952 Olympic Games Gold Medalist at Helsinki, Finland. The name George Genereux has been assumed by a pocket park elsewhere in Saskatoon, and the title no longer officially designates this afforestation area.
The “West Swale” as described by Golder Associates is a low lying wetlands area which has its confluence at the South Saskatchewan River. The West Swale – its wetlands and surrounding environment does have a congruency with the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
Moriyama’s Meewasin Valley Project 100-Year Conceptual Master Plan is submitted by Raymond Moriyama Architects and Planners. Moriyama’s report includes the river valley of the South Saskatchewan River and also rural lands adjacent to the natural drainage systems feeding into the South Saskatchewan River.
The core concept of Moriyama’s plan was that this is indeed a unique land with a unique people, the objective is balance. The Meewasin Valley Authority fundamental values are;
1/ Nature conservancy.
2/ The improvement of water quality and a reduction of pollution
3/ The need for increased education and research opportunities
4/ An enhancement between rural and urban inter-relationships and users.
5/ An improvement of recreational opportunities
6/ The moving forward on cultural aspects in the area.
“The Meewasin Valley Authority (Meewasin) was formed in 1979 to act as an agent of the City, the University, and the Province of Saskatchewan to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation. The Meewasin Valley Authority Act (MVA Act) establishes the mandate of Meewasin, its powers, and its jurisdiction, and the Conservation Zone.” According to newspaper accounts of the era, though the afforestation area lands are designated as being within the MVA conservation zone, in the case of the afforestation area only a portion of afforestation lands became managed by the MVA. Not under management by the MVA are those lands inclusive of the Class IV permanent wetlands named “Chappell Marsh” and an approximate description continues as those lands west of Chappell Marsh in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Also not under MVA management are all lands within the afforestation area formerly known as George Genereux park. Roughly, the lands which are managed by the MVA are east of “Chappell Marsh” wetlands including the South West off leash recreation area, and the “unnamed afforestation area east of the SW OLRA. Meewasin‘s mandate can be summarized into three mandate areas: conservation, development, and education.
“The teacher, if indeed wise, does not bid you to enter the house of their wisdom, but leads you to the threshold of your own mind.” – Khalil Gibran
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Clubb, Sally Potter and William Antony S. Sarjeant. (1973) Saskatoon’s Historic Buildings and Sites. A survey and proposals. Saskatoon, Past , Present and Potential No. 1. Saskatoon Environmental Society.
Cronkite, Kathy. “Green Survival: War against ecology abuse. Three Saskatoon groups organizing main campaign.” Saskatoon Star Phoenix. May 10, 1972
Fung, Ka-iu editor. (1999) Atlas of Saskatchewan Celebrating the Millennium Edition 2000-2005. University of Saskatchewan. ISBN 0-88880-387-7. Pages 129, 136-137, 161-162
Golder Associates. Southwest Sector Plan. (2013) City of Saskatoon West/Southwest Sector Natural Area Screening Study. Business & Development – Planning – Long Range Plans – Sector Plans.
Ligtermoet, A.L. Report Afforestation ~ Man Made Forest on the Prairies. City of Saskatoon, January 4, 1974
Newman, Leslee. (2016) Planting the St. Barbe Baker Forest. Quotation from Wayne Buckle, an original tree planter of the afforestation areas who currently resides in Wadin Bay, SK, north of La Ronge
Wellman, Hilbert E. and Henry F. Frolich. (1963) Community Planning Scheme 1963. Henry F. Frolich, Assistant City Planner, and Hilbert E. Wellman, City Planning and Building Director. Page 18.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“We forget that we owe our existence to the presence of Trees. As far as forest cover goes, we have never been in such a vulnerable position as we are today. The only answer is to plant more Trees – to Plant Trees for Our Lives.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker
“In the words of Henry van Dyke, America’s greatest tree poet,
‘He that planteth a tree is a servant of God;
He provideth a kindness for many generations
And faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.’ ”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
“We are passing through a time of unprecedented destruction of things of the spirit and of the natural order. We have been caught up by personal greed and national competition. The very body of life on this planet is now being threatened by the destruction of earth’s green mantle, the Trees. “~Richard St. Barbe Baker.
1972 These first 660 acres of afforestation areas be kept in perpetuity
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
A green belt for the city starts with Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department , who walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty. Together with City Planner Bill Graham they worked on parkways and planted trees for the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway at these sites. Alfred Henry Browne “Man of the Trees” city Parks Superintendent – “The Man Who Made Saskatoon Beautiful” had a vision for Saskatoon – planting over 30,000 trees in the city. Wyndham Winkler Ashley local horticulturist, and founder of the parks board advocated trees, and dispersed tree seedlings. They all envisioned a green city.
1960 the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area lands were bought; parts of Sections 22 and 23 Township 36, Range 6 West of the third meridian, south of the CN Chappell yards
1972 sees drought resistant trees, Scotch Pine, Caragana, Elm, Balsam Poplar, Colorado Blue Spruce planted in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. In total 355 acres of afforestation areas were planted that year. In 1973, 355 additional acres are planted. Originally 2,300 acres were envisioned. 1972, A. L. Ligtemoet, Assistant Parks Superintendent sets before council that these first 660 acres of afforestation areas be kept in perpetuity.
1978 Oct 19 Name “Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area” brought forward to city council; Dec 28, 1978 proposed that the area become a park; Jan 2, 1979, this is recommended by council.
1985 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is dedicated June 15, 1985 in a ceremony
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.
“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 