Saturday May 21 marks the first day that all the historic trash in the park has been removed! Where the other year was phenomenal, due to the vast size of the park, a few piles on wayward trails were missed. And now…. and now, the Clean Green Community Scene has created a safe George Genereux Urban Regional Park for exploring and discovering nature.
A huge thank you goes out to ecotourists from Chile, to Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, to SOS Trees, Meewasin and the City of Saskatoon. It is truly phenomenal to have a very wonderful green space coming into its own. And it was delightful to see all the songbirds, the 13 striped ground squirrel, and other animals peeking their heads out to see what was going on to make their semi-wilderness homes safer!
Thanks again! It is a wonderful time to get the forest all cleaned up as tomorrow, May 22 is the United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity. Wow! What a treat for the International Day for Biological Diversity, indeed.
Wildlife Montage. Red Winged Blackbird, White Tailed Deer Fawn, Garter Snake, JackRabbit, Mallard Ducklings, Black Crowned Night Heron
“Plants and flowers taught me how to grow, by growing in secret and in silence.”
Michael Bassey Johnson.
So, at this virtual Zoom identification party, we will discover the exciting world of identifications using iNaturalist. Plants will be the focus, and if anyone has a plant related question, now would be the time to bring it forward. We are mainly focusing in on native or wild plants, and not cultivated plants for the garden or flower bed.
If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos.
E. O. Wilson
The City Nature Challenge happens April 29 – May 2, and it is so exciting to have so many interested people in the CNCYXE2022! Thanks for downloading the iNaturalist app, doing some experimental observations, and looking outside in nature for wildlife. It can be any wild plant, insects, mushrooms, animal, fungi, or any other evidence of life (shells, scat, fur, tracks, feathers, nests) found in your neighborhood, home, backyard, or even through your windows. You might be surprised by how many insects thrive in the nooks and crannies around you. There are also some group meets planned as well to take advantage of.
Pollinator on dandelionThermopsis rhombifolia flowers – Buffalo Bean Nadiatalent CCx4Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CanadaCaragana Flower Blooom FRichard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK CAWhite Rose
Celebrate 50 years! Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park were planted to trees in 1972, 50 years ago. Come out and say Happy Birthday!
What does Climate Action Day mean to you. We just got through St. Patrick’s Day with the wearing of the green, and trying Irish cuisine. But, now today, we need to reflect and not just wear green for St. Patrick’s Day but contemplate Climate Action Day, and what we as individuals may do to celebrate and take action on Climate change.
Alan Silverman at the Star says, “Following the lead of the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, many Toronto youth — under the banner of Fridays for Future — are calling on our governments to forcefully address the climate emergency. The theme is “no more empty promises.”
Jens Marquardt, a postdoctoral researcher in climate change politics and societal transformation at Stockholm University. mentioned that “It is actually quite astonishing to see that this [FFF] movement has been so resilient and robust, despite this massive crisis. This year of reflection has been helpful in shaping the agenda about what this movement is about and what this movement wants to achieve in the future.”[source]
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action states that “The outcome document of the Rio+20 Conference, the Future We Want, underscores climate change as “an inevitable and urgent global challenge with long-term implications for the sustainable development of all countries”
Today commit to cut CO2 emissions by driving and travelling less via combustible engine vehicles. Find a means to participate in active transportation. Take a bus or even car pooling is better than one driver per vehicle. Go cross country skiing, walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, snowshoing to get from place to place.
Hang your clothing out on a clothes line.
Today reduce, reuse, recycle take action on waste reduction.
And it doesn’t hurt to think green and engage in nature based solutions to climate change today. Plant a tree this summer. Better yet plant ten trees, take care of trees everywhere and do a good deed every day, as Richard St. Barbe Baker would say
Today, on St. Patrick’s Day dress up in your favourite green clothing, celebrate the environment, and lower your carbon footprint all at once!
Autumn picture of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas supported by the non profit group Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. Please join now, like, support, share.
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) May 25, 2019
Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982)
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
As you are observing March 17 think green protocols remember to find opportunities to do it “green.” When you wipe down your door knobs, and mailboxes, use a recycled sheet of newspaper dipped in a water-bleach solution rather than using anti-bacterial wipes. Use newspaper as a great way to polish your mirrors and windows when you spray them with an ammonia OR a water-vinegar solutions This is a great way to recycle! When you are observing a voluntary self-isolation, use dishware, and cutlery which can be washed, and re-used rather than disposable items. Any types of action you make, will make a huge difference to the environment!
“They’re teaching about The Pyramid of Life in the schools today. There is the ground producing all the soil bacteria, which is in the top few inches. That grows the grass, and a lamb comes along and eats ten pounds of grass, and that makes one lamb, and then a tiger comes along and eats ten pounds of lamb, and that makes one pound of tiger. We have too many tigers. The Pyramid of Life is upset, and one of the things we must do is to turn from an animal economy to a silvan economy. We’ve got to have tree crops, instead of wasting all this land for raising beef and bringing money to the beef barons, who are proud to call themselves beef barons. It takes eighteen times more land to feed people on beef than it does on nuts and fruit. Eighteen times more land. When half the human family today are dying from starvation. I don’t feel justified in making these demands on the earth. I, myself have been a lifelong vegetarian. ” Richard St. Barbe Baker. State of the Forests. Probe Post Canada’s Environmental Magazine, October 1982. Richard Beharriell interview with Richard St. Barbe Baker in 1980.
Save some money, and go vegetarian, and save room in your freezer! A great meal which is super healthy, is a yoga retreat classic; Kichari. Soak some measured quantities of rice and lentil beans overnight. Drain the water before you are ready to cook them. Add double the amount of fresh water, bring to a boil then cook on the stove top for 20 minutes on simmer (covered.) Make each day a special treat by adding different herbs and fresh vegetables to your Kichari for that day.
Another green idea for your fresh vegetables, is by starting your own sprouts! In just a couple of days your sprouts are ready, and the only investment, is some sprouting seeds. Amazing and Green!
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
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) May 25, 2019
The long needles of the Scots Pine
Elm Leaves
Today’s little project involves some writing.
You can write letters or emails.
Jot a note off to companies ask them to create products which are greener.
If it can’t be reduced, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production. – Peter Seeger
Send a letter to you member of the legislative assembly asking that the upcoming amendments to the wildlife act include provisions for protecting plant life.
Check with your member of the legislative assembly for the action plan to protect the Saskatchewan provincial endangered small yellow lady’s slipper found in the afforestation area.
Write a letter to your local green environmental group asking for suggestions on how to take action on climate change.
For your second activity today, how many words, or anagrams can you make from “appreciation?”
“It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It’s not just climate change; it’s sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now.” ~David Attenborough
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 SW 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 /commemorate your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers)
“Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species that we will never know — that our children will never see because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.”
– Pope Francis
“He that plants a tree, loves others besides himself.” ~Thomas Fuller
How to celebrate National Pink Day in a green verdant lush forest? With a rose or two!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Bumblebee on rose
Native Rose Bush blooming in June
Native Rose Bush blooming in June
National Pink Day June 23
How to celebrate National Pink Day in a green verdant lush forest? With a rose or two!
The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love hopeful and expectant. White roses are for love dead or forsaken, but the red roses, ah the red roses are for love triumphant.
unknown
As the sun rose above the horizon, all the earthly circumstances were gradually forgotten, and merged in the surpassing grandeur of the scene that rose majestically before me. The previous day had been dark and stormy, and a heavy fog had concealed the mountain chain, which forms the stupendous background to this sublime view, entirely from our sight. As the clouds rolled away from their grey, bald brows, and cast into denser shadow the vast forest belt that girdled them round, they loomed out like mighty giants—Titans of the earth, in all their rugged and awful beauty—a thrill of wonder and delight pervaded my mind. The spectacle floated dimly on my sight—my eyes were blinded with tears—blinded with the excess of beauty. I turned to the right and to the left, I looked up and down the glorious West Swale wetlands; never had I beheld so many striking objects blended into one mighty whole! Nature had lavished all her noblest features in producing that enchanting scene.~Susanna Moodie
One morn—it was the very morn
July’s sportive month was born—
The hour, about the sunrise, early;
The sky gray, sober, still, and pearly,
With sundry pink streaks and tinges
Through daylight’s door, at cracks and hinges:
The air, calm, bracing, freshly cool,
As if just skimm’d from off from the marsh;
The scene, red, russet, yellow, laden,
National Pink Day beholden. Adapted from Thomas Hood
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.
“In the stillness of the mighty woods, man is made aware of the divine”
Richard St Barbe Baker
Eco-boulevards, seed posts, green roofs, vertical gardens, roof gardens, are all urban greenery which dispute the necessity for a “greyscape.” The afforestation areas, forests, riparian river zones, and park spaces can be joined by green building façades, vertical forests and garden rooftops throughout the city. Where does one stop, and the other begin?
Bosco Verticale towers in Milan, Italy
Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana Mexico Courtesy Thelmadatter
musée du quai Branly y Paris Courtesy Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
University of Ottawa Social Sciences Building courtesy Jon Kolbert
“The idea of a wall of green as more than just a protruding hedge, but rather something that emerges from the architecture itself…Modern vertical gardens…”traditional hanging” and upwardly growing façade plants, which present the entire spectrum of the species of contemporary nature in architecture. More than its architectural-aesthetic aspects, …the attempt to combine elements of nature with an urban construction density, a layer of green emerges, which settles over the city like a blanket. If one did not know that the plants had been artificially arranged and distributed on and in front of the wall, one could imagine that nature had begun to reclaim the city.” Chris van Uffelen.
Bibliography
van Uffelen, Chris. Facade Greenery contemporary landscaping. ISBN 978-3-03768-075-9. Braun Publishing AG.
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 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.
“Would you rather see trees or more glass and steel? A building that tries to mitigate its impact on the urban climate, or one that contributes to the heat-island effect? A tower that’s a beacon for migrating birds and butterflies, or that further disrupts their flight? That absorbs carbon dioxide, or doesn’t?”(Source)
Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) Source: Nguyen Tan Tin
Don’t these Residential towers take the concept of a green wall or ecowall to the skies?
So recently discussing the nestling of naturalized settings in an urban setting such as the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park of the city of Saskatoon a question came up regarding the long range planning of areas in the city. The question was; what exactly is a vertical forest? This is a follow up to What is a Vertical Forest? – this article provides various sources of vertical forests!!!
What about a vertical forest, 27 storeys high! Vertical forests are amazing systems “combatting the heat island effect of the city and creating a way-finding post for birds, insects and pollinators struggling to locate the urban green spaces that are increasingly hemmed in by human-made structures.”(Source)
“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 My Life My Trees
“As cities continue to grapple with air pollution, housing shortages, and climate change, these vertical forests could very well be the residential typology we need for the future. And you can certainly expect to see more of them.”(Source)
“The vertical vegetation produces oxygen, provides habitats for bird and insect life and reduces air pollution: Studies have shown that one tree reduces dust in its vicinity by 7–24%.”(Source)
University of Ottawa Social Sciences Building courtesy Jon Kolbert
“Pathways and ponds will blend seamlessly into the surrounding business district as a way to complement the existing green spaces …Curving balconies will resemble traditional Asian rice terraces, which are often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.”(Source)
“The vegetal system of the Vertical Forest aids in the construction of a microclimate, produces humidity, absorbs CO2 and dust particles and produces oxygen.”(Source)
“The 23 different tree varieties will produce around 132 pounds (60kg) of oxygen every day”(Source)
“Planting and growing increasing quantities of trees is the scientific solution to Earth’s environmental dilemma.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
“Like most ideas in design it is more metaphorical. Trees on a building while borrowing from the idea of a forest are a long way from having the true ecological structure of a forest. But the objective is to increase biomass, biodiversity and canopy cover.”(Source)
Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana Mexico Courtesy Thelmadatter
“Vertical Forest is a model for a sustainable residential building, a project for metropolitan reforestation that contributes to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity without the implication of expanding the city upon the territory. It is a model of vertical densification of nature within the city that operates in relation to policies for reforestation and naturalization of large urban and metropolitan borders. (Source)
In a vertical forest ” plants will consume 50 tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s the equivalent of kicking about 10 cars off the road annually.”(Source)
“Viewers around the world were left breath-taken …The vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide share in the day and come alive with displays of light and sound at night, and they provide a home to an array of different animals.”(Source)
musée du quai Branly Paris Courtesy Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
“But what if we could live in a vertical forest, lush and boiling over with foliage? As humans, we benefit from vegetative, green environments both physically and psychologically. A plethora of studies have explored the benefits of having indoor plants found that people who spend time caring for nature are more likely to care for others. There’s even a restorative treatment called Forest Therapy that involves spending time in wooded areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness.”(Source)
The trees and vegetation, which cover the land surface of the Earth and delight the eye, are performing vital tasks incumbent upon the vegetable world in nature. Its presence is essential to earth as an organism. It is the first condition of all life; it is the “Skin” of the earth, for without it there can be no water and, therefore, no life. Richard St. Barbe Baker
What can cities and developers learn from naturalized areas? How can urban spaces develop around natural green spaces? Can cities increase the greenscape over the grey landscape? What do you think of Vertical Forests?
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.
“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.
It is wonderful to be part of the City of Saskatoon, a city that at once is a pioneer in the world afforestation efforts. Saskatoon, was way ahead of the times in 1972. The parks department showed incredible foresight by implementing this “Green Survival” programme as it was called in its inception.
Northern Leopard Frog
SONY DSC
A bit of fog and hoar frost in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
“We’ve got to realize we live in a biosphere. When the trees go, the people go. It’s a question of survival now. We’ve got to plant trees within the next 10 years to save our lives. We’ve been eating into our forest cover faster in the last 50 years than ever. If we want to enter the new century with forests, we will have to start planting trees for our lives now.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker reported by Zeina Cleigh. Tribune Staff Writer.
‘Afforestation’ is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees (forestation) in an area where there was no previous tree cover.
‘Deforestation’ which means cutting of forests or trees.
‘Reforestation’ is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands (forestation) that have been depleted, usually through deforestation.
The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area was planted by the City of Saskatoon parks department in 1972. The three afforestation areas, 660 acres, were preserved in perpetuity that same year by City Council.
Wayne Buckle, a tree planter in that year, says ” I have always enjoyed travelling over the train overpass on Highway 7 to watch my forest grow – that’s probably the best vantage point to view it” ~ Leslee Newman
Paul Hanley also wrote the best selling book Eleven speaking the time when the planet reaches Eleven billion people ~ echoing the following sentiments of Richard St. Barbe Baker. What are the choices facing this generation for the future survival of our planet?
Will the human race fail, fizzle, give out, go out, peter out, run out, break, break down, collapse, conk (out), crash, cut out, die, expire, stall, stop, run down, wane?
It is up to you, personally, to help your grandchildren and all of humanity to hold out, hold up, keep up, last, prevail, bear up, carry on, cope, endure, fare, get along, get by, get on, go, hang in, make out, manage, persevere, abide, continue, draw out, hang on, hold on, linger, persist, remain, run on.
What can you do?
Plant a tree, nay plant ten trees a year as requested by St. Barbe.
Support afforestation efforts around the world.
Care for trees everywhere.
Do a good deed.
Read Eleven, and the need to become a Sylvan economy as requested by St. Barbe
It is wonderful to be part of the City of Saskatoon, a city that at once is a pioneer in the world afforestation efforts. Saskatoon, was way ahead of the times in 1972. The parks department showed incredible foresight by implementing this “Green Survival” programme as it was called in its inception.
Paul Hanley, a personal friend of St. Barbe, a freelance writer, and environmentalist, has written a biography on this internationally known forester, Richard St. Barbe Baker. Contact Paul Hanley for more information about this book in order to learn more about the afforestation area namesake, Richard St. Barbe Baker.
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
“…if it feels like a true magic might be possible; it is truly a Blue Moon experience….” ― Isabella Koldras, Blue Moon Magic.
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Zero Waste
“To achieve true sustainability, we must reduce our ‘garbage index” – that which we permanently throw away into the environment that will not be naturally recycled for reuse – to near zero. Productive activities must be organized as closed systems. Minerals and other nonbiodegradable resources, once taken from the ground, must become a part of society’s permanent capital stock and be recycled in perpetuity. Organic materials may be disposed into the natural ecosystems, but only in ways that assure that they are absorbed back into the natural production system.”
David Korten
“Waste is an urgent global issue. Per capita waste generation has risen markedly in 50 years and Canadians produce the most garbage per capita when compared to 16 other OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ] nations ~ a whopping 777 kilograms [1713 pounds] per person per year.NZWC” Zero waste means the elimination of waste at the source of waste generation, rather than managing waste, and searching for methods of managing waste created to minimize environmental management. “Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them.Eco-cycle“
The vision of moving away from a “Take – Make – Dispose” paradigm, and shifting towards a circular economy without waste. Can you imagine it ~ a home without a garbage can, as everything is made with an aim of recycling, re-manufacturing, -refurbishing, repair and maintenance for long lasting use. Emissions, and energy leakages are reduced, and resources needed for supply are minimized. The vision is bold, “in a truly circular economy, where waste becomes nutrients and energy is renewable, economic growth would be decoupled from environmental restraints.Greenbiz”
As Professor Cristina Trois summarizes, “A green economy places importance on moving towards a resource efficient and zero waste society. Zero waste is a long – term vision that ultimately envisages a thriving society that exists within nature’s resource constraints and its ability to assimilate waste. Zero waste policy and resource ~ efficiency measures are intrinsically linked in a mutually beneficial way. By improving resource efficiency and moving towards zero waste, countries can tackle local environmental problems, address climate change, ensure energy security, preserve natural capital, improve economic competitiveness, and pursue social benefits, ultimately contributing to the promotion of a green economy.Programme”
Also disappearing along with the trash are:
misuse,
decay,
desolation,
destruction,
devastation,
dilapidation,
dissipation,
disuse,
exhaustion,
expenditure,
extravagance,
fritter,
improvidence,
lavishness,
loss,
misapplication,
overdoing,
prodigality,
ravage,
ruin,
squander,
squandering,
wastage,
wastefulness,
lost opportunity,
unthriftiness
Heart health forest walking
In a symbol there is concealment and yet revelation: here therefore, by silence and by speech acting together, comes a double significance. In the symbol proper, what we can call a symbol, there is ever, more or less distinctly and directly, some embodiment and revelation of the Infinite; the Infinite is made to blend itself with the Finite, to stand visible, and as it were, attainable there. By symbols, accordingly, is man guided and commanded, made happy, made wretched.
Thomas Carlyle
Will you help keep your city, your parks, the environment clean and healthy? Participate in your local clean ups! Or what the heck, next time you are out walking, bring an extra bag, and fill it up with trash, and take it away from your beloved park! Why not?
Programme Special Event of the ISWA World Congress 2011Theme: “Moving
towards Zero Waste for a Green Economy – Role of Local Authorities” Daegu
Exhibition and Convention Center (EXCO Daegu), Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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 believe with Ruskin, that I must be just to the Earth beneath my feet, to the neighbour by my side and to the Light that comes from above and within that this wonderful world of ours may be a little more beautiful and happy form my having lived in it. “Richard St. Barbe Baker.
Chaque fois que je fais les courses, je vote résolument “Oui aux aliments en vrac!” et “Oui aux produits biologiques!” Pour mes enfants, je rêve d’un avenir plus sain et sans déchet: je suis heureuse d’y investir mon argent chaque semaine.”
― Bea Johnson
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 
