The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. wish to thank our donors for their donations through Canada Helps and Paypal Giving. Thanks to you contributions, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas can offer place based educational learning trips to the afforestation areas helping to sponsor portable toilet rentals or offset bus trip fees to nature immersion classes. Because of you, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas can protect the wildlife habitats, the flora and fauna from illegal trespass and illegal dumping as your contribution goes towards trash bags for clean ups, wildlife friendly fencing and the tagging of the fencing.
Your generosity supports the greenspaces of the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park.
Your amazing contribution is a testament to the difference between a parking lot and a greenspace park, a semi-wilderness habitat, indeed. Because of you, it will be possible to support these greenspaces, and protect them for this generation and the next.
If you live in Saskatoon and area- thanks for calling for your recycling pick up. We will sort the bottles and stand in line. Your contribution goes a long way in environmental protections.
Order your copy of Living Legacy activity book and support the semi-wilderness environment and conservation of the flora and fauna. Take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land, UN SDG 14 Life Below Water and UN SDG 13 Climate Action as afforestation areas are nature based solutions for climate action. Supporting2022-2032 International Decade of Indigenous Languages and the 2021 to 2030 United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2021–2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Thank you kindlyFlowers and Butterflies abstract artwork in appreciation of supporters at the 2016 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CARoses in appreciation of supporters and sponsors of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park Saskatoon, SK, CAThanks so muchHappy Girl
We are coming up on #GivingTuesday on November 30, 2021.
Donations help so much, by making a donation on Giving Tuesday the funds go towards the conservation of the afforestation area as trees are the largest and cheapest method of removing CO2 from the atmosphere mitigating climate change. Forests clean our air, our water, and regulate our climate. Forests help to manage and alleviate flooding.
Child running through the forest having a great time connecting with nature
American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica) sighted at Richard St. Barbe Baker spring 2019
Rose in the Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982)
Your donation goes towards assisting the installation of interpretive signs and the creation of an afforestation area outdoor classroom for children across the City of Saskatoon.
Did you know? You can receive as much as 53% back through charity tax deductions. Receipts can be issued by the non-profit charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. does for your donation.
Connecting on #Giving Tuesday with a donation or by contacting Donate A Car Canada for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. helps to install wildlife friendly fence can be installed. This allows the deer fawns and moose calves to pass through without getting caught in the fence, or without being left behind.
“Think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.”
John Rockefeller
Your reach out for The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. when you donate on #GivingTuesday, or contact Donate A Care Canada goes towards the installation of a garbage receptacle to protect the semi- wilderness habitat without pollution in the environment. This installation will protect the natural areas at this amazing habitat.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to contact Donate A Car Canada or donate via Canada Helps and help habitat for bees and other pollinators which help keep our planet and our city green. They are facing habitat loss, and what a better place than the afforestation areas to protect their habitat where herbicides and pesticides are not in use.
Your donation also helps provide the means for classrooms of children, or youth groups to come out to the afforestation areas by bus for inquiry-learning on-site in these naturalized afforestation areas.
I absolutely believe in the power of tithing. My own experience is that the more I give away, the more that comes back. That is the way life works
Ken Blanchard
What about the contribution your donation makes towards installation of a metal park identification sign and mitigate illegal motorized vehicle trespass and illegal trash dumping.
Your contribution helps to create and maintain a GPS place-based learning Prairie Forest app to take the afforestation areas online, and share the community stories of legends, and memories.
Reaching out to Donate A Car Canada or by making a donation for #GivingTuesday in support of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. does help to provide groups of volunteers with gloves and trash bags to conduct clean ups. Community volunteer clean ups go a long way to protect the woodlands, grasslands and wetlands.
A gift like these make a real difference. Make an impact with your gift, and help make the world a better place.
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 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!
So All 17 UN SDGs are (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Well-being, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (10) Reducing Inequality, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life On Land, (16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals.
So it is really easy to say that forests support habitats and biodiversity for Life on Land UN SDG Goal 15. Yay!
Did you know that afforestation, and nature based solutions are great ways to mitigate climate change as forests absorb GHG from the air. That means, that forests also contribute to UN SDG Goal 13 Climate Action.
Richard St. Barbe Baker says “When the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear”. Therefore, protecting forests have a definite function in UN SDG Goal 14 Life Below Water.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations mentions that ” some cities have started to change towards a greener, more sustainable and more resilient model of urban development. They are investing in forests, wetlands and other green spaces – “green infrastructure” – to tackle urban issues previously addressed with engineered solutions that often involve concrete, asphalt and steel.” Voila! Afforestation definitely contributes to UN SDG Sustainable cities and communities.
“Whether you drink water from a well or a municipal supply, forests keep that water clean and abundant. They do this by capturing rainwater and recharging underground aquifers. They also act as a natural filter as water moves over land, cleaning it of pollutants so it arrives at our lakes, rivers and streams in a better condition.” –Source So here we have a free ecological service provided by forest for the UN SDG Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the UN SDG Goal 7. Well, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park contribute to Sask Power’s transmission lines, and Sask Energy Trans Gas Natural Pipe lines to keep Saskatchewan residents safe, and warm with efficient, sustainable and modern energy.
This brings us to UN SDG Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development mentions that those adhering to Goal 16, “agree to work more closely with major groups and other stakeholders and encourage their active participation, as appropriate, in processes that contribute to decision-making, planning and implementation of policies and programmes for sustainable development at all levels” and further acknowledges “the need to facilitate informed policy decision-making on sustainable development issues and, in this regard, to strengthen the science-policy interface.”
So you say how would you say that afforestation areas address the UN SDG Goal 2 of Zero Hunger? Ethnobotany, along with health and wellness of course fulfills this goal, Expanding on this goal, when the time is right and the ecological assessment is completed there will be opportunity to explore restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas. What comes to mind is native permaculture three sisters community gardens, followed by native forests included berry bushes. Now this is a solution in a growing city, to afforest trees in an afforestation area.
So, we have covered a few of the UN SDGs now, but you say, how is it possible that an afforestation area can focus on the UN SDG Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals. Well the City of Saskatoon long range planners agree with the UN on this, “A successful development agenda requires inclusive partnerships — at the global, regional, national and local levels — built upon principles and values, and upon a shared vision and shared goals placing people and the planet at the centre.”
Now we come to UN SDG Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. encourage everyone to celebrate Global Recycling Day March 18 Waste Reduction Week in Canada Monday, October 16 to Sunday, October 22. In light of the waste dumping which occurs in these amazing urban regional parks, those park users alongside the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. are committee to promoting Reduce, Reuse, Recycle lifestyle.
When we get to UN SDG Goal 4 Quality Education, we can bring to mind the child in nature, and place-based learning. Our urban students don’t have the opportunity to explore a mixed woodlands forest like their rural counterparts do. There are so many subjects open for classrooms at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. There is science of course learning about the flora and fauna. There is also geology, geography, en plein air art is amazing, history, ethnic and cultural learning, and English composition when it comes to learning about the three amazing role models whom the afforestation areas and wetlands commemorate, and don’t get me started on health, wellness and physical education. The possibilities are endless!
How in the dickens would an afforestation area meet the needs of the UN SDG Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being? Perhaps this one is one of the easiest of them all. We know that the Fatbike Fat Tire Brigade has created a winter trail network to enable walking, cycling, snowshoeing, bird watching hikes, tours, and cross country skiing. Those promote good health and well-being. The PaRx team program is expanding from British Columbia to Alberta, and next – who knows Saskatchewan? What is PaRx? They are doctors who recognize that connecting with nature, and being out in a forest, say, is a great presecription for health. PaRx states that, “Backed by hundreds of studies over several decades, research suggests that connecting to nature is one of the best things you can do to improve your health” Wow! Check it out how Shinrin-Yoku or Nature Bathing is a great prescription for health and wellness.
So, the The United Nations International Day of Forests takes place on March 21. For the Take it Outside Winter Staycation Challenge we have two opportunities for you to be entered into the prize draw! One is to take photos of the afforestation areas while out enjoying them. The other challenge is to identify how you personally can take action locally on the UN SDG goals as you celebrate the afforestation areas. Email your photo, or Email how you, personally, are taking action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals! Good luck!
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better
Albert Einstein
Hoar Frost and Rime Ice covering the trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon , SK , in the bright morning sunlight
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
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
John Muir
This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy.
Learn about butterflies day!!! Sunday March 14 is the day to take some time out of your schedule, not to smell the flowers, but to learn about butterflies. We have some amazing butterflies here in our province, if we choose to preserve their habitats, and work towards establishing pollinator ribbons and pollinator gardens.
Keep your eyes peeled this spring for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly. The Cabbage Butterfly is almost always flittering around and about a purple native flower. Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies are amazing. And Checkered Whites are a treat to see. Perhaps you prefer a Clouded Sulphur Butterfly or a Common Ringlet. There is a Common Wood-Nymph butterfly which brings to mind magical and mystical creatures living in the forest and meadows. There are so many more butterflies here in our province, but only if we look after their eco-system. They need pollinator plants which are not affected by herbicides. A pollinator plant with herbicides on it will kill the butterfly, the eggs and larva ;-(
There are also butterfly species at risk to consider also. Please consider making a donation to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. to help protect the butterflies and their much needed habitats.
Try your luck at spotting Monarchs, and call Nature Saskatchewan at 1-800-667-4668. Capture your sighting with a photograph on iNaturalist. Download the iNaturalist.pdf pamphlet
So, you say why in the dickens should I stop to learn about butterflies in Saskatchewan in the winter when the snow is melting? Well, there are times, when it is necessary to start a pollinator garden inside, now when the snow is on the ground, so that the little sprouts are ready to place tenderly into the soil when the snow is gone. That is why!!!
Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well
Naya Rivera
The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly
There are some neat food habits of our winter bird visitor, the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator.) This lovely red and slate-colored bird loves our Canadian forests, and frequents the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas because of the evergreens, and the bird feeders of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
The pine grosbeak wanders around five provinces of Canada, and 14 states of the USA. The winter feeding habits are quite distinct from the summer food preferences. They like seeds of conifers, seeds of birch, weeds and grass, all types of berries and buds of ash, maple and conifer trees. In the summer time, the Pine Grosbeak will turn to a greater quantity of wild berries such as those from the dogwood. The remainder of the Pine Grosbeak diet are insects such as grasshoppers, ants, spiders, caterpillars, small flies and beetles.
So it makes sense, this little colorful bird’s genus name Pinicola enucleator pinus (“ pine ”) + colō (“ to inhabit ”.) So we have as the etymology the specific meaning of pinicola which means inhabiting (living on) Pinus species, or in the pine trees. And very marvelously the species name of enucleator has an etymology or a meaning of “to remove the kernel from” which is just perfect. This little birds with the specifically adapted beak or a “gros” “beak” meaning large beak especially meant for eating the seeds from the pine cones of the Scots Pine and the Engelmann’s Spruce in the afforestation areas.
Pine Grosbeak
The PINE GROSBEAK Pinicola enucleatorat a Length of 9 inches. features some differences between males and females.
Male: Heavy bill, giving it almost the appearance of a Parrot. Above general colour strawberry-red, with some gray fleckings, deepest coloration on head and rump. Wings and tail brown ; some feathers edged with lighter brown and some with white. Below paler red, turning to grayish green on belly. Bill and feet blackish.
Female: Ash-brown, with yellowish bronze wash on rump, head, and breast.
Song .• A subdued, rattling warble broken by whistling notes.
Season: A winter visitor whose appearance is as irregular as the length of its stay.
Breeds : Far north in evergreen woods
Nest: Saddled on a branch or in a crotch. Twigs, roots, and fibre below, with a soft upper section
Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator
This winter visitor is most commonly seen in January out at the afforestation area, so this flock seen in February was a little treat.
“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.”
Robert Lynd
““Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?” -– David Attenborough
Volunteers following proper protocols come out to the environment and wildlife habitat at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [west side] on Saturday October 3 between 9 and 5 to restore natural habitats just in time for World Animal Day Sunday October 4.
Animals, domesticated or wild are sentient beings who live, breath, feel pain, joy and sadness just ask any pet owner. Somehow buniuks have found a way to dump trash in the afforestation areas during the COVID-19 pandemic, and similarly there are those who appreciate the afforestation areas who will right this wrong.
“For one minute, walk outside, stand there, in silence. Look up at the sky and contemplate how amazing life is.” —Anonymous
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)
“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” – William Shakespeare
“This generation may either be the last to survive in any semblance of a civilized world, or it will be the first to have the vision, the daring, and the greatness to say, “I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life; I will play no part in this devastation of the land, skinning it alive by removing virgin tree cover; I am destined to live and work for peaceful construction, for I am morally responsible for the world of to-day and to the generations of to-morow.”
“TWAHAMWE” is our motto. ‘Let us pull together’, and let us give our active support to all efforts of desert reclamation by tree-planting.” from the Richard St. Barbe Baker’s Condensed Sketch of Richard St. Barbe Baker’s Life in the University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
“Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly.” —Thomas Jefferson
Shoreline edge of the permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer showing illegal vehicle trespass, mudding, and ruts in the spring
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer showing illegal vehicle trespass, mudding, and ruts in the spring
A fund-raiser has been started to protect the habitat of a federally listed species in the wetlands of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. April 19 2020 – right before Earth Day Wednesday, April 22 is the cutoff date for this fundraiser should you wish to help out. Wouldn’t helping out the habitat of a federally listed species be a wonderful means to celebrate Earth Day?
Nick Saunders, and the Saskatoon Nature Society have created Chappell Marsh as a birding hotspot. If you observe any waterfowl, or any birds out at the wetlands, please record on ebird At this time, the more plants and animals which can be observed, recorded, and sent into to the iNaturalist site and onto onto ebird the better it is for the data inventory to value the afforestation areas. So send in pictures of plants and animlas to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc or the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area Group facebook page. Another great place for pictures is
Shoreline edge of the permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer showing illegal vehicle trespass, mudding, and ruts in the spring
Permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer
Permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with cattails and emergent vegetation in the summer
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
There is a strong desire to mitigate illegal motorized trespass and the associated illegal trash dumping which is never good for the environment in an urban regional park or around a wetlands habitat. Installation of vehicle barriers would go a long way for preservation and conservation. There are currently shoreline degradation and deep ruts from motorized vehicles driving around the wetlands when the soil is wet. The fund-raiser is pro-active and preventative in regards to driving into the afforestation areas and around the wetlands with off road vehicles, all terrain vehicles, 4x4s, and motorized vehicles, and the illegal dumping of trash. An outlier case would be extreme mudding in the habitat of the Horned Grebe. Facebook fund-raiser
Extreme Mudding in a wetlands someplace by 4×4 ATV ORV and motorized vehicles
Following the ecological assessment a study can be made regarding eco-classrooms and youth to come on board for further wetlands restoration and learning projects around the wetland shoreline to learn about this unique wetlands habitat which is wonderfully suited to the Horned Grebe. Learning about the Horned Grebe is an empowering class project to protect the habitat of a federally listed species.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, West Swale Wetlands. Chappell Marsh. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus Nesting
Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands in the fog
Please, like and share this online fund-raiser started on Facebook for the non-profit group Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc, to enable these projects.
Thanks kindly
At the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK Construction Discards and Hazardous Waste. Before the 2016 Community Clean Up
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands in the fog
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands in the fog
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
“From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and bark which brace mankind…A town is saved, not more by the righteous men in it than by the woods and swamps that surround it…”
-Henry David Thoreau
“This generation may either be the last to exist in any semblance of a civilised world or that it will be the first to have the vision, the bearing and the greatness to say, ‘I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life, I will play no part in this devastation of the land, I am determined to live and work for peaceful construction for I am morally responsible for the world of today and the generations of tomorrow.’”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
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.
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.
I know you’re all excited about our membership campaign and fundraiser and are eager to know what we are planning. This year’s campaign began September 12 2019 and will continue to run through the year. Our number one goal this year is to raise $250,000 so that we can
install interpretive signs celebrating the full rich heritage of the Afforestation Areas with an aim to include the general public, students and classrooms in the research projects into the natural, historic, cultural, geological heritage.
The Saskatoon Afforestation areas are prime places to study regeneration, ecological succession, geology, First Nations history and ethnobotany. The West Swale is a remnant of a glacial spillway known as the Yorath Island Spillway, and this influenced its flora and fauna and paleo-Indian activity in the area. Thus, the potential is there to study spiritual, medicinal, and nutritional uses of the area from a First Nations historical perspective plus assessing post-contact historic (Old Bone Trail) resources. Learning about B.T. Chappell the namesake of Chappell Marsh, Richard St. Barbe Baker namesake for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and George Genereux likewise namesake for the George Genereux Urban Regional Park are truly enlightening. Heritage Tours and the educational opportunities expound upon are 1/ getting involved in citizen science bio-blitzes to develop a baseline inventory, 2/ student guardian programs 3/ engaging in a Clean Green Community Scene Trash cleanup at GGURP for environmental protection and the aforementioned 4/ observation and education around ecological succession and regeneration, land use, and environmental stewardship programming.
These goals will go a large way towards
1/ protecting the environment for the benefit of the public on a long-term basis at the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, which were preserved in perpetuity by City of Saskatoon Council in 1972.
2/ To protect the environment for the benefit of the public by reducing pollution and by cleaning up illegal trash dumping in the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas
3/ To provide public amenities by maintaining the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.
4/ To protect and preserve the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas natural and historic heritage with a view to celebrating the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and educating the public about it. Commemorate; honor and respect the past, celebrate the present and provide a legacy for the future.
The afforestation areas are important natural areas which mitigate flooding, cool the local climate, bring rain, and are a carbon sponge to mitigate Carbon emissions.
By becoming a non profit incorporation charity ~ The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. ~ includes the ability to have members come on board and secondly the ability to apply for grants will both come together to make it possible.
Every donation helps, and every member who joins also takes us closer to our goal. A huge thank you goes out to those donors who contributed and joined last Thursday, in just a few hours, $100 was raised. This Saturday, another impetus in our membership, and another $170 which places us closer to our goal. This is all wonderful and exciting news. Rome was not built in a day, and for those people who stepped up, thank you on behalf of the forest, on behalf of the habitat, and on behalf of the diverse bio-diversity in the afforestation areas. It is wonderful to see the The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. fundraising and membership campaign grow. Every journey begins with a single step.
Once again thank you to all the people who joined as members, and thank you for the donations. It matters not how big or small your donation is, it will go towards the protection of the afforestation areas. If you would like to volunteer, or be on the board of directors, please send an email to Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc
Another way to help out is to like, and share this post, and our posts on social media! Please help us to network, and protect the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas for present and future generations to enjoy this amazing habitat in the city of Saskatoon.
If we missed you, and you wish to become a member or make a donation, here is how to do it. Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please become a member or donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers sending in your membership or donation via friendsafforestation AT gmail.com. Thank you kindly
It is a glorious time of year, and it is great to see so many people out enjoying the semi-wilderness habitat at the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas for sure.
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)
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!
How can we determine which of the roses are which in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park forest communities?
Prickly Rose (Rosa Acicularlis Lindl.) the Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana) and Wood’s Rose, or Wild Rose (Rosa woodsii) are perhaps easiest to identify in mid-June when the pink blooms appear. These blooms last perhaps two weeks, giving way to the fruit or the red or reddish-orange rose hips, which again make this bush easy to identify. Whereas, all rose bushes have thorns, the Prickly Rose is abundant with weak thorns.
Rose in the Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Native Rose Bush blooming in June
Prickly Rose (Rosa Acicularlis Lindl.) the Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana) and Wood’s Rose, or Wild Rose (Rosa woodsii) all grow well across Saskatchewan, in the quaking aspen parkland, and also the grasslands as well as the northern boreal forests. This bush is often found where the soil has been made acidic due to the contributions of spruce or pine, and will grow in forests comprised of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), and cottonwood (Populous spp.) all of these trees making up both the afforestation areas – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park forest communities.
The rose bush, will make its appearance in places where rodents or other animals disturb the soil, loosening up the soil which then receives the rose seed (achene) in an area conducive to growth. Or, in fact, these animals may also be disturbing the rhizomatous roots which are laying below the soil. Adventitious buds form on roots near the ground surface, on damaged stems (as on the stumps of cut rose shrubs), or on old roots. These roots develop into above-ground stems and leaves. A form of budding called suckering is the reproduction or regeneration of a plant by shoots that arise from an existing root system. The rose bushes do not tolerate a closed forest canopy as they are only moderately shade tolerant.
What is the difference between scientists?
A botanist is an expert in or student of the scientific study of plants, based on the Greek root botanikos, from botanē meaning plant, and -logy from French -logie or from Greek / medieval Latin -logia meaning the study or interest in a subject. A biologist is a scientist who focuses on living organisms, including plants and animals from Greek bios ‘life’ + -logy. A naturalist, on the other hand, is a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist. Historically, if one lived back in the late 14th century, the Middle English word for a “natural philosopher or scientist” was naturien instead of naturalist.
A citizen scientist is anyone who aids in the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world, and reports them to a collaborative project with professional scientists. Some wonderful ways to report data from the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park forest ecosystems, would be for citizen scientists to make observations and send them off on their computers or by using phone apps. iNaturalist, ebird, Bird Studies Canada, EcoSpark, eButterfly, FrogWatch, PlantWatch, Project Noah, Project BudBurst, Nature’s Notebook, LeafSnap. The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan has a Saskatchewan Master Naturalists program. The Saskatoon Nature Society conducts regular field trips to connect people and nature. Jane’s Walks and The Wild About Saskatoon Walks in the spring month of May introduce the visitor to both the afforestation areas – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park forest communities.
PlantWatch The PlantWatch program enables citizen scientists to get involved by recording flowering times for selected plant species and reporting these dates to researchers, who work to identify ecological changes that may be affecting our environment. By reporting on the PlantWatch species found in your community, you can help researchers discover how common plants are responding to climate change and track where changes are taking place in Canada, and at what rate.
Project BudBurst Project BudBurst is an app to receive data on the timing of leafing and flowering of trees and flowers Project BudBurst also offers climate change and phenology materials and tools
LeafSnap The user of the LeafSnap App needs to extract the leaf and place it in a white background and then take a picture through the app to get the leaf identified automatically.
Reporting your findings on facebook, or social media, and using the hashtags #ScienceAroundMe., #RichardStBarbeBakerAfforestationArea, #GeorgeGenereuxUrbanRegionalPark, #Saskatoon, #YXEGreenStrategy are some excellent ways to track the eco-system out at the afforestation areas.
What is taxonomy?
Botanists refer to a taxonomic key produced by a taxonomist when speaking in reports, publications or at conferences about plants.
Taxonomic Ranks, and Binomial Name Genus and Species
“Nature produces individuals, and nothing more. She produces them in such countless numbers that we are compelled to sort them into kinds in order that we may be able to carry them in our minds. This sorting is classification—taxonomy.” ~C.E. Bessey Though Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) may be regarded as the first ever naturalist, Theophrastus (371–287 B.C.), his pupil, is recognised as the father of Botany. However, the starting point for modern botanical nomenclature is Linnaeus’ Species Plantarum of 1753 which featured a key event as Linnaeus adopted the system of using binomial names for plant species. Binomial nomenclature is a two-naming system featuring the first part of the name – the generic name– identifying the genus to which the plant or organism belongs, while the second part – the specific name or specific epithet – continues on to identify the species. The classification of something, living things or organisms is the science called taxonomy. Ataxonomist groups organisms into categories. A plant taxonomist may study the origins, and the relationships between different types of roses. Taxonomists may come up with their own system of plant taxonomy or “taxonomic system
Taxonomic Chart Blank
Figure 1 Complete the Taxonomic Ranks for the Saskatchewan Wild Rose Method 1 Use the given relationships below used by botanists Method 2 Create your own Taxonomy Chart, Taxonomic Section titles, and plant names.
In Saskatchewan roses have the same taxonomy through to the genus “Rosa.” Of all the taxonomic classifications, the clade ‘Rosids’ is the most challenging taxonomic category to describe.
Kingdom: Plantae. Plantae means plants, featuring multi-cellular living things with predominantly photosynthetic cells.
Rosales Classification taxonomy key according to the USDA
Clade: Angiosperms. Angiosperms are plants with fruit. Angiosperms are land plants which produce seeds within an enclosure such as a fruiting body. Angiosperms is derived from the Greek words angeion (“case” or “casing”) and sperma (“seed”).
Clade: Eudicot. Eudicots have two seed leaves which provide nutrients to the embroyo from the Greek words eu, well or good, dio two, and kotylidon seedlobe. Eudicot as a reference first proposed that there is a pair of leaves, or cotyledons, in the embryo of the seed. Currently the classification refers to angiosperms which are not monocots.
Order: Rosales. Those rosids which are nitrogen fixing or those plants which belong to the nitrogen fixing order are given the name Rosales.
Family: Rosaceae. The subfamily of rosaceae is Rosoideae, those plants with rose hips. Rosoideae which are those genera bearing aggregate fruits that are made up of small achenes or drupelets, and often the fleshy part of the fruit is the receptacle or the stalk bearing the carpels (female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an ovary, a stigma, and usually a style). In taxonomy, that which separates the family Rosaceae from the order Rosales is that the plant ovaries and achenes (seeds) are hidden inside the round hypanthium.
Genus: Rosa. Two of the ways that the rosaceae family can be narrowed down to the genus Rosa are; if the plant features many pistils and prickly stems. chapter: genus Rosa (Part 3).
Species:R. Acicularlis Lindl., R. arkansana, R. woodsii
Biological Classification Chart
Figure 2 From the information above fill out the Biological classification Chart. What happened? Have there been changes in the Linnaean system? Why? For extra points, how many different kingdoms are there?
In the USDA classification
Kingdom Plantae refers to plants.
Sub-Kingdom Tracheobionta are vascular plants with lignified plant tissues (called vessels or trachea) for moving water and minerals around the plant.
Super-division Spermatophyta are seed plants. Seed plants are divided into two groups Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.
Division Magnoliophyta are flowering plants. Plants in Magnoliophyta were formerly classified as angiosperms.
Order Rosales feature nitrogen fixing flowers with four or five petals and the blossoms are flat or cup-shaped. They also have fleshy fruit.
Activities and questions
Design, construct and evaluate the effectiveness of a taxonomic classification technique that demonstrates the scientific principles underlying the identification of plants and how to differentiate one plant from another.
Evaluate, compare (find the similarities) and contrast (find the differences) to weigh the effectiveness of more than one of the previously devised botanical classifications. Debate the issue with supporting arguments pro and con.
What type of background in the physical sciences would a botanist or a taxonomist require?
Are there any biologists, or naturalists in Saskatchewan?
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
“Never before in the history of man has forestry, both in the developed and developing worlds, attracted so much public attention. Environmental degradation and the decline of forests in industrial countries, the continued destruction of forests in developing countries, and evidence of global climate change have all combined to raise the awareness of politicians, planners, and the media to the vital importance of forests in the well-being of nations, and to the knowledge that in our time, the remnants of natural forest ecosystems, with their great diversity of habitats, are in danger of destruction. “~Laurence Roche[7]
Professor Roche born in Wexford, Ireland, had eight siblings. His cousin was the novelist John Banville, and besides devouring works by Baker and novels by Thomas Merton theologian and mystic, Roche was widely read. Considering the same trajectory as Richard St. Barbe Baker, Roche contemplated entering a school of Divinity to become a priest, however Baker’s works inspired Roche to leap feet first, and pursue forestry at Trinity College, Dublin receiving his B.A., B. Agr. [Forestry] in 1960. Roche followed up with a traveling scholarship completing his Masters in Science [1962] and Doctorate from the University of British Columbia [1966].
Business, Technology, 21st Century Culture, Planet Earth
Planet Earth, the World, is in our Hands
Roche received postings in both Canada for the Canadian Forest Service and Professor of Forestry and Head, Department of Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Roche embraced a global view following in the footsteps of Richard St. Barbe Baker. Roche advocated that forests were not isolated economic resources for immediate gain. Tropical forests needed to be viewed and assessed in an ecological and social context, and educated African forestry corps to take a lead in safeguarding their forests.
Working alongside John Bene in 1975, they recommended and established programmes on agrisilviculture in developing countries leading to more efficient land use, programmes to improve the lot of rural forest dwellers, by addressing hunger, shelter and degradation of the environment. John Bene, an indefatiguable Canadian forester and inspiring visionary, initiated priorities on tropical forestry research and lead the way to establish the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF) [now known as the Nairobi-based World Agroforestry Centre] in 1977.
“The relationship of populations to their ecosystems is the forest geneticist’s central area of inquiry, and, if he is to gain a fairly complete understanding of these relationships, he must regard the intricate patterns of evolution and coevolution. Therefore, forest genetics engages in ecosystems biology, or, more narrowly, in population biology. ..The environmental conditions that permit a population to survive permanently, and with which this population interacts, today are usually designated as its “ecological niche.” ~Laurence Roche [10]
Roche recognized that “almost all tree species studied to date exhibit habitat-correlated, genetically based variation. When the species is distributed over a wide range of environments, variation within a species is often very great. It is this variation, referred to as the genetic resources of the species, which is the basis of evolutionary development, and the starting point for selection and breeding programmes. Such programmes are virtually non-existant for tropical trees. ~ Laurence Roche.[3]”
Following his work with IDRC advisor Bene, to integrate forestry, and agriculture with animal husbandry to optimize tropical forest land use, Roche accepted a position as Professor Department of Forestry and Wood Science, School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd.
Roche was the founding father of the “Journal of Forest Ecology and Management,” a peer reviewed periodical focusing on the forest ecology interaction with forest management, alongside innovation and research in the fields of biological, ecological and social issues in regards to the management and conservation of natural forests and their biosphere. Forest Ecology and Management is committed to open access bringing forward new ideas and approaches to forest management, and forest ecology.
The spirit and zeal of Professor Roche continued following his retirement. Though settling down in Madaboy, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Ireland, Roche continued to advocate for the tropical forest, making frequent journeys. Roche also provided counsel to the Food and Agricultural Organisation headquartered in Rome. According to Trevor West, Roche was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole [The Order of Agricultural Merit] in 1991, and was elected an honorary fellow of Trinity College Dublin [TCD] in 1993.
“I had news that an ecological survey was being undertaken in the Sahara, to the North of the Gold Coast, and I learnt that the local tribesmen had been forced by increased desertification to retreat to a small patch of land, the last remaining patch of forest in the area. There was desert behind them for a thousand miles, and desert to either side of them for a thousand miles, the chiefs had forbidden marriage and the women refused to bear children because the end of the forest was in sight….I was determined that the Kenyans should never have to suffer such an appalling social and ecological disaster.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.
9. Roche, Laurence The Silvicultural Significance of Geographic Variation in the White Engelmann Spruce Complex in British Columbia
The Forestry Chronicle, 1970, 46(2): 116-125, https://doi.org/10.5558/tfc46116-2
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.’ ”
![IMG_8741[1]](https://stbarbebaker.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/img_87411.jpg?w=836&h=836&crop=1 "IMG_8741[1]")
Roche recognized that “almost all tree species studied to date exhibit habitat-correlated, genetically based variation. When the species is distributed over a wide range of environments, variation within a species is often very great. It is this variation, referred to as the genetic resources of the species, which is the basis of evolutionary development, and the starting point for selection and breeding programmes. Such programmes are virtually non-existant for tropical trees. ~ Laurence Roche.[3]”
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 
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