Fire. File Photo. 2016 Spring Fire Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK CA
Fire. File Photo. 2016 Spring Fire Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK CA
This is currently National Fire Prevention Week – October 6 – 12, 2019. For this year’s theme, it is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
Pass on the word, and help to provide educate and awareness to everybody about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Autumn is typically a dry time of the year with plentiful dead and dry leaves scattered on the ground at the afforestation areas. Not only is not having open fires a good practice all year round in the afforestation areas, but it is of paramount importance not to have fires in the autumn. The residences of Cedar Villa Estates, and Montgomery Place neighbourhood are adjacent to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area as are the Saskatoon Italian Centre, and the freight and passengers of the adjoining Canadian National Railway Chappell Yards.
Not only that, but there is an increase in users to the afforestation areas, and in a forest, a simple fire can get out of control, and have devastating consequences as a wildfire. Please be careful out there, abide by the City of Saskatoon’s bylaws. Please provide the necessary education and awareness to all users of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park to help to honour City Council’s mandate to preserve the afforestation areas in perpetuity. One way to respect the integrity of the forest is to prevent fires.
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
Should you wish to help protect / enhance the 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.
“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.”Richard St. Barbe Baker
The city of Saskatoon, and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park #344 have collaborated. Together they installed a fence alongside Township Road 362A (Cedar Villa Road).
Fence on the south side of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area parallel to Township Road 362A (Cedar Villa Road) along with signs stating No Dumping of any Material. Fines up to $25,000 Bylaw #8318 Call 975-2486 to report illegal dumping. No Motorized Vehicles allowed. City of Saskatoon.
Fence on the south side of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area parallel to Township Road 362A (Cedar Villa Road) along with signs stating No Dumping of any Material. Fines up to $25,000 Bylaw #8318 Call 975-2486 to report illegal dumping. No Motorized Vehicles allowed. City of Saskatoon.
City Council had previously voted to accept the proposal for vehicle barriers for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
Eliminating illegal use of motorized vehicles in the afforestation area and the wetlands will eliminate unprecedented erosion, ecological and habitat damage. Taking responsibility and accountability for the environment will increase public appreciation for a picturesque urban forest for educational classes, naturalists, bird watchers, winter fat bike cyclists, hikers and walkers on properly planned and designed pathways to mitigate the ecosystem footprint.
The two signs erected state: “No dumping of any material. Fines up to $25,000. Bylaw #8318. Call 975-2486 to report illegal dumping. No motorized vehicles allowed. City of Saskatoon.”
It is wonderful that the east side of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area has responded so well to the installation of Jersey barriers, and now illegal trespass by motorized vehicles in the forest has declined to virtually none. It is such a relief!
The chain link fencing combined with the page wire fence around the South West Off Leash Recreation Area, allows service vehicles to enter and the fencing keeps the dog walkers and the off leash dogs safe, and illegal trespass by motorized vehicles is also none.
The neighbouring residents of Cedar Villa Estates should also be able to enjoy that same level of ease and comfort living next to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area as they are. So, appreciation and great thanks are extended out to the Rural Municipality of Corman Park 344 and the City of Saskatoon to mitigate and reduce illegal trespass by motorized vehicles at this next area of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area along this stretch on the southern perimeter of the forest.
Thank you for keeping the illegal trespass by motorized vehicles out of the forest, indeed.
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 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.
“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
It is a true honour and privilege to recognize the valuable contributions, time and efforts put forward by a number of concerned citizens in Saskatoon. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area will truly be a much better place for their consideration and assistance for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Acknowledgements
It is a true honour and privilege to recognize the valuable contributions, time and efforts put forward by a number of concerned citizens in Saskatoon. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area will truly be a much better place for their consideration and assistance. Hats off to these amazing people, groups and communities
The Montgomery Place Community Association are amazing stewards of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The dumping of trash is very unsightly, and in a wetlands area, trash is a hazard to both wildlife and the quality of water. Though dumping is illegal, and some signs are posted, the proximity to the garbage dump means trash dumping still occurs at the afforestation area, despite a community clean up in the spring of 2015. This clean up undertaken by five community volunteers who eradicated shingles, concrete blocks, full barrels of oil, old lumber, furniture and household trash. Altogether, approximately 3300 kg of garbage was removed. Trash is a sign of neglect, and abandonment of an area, as well as disregard for aesthetic concerns and the natural ecosystem. This amazing clean up was organized by Trish Schmidt of the Montgomery Place Community Association. She has been enormously helpful as the second anniversary rolls around, and we seek to provide more than five volunteers to handle the garbage at the afforestation site. Leslee Newman, President, and Trish Schmidt, Director, of the Montgomery Place Community Association and all of its members have become stewards as well for the afforestation area, initializing the cleanup in 2015, and remaining on board to preserve the ecology and wildlife habitat.
Jeff Hehn, Fatlanders FatTire Brigade (FFTB) Ambassador, has mapped the afforestation area trash sites, and has been in contact with Regan Olson at the City of Saskatoon as to the types of trash deposited at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and how best to deal with each type. Jeff has provided a road map as to how best to carry forward with the clean up scheduled for Satuday July 9, 2016. His insights for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the clean up are very far reaching, sound and practical.
Ron, a long time user of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,hahs been an invaluable font of knowledge regarding the history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Ron, also has taken the time to watch over the afforestation area, as well, he has volunteered time and time again to maintain trails and tracks.
Trish Schmidt of the Montgomery Place Community Association has arranged a community health officer to be on site to give a briefing on safe trash handling standards.
Constable Xiang of the Saskatoon City Police, a community liason officer is providing invaluable advice as we go along. Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill and Inspector Solie of the Saskatoon City Police amongst several other constables and officers have been very much valued in their efforts to enforce City bylaws in the afforestation area.
The Meewasin Valley Authority has been absolutely fantastic getting the clean up on the right track. We have come on board to support their Meewasin and Affinity Credit Union Clean UP Campaign which began in 1981 to beautify the city, and keep the City of Saskatoon parks and neighbourhoods clean. Verity Moore-Wright is an amazing organiser, and has provided invaluable insight and direction as we embark forward on the clean up campaign. Peter Goode , chair of the Meewasin Conservation Advisory Committee and Max Abraham on the Meewasin Fund Development Committee were in attendance at the Saturday evening meet up; Celebrate the life of Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker and the Saskatoon Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area to hear the community response and reports on the afforestation area. It is very wonderful that the MVA will have a spokesperson coming out to the Richard St. Barbe Clean up on July 9, 2016. Next, it has been a true pleasure working with some very wonderful, talented people who have come forward as stewards for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and have helped with the support, ideas and encouragement along the way.It is a pleasure to thank those kind people at the Meewasin Valley Authority management, Nola Stein, Project Designer; Alan Otterbein, Design & Development Manager, and Andrea Ziegler, Executive Assistant & Office Manager.
The Honourable Pat Lorje, city councillor for Ward 2 in Saskatoon has had many words of wisdom, advice and tireless energy.Pat has gone forward to City Council as a true steward fot the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and has made a true difference which will shine out when folks write a history of the area many years from now.
At the city a number of folks have been very supportive and helpful; Tyson McShane Senior Planner | Long Range Planning for the City of Saskatoon has taken over for Chelsea Schafer, Terry Fusco, City Planner South West Sector, Kevin Ariss, Open Space Consultant – Animal Services City of Saskatoon Recreation & Sport, Mark Emmons – City of Saskatoon, Planning & Development, Senior Planner. These kind people are aware of the multifaceted needs of the West Swale wetlands, and are very cognizant of the truly unique nature of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area open space.
The Baha’i Community of Saskatoon, have honoured the memory of Richard St. Barbe Baker with a monument north of the Diefenbaker Campus, University of Saskatchewan.
Additionally, Camilla Allen, PhD Research Student the University of Sheffield has come forward with some wonderful propositions and insights. Additionally Camilla has enlightened us to the history and the man – Richard St. Barbe Baker, as she has undertaken a PhD thesis about Baker and his life.
The staff in the University Archives and Special Collections, Murray Library, University of Saskatchewan were enormously helpful, and were of great assistance in finding relevant materials in the Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71. It was fascinating to delve into the life of the amazing fellow, St. Barbe, who is someone that everyone who has a chance should learn about.
Maureen G. Reed, Professor and Assistant Director, Academic at the School of Environment and Sustainability has provided invaluable advice and referrals
The staff and archivists; Nadine Charabin, Christine Charmbury, and Lise Thring at the Saskatoon Branch Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan have helped with research needs on the afforestation area and on Richard St. Barbe Baker.
Jeffery O’Brien at the City of Saskatoon Archives have proven invaluable in research assistance to determine the history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
Chris Zerebeski, President of the Saskatoon Horticultural Society and Don Greer vice-president have been instrumental in providing the impetus to start an afforestation brief which delves into the history and facts of the Saskatoon open space area named the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.. Lois Hertzum-Larsen, director Saskatoon Horticultural Society asked questions which were very enlightening, and prompted further research.
Marten Stoffel, Stan Shadick and the directors of the Saskatoon Nature Society have been very knowledgeable about the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the society has begun the education process by including a portion of the afforestation area in the new edition of their book, “Nature and Viewing Sites In and Around Saskatoon”.
Sherrill Miller, intuitive coach and inspirational speaker, supporter of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area initiative, has introduced us to the wisdom of Robert White, Forester, Director of SOS Elms and plant ecologist who has been a wealth of wisdom about Richard St. Barbe Baker. Robert White is one of those amazing people who actually met Richard St. Barbe Baker, and has shared memories of their rime together.
Paul Hanley, environmental columnist for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, and author of several books including, Eleven is very supportive. Paul also knew Richard St. Barbe Baker, Man of the Trees, humanitarian, and silviculturist.
Candace Savage, spokesperson for the North East Swale Watchers and founder of “Wild about Saskatoon” lent support to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale. Candace Savage, has been a fount of wisdom, and her shared knowledge and expertise are appreciated.
Pat Tymchatyn, president of the Meadowgreen Community Association represented neighbouring residents. Pat Tymchatyn, has come forward with excellent support and suggestions to forward the goals of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
William P. Delainey spoke with great wisdom as to the green belt planned for Saskatoon and has had the pleasure of talking with Hilbert E. Wellman (Bert Wellman) City planning and Building Director. Bill Delainey was co-author of the book Saskatoon The Growth of a City, Part I, the Formative Years which was based on an unpublished mini-thesis started by Delainey. 1882-1960 with William A.S. Sarjeant, 1974. Thanks to all the staff in the local history room Saskatoon public library.
It is with deep and humble gratitude that we have received a grant from Eco-Friendly Saskatchewan. This will go a long way to providing a more effective clean up, and any proceeds not fully used on Saturday July 9 will go to the MVA towards signs, fencing and gate installation. Thank you most kindly.
Several Saskatoon green groups have been contacted, Saskatoon Nature Society, Saskatoon Horticultural Society, SOS Elms, ESSA, Saskatoon Native Plant Society, Wild About Saskatoon, University of Saskatchewan school of Environment and Sustainability, Environmental Society, Eco-Friendly Saskatchewan. It is with delight that Saskatoon has so many groups and concerned citizens. the response to the preservation and conservation efforts begun at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and West Swale have been very encouraging. It is hoped that several more green groups can still be contacted about this initiative.
There has been an amazing community response from several community associations as they also approve and support the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area clean up; Montgomery Place Community Association, Parkridge, Fairhaven, Meadowgreen, Holiday Park, King George Community Associations. The neighbouring rural areas in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park and residents of the hamlet of Cedar Villa Estates, also are in the loop.
Scouts Canada, Bridging Rivers Area Girl Guides, Multi-Faith Saskatoon communities with youth are all organisations committed to the community, and have amazing group spirit to “do a good deed of the day” or to “lend a hand.” It will be a truly wonderful opportunity to find a way work alongside such steadfast and honourable community organisations.
To everyone’s help, insight and knowledge, each word of wisdom, each hand offered to help is most graciously appreciated. it is with sincerest apologies if anyone has not been mentioned and their thoughts, insight and advice not noted here. Please drop us a line StBarbeBaker@yahoo.com if you have any further words of advice or concerns about the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or the clean up on July 9, 2016.
So with the greatest of thanks to all of those, past, present and future, who have taken to heart the need to clean the afforestation area and to sustain the environment at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation, your thoughts, words, and deeds are much appreciated. The afforestation area needs as many stewards to preserve and conserve this amazing site as is possible.
“If a man loses one-third of his skin he dies; if a tree loses one-third of its bark, it too dies. If the Earth is a ‘sentient being’, would it not be reasonable to expect that if it loses one-third of its trees and vegetable covering, it will also die? 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 the ‘skin’ of the earth, for without it there can be no water, and therefore, no life.
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
…today it is the duty of every thinking being to live, and to serve not only his own day and generation, but also generations unborn by helping to restore and maintain the green glory of the forests of the earth.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.
“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 