Saskatoon, a city in Canada, is home to two semi-wild afforestation areas totalling 474 acres which may from time to time serve as a habitat for coyotes, among other wildlife. This is true of any greenspace along the river, or within the city. While coyotes are an essential component of the ecosystem, the City of Saskatoon has issued an advisory reminding the public to be cautious around these animals as they can be unpredictable when confronted. To ensure safety, the city advises people to keep their distance from coyotes, never approach them, and keep pets on a leash and under control.
Coyote atock image – not a photograph taken at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nor photographed at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. How to co-exist with coyotes in Saskatoon, SKCoyote Stock image – not a photograph taken at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nor photographed at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. How to co-exist with coyotes in Saskatoon, SKCoyote Stock image – not a photograph taken at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nor photographed at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. How to co-exist with coyotes in Saskatoon, SKSpring Sunset Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
To minimize human-wildlife encounters and conflicts, Coyote Watch Canada recommends being aware of the diversity of wildlife in the community and using common sense and preventative techniques. People should not leave food waste in accessible areas or feed coyotes. For homeowners, they should also seal off access to decks and other sheltered spaces in their yard, not feed pets outdoors, and ensure fencing is in good condition.
Coyote sightings often increase due to humans intentionally or unintentionally providing a food source. For instance, overflowing bird feeders, mishandled compost, and fallen fruit attract a diverse range of prey species, such as rodents, squirrels, chipmunks, and insects, which coyotes will utilize as food. Additionally, it is important to always remember to scoop your dog’s poop while walking in the afforestation areas as it may attract coyotes looking for a potential food source. People should also consider that birds and small mammals that frequent bird feeder stations are potential prey for other predator species such as owls, hawks, foxes, and domestic pets. New infrastructure such as roads, fencing, and urbanization impacts how wildlife moves throughout communities. Urban boundary expansion creates a loss of habitat and green spaces for wildlife. Coyotes and other wildlife species must adjust to their ever-changing world and may be forced to establish new territories to hunt and forage for sustenance. Dens are destroyed through development activities, and the resilient coyote responds to these environmental impacts.
Coyote sightings are influenced by seasonal behavior, such as the mating period, courtship, den selection/pup rearing, and dispersal of juvenile or yearling family members. By promoting respect, compassion, and safety education throughout the community about these intelligent, adaptable keystone species, we can safely coexist with coyotes. Coyote vocalizations are a coyote’s specialized means of communicating danger, locating pack members, defending territory, and survival skills for pups. Vocalizing acts as an effective ‘canid GPS’. Their series of high-pitched yips, barks, and howls can be heard more frequently during certain times of the year.
To coexist safely with coyotes, it is important to be aware of their behavior and understand how to react when encountering them. By following the City of Saskatoon advisory and Coyote Watch’s tips, we can reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflicts and ensure the safety of both people and coyotes.
The City of Saskatoon advisory states; “If you have any questions or concerns regarding coyotes or other wildlife within City limits, please contact Urban Biological Services at 306-975-3300. If an emergency occurs, please contact Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.” For your information, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park are both within City limits.
The Canadian Medical Association is set to make history at COP15 with the formal endorsement of a new nationwide nature prescription program called PaRx.
The Canadian Medical Association has declared its support for the program officially at the Canada Pavilion in the Palais des congrès de Montréal at COP15. PaRx is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of Canadians by prescribing nature – such as hiking, bird watching, cycling, snowshoing, skiing – as a form of preventive medicine.
The program is based on the concept of “ecotherapy”, which is the practice of engaging with nature to improve mental health. In recent years, ecotherapy has become increasingly popular as a way to reduce stress and improve physical health, and as a result, more healthcare professionals are prescribing nature to their patients.
PaRx is a means of healthcare professionals connecting Canadians with nature-based activities in their local area via prescriptions. The program is designed to be accessible to all Canadians, regardless of age, ability or income level. It aims to make the outdoors more accessible and inviting to Canadians who may not have had the opportunity or resources to explore nature before.
The program is based on the concept of “ecotherapy”, which is the practice of engaging with nature to improve mental health. In recent years, ecotherapy has become increasingly popular as a way to reduce stress and improve physical health, and as a result, more healthcare professionals are prescribing nature to their patients. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, PaRx could be considered a “nature prescription”: it encourages Canadians to engage with nature and experience its therapeutic benefits.
The program is designed to be easy to use and accessible to all Canadians, and it provides information about activities to help users discover the many ways that nature can benefit their physical and mental health. The CMA’s endorsement of PaRx is a major step forward in the growing movement to make nature-based activities a part of healthcare. It is a testament to the increasing recognition of the importance of nature in improving our health and wellbeing, and in helping us live more sustainable lifestyles. Hopefully, this endorsement will lead to more Canadians taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of nature, and to more healthcare professionals prescribing nature as part of their treatment plans.
What a great reason to explore the afforestation areas today!
PaRx in Saskatchewan. Health and wellness in the forest
We all know that getting outside and connecting with nature is essential for our mental and physical health and wellbeing. But when the winter months arrive, it can seem like a daunting task to get out in the cold and explore the outdoors. However, a wintertime nature escape can be just as magical and therapeutic as any summer adventure.
Exploring the forest during winter can bring unique opportunities to connect with nature. The snow-covered trees and the crisp air can provide a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and relaxation. The decrease of life in the winter months also means that the sounds of nature are amplified, allowing us to take in the subtle tones of the forest.
The frigid temperatures of winter can also bring unexpected surprises. If you’re lucky, you could stumble across a group of animals migrating to warmer climates, or a herd of animals gathering in an area to keep warm. Taking a walk in the forest during winter can be an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats.
Spending time in nature during the winter months can also provide a number of health benefits. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving overall physical health. Taking a walk in the woods can also help to boost your immune system and help you to fight illnesses.
But it’s important to be prepared before heading out in the cold. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, and to bring food, water, and a map if you plan to explore for a long period of time.
So don’t be afraid to get out and explore the forest during winter. You’ll be rewarded with a peaceful, tranquil environment and the chance to connect with nature in a way you’d never have imagined. Come visit the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or the George Genereux Urban Regional Park today!
Presented here are the ways in which the Saskatoon Afforestation areas and the Legacy of Saskatoon’s Secret Forest package supports the UN SDGs.
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Our goal is to aim towards UN SDG 2 -Zero Hunger- when the time is right and if approved. Richard St. Barbe Baker promoted the concept of agro-forestry in Kenya, Africa before the concept or word was invented in contemporary times. In this way Baker supported the health and survival of the Kikuyu. In a similar vein, there may possibly and perchance be a future opportunity to do restoration work in the afforestation areas in support of agroforestry endeavours, pollinator gardens, and food forests.
Contributing to UN SDG 3 -Good Health and Well-being- currently the Legacy of Saskatoon’s Secret Forest package follows Richard St. Barbe Baker’s International Tree Foundation mission ‘to develop a tree sense in every citizen, and to encourage all to plant, protect and love their native trees.” By protecting trees, there is protection of the 132 hectares [326 acre] Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in Saskatoon, and the 60 hectare [148 acre] George Genereux Urban Regional Park for health and wellness as people come out to an urban greenspace to reap the benefits of cycling, walking in nature which has multiple health benefits as extolled by the Canadian PaRx program, shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”)
UN SDG 4 -Quality Education -is supported by an educational package in pdf format available for free download for the general public, teachers, classrooms worldwide to experience place based learning and immerse in the morphology of Richard St. Barbe Baker’s humanitarian efforts advocating for forests and trees worldwide.
UN SDG 5 -Gender Equality- is supported by encouraging everyone to take Baker’s Watu Wa Miti (Forest guardian) pledge to 1/ plant ten trees, seedlings or seeds each year 2/ take care of trees everywhere 3/ Do a good deed every day. By encouraging all to do a good deed every day, then environmental conservation, stewardship and guardianship creates a safe greenspace for all users. Illegal trespass is not encouraged to support gender equality for the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and all efforts are being followed to mitigate all illegal trespass and to encourage legitimate users and the general public of Saskatoon who honour UN SDG 5.
UN SDG 6 -Clean Water and Sanitation- has seen a great partnership with members of the community to become as Watu Wa Miti and take care of trees everywhere. Richard St. Barbe Baker said “Men and trees, water and trees, man and water are inseparable. This is the trinity of life.” As the community has repeatedly come together to protect trees, in a partnership with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup the West Swale Wetlands named Chappell Marsh are protected. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have had a great partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin, SOS Trees, Montgomery Place community Association, Fatlanders Fatbike Brigade, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Saskatoon Baha‘i community, Len’s Hauling, the CISV, Children’s International Summer Village, and the Peace Bus programme and we are grateful to many more who have come out to restore the wetlands and greenspace environs for human visitors, the semi-wilderness habitat and the species at risk who make these areas their home. The afforestation areas situated in the West Swale is a watershed created by the Yorath Island Glacial Spillway connecting the North Saskatchewan River, and draining into the South Saskatchewan River, the locale of the City of Saskatoon’s drinking water.
UN SDG 7 -Affordable and Clean Energy- is supported in following the example of Richard St. Barbe Baker who wrote many books, and spoke on radio programs about the importance of education and awareness. The heritage and environmental tours, and interpretive programming focuses on messages by both SK Energy and Sk Power for providing to our province much needed power and energy in a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk) near the humid continental climate (Dfb), with typically warm summers and long, cold winters. Energy conservation strategies are brought forward in the Friends interpretive and tour packages.
UN SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities – ties well into the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker who travelled by steam boat between the two Great Wars led campaigns around the world including the reclamation projects for the world’s deserts and protection of virgin forests from destruction. The International Tree Foundation was established by Baker at its height in over 105 countries. Baker, one of the first students at the fledgling University of Saskatchewan, always wished to have a branch of the ITF here in Canada. Working in that vision, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, work with the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin, green groups and classrooms in Saskatoon and around the world to follow in Richard St. Barbe Baker’s footsteps so vital in this era of climate change, and in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production- is so very vital to the protection of forests and trees, along with wetland habitats. There are certain items so easy to recycle which the flora and fauna of forest and wetlands cannot use sustainably. By following Baker’s Watu Wa Miti pledge “take care of trees everywhere” the legitimate users in the forest help to support a “Leave no Trace” greenspace ethic. Reduce, reuse, recycle takes action on waste reduction- and protects our forests and wetlands.
UN SDG 13 – Climate Action- is supported by this Green Survival initiative of the City of Saskatoon to plant and preserve 660 acres of afforestation areas in 1972. The early parks department initiative of 1972 did indeed follow Baker’s Watu Wa Miti pledge to 1/ plant ten trees, seedlings or seeds each year 2/ take care of trees everywhere 3/ Do a good deed every day. Richard St. Barbe Baker founded, assisted and inspired were responsible for planting at least 26 billion trees, internationally, during his lifetime. International groups founded from his inspiration, continue onwards planting trees! “When the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear”.~Richard St. Barbe Baker
UN SDG 14 – Life below water- is supported by realizing and supporting the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker Baker said, “Trees above all are the beings which attract the waters of the Trees above all are the beings which attract the waters of the firmament, conserve them in their shade, govern the whole vegetable kingdom in its great economy of water, leading it gently into springs, streams and rivers and maintaining fertile potency in the soil of a region.“
UN SDG 15 – Life on Land- is honoured time and time again by the work, teachings, and legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker. “The importance of forests cannot be underestimated. We depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and mitigate climate change. Yet, despite our dependence on forests, we are still allowing them to disappear.” (WWF, 2019) The World Wildlife Fund WWF, made St. Barbe the very first inaugural Honorary Life Member.
UN SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – was apparent in Baker’s holistic worldview as he met and learned the Kikuyu language in Kenya Africa, and implemented an agro-forestry campaign to provide food for a population facing extirpation from colonial slash and burn agricultural methods employed at the time of Baker’s Kenya posting as Assistant Conservator of Forests. From there Baker went on to create this working model of the International Tree Foundation, which inspired the formation of other World Green Groups. Ecologists, environmentalists, conservationists who knew Richard St. Barbe Baker were honoured and grateful to spoke to the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker during the heritage documentary.
UN SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals- has been discussed already in this article. Local groups adopting stewardship and guardianship roles for the afforestation areas as users of the greenspace are amazing in supporting the UN SDG goals as mentioned. International environmental groups, and persons locally and from around the world coming together to advocate for the example set by Baker, supports local and UN SDG goals is totally enlightening! The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have seen some remarkable examples of the provincial motto; multis e gentibus vires: from many peoples, strength. Richard St. Barbe Baker had a similar motto, Twihamwe or Twahamwe, a word from the Kikuyu of Kenya, Africa.
“Kind people have been expressing superlatives on my work. But I can assure you that anything which I have been able to achieve has been team work. We have a motto in the Men of the Trees. TWAHAMWE. It is an African word meaning ‘pull together’ and I pass this on to all those concerned with conservation in this country. I would like to call you to silence for a moment with the words of Mathew Arnold:
“Calm soul of all things, make it mine, To feel amidst the City ‘s jar That there abides a peace of thine Men did not make and cannot mar. ”
World Health Day is amazing for April 7! By observing local nature, everyone can support vital conservation research while connecting with nature and enjoying the outdoors. Outdoor recreation is typically pursued for purposes of physical exercise, general wellbeing, spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to partake in nature whilst doing so.[source]
Download the free iNaturalist app, and practice looking for and taking pictures of nature. Between April 29 and May 2, researchers, school groups, citizens and wildlife enthusiasts across the world will be taking part in this race against the clock to put nature on the map, submitting photos and observations of wildlife in their neighbourhoods and greenspaces through the free, easy to use iNaturalist smart phone app.
Check out the afforestation areas in Saskatoon – Have you been to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Park?
City Nature Challenge CNCYXE Saskatoon area versus YQRCNC Regina and area in a mini SK challenge
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
Still upcoming are an afternoon tree planting session out at Diefenbaker park, Followed by a session on National Healing Forests, a wonderful opportunity to engage in truth and reconciliation and healing between cultures. A Healing Forest project brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous neighbours to plan and develop green spaces where survivors and families of the Residential School legacy, as well as all Canadians, can heal, do ceremony, reflect, discuss and meditate.
The City of Saskatoon celebrates National Forest Week during “Urban forests and greenspaces enhance Saskatoon’s quality of life.” YXE Green infrastructure strategy is a new department at City Hall, and will speak to their grassroots programme. Evolving challenges, opportunities and constraints faced by Urban Forestry best management practices are critical elements in development and implementation of plans and the promotion of urban forestry biodiversity. Learn more about our green city.
Ecological assessment through citizen scientist will be examined in an evening virtual webinar where insight is provided into a great tool to find out “What is it?” Right after Why is the sky blue? another great all time favourite question and curiosity is to delve into the natural world around us and learn more natural history. If you would like to know how to promote and preserve biodiversity – species at risk- around you, “When and Where did You See what?” will provide guidance in your successful and fun endeavours.
Health and wellness outdoors is always a favourite go-to, and now the best ever prescription is that your physician can actually have this capacity to boost our immune system. What a great time to validate the relationship between human health in nature, and the value of this time invested.
Finally, there will be a great way to commemorate the tenth anniversary of National Forest Week with a grand finale with a holistic connection with nature. A bioblitz or nature assessment in the afternoon in a large 326 acre green space will explore the heritage and natural aspects of a man-made forest on the prairies. If you miss this heritage walk and nature connection tour, please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com to arrange another time. This Sunday afternoons at two place based tour will be followed by a virtual evening session on the holistic approaches and strategies of the forest wildland-urban interface.
We gratefully acknowledge the amazing speakers to date for National Forest Week – Our Forests Continually Giving.
Dr Ryan Brook’s WECE lab was wildly exciting evening as the wildlife in Saskatoon was expounded upon. The co-existence of wildlife and the growing urban population is imperative during climate change as the shortage of wild habitats decreases, and climate change affects the very lives and existence of the native wild animals we take for granted. The TREE lab of the MAD lab, and the Shelterbelt Decision Support System [SB-DSS] App were both truly fascinating topics to experience from Dr. Colin Laroque. The climate history of the CLS synchotron was amazing, and provided food for thought in the various aspects being undertaken to involve students and teachers across Canada. Saskatchewan and Canadian government programmes going forward will find great opportunities to support farmers with the Shelterbelt Decision Support System [SB-DSS] app provides concrete scientific data for the carbon capture capacity of shelterbelts now that we are in the fourth year of drought. The Shelterbelt Decision Support System [SB-DSS] – how does this free tool give value to farmers and the potential for cash in pocket?The preservation of trees is not only a great way to maintain the top soil on the prairie farmland, the urban forest canopy does so much for cities. Linda Moskalyk from SOS Trees shed fascinating insights into the value of nature based solutions for climate action.
Before the week is over – pop down to City Hall and have your picture taken with the National Forest Week flag!
Thank you for coming out to the preliminary National Forest Week sessions, and we hope to see you at the upcoming programmes. Our Forests Continually Giving – protecting us from droughts and floods, providing us with air and water, mitigating climate change, our forests are amazing.
Our goal for National Forest Week is to promote discussion about trees and forests, and their multiple and essential benefits. The health of trees is being affected by climate change but trees are also a necessary solution in mitigating it. We aim to raise awareness about what trees and forests give us and what we need to do in return to protect and enhance trees and forests.
Our Forests. Are They Alive?
Urban forests and greenspaces enhance Saskatoon’s quality of life.
PaRx in Saskatchewan. Health and wellness in the forest
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
An amazing celebration of virtual and in-person events for the 10th Anniversary of National Forest Week!
“Our Forests – Continually Giving” is an appropriate theme for this year’s National Forest Week. September 22 is Canada’s National Tree Day or Maple Leaf Day. National Forest Week is the week around Maple Leaf Day, the third Wednesday of September. Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. has a virtual guest speaker series Saturday September 18, to Sunday September 26, alongside in-person events such as guided forest walks, forest heritage tours, and a National Forest Week flag raising ceremony on Monday Sept 20 at City Hall Saskatoon at 2 pm to show your love of forests.
What if you are wandering in the forest and discover something. How do you find out what it is? “To the extent that each person can feel like a naturalist, the old excitement of the untrammeled world will be regained. I offer this as a formula of re-enchantment to invigorate poetry and myth: mysterious and little-known organisms live within walking distance of where you sit. Splendor awaits in minute proportions.” E.O. Wilson, Biophilia. Enjoy our forest favourites, the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or the 148 acre George Genereux Park right here in Saskatoon!
Tune in to Saskatoon’s Wildlife where the real night life in the city will be revealed. Discover the ecological, social benefits of nature-based solutions to climate change, and the mutual advantages which can be had for climate, society, and nature presented by our partner, SOS Trees Inc. The webinar series provides the opportunity to hear from the City of Saskatoon YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy and Urban Forestry for best practices, innovative strategies, experiences and approaches when it comes to the urban forest in our city. It is a time to discover our university’s very own TREE program; how it involves students across Canada investigating how our Trembling Aspen communities are faring amid contamination and toxicant, climatic and human events.
Over 2,000 km of shelterbelts became established in the prairies between 1930 and 2013, and during this era of climate action, 40% have been lost. Now into four years of drought, this speaker series will focus on the benefits of shelterbelts with an innovative free app developed by the University to enable farmers to know what their shelterbelt is worth under the $50 per tonne CO2E tax expected to roll out in 2022 – a great way for farmers to reap the benefits of the 2022 carbon offset value for the carbon pricing system and to increase their potential benefits with successful tree plantings.
Or maybe you are intrigued to learn about the health care system capacity under the PaRx program which uses nature to boost patient health.
Another initiative addresses an ingenious Truth and Reconciliation programme. Imagine woodlands setting(s) for health, wellness, understanding, and respect across cultures under the National Healing Forest initiative and how you can become involved.
Join us as we delve into forests and their multiple blessings, for as Richard St. Barbe Baker says, “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.”
National Forest Week The last full week of September. Maple Leaf Day the Wednesday of that week.
Urban forests and greenspaces enhance Saskatoon’s quality of life.
PaRx in Saskatchewan. Health and wellness in the forest
Our Forests. Are They Alive?
Dr. Colin Laroque Agroforestry and the Shelterbelt DSS App
National Healing Forests Maple Leaf Day
Dendrochronology, TREE Cross Canada education program
Flag Raising Ceremony National Forest Week
Wildlife in Forest
When and Where did you see What? iNaturalist presentation to Master Naturalists Sam Kieschnick
The Urban forest and climate change
Who else wants to enjoy Maple Leaf Day and National Forest Week?
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
National Healing Forests. Imagine woodlands setting(s) for health, wellness, understanding, and respect across cultures.
Reconciliation through Healing Forests
National Healing Forests Maple Leaf Day
A forest can help people heal and connect them with nature. With this in mind, Peter Croal (retired CIDA Environment Specialist) and Patricia Stirbys (legal and Indigenous Relations specialist) – inspired by the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and its Calls to Action to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples – developed the National Healing Forests initiative. A Healing Forest project brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous neighbours to plan and develop green spaces where survivors and families of the Residential School legacy, as well as all Canadians, can heal, do ceremony, reflect, discuss and meditate. This reconciliation project is community-led and totally grassroots.
This presentation outlines a brief history of the residential school system and explains how communities and institutions can create their own Healing Forest space for reconciliation.
We are grateful for this presentation by Patricia Stirbys (Indigenous relations specialist) and Peter Croal (P. Geol. International Environment and Development Advisor), co-founders of the National Healing Forests initiative.
This virtual connection provides a time to learn more about the National Healing Forests in this era of Truth and Reconciliation.
Upon event registration, we will send out a Zoom link for attendance. Spaces are limited. First come, first served.
National Forest Week The last full week of September. Maple Leaf Day the Wednesday of that week.
This program for National Forest Week is brought to you by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas an environmental non-profit charity that was created to preserve and restore the 326-acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148-acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Our work reinforces the 1979 City Council decision designating these afforestation areas on the western fringe of Saskatoon to “be preserved in perpetuity.” They are important habitat for wildlife as well as semi-wild public spaces for recreation and nature immersion. The larger of these two areas is named after Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982), who has been called the “first global conservationist” and in recognition of this he was made the first Honorary Life Member of the World Wildlife Fund in 1969. A British forester who also homesteaded and studied in Saskatoon, he dedicated his entire life unfailingly to the preservation and planting of trees and forests.
Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer
This is one session in a week long series of events celebrating National Forest Week with a theme – “Our Forests – Continually Giving”
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
PaRx, Canada’s first national nature prescription program, has officially arrived in Saskatchewan!
PaRx is an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, driven by health-care professionals who want to improve their patients’ health by connecting them to nature. Featuring practical resources like quick tips and patient handouts, its goal is to make prescribing time in nature simple, fun and effective. Research suggests that spending time in green space boosts immune function and life expectancy, and lowers the risk of developing a host of medical conditions from heart disease to diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety. Not only that, but people who are more connected to nature are more likely to protect it.
National Forest Week The last full week of September. Maple Leaf Day the Wednesday of that week.
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are proud to bring to you this series of events for National Forest Week Theme “Our forests – Continually giving” Saturday September 18, 2021 to Sunday September 26, 2021 Commemorating and celebrating Maple Leaf Day September 22, 2021 This is one session in a weeklong series of webinars.
PaRx in Saskatchewan. Health and wellness in the forest
This program for National Forest Week is brought to you by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas an environmental non-profit charity that was created to preserve and restore the 326-acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148-acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Our work reinforces the 1979 City Council decision designating these afforestation areas on the western fringe of Saskatoon to “be preserved in perpetuity.” They are important habitat for wildlife as well as semi-wild public spaces for recreation and nature immersion. The larger of these two areas is named after Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982), who has been called the “first global conservationist” and in recognition of this he was made the first Honorary Life Member of the World Wildlife Fund in 1969. A British forester who also homesteaded and studied in Saskatoon, he dedicated his entire life unfailingly to the preservation and planting of trees and forests.
Children enjoying their time collecting leaves in the autumn forest.
Child running through the forest having a great time connecting with nature
This is one session in a week long series of events celebrating National Forest Week with a theme – “Our Forests – Continually Giving”
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
Today is a busy day indeed. It is International Day of Happiness, March 20! And why should we be happy? Well spring arrives today! And hasn’t the weather been amazing warming up so delightfully.
And today is also World Sparrow Day! That is another thing to be happy about for sure.
Chorong Song et al says in Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas “The psychological benefits of walking through forests are very significant, and forest environments are expected to have very important roles in promoting mental health in the future.” Besides this impact on our health, Q Li et al in their article Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins mentions how forests can boost our immune systems.
Lindsay Baker of the BBC recounts German poet and philosopher Herman Hesse, who writes in his book Trees: Reflections and Poems, “Trees are sanctuaries. When we have learned to listen to trees… that is home. That is happiness.”
So today, celebrate International Day of Happiness, and count your many blessings as you walk in the forest boosting your immune system. This year’s theme proclaimed by the United Nations is #HAPPINESSFORALLFOREVER Isn’t that an amazing proclamation? Use these hashtags, and tell everyone that today is International Day of Happiness! #happinessforallforever, #tenbillionhappy, #internationaldayofhappiness, #happinessday, #choosehappiness, #createhappiness, or #makeithappy
As the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas speaks to the semi wilderness wildlife habitat out at the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park, you may be interested in Seedy Saturdays, and how to garden for wildlife or any of the other online webinars being offered this spring
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.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 