Co-existing with Coyotes: A Guide to Harmonious Living

Coyotes, native to North America, are highly adaptable and resilient creatures that have successfully adapted to urban environments. As we strive for peaceful coexistence with these remarkable animals, it is crucial to understand how our actions can either promote harmony or create conflicts. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for co-existing with coyotes, drawing upon scientifically supported practices and expert recommendations.

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, SK

DOG WALKING

The Scoop on Scooping: Why Picking Up After Your Pooch is So Important

Dog waiting for a walk at South West Off Leash Dog Park

1. Be Big, Brave, and Loud Maintaining a healthy fear of humans is essential for coyotes’ natural behavior. By being big, brave, and loud when encountering a coyote, we help reinforce their instinctual wariness of people. This includes making loud noises, waving arms, and even using tools like pots, pans, or air horns to scare them away.
2. Never Feed Coyotes Feeding coyotes is not only detrimental to their well-being but also puts us at risk. When coyotes become accustomed to being fed by people, they can lose their fear of humans and become bolder and potentially aggressive. Moreover, feeding coyotes can disrupt their natural diet and lead to undesirable behavior changes. Remember to scoop your pet’s poop as well, as the scent can attract wild animals and disturb their natural instincts.
3. Ensure Pet Safety To ensure the safety of our beloved pets, it is crucial to keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors, especially at night. Coyotes may perceive outdoor cats as prey, and dogs can inadvertently provoke conflicts. By adhering to leash laws and keeping cats indoors or in secure enclosures like a “catio,” we reduce the chances of negative interactions.
4. Spread the Word Sharing your sightings, educating neighbors about coexistence, and putting up posters in your neighborhood can raise awareness about the importance of co-existing with coyotes. By engaging the community in this endeavor, we create a collective effort towards peaceful coexistence.
5. Implement Preventative Measures Taking proactive steps to minimize attractants and potential conflicts can significantly contribute to coexistence. Here are some preventive measures to consider:

• Keep pet food and water bowls indoors to avoid attracting coyotes to your yard.
• Partner with local TNSR (Trap Neuter Spay Return) and adoption organizations to manage feral cats through feed/remove programs.
• Keep trash cans covered with wildlife-proof lids.
• Pick up fallen fruit and eliminate accessible water sources.
• Avoid leaving a large amount of wild bird seed on your lawn, as it attracts small animals that are prey for coyotes.

6. Supervise and Control Pets Supervising and controlling our pets is crucial for their safety and for minimizing potential conflicts. Adhering to leash laws, accompanying pets on walks, and not allowing them to roam freely reduces the risks they may face from traps, poison, vehicles, or encounters with other animals.
7. Secure Enclosures for Small Animals If you have chickens, rabbits, or other small animals, it is essential to keep them in covered enclosures constructed with heavy mesh wire. This prevents coyotes and other predators from breaking through and accessing your pets.
8. Avoid Approaching Coyotes Respect the natural behaviors and boundaries of coyotes. Do not approach them, their dens, or their pups, even if the parents seem absent. Coyotes generally avoid humans but may interact when provoked or if they are sick or injured. It is crucial to give them space and avoid risky behavior such as feeding, interfering with pups, or harassing them.
9. Educate Children about Wildlife Teaching children about wildlife and providing them with guidance on safely responding to encounters with coyotes (or dogs) is crucial. Encourage them to appreciate and respect wildlife while maintaining appropriate boundaries for their safety and the well-being of the animals.

In conclusion, promoting peaceful coexistence with coyotes requires respect, compassion, and education. By implementing these common-sense practices, we can create a safe and healthy environment for both humans and wildlife. Let’s embrace the opportunity to live harmoniously with these magnificent creatures and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.

---

Write a Letter to city council and the media in Support of a Humane Coyote Management Plan:

As a concerned resident, I wholeheartedly support the City of Saskatoon’s humane coyote management and coexistence plan. It is crucial to implement effective strategies that prevent and address conflicts between coyotes, people, and companion animals.

Approximately one coyote is killed every minute of every day. Let us stop this unnecessary loss of life by embracing peaceful coexistence.

Sources:

• City of Saskatoon Advisory: Humane Coyote Management and Coexistence Plan
• City of Saskatoon Pamphlet
• Coyote Watch Canada
• Humane Society of the United States
• Project Coyote

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
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 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!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

Arbor Week 2023: Healthy Trees, Healthy People

May 20th – 28th, 2023

Join us for a week-long celebration of Arbor Week, where we come together to recognize the vital importance of trees and their profound impact on our health and well-being. This year’s theme is “Healthy Trees, Healthy People,” highlighting the significant connection between the well-being of our environment and ourselves. We invite you to participate in our upcoming events and take action towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

During Arbor Week, we have planned invigorating walks in two remarkable parks, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. These green spaces offer a serene environment to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn about the invaluable role of healthy trees in our lives.

Forest Gathering Walk

Led by knowledgeable nature enthusiasts, our guided walks will provide insights into the numerous benefits trees bring to our environment. From purifying the air we breathe to providing habitats for diverse wildlife, conserving water, and enhancing our mental and physical well-being, trees are truly life-sustaining. You’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of tree species, discover their unique characteristics, and develop a deeper appreciation for their beauty.

In addition to the walks, we have planned engaging activities and educational presentations that promote environmental awareness and tree conservation. These sessions will expand your knowledge and understanding of the critical role trees play in sustaining our planet.

Arbor Week is also a time to foster community engagement and connection. You’ll have the chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for nature and environmental conservation. It’s an ideal occasion to network, make new friends, and build lasting memories with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Here are the details of our upcoming events:

1. Sunday, May 21, 2023 – 2:00 pm PaRx Nature Prescription: Combining Fitness & Nature in a Tree-filled Walk Location: George Genereux Urban Regional Park
2. Monday, May 22, 2023 – 6:30 pm Habitat Heroes: Exploring Tree Diversity and Wildlife Conservation Location: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Tour Guide: Madeline Berezowski
3. Friday, May 26, 2023 – 6:30 pm Tree Trekking: A Guided Walk Through Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Location: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Tour Guide: Madeline Berezowski
4. Saturday, May 27, 2023 – 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST Clean-Up Event: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area & George Genereux Urban Regional Park Location: George Genereux Urban Regional Park Trucks are welcome. Let’s take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land and support the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) by participating in this clean-up effort. Together, we can make a difference!

We cordially invite you to join us during Arbor Week and be a part of this meaningful celebration. Lace up your walking shoes, embrace the beauty of nature, and learn about the critical role trees play in our lives. Together, let’s celebrate and protect our precious green spaces for generations to come!

Remember, “Many hands make light work!” Let’s come together, Twihamwe, and showcase the strength that arises from diverse communities.

Multis e gentibus vires – From Many Peoples, Strength.

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
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 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!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

Arbor Week is Coming Up: SOS Trees and Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Have Events Planned

May 20th – 28th, 2023
Healthy Trees, Healthy People

Trees are essential to our survival and well-being. They provide us with oxygen, food, and shade, and are critical to sustaining our environment. That’s why Arbor Week is such an important event. It’s a time to celebrate trees and their role in our lives, and to take action to protect them.

This year, Arbor Week will be celebrated from May 20th to 28th. The Saskatchewan Government and City of Saskatoon have both officially proclaimed the last week of May as Arbor Week. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. have planned a series of events to mark the occasion.

SOS Trees Coalition is inviting Saskatchewan municipalities and community organizations to celebrate Arbor Week through educational activities, planting, and protecting trees in their community. The theme for Arbor Week 2023 is Healthy Trees, Healthy People, which emphasizes the role of trees in enhancing mental, social, and physical health.

Maple Leaf Day and #NationalForestWeek

4

The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx)

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. have organized invigorating walks in two beautiful parks, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. The walks will be guided by knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who will share their insights about the incredible benefits of trees to our environment, including their role in purifying the air, providing habitat for wildlife, conserving water, and improving mental and physical health.

During the walks, participants will have the chance to observe diverse tree species, learn about their unique characteristics, and appreciate their beauty up close. They will also have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities that promote environmental awareness and tree conservation. The walks are a perfect opportunity to network, make new friends, and build lasting memories.

All tour guides have undergone a vulnerable sector search to ensure the safety of participants. The walks are scheduled as follows:

• Sun May 21 George Genereux Urban Regional Park at 2:00 pm Tour Guide Julia Adamson
• Mon May 22 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area at 6:30 pm Parking P2 Tour Guide Madeline Berezowski
• Fri May 26 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area at 6:30 pm Parking P2 Tour Guide Madeline Berezowski

In addition to the walks, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. invite you to partake in the Prairie Forest Guide beta version to celebrate Arbor Week. This link for the Prairie Forest Guide https://pfg.friendsareas.ca/ can be accessed anytime for a sneak preview, however, for the full interpretive story experience, the digital wayfinding guide produces the full story in text and audio format when the user is walking in the forest 😉 enjoying the sights, sounds and scenery.

Arbor Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees, and to take action to protect them. Let’s come together to celebrate and protect our precious green spaces for generations to come!

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
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 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!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker

PaRx Saskatchewan

PaRx Launches in Saskatchewan is such great news! This article, brought forward by Robert White, goes on to say “Lifestyle is a major contributor to health, and as physicians we promote healthy lifestyles for our patients,” offers SMA President Dr. Eben Strydom. “Through PaRx physicians can provide a written prescription, as opposed to advice, that hopefully will be more effective to connect patients with nature, improving their health.”

The Saskatchewan Medical Association SMA goes on to say this about the National nature prescription program, PaRx, launches in Saskatchewan, “There’s a strong and growing body of research on the health benefits of nature time, from better immune function and life expectancy to reduced risk of heart disease, depression and anxiety,” states Dr. Lem, who believes governments should designate parks an essential part of the health-care system.

“Richard St. Barbe Baker, the great tree-planting saint… used to spend at least ten minutes each day with his hands on the trunk of a tree. He said this recharged his energy by connecting him with the tree’s powerful circuitry. He was quite serious about this; he recommended it as a natural cure for malaise, stress, and other degenerations of the body and mind.”-Stephanie Kaza

“For years, I’ve charged my batteries on trees. You have to select a special tree friend. When I came out of hospital after a serious operation, I chose a Cedar of Lebanon. Cedar itself comes from the Arabic word meaning strength.” “I used to do two minutes on and two minutes off, then two minutes again. After about four minutes, your hands begin to tingle. I wouldn’t recommend to a beginner to take more than a minute to start with.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker speaks of laying the palm of hands on a tree trunk.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Healing With Trees

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

• Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity 
• Make it your own
• Spread the word about the UN Decade 
• Let’s Bring Back Forests
• Let’s Green Our Cities

““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”

Richard St. Barbe Baker

You Will Thank Us – Tips About Cattail Nutrition You Need To Know

There are truly amazing benefits to cattails. They are high in Manganese, Vitamin K, and Magnesium. The roots ground into powder to provide a high protein flour for your favourite recipe.

Manganese supports bone health, reduces blood sugar, aids in the formation of blood clots alongside of Vitamin K, and helps the body form superoxide dismutase, an anti-oxidant enzyme which may indeed reduce inflammation related to inflammatory bowel disease for instance according to Medical News Today.

Healthline reports that magnesium is essential to facilitate the biochemical reactions taking place in your body. These include energy creation, protein formation, prevent depression, gene maintenance, mitigates Type-2 diabetes, aids muscle movements, prevents migraines and aides in the regulation of your nervous system.

There is a very easy way to forage for your cattail roots according to Northern Woodlands is by baking the roots in the oven under a slow oven about 200 degrees Fahrenheit to let them dry overnight. Then place the roots into your coffee grinder or use your mortar and pestle to create a fine high-protein flour. This flour is wonderful to use as a gluten free thickener, or to make pancakes for instance. Just reach down, and remove the connecting rhizome between two cattail plants. The outside layer of the rhizome is spongy, and not great to eat. Just peel your rhizome like a banana peel separating the outer layer with your thumbnails, remove it and you should be left with core.

The Farmer’s almanac says that to “prepare a cattail root, clean it and trim away the smaller branching roots, leaving the large rhizome.” A great means to clean your cattail harvest is to rinse, then soak in vinegar for a few minutes, then rinse again.

There are two choices in using your newly harvested cattail roots.

You can bake the roots in the oven under a slow oven about 200 degrees Fahrenheit to let them dry overnight. Then place the roots into your coffee grinder or use your mortar and pestle to create a fine high-protein flour. This flour is wonderful to use as a gluten free thickener, or to make pancakes for instance.

Markus Rothkranz believes that God wants us all to be healthy and happy and so has given us free foods and medicines all over the planet. As he points out, there will be wild plants we can eat and others that will make us well, growing outside where we live and in our neighbourhoods.

Steve Andrews

Alternatively, you can peel the fibers away, and eat the tender root. Parboil your root, and then grill with a sauce made from your favourite salad dressing!

Send us a comment on how you succeed with your foraging adventure! Stay tuned throughout tourism week for more Cattail recipes for your outdoor foraging foray. Remember to be safe around the water. Try not to forage cattails with puppy dogs in tow during the spring nesting season. Audubon mentions that the Pied-billed Grebe “nests are unusual too – little platforms of plant material that float on water, hidden behind vegetation. …Martin Muller, an expert who loves unravelling the mysteries of Pied-billed Grebes: “Well, there’s the nest…there it is! We didn’t even see it because we were standing on the wrong side of the cattails, so if we step back a little bit…without the bird seeing…us directly staring at it, it’ll carry on.”

Today, during Tourism Week across Canada! We agree with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), that “We encourage all Canadians this #TourismWeek, to take the pledge, and when you are able, plan and travel in Canada this year!“ Why not venture out to the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, and enjoy Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Urban Regional park. They are great places to socially distance in 326 acres and 147.8 acres respectively.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mold myself.

Henry David Thoreau

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

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! Canada Helps

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

• Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity 
• Make it your own
• Spread the word about the UN Decade 
• Let’s Bring Back Forests
• Let’s Green Our Cities

““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Many more people are becoming interested in foraging and are going out looking for free wild foods. This puts them in touch with nature and with ways of the hunter-gatherer our ancestors were long, long ago.

Steve Andrews

Sustainability Day

The fourth Wednesday of October is Sustainability Day which means that this year, Wednesday October 28 is the day to think about how we as Canadian can be more sustainable in our strategies and in our actions. What does Sustainability mean to you?

Did you know Canada has 13 goals for a more sustainable Canada?

1. Effective action on climate change
2. Greening government
3. Clean growth
4. Modern and resilient infrastructure
5. Clean energy
6. Healthy coasts and oceans
7. Pristine lakes and rivers
8. Sustainably managed lands and forests
9. Healthy wildlife populations
10. Clean drinking water
11. Sustainable food
12. Connecting Canadians with nature
13. Safe and healthy communities

How many of these goals for a more sustainable Canada can the citizens of Saskatoon take action on in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and in George Genereux Urban Regional Park?

Can you take effective action on climate change by walking, cycling, cross country skiing, engaging in environmental and outdoor education, or conducting scientific research in these Saskatoon Afforestation Areas? If you see anyone driving in the afforestation areas, please take the time to protect them from a bylaw infraction ticket, and encourage active transportation, which will go a long way to protect these urban regional parks. Driving vehicles into an urban regional park increases invasive species inside the greenspace.

Can you collect any trash seen so that we have pristine wetlands in the West Swale which is an amazing glacial spillway connecting the North and South Saskatchewan River Valleys. By collecting and helping to clean up trash in the afforestation areas you help the residents in the City of Saskatoon have access to clean drinking water. The City of Saskatoon is downstream from the afforestation areas, and the West Swale is a series of interconnected wetlands which are united by underground natural springs.

When you come out to appreciate Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park, and engage in nature watching and active transportation the City of Saskatoon thrives with the community getting outdoors celebrating an active lifestyle. It is amazing how safe and healthy communities celebrate the improved air quality, the remediation of trash sites, to improve their health and well-being.

Surely it is wonderful that Canada is taking action on the global Sustainable Development Goals! Canada in the world doing its part! The province of Saskatchewan has created a Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy. Saskatchewan in Canada is doing its part! And further to this it is exciting that Saskatoon is taking action on climate change! Saskatoon in Saskatchewan is doing its part! It is great that we have Greening Governments! Now we are are individual citizens in Saskatoon. What are we individually doing to take action on Climate Change? Can you say I, in Saskatoon, I am doing my part!

Did you know that sustainably managed lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come? “We cannot take them for granted.”

The Government of Canada says this to achieve their goal of sustainability managed lands and forests;

• actions related to forests and other ecosystems can provide natural solutions to climate change and protect communities from climate change impacts and extreme weather
• healthy lands and forests provide habitat that species at risk need to recover and thrive as well as increasing the biodiversity of our agricultural working landscapes
• national parks and other protected areas provide opportunities for Canadians to connect with nature and help build sustainable communities
• management and conservation of wetlands can help protect drinking water supplies from contamination

To support Canada’s goal of clean growth, afforestation areas act as carbon sinks as Saskatoon grows and doubles in size. As the users and stakeholders of the afforestation areas appreciate, reducing waste goes a long way! Consider reusing, recycling, repairing, and composting to save the afforestation areas from illegal waste and trash dumping, and to invest in green growth.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas along with many afforestation volunteers and community supporters have participated numerous times in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup supporting healthy coasts and oceans. These cleanups protecting our waters in the West Swale support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems. We believe in monitoring, research, and the development of an amazing management approach. Our waterfowl species at risk depend on the West Swale wetlands such as those waters at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Conservation and protection of the West Swale wetlands protects our rivers and oceans. The West Swale drains into the South Saskatchewan River which in turn joins with the North Saskatchewan River becoming the Saskatchewan River emptying into Lake Winnipeg where the waters of the South Saskatchewan watershed flow into the Hudson Bay via the Nelson River. What we do here in the afforestation areas has a ripple effect downstream!

And it is truly remarkable how the afforestation areas as semi-wilderness habitats support healthy wildlife populations. When we maintain biodiversity by reporting all instances of poaching to Sk Environment’s TIP hotline, crimes are solved, solutions can be found, and ecological processes are allowed to evolve and adapt. Wildlife populations are already threatened from urban development, and pollution and the destruction of their habitat. Please help achieve Canada’s Sustainable Goal for healthy wildlife populations.

Best of all, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park support Canada’s sustainable development strategy of connecting Canadian with nature. The goal is to increase the number of Canadians who visit greenspaces and connect with nature. It is great to continue and re-double efforts to increase participation in place-based nature programming, and to increase opportunities for urban residents to connect with nature exploration and learning activities. A great way to connect with nature is to take part in citizen science and take part in one of the afforestation eco-quests!

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Eco-Quest

George Genereux Urban Regional Park Eco-Quest

Spend time in nature by exploring the afforestation areas, Richard St. Barbe Baker park and George Genereux Urban Regional park, they are amazing greenspaces in your local city.

How many of Canada’s 13 goals to achieve a sustainable future can you take part in for a greener, healthier, more prosperous Canada? You can do it! You can explore and connect with nature in Saskatoon’s afforestation areas.

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,  George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
DRAFT P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits
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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Twitter: StBarbeBaker 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! Canada Helps
1./ Learn.
2./ Experience
3./ Do Something: ^***
“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

Plants thrive in a healthy environment

International Year of Plant Health International Plant Protection Convention “FAO Conference approved a draft resolution requesting the General Assembly of the United Nations to consider declaring 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH).”

There are many considerations during the International Year of Plant Health.  One of these considerations is to “protect, manage and restore terrestrial and marine environments to keep plants healthy…Plants can only thrive in a healthy environment. .”source

If you would like more information:

IYPH dedicated website  https://www.fao.org/plant-health-2020

–        Twitter  https://twitter.com/ippcnews

–         Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ippcheadlines/

–          Linkedin Groups https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3175642/

International Year of Plant Health is an initiative of the

International Plant Protection Convention and

International Year of Plant Health Secretariats

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Protecting life

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,  George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

You Tube Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

You Tube George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Canada Helps

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

“You can gauge a country’s wealth, its real wealth, by its tree cover…A country’s very poor that doesn’t have trees.” ~Richard St. Barbe  Baker

Vernal pools and forests

“American author Henry David Thoreau once described cities as places where millions of people are lonely together.  In a healthy city, this is not the case….Neighborhoods with parks, trees, cafes, shops and leisure facilities make city life healthy and enjoyable.”~ Lomberg, Michelle. Healthy Cities: improving urban lie.  ISBN-1-58340-359-0.  Smart Apple Media.  Minnesota.  1980.

 

A bit of fog and hoar frost in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Blue heron

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus breeding colours

Pelican Preenning

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

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park are both part of City of Saskatoon land bank, and are not a part of municipal reserve, natural space reserve, nor parks.  However both The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park are “preserved in perpetuity” as of the 1972 City Council approval for this request.

“When conserving wildlife habitat and water quality and protecting aquifer recharge areas are of greater concern, a forest protection strategy is advisable.”  Arendt, Randall.  Envisioning Better Communities.  Seeing more options, making wiser choices.   ISBN 978-1-932364-82-8 ISBN 978-1-932364-81-1. American Planning Association.  Planners Press.  Chicago 2010.

The West Swale waters flow from the North Saskatchewan River into the South Saskatchewan River, with its confluence at Yorath Island.  The Afforestation Areas benefit the drinking water extracted from the South Saskatchewan River.  The forests filter sediments, and pollutants, increasing water quality.

Forests are the most effective land cover for maintenance of water quality. They serve as natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainfall and releasing it slowly into streams. Forest cover has been directly linked to drinking water treatment costs – the more forest in a source water watershed, the lower the treatment costs. With an increase of urbanization, a forest serves to filter trap road contaminants, impervious pavement run off,  dissolved solids, pollution, and increases in sediment.

“Conserving Ephemeral Wetlands -Vernal Pools.  Vernal pools occur on land that ponds during the later winter and spring; they dry up by midsummer and remain dry for half the year.  The fact that these ponds do not remain wet year-round makes them environmentally very special, because they do not support fish populations, which would otherwise devour the egg masses(…with tadpoles emerging) that have been deposited in vernal pools by woodland amphibians such as salamanders, frogs and some toads.  It is important to protect not only these sanctuary pools but also the surrounding woodlands constituting the terrestrial habitat of species that begin their life cycles in these shallow water….Experts with trained eyes should be engaged to identify pool locations and estimate biological activity levels.”Arendt, Randall.  Envisioning Better Communities.  Seeing more options, making wiser choices.   ISBN 978-1-932364-82-8 ISBN 978-1-932364-81-1. American Planning Association.  Planners Press.  Chicago 2010.

West Swale and Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation Area wildlife Urban Forest Semi-Wilderness Area. Mountain Bluebird, White Tailed Deer Fawn. Barred Tiger Salamander or western tiger salamander. American Pelican, Mallard Duckling

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park are both considered wetlands by biologists. In both areas, it is great to detect and determine where the vernal pools are located, as well as the permanent wetland areas.

 

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,  George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

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!

Paypal

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

 

“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

 

150 Hour Zero Waste Challenge

Can you do a 150 hour Zero Waste Challenge for Canada’s 150 Birthday?

Can you do a 150 hour Zero Waste Challenge for Canada’s 150 Birthday?

In other words for 150 hours can you not use a trash can at all.  Plan your groceries without any trash to throw away – recycle or compost everything not eaten.  Plan your shopping for minimisation.  Try to purchase those items which have been re-cycled or re-purposed.  Ensure any and all packaging can be re-cycled.  What else can you do for your lifestyle?  What revelations will you become aware of as you endeavour to become “Waste Free”?

“Anticipate Success. Let us heal the naked scars in the earth and restore her green mantle. Let us set our Earth family in order.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

If you succeed with your trash can lid taped shut for 150 hours, maybe you can try 150 days!!!  Draw your attention to 150 hours, what are your consumer habits that support waste, and which demand choices tdo you make which are “Waste Free”?

150 hours:  Monday at 6:00 a.m.  to Sunday at 12:00 noon.

If you want to try 150 days “Waste Free” then today is June 10, 2017 so that means that 150 days from today would be November 7, 2017.   150 Days From Now

So there it is for the 150th Anniversary of Canada, take the “Waste Free” challenge.

Bea Johnson suggests these steps to be successful:

1. Refuse
2. Reduce
3. Reuse
4. Recycle
5. Rot

What does Johnson know about Zero Waste?  Johnson’s family of four lived an entire year, and their waste for the entire month fit into a one quart canning jar.

What will be your reward for completing the challenge?

You will conserve Canada’s resources, and minimize pollution.

Zero Waste builds community with surplus consumer goods donated to food banks, second hand clothing stores, shelters.  Composting at community gardens build social networking and support

Zero Waste creates new jobs, as products are repaired, recycled and re-furbished.

Zero Waste saves money as consumers demand less packaging, and more serviceable, and durable products.  Consumer demand for products when can be recycled creates a circular economy.

Zero Waste creates a healthier lifestyle and economy.  Eating organic, eating locally so food does not have to be transported, eating without waste, modifies the diet to healthy choices.

Zero Waste protects the environment, preserving resources and biospheres for future generations.

“The world’s problem, is not a population explosion, but animal explosion. We’ve got to decide whether we are going to feed animals or humans. To feed animals is a roundabout way of getting food. It takes 18 times more land to feed people on beef than on vegetables, nuts fruits and grains.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gunther, Marc  How Zero Waste Economy Benefits Everyone Green Biz

Iglesias, Lucia  Zero Waste Abundant Rewards Sierra.

Kunst, Amy Zero Waste Living  Why You Should Try Zero-Waste Living With no solution in sight to America’s overflowing landfills, there is no better time than now to try zero-waste living. Utne

Zero Waste Benefits Toronto environment

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,  George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

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!

Paypal

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

 

“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

Stand firm. Grip hard.
Thrust upward to the skies.
Bend to the winds of heaven.
And learn tranquility.
~Richard St. Barbe Baker

“We feel that our greatest victory remains to be won when man will realize his oneness with the trees, the creatures and with all living things, not ours to destroy, but to be handed on for the enjoyment of future generations.” – Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Paul Hanley | Eleven

Ideas Transform the World.

Planet Earth, the World, is in our Hands

Ideas Matter.

Eleven Billion facebook and the book “Eleven” are written by Paul Hanley, winner of the Canadian Environment award and the University of Saskatchewan President’s Award for Non-Fiction 2015, via Saskatchewan Book Awards, for Eleven. Hanley has definitely compiled a timely book which faces the paradigm facing all of us individually as the global population reaches 11 billion by the end of this century.

Hanley reclaims the future, sows seeds for a new culture, and provides a model for positive change. What do greenhouse gases, climate change, health, 21st century culture, agriculture, environment conservation and protection have in common? “We are going to change so completely that future civilization will be barely recognizable. We are going to change because, faced with extinction, ‘our better angels’ will prevail.”^{P3. Eleven}

One of the many, diverse stories in Eleven is about Sawadogo, The Man Who Stopped the Desert. This farmer, without any training at all, began pioneering farming techniques for agriculture, increasing farm productivity. Amazingly Sawadogo also created 20 hectares of forest…in a desert. These innovative techniques of “restoring vegetation has been shown to create climatic feedback loops that increase rainfall.” ^{p.162 Eleven.} Think of that ~ a desert with rain!!!

These concepts were also seen by Richard St. Barbe Baker. After completing his silviculture course in forestry at Cambridge University, St. Barbe was posted to Kenya, Africa. While there, he witnessed the devastation which agricultural methods were creating on the land. It was here that the first forest scouts “Watu Wa Miti” {Men of the Trees} were assembled and encouraged to make a solemn promise to do one good deed each day, plant ten trees, seedlings or seeds each year, and take care of Trees everywhere.”*

Just as Sawadogo recognized the effects of erosion, St. Barbe, also only turned around farming practices in Kenya with the Watu Wa Miti initiating the International Trees Foundation (formerly Men of the Trees)  St Barbe says; “The great Empires of Assyria, Babylon, Carthage and Persia were destroyed by floods and deserts let loose in the wake of forest destruction. Erosion following forest destruction and soil depletion has been one of the most powerfully destructive forces in bringing about the downfall of civilizations and wiping out human existence from large tracts of the earth’s surface. Erosion does not march with a blast of trumpets or the beating of drums, but its tactics are more subtle, more sinister.”

St Barbe Baker wrote in Green Glory: The Forests of the World that “We advocate that all standing armies everywhere be used for the work of essential reafforestation . .. in the countries to which they belong, and that each country . . . shall provide expeditionary forces to cooperate in the greater tasks of land reclamation in the Sahara and other deserts.”

Hanley explains that “deforestation and forest degradation, through agricultural expansion, conversion to pastureland, infrastructure development, destructive logging, and fires accounts for nearly 20 percent of global [Greenhouse Gas] GHG emissions, second only to the energy sector, and more than the entire global transportation sector.” ^{p. 168 Eleven.}

However, just as St. Barbe and Sawadogo saw and recognized poor agricultural practices and put into practice innovative techniques to reclaim the environment, and bringing hope to people and communities, so too, does Hanley offer a way for us to wake up with innovative ideas.  Paul Hanley knew Richard St. Barbe Baker personally.  Hanley suggests, that, “This awakening world would necessarily lead to an ethical revolution that will help emerging generations build a new social-ecological order on a sustainable foundation.” ^{P. 337 Eleven.} How can we wake up, how can we change the world? Hanley offers hope, but not only hope, Hanley offers a well-researched model for progress, a methodology for all of us to get started to change the world outlined in his book Eleven.

Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi says “Every concerned citizen of this planet needs to read this book.” However, it may be best to go one step further, and say everybody, every citizen will gain insight and incredible opportunities to transform the world by reading Eleven. Hanley, environmental columnist for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix since 1989 has delved into global and environmental concerns, and in Eleven, Hanley provides more than hope. Eleven is an innovative solution and recipe for an enlightened social-ecological system for personal, local and global worldviews to survive. Not only to survive, but to live sustainably and well.

“You may ask, ‘…Why do I have to be at all concerned with those circumstances that have existed before I was born, and will most certainly continue to exist after I have taken myself out of this rather soiled and seedy world and have moved to other areas of consciousness?’
The only answer that can be given to such a question is that the world is a mirror and the more one polishes and cleans the mirror, the better one can see one’s reflection. …Does it not stand to reason that the elements that are used in this magnificent venture need to be kept in tip-top condition?” ~Emmanuel

“Trees worked for millions of years to make it possible for man to come on this planet. Yet man, who owns his presence on this Earth to trees, has been cutting, burning, greedily and recklessly. He has turned the forest into desert, until today we are faced not only with a timber famine, but with a food famine.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker

Business, Technology, 21st Century Culture, Planet Earth

Let us turn back the clock…to the great wars, World War I and World War II. Outside of combat, war efforts had other ecological impacts. “Twentieth Century technology made forest destruction much easier than in Caesar’s (or William Tecumseh Sherman’s day)… European wheat demand in World War I led to the plowing up of about 6 million hectares of grasslands on the American High plains and in Canada’s prairie provinces. This helped prepare the way for the dust bowl of the 1930s. The British war effort in World War II consumed about half of Britain’s forests. ^McNeill.” How have we corrected and ameliorated these environmental changes and damages? What can we possibly do now? Hanley has an answer for ecological, environmental and agriculture futures in Eleven.

“The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn, the bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.”~ James Allen

Is it true what Vaclav Havel says that “Modern man must descend the spiral of his own absurdity to the lowest point; only then can he look beyond it. It is obviously impossible to get around it, jump over it, or simply avoid it.” Or is it more probable as Rene Daumal says, “You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place ? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.” A glimpse into Eleven will surely allow everyone to know. To know a healthier world, a “united, just and sustainable civilization that encompasses everyone, including our extended human body ecosphere. ^{P.372 Eleven.}”

Planet Earth Future Generations

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Eleven Friesen Press.

“ELEVEN is a call to consciousness. Only an ‘ethical revolution’ will allow us to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. Paul Hanley proposes a transformational model that will help individuals, institutions, and communities make an eleven-billion world work for everyone—and the planet.” *

Emmanuel’s Book. A Manual for living comfortably in the cosmos. Compiled by Pat Rodegast and Judith Stanton. ISBN 0-553-34387-4. Bantam Books. New York. 1987.

Hanley, Paul. Eleven “eleven billion people will share this planet by century’s end. Adding 4 billion to an already overburdened world will force everyone to change everything.” Friesen Press. Victoria BC. ISBN 978-1-4602-5045-7 (Hardcover) ISBN 978-1-4602-5046-4 (Paperback) ISBN 978-1-462-5047-1 (ebook). 2014.

MacNeil,J.R. Ideas Matter: A Political History of the Twentieth Century Environment. “The grand social, and ideological systems that people construct for themselves invariably carry large consequences, for the environment no less than for more strictly human affairs. Among the swirl of ideas, policies and political structures of the twentieth century, the most ecologically influential were the growth imperative and the (not related) security anxiety that dominated policy around the world…By 1970, however something new was afoot.” From Current History November 2000, PP 371-382. originally excerpted from “An Environmental HIstory of the Twentieth Century World” New York. Norton 2000) by Current History Inc. reprinted with permission: Environment 2002/2003. Annual Editions. 21st Edition. Editor John L. Allen. McGraw-Hill Dushkin. ISBN 0-07-250682-2.

Van, Leon C. Le. Poems from Swedenborg Swedenborg Foundation Inc. New York. ISBN 0-87785-134-4. 1987.

Wildlife Montage. Red Winged Blackbird, White Tailed Deer Fawn, Garter Snake, JackRabbit, Mallard Ducklings, Black Crowned Night Heron

 

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,  George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

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!

Paypal

Payment Options

Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

 

“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 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

“We feel that our greatest victory remains to be won when man will realize his oneness with the trees, the creatures and with all living things, not ours to destroy, but to be handed on for the enjoyment of future generations.” – Richard St. Barbe Baker

 

Spring Trees Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

The angels,
Who are principled
In the science
Of all knowledges,
And that in such a manner
That scarce a thousandth part
Can be unfolded
To man’s apprehension,
Yet esteem knowledges
As nothing
In comparison to use.~Swedenborg