This fall, the Canadian Parks Conference was held in Quebec City where developers of urban, regional and national parks met and networked together to discuss four themes:
“COLLABORATING and building relationships that ignite the powerful benefits of Nature
CONNECTING with and fostering a love for Nature through a diversity of experiences
CONSERVING and supporting the diversity of life to meet the needs of all species
LEADING by supporting professional development and performance excellence”
The honourable Minister Pierre Dufour, Minister of Parks, PQ, as the inaugural speaker, brought attention to the unifying theme, “As eloquently illustrated by the unifying theme, Parks for all and all for parks, the need to preserve nature leads us more than ever to collaborate in the interest of both current and future citizens … and of our beautiful parks, of course! ”
Throughout the conference workshops were held focusing on health benefits of different ecosystem types, biodiversity conservation, and cultivating youth leadership. How can there be parks for all, inclusive of all abilities, while at the same time providing a connection to nature in the city and branding of nature tourism. The conference engaged speakers on world views, and indigenous engagement, while exploring climate change and the benefits of the natural infrastructure. Nature deficit disorder could be alleviated by using parks as classrooms providing hands-on learning. Sustainable tourism provides a method to take pride in nature in a digital age with the recreational impacts of providing technology in parks. An entire workshop focussed on how “parks and protected areas face many challenges, including climate change, decline in biodiversity, changing visitor expectations, and nature-deficit disorder.”
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada realizes the importance of parks and greenspaces in tourism. TIAC President & CEO Charlotte Bell was a presenter at the Canadian Parks Conference. “Outdoor recreational spaces are a strong part of Canada’s identity, and a key driver for Canadian tourism. Working to promote park visitation in a sustainable way will continue to showcase our awe-inspiring landscapes, and drive local economies for many generations to come.”
What were some of the Tourism takeaways from the conference?
Would you say about 5% of the population takes part in organized sport and recreation, and 95% take a holiday to a natural greenspace? Why not make greenspace tourism a part of Saskatoon, and have pride in Saskatoon’s greenspaces – in the natural and historic heritage of the afforestation areas? Why not take a staycation, and celebrate the biodiversity and semi-wilderness habitat of the 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:
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
Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
You Tube Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
You Tube George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Should you wish to help protect / enhance the afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail) Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
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| Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD |
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“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 