Marine Life – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

The Nature-Inspired Journey of Emperor Hirohito

Walking in the Footsteps of Hirohito: A Greenery Day Exploration

The story of Greenery Day which has a name change to “Showa Day” takes us back to the youthful days of Japanese Emperor Hirohito, a man whose passion for marine biology and nature shaped the celebration we honor on April 29. Showa Day is the revamped name for Greenery Day, honoring Emperor Showa’s fondness for plants, also known as Emperor Hirohito. It falls on May 4th. Born on this day, Hirohito’s early infatuation with life’s wonders led him on a unique journey, guided by his school biology teacher, Hirotaro Hattori.

Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
Albert Einstein

As a shy introvert, Hirohito discovered solace in nature, finding inspiration in the microscopic world and the mysteries of marine life. The ocean became his sanctuary, and his teacher, a mentor who introduced him to the joys of microscopic observation. Together, they explored the realms of hydrozoans, cnidarians, corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish, paving the way for a lifelong love affair with the natural world.

.. the word ecology, coined by the German biologist and philosopher Ernst Haeckel (initially as oecology) in 1866. derives from the Greek oikos, “referring originally to the family household and its daily operations and maintenance.” The term ecology is therefore intended to refer to the study of the conditions of existence that pertain to, and the interactions between, all the entities that make up our larger, cosmic household here upon earth.
Warwick Fox

SmartPhone nature Photo using the free iNaturalist app

In the private realm, Hirohito was an eager investigator, driven by the pursuit of discovery and understanding. His passion for biology not only provided comfort but also reflected his belief in natural science as a unifying force for humanity. Despite his public image as a placid leader, he embraced the role of an original investigator, seeking humility and inspiration in the humblest orders of life.

We are enabled to apprehend at all what is sublime and noble only by the perpetual instilling and drenching of the reality that surrounds us. We can never have enough of nature.
Henry David Thoreau

Goldenrod Gall Fly Eurosta solidaginis Conservation Status: imperiled (S2S4) in Saskatchewan, CA (NatureServe)

Showa Day, therefore, stands as a tribute to Hirohito’s connection with nature, urging us to commune with the environment and appreciate its abundance. The day encourages us to follow in the footsteps of a man who found solace and inspiration in the natural world, even amidst the chaos of war.

What is wrong with our culture is that it offers us an inaccurate conception of the self. It depicts the personal self as existing in competition with and in opposition to nature. [We fail to realise that] if we destroy our environment, we are destroying what is in fact our larger self.
Freya Matthew

Today, citizens can embrace Hirohito’s fascination with the natural world through citizen science. The iNaturalist app allows us to share in his enthusiasm, turning our smartphones into tools for identifying and documenting the diverse species around us. As we celebrate Showa Day, let’s remember Hirohito’s legacy and engage in the Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 City Nature Challenge April 26 to April 29, contributing to the discovery and inventory of species, tracking invasive ones, and understanding the changes in species range.

The basic pattern of life is a network. Whenever you see life, you see networks. The whole planet, what we can term ‘Gaia’ is a network of processes involving feedback tubes. Humans are part of the larger whole, Gaia.
Fritjof Capra

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) habitat is in cattail marshes such as Chappell Marsh in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The female is not a brightly coloured as this male.

April 26 to April 29, 2024, marks a time to embark on a unique journey of discovery. By snapping pictures of wild plants, insects, birds, mushrooms, and other signs of life, we contribute to a shared experience of documenting biodiversity. Signs of life represent things that were once living or represent something that is living, like owl pellets, roadkill, scat, animal and bird tracks, snakeskins, bones, skeletons. feathers, seashells. Join the movement, connect with nature, and unveil the results on Monday, May 6, 2024. It’s more than a walkabout; it’s a celebration of life, science, and the interconnectedness of our world.

What is it? a YouTube Video

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, Rosewood Varsity View Community Association, Nutana Varsity View Community Association, Montgomery Place Varsity View Community Association. City Nature Challenge Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 led by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.

A human being is part of the whole called by us universe … We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive.
Albert Einstein

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.com Facebook 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

Celebrating World Aquatic Animal Day

Celebrating World Aquatic Animal Day: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations

As April 3rd approaches, the global community gears up to celebrate World Aquatic Animal Day, a poignant reminder of the diverse array of life that thrives beneath the Earth’s waters. This day not only serves as a celebration but also as a call to action, urging us to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems that sustain aquatic life. At the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nestled within the heart of nature’s embrace, lies the West Swale Wetlands, affectionately known as Chappell Marsh at its northern end—a sanctuary teeming with biodiversity.

The preservation of biodiversity is paramount in ensuring the health and resilience of our planet. Wetlands and riparian areas, like the West Swale Wetlands, are invaluable assets that provide habitat for a myriad of plant and animal species. These ecosystems act as crucial carbon sinks, regulate water flow, and support countless livelihoods around the globe. However, they are also among the most threatened habitats, facing pressures from urbanization, pollution, and climate change.

Efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems must be intensified to ensure their survival for future generations. The Species at Risk Act (SARA) in Canada exemplifies one such effort. SARA represents Canada’s commitment to protect species at risk, aligning with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It recognizes that conserving a species’ habitat is paramount to its survival and mandates the identification and protection of critical habitat.

Critical habitat, defined as the habitat necessary for an endangered species’ survival or recovery, must be identified in recovery strategies or action plans under SARA. However, the Act contains no time limits for preparing action plans, potentially leading to indefinite delays in habitat protection. A robust interpretation and implementation of SARA are crucial to effectively protect and restore vulnerable species and their habitats.

While the federal government plays a significant role through legislation like SARA, the provinces bear the bulk of responsibility for managing threatened and endangered species. This decentralized approach underscores the need for collaborative efforts between federal, provincial, and local authorities, as well as community stakeholders, to ensure effective conservation measures.

It’s worth noting that legal protections provided by SARA only automatically and immediately apply to migratory species and aquatic species. This highlights the importance of concerted efforts to protect all species and their habitats, regardless of their migratory patterns or habitat preferences.

As we commemorate World Aquatic Animal Day, let us recommit ourselves to the preservation of biodiversity. Let us cherish and protect the West Swale Wetlands and similar ecosystems worldwide, recognizing them as the lifeblood of our planet. Through collective action and unwavering dedication, we can build a more sustainable future—one where aquatic animals thrive, and ecosystems flourish for generations to come.

As we ponder the significance of World Aquatic Animal Day and reflect on the vital role of wetlands and rivers as homes to biodiversity, we invite you to join us at the City Nature Challenge Events taking place between April 26 and 29 in Saskatoon. This city wide nature organism discovery with four special events offer an exciting opportunity to explore the natural wonders of our city and discover the diverse array of species that call it home. However, it’s essential to remember safety precautions when near water—always use the buddy system and exercise caution.

Amidst our contemplation of the imperative of World Aquatic Animal Day, let’s heed the call to action of the Swale Watchers and the protections of the NorthEast and Small Swales. On March 27, the Saskatoon City Council will convene to vote on whether to endorse or repudiate the Phase 2 Functional Design Report for the Saskatoon Freeway as currently proposed. Public input is crucial in this decision-making process, and comments or letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 25. It’s imperative that we advocate for responsible development practices that prioritize the preservation of our natural habitats and the species that depend on them for survival.

Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus breeding colours