Murray Library – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Tall Trees ~ Great Ones I have Known

Imperceptibly Nature builds those mighty pillars with aisle innumerable, arches multiplex, in the cathedral of the forest.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA Winter

One of the best things to be said of the stories in this volume, Tall Trees written by Richard St. Barbe Baker is that, although they are not biographical but rather reminiscences, they are about real persons who actually lived and performed their parts in the great drama of the St. Barbe’s quest to plant forests internationally, and save trees everywhere. Some of these persons were more famous than others, yet all have left enduring roots in earth’s organism and their names will not cease to be remembered. The fact that there are a few more than two hundred and fifty famous people mentioned in the volume may be credited to the author’s wish to give good measure.

Tall Trees or Tall Timber, 1980
Great Ones I have Known
Sir George Albu
Sir Percy Alden
Captain Alexander
Field Marshall Viscount Allenby
Hussein Amanat
Bill Anderson
Anderson
William Anderson
Rukmani Divi Arundel
Lady Avebury
Lord Baden-Powell
Lady Baden-Powell
Noel Baker
Lady Eve Balfour
Hassan Balyuze
Philip Barling
Sir Evelyn Barling
Vernon Barran
Cicily Barran
Sir Hugh Beevor Bart
Sir Hugh Beevor
Sir Francis Dillon Bell
Captain Bellamy
Annie Besant
Lord Bessborough
Dr Bestot
Alvar Biddell
Sir James Hunter Blair
Rt. Hon. Viscount Bledisloe
Lady Blomfield
General Booth
Sheriff Breen
Colonel Hugh F Brennan
Sir Arthur Bryant
Peter Burt
Peter Caddy
Aileen Caddy
Jean Campbell
Major Ronnie Carrington
Herbert Casson
Aileen Causton
Sir John Chancellor
Dr Pearl Chase
Revd. Kelville Churchill
Elizabeth Claire
Sir Hugh Clifford
Betsan Coats
Stanton A. Coblentz
Leonora Cohen
Richard Henry Comyns
Dr. Coomaraswamy
Sir Robert Coroyden
Howard Coster
Lord Courthope
Colonel R.E. Crompton
Hilda Russell Cruise
Dr. Mona Russell Cruise
Dulca Davril
William Dawson
General de Gaulle
Alfonso de Mont Agel
Professor Debenham
Delius
Rt. Hon J.G. Diefenbaker
Watts Ditchfield
Sir Patrick W Donner
Sir Francis Drake
Pierre du Pont
Ursula Grant Duff
Major Hadcliffe Dugmore
Daniel Dunlop
Major Eric Dutton
Henry Van Dyke
Sir John Eden
Mrs. T.A. Edison
Shoghi Effendi
J. Elroy
Gerald Fergusson
Hazel Ffennell
Dr. John A. Finlay
Dr. W.H. Flecker
Dr. Forsyth
Nellie French
Dr Hugo Gaarcnery
Sir Philip Gane
Lady Gane
Charles Garcie
Betty Garcie
Madame Clarence Gasque
Lloyd George
Jean Giono
Madison Grant
Sir Wilfred T Grenfell
Colonel Ewart Grogan
Dr. Lord Haydon Guest
Dr. Gwatkin
Martin R. Haase
Captain C.F. Harrison
Colonel A.J. Harvey
Captain A.J. Harvie
Rupert Hempstead
Augustine Henry
Major Bob Herman
Arthur William Hill
Bridget G.E.L. Hill
Major Gen. Walter P.H. Hill
Lt. Col. Frank C. Hitchcock
Dr. Dan Hoffman
Seddon Holmes
President Hoover
Sir Reginald Hoskins
Claude Hulbert
Major Richard Henry John Humphries
Jackman
Jomo Kenyatta
Ruhiyyih Khanum
Rudyard Kipling
Kitchener of
Major Richard Knight
Pamela Knight
Sir Alan Lascelles
Bernard Leach
Principal Exton Lloyd
Sir Edwin Lutyens
Marichal Lyoti
Ramsay Macdonald
Wilson MacDonald
Rt. Hon. Malcolm MacDonald
Lord Mainhead
Professor B. Malinowski
Mrs Geoffrey Marks
Dr. Martisus
John Masefield
Sir Henry Monk Mason
Dr. McLaren
Arthur Mee
Lil Messer
Mountford Mills
Sir Arrol Moir
Kenneth Mom
Countess Mountbatten
Sir William Mulock
Walter C Murray
The Hon. Mrs. Graham Murray
Helen Neering
Scott Neering
Prime Minister Nehru
Derek Neville
Josiah Njonjo
Major Nornabel
Nussolini
Sir Mark Oliphant
Edmund Henry Oliver
Sir Francis Dillon Oppenheimer
Lady Oppenheimer
Lord Boyd Orr
Pope Paul
Gifford Pinchot
Pope Pius
Majog Gen. Sir. John Ponsonby
C.E. Lane Poole
Lt. Col. Sir David Prain
Nancy Price
Lord Radstock
A.H. Read
A.R. Reaver
Marsh Roberts
William Robinson
Colonel Theodor Roosevelt
Franklin D Roosevelt
Martha Root
Sir Dennison Ross
Henry Rothel
Bertrand Russell
Lao Russell
Walter Russell
Lao Russell
Dr Rutherford
Vita Sackville-West
Lord Salvesen
Edwin Samuel
William Sarum
Neville Sarum
Sir Eric Saveill
Dr. Knut Scharnhorst
Viktor Schauberger
Michael Scott
J.W. Robertson Scott
Lord Francis Scott
John Seabrook
Lord Sempill
Lady Seton
Bernard Shaw
Sir Ernest Shipley
Gwen Slazenger
General Smuts
Dr. Spinks
Howard Spring
John Richard St. Barbe Baker
Baily Stevens
Theo A. Stevens
Marion Stevens
Sir John Stirling Maxwell
Dr. Eugene Stock
Herbert Stone
Lady Stuckley
Dowager Lady Swaytaling
Patrick W Synge
Edmund Bordeaux Szekely
Rabindranath Tagore
Qunland Terry
Hugh Tevis
Dr E.S. Thodey
Lowell Thomas
Douglas Thompson
Tilliment Thompson
Sir W. Miles Thompson
Sir Eruera Tirikatene
George Townsend
Monseignuer Abbe Tregard
Madame Trieux
Professor R.S. Troup
Major Tubb
Gordon Vokes
Dr. Karl von Schenk
Eric Waleron
Thea Walker
Kingdom Ward
Major General Wardrop
Derick Waterfield
Barbara Waterfield
Colonel Wauchope
Lord Wedgewood
H.G. Wells
V. Sackville West
Sam Williams
Captain Philip Wills
Lady Haliburton Wilson
Chinese Wilson
Father Woodford
Esme Wynne-Tyson
W.B. Yeats
Sir Francis Younghusband
H.R.H. Duke of Windsor
Eweka II OBA of Benin
The Lady of the Manor
The King of Sweden
H.M. The King of Norway
Elwes
Henry
The Earl of Portsmouth
The Duchess of Westminster
Suzuki Zen Buddhist
Bishop of the Yukon
Bonaparte des Arbres
Marquess of Wittingdon
Prince Henry
H.M. King George VI
H.M. Queen Elizabeth
Mahatma Gandhi
His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch
Sister Pat
D.U.R.

Knowing intimately as he did many of the notable persons of his time, St. Barbe has indeed kindly left behind in letters, correspondences and this unpublished volume, a tribute and a valuable portrait or even sketch of the great people he had met. What priceless words of Yeats he gathered up, which all the world would have eagerly read; what characteristic anecdotes he has told of Rabindranath Tagore,—what an insight he manifested into the man behind the Rt. Hon J.G. Diefenbaker; what noble things he related about Lord Bessborough; what inimitable facetiæ concerning the Baden-Powells; what spirited stories St. Barbe told of Mahatma Gandhi; what a light he cast over the life of Rudyard Kipling!

We cannot but be immensely grateful that these sketches were indeed written down and recorded. They have become immortal; for St. Barbe’s power in this line has been unequalled by any one who has written in these later days.

So to learn more about St. Barbe’s personal reminscences on these personages, slip down to the University of Saskatchewan Library – Archives and Special Collections Murray Building 4th Floor. Learn more about St. Barbe University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71 and ask to see Box 19 Folder 6.

The study of life, like the study of a forest or a landscape, should begin with the most conspicuous features. Not until these have been fixed in memory will the lesser features fall into their appropriate places and assume their right proportions.

” In that vast evergreen forest Nature works in perfect rhythm; roots digging deep or exploring nearer the surface for food and moisture. Imperceptibly Nature builds those mighty pillars with aisle innumerable, arches multiplex, in the cathedral of the forest.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

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!

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What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.

“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker

“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Acknowledgements

It is a true honour and privilege to recognize the valuable contributions, time and efforts put forward by a number of concerned citizens in Saskatoon. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area will truly be a much better place for their consideration and assistance for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Acknowledgements

It is a true honour and privilege to recognize the valuable contributions, time and efforts put forward by a number of concerned citizens in Saskatoon. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area will truly be a much better place for their consideration and assistance. Hats off to these amazing people, groups and communities

The Montgomery Place Community Association are amazing stewards of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The dumping of trash is very unsightly, and in a wetlands area, trash is a hazard to both wildlife and the quality of water. Though dumping is illegal, and some signs are posted, the proximity to the garbage dump means trash dumping still occurs at the afforestation area, despite a community clean up in the spring of 2015. This clean up undertaken by five community volunteers who eradicated shingles, concrete blocks, full barrels of oil, old lumber, furniture and household trash. Altogether, approximately 3300 kg of garbage was removed. Trash is a sign of neglect, and abandonment of an area, as well as disregard for aesthetic concerns and the natural ecosystem. This amazing clean up was organized by Trish Schmidt of the Montgomery Place Community Association. She has been enormously helpful as the second anniversary rolls around, and we seek to provide more than five volunteers to handle the garbage at the afforestation site. Leslee Newman, President, and Trish Schmidt, Director, of the Montgomery Place Community Association and all of its members have become stewards as well for the afforestation area, initializing the cleanup in 2015, and remaining on board to preserve the ecology and wildlife habitat.

Jeff Hehn, Fatlanders FatTire Brigade (FFTB) Ambassador, has mapped the afforestation area trash sites, and has been in contact with Regan Olson at the City of Saskatoon as to the types of trash deposited at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and how best to deal with each type. Jeff has provided a road map as to how best to carry forward with the clean up scheduled for Satuday July 9, 2016. His insights for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the clean up are very far reaching, sound and practical.

Ron, a long time user of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,hahs been an invaluable font of knowledge regarding the history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Ron, also has taken the time to watch over the afforestation area, as well, he has volunteered time and time again to maintain trails and tracks.

Trish Schmidt of the Montgomery Place Community Association has arranged a community health officer to be on site to give a briefing on safe trash handling standards.

Constable Xiang of the Saskatoon City Police, a community liason officer is providing invaluable advice as we go along. Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill and Inspector Solie of the Saskatoon City Police amongst several other constables and officers have been very much valued in their efforts to enforce City bylaws in the afforestation area.

The Meewasin Valley Authority has been absolutely fantastic getting the clean up on the right track. We have come on board to support their Meewasin and Affinity Credit Union Clean UP Campaign which began in 1981 to beautify the city, and keep the City of Saskatoon parks and neighbourhoods clean. Verity Moore-Wright is an amazing organiser, and has provided invaluable insight and direction as we embark forward on the clean up campaign. Peter Goode , chair of the Meewasin Conservation Advisory Committee and Max Abraham on the Meewasin Fund Development Committee were in attendance at the Saturday evening meet up; Celebrate the life of Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker and the Saskatoon Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area to hear the community response and reports on the afforestation area. It is very wonderful that the MVA will have a spokesperson coming out to the Richard St. Barbe Clean up on July 9, 2016. Next, it has been a true pleasure working with some very wonderful, talented people who have come forward as stewards for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and have helped with the support, ideas and encouragement along the way.It is a pleasure to thank those kind people at the Meewasin Valley Authority management, Nola Stein, Project Designer; Alan Otterbein, Design & Development Manager, and Andrea Ziegler, Executive Assistant & Office Manager.

The Honourable Pat Lorje, city councillor for Ward 2 in Saskatoon has had many words of wisdom, advice and tireless energy.Pat has gone forward to City Council as a true steward fot the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and has made a true difference which will shine out when folks write a history of the area many years from now.

At the city a number of folks have been very supportive and helpful; Tyson McShane Senior Planner | Long Range Planning for the City of Saskatoon has taken over for Chelsea Schafer, Terry Fusco, City Planner South West Sector, Kevin Ariss, Open Space Consultant – Animal Services City of Saskatoon Recreation & Sport, Mark Emmons – City of Saskatoon, Planning & Development, Senior Planner. These kind people are aware of the multifaceted needs of the West Swale wetlands, and are very cognizant of the truly unique nature of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area open space.

The Baha’i Community of Saskatoon, have honoured the memory of Richard St. Barbe Baker with a monument north of the Diefenbaker Campus, University of Saskatchewan.

Additionally, Camilla Allen, PhD Research Student the University of Sheffield has come forward with some wonderful propositions and insights. Additionally Camilla has enlightened us to the history and the man – Richard St. Barbe Baker, as she has undertaken a PhD thesis about Baker and his life.

The staff in the University Archives and Special Collections, Murray Library, University of Saskatchewan were enormously helpful, and were of great assistance in finding relevant materials in the Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71. It was fascinating to delve into the life of the amazing fellow, St. Barbe, who is someone that everyone who has a chance should learn about.

Maureen G. Reed, Professor and Assistant Director, Academic at the School of Environment and Sustainability has provided invaluable advice and referrals

The staff and archivists; Nadine Charabin, Christine Charmbury, and Lise Thring at the Saskatoon Branch Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan have helped with research needs on the afforestation area and on Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Jeffery O’Brien at the City of Saskatoon Archives have proven invaluable in research assistance to determine the history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

Chris Zerebeski, President of the Saskatoon Horticultural Society and Don Greer vice-president have been instrumental in providing the impetus to start an afforestation brief which delves into the history and facts of the Saskatoon open space area named the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.. Lois Hertzum-Larsen, director Saskatoon Horticultural Society asked questions which were very enlightening, and prompted further research.

Marten Stoffel, Stan Shadick and the directors of the Saskatoon Nature Society have been very knowledgeable about the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the society has begun the education process by including a portion of the afforestation area in the new edition of their book, “Nature and Viewing Sites In and Around Saskatoon”.

Sherrill Miller, intuitive coach and inspirational speaker, supporter of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area initiative, has introduced us to the wisdom of Robert White, Forester, Director of SOS Elms and plant ecologist who has been a wealth of wisdom about Richard St. Barbe Baker. Robert White is one of those amazing people who actually met Richard St. Barbe Baker, and has shared memories of their rime together.

Paul Hanley, environmental columnist for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, and author of several books including, Eleven is very supportive. Paul also knew Richard St. Barbe Baker, Man of the Trees, humanitarian, and silviculturist.

Candace Savage, spokesperson for the North East Swale Watchers and founder of “Wild about Saskatoon” lent support to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale. Candace Savage, has been a fount of wisdom, and her shared knowledge and expertise are appreciated.

Pat Tymchatyn, president of the Meadowgreen Community Association represented neighbouring residents. Pat Tymchatyn, has come forward with excellent support and suggestions to forward the goals of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

William P. Delainey spoke with great wisdom as to the green belt planned for Saskatoon and has had the pleasure of talking with Hilbert E. Wellman (Bert Wellman) City planning and Building Director. Bill Delainey was co-author of the book Saskatoon The Growth of a City, Part I, the Formative Years which was based on an unpublished mini-thesis started by Delainey. 1882-1960 with William A.S. Sarjeant, 1974. Thanks to all the staff in the local history room Saskatoon public library.

It is with deep and humble gratitude that we have received a grant from Eco-Friendly Saskatchewan. This will go a long way to providing a more effective clean up, and any proceeds not fully used on Saturday July 9 will go to the MVA towards signs, fencing and gate installation. Thank you most kindly.

Several Saskatoon green groups have been contacted, Saskatoon Nature Society, Saskatoon Horticultural Society, SOS Elms, ESSA, Saskatoon Native Plant Society, Wild About Saskatoon, University of Saskatchewan school of Environment and Sustainability, Environmental Society, Eco-Friendly Saskatchewan. It is with delight that Saskatoon has so many groups and concerned citizens. the response to the preservation and conservation efforts begun at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and West Swale have been very encouraging. It is hoped that several more green groups can still be contacted about this initiative.

There has been an amazing community response from several community associations as they also approve and support the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area clean up; Montgomery Place Community Association, Parkridge, Fairhaven, Meadowgreen, Holiday Park, King George Community Associations. The neighbouring rural areas in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park and residents of the hamlet of Cedar Villa Estates, also are in the loop.

Scouts Canada, Bridging Rivers Area Girl Guides, Multi-Faith Saskatoon communities with youth are all organisations committed to the community, and have amazing group spirit to “do a good deed of the day” or to “lend a hand.” It will be a truly wonderful opportunity to find a way work alongside such steadfast and honourable community organisations.

To everyone’s help, insight and knowledge, each word of wisdom, each hand offered to help is most graciously appreciated. it is with sincerest apologies if anyone has not been mentioned and their thoughts, insight and advice not noted here. Please drop us a line StBarbeBaker@yahoo.com if you have any further words of advice or concerns about the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or the clean up on July 9, 2016.

So with the greatest of thanks to all of those, past, present and future, who have taken to heart the need to clean the afforestation area and to sustain the environment at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation, your thoughts, words, and deeds are much appreciated. The afforestation area needs as many stewards to preserve and conserve this amazing site as is possible.

“If a man loses one-third of his skin he dies; if a tree loses one-third of its bark, it too dies. If the Earth is a ‘sentient being’, would it not be reasonable to expect that if it loses one-third of its trees and vegetable covering, it will also die? The trees and vegetation, which cover the land surface of the Earth and delight the eye, are performing vital tasks incumbent upon the vegetable world in nature. Its presence is essential to earth as an organism. It is the first condition of all life; it the ‘skin’ of the earth, for without it there can be no water, and therefore, no life.

This generation may either be the last to exist in any semblance of a civilised world or that it will be the first to have the vision, the bearing and the greatness to say, ‘I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life, I will play no part in this devastation of the land, I am determined to live and

…today it is the duty of every thinking being to live, and to serve not only his own day and generation, but also generations unborn by helping to restore and maintain the green glory of the forests of the earth.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker