park management – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

Exploring the Future of Saskatoon’s Green Spaces: CALL TO ACTION

Exploring the Future of Saskatoon’s Green Spaces: A Look at the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

The upcoming meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services on May 7, 2024, promises to be a pivotal moment for Saskatoon’s natural areas. At the forefront of the agenda is Item 7.2.1, focusing on the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – Natural Area Management and Conceptual Master Plans [CC2023-0406]. This meeting follows up on the earlier Natural Capital Asset Valuation pilot project report, and update shedding light on the city’s commitment to sustainable management of its green infrastructure.

A Call for Action: The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and Swale Watchers invite stakeholders and citizens to participate in the discussion by submitting their comments and feedback on the proposed Natural Area Management and Conceptual Master Plans by WSP Management and the City of Saskatoon. To get your opinions into the agenda, the deadline for submissions is set for 5:00 pm on Monday, May 6, 2024. This inclusive approach by the City of Saskatoon highlights the city’s dedication to engaging with its residents in matters concerning the preservation and enhancement of natural spaces.

A Stepping Stone for Sustainability: The Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area hold significant importance as they serve as a stepping stone for the implementation of the City of Saskatoon’s YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy. These areas play a crucial role in testing and refining management practices that align with the city’s sustainability goals. The success of the management plans for these sites will pave the way for similar initiatives in other green spaces across Saskatoon.

Interdepartmental Collaboration: A notable aspect of the proposed plans is the involvement of various departments within the City of Saskatoon complex. While the Sustainability Department spearheads the YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy, collaboration from other departments underscores the holistic approach towards natural area management. This integrated effort ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to comprehensive and effective solutions.

Expanding Horizons: If the management plans for the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area prove successful, the City of Saskatoon aims to broaden its horizons to encompass other green spaces within the city. George Genereux Urban Regional Park, already included in the inventory of the YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy, stands to benefit from similar initiatives aimed at enhancing its ecological value, restoration protecting species of concern, while balancing recreational opportunities.

Conclusion: As Saskatoon continues its journey towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, the upcoming meeting presents a crucial opportunity to shape the future of its natural areas. By actively participating in the discussion and providing feedback on the proposed management plans, citizens can contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Saskatoon’s green spaces for generations to come.

The Urban forest and climate change — The Urban forest and ecological succession

Rime Ice at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. NE 21-36-6 W 3 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 NE 21-36-6 — The Urban forest and ecological succession

F or 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

A Heartfelt Thank You to Chris and Liz: Keeping Our Dog Park Clean

Dear Park Visitors,

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Chris and Liz for their incredible dedication and hard work in keeping our South West Off Leash Recreation Area clean and safe for everyone.

This spring, Chris and Liz took it upon themselves to clean up the dog poop left behind by our furry friends over the winter months. Their selfless actions have made a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our beloved park.

While their efforts are truly commendable, it’s important to remember that they wouldn’t have to work tirelessly if every pet owner did their part to scoop after their own pet. In gratitude we recognize that the City of Saskatoon generously provides pet waste pick-up bags and trash bins for this purpose, making it convenient for all visitors to dispose of their pet’s waste responsibly.

Chris and Liz’s commitment to keeping our park clean not only benefits human visitors but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable environment for our canine companions. Their actions exemplify the true spirit of community and environmental stewardship.

Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to Barb and Garry for their artwork on the new posters, which help raise awareness and support Liz and Chris’s efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the park.

When Chris and Liz arrived at the dog park, they observed the site covered in dog poop and felt compelled to take action. They brought with them a garbage bag and worked tirelessly to make the area look more pleasant. We can all assist their efforts by also carrying a garbage bag with us when visiting the park and disposing of pet waste responsibly. If you bend down to pick up after your dog, pick up a few extra while there! It makes a huge difference to the park, and to Chris and Liz as well.

Let us all come together in the spirit of Richard St. Barbe Baker, who coined the motto “TWAHAMWE,” which is Swahili for “All Together or Pull Together,” for the International Tree Foundation. Let us also heed our Saskatchewan provincial motto, “Multis e gentibus vires” (From Many Peoples Strength).

Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Chris and Liz for their collaboration as park users in keeping our South West Off Leash Recreation Area clean and enjoyable for all. Your dedication and commitment are truly appreciated.

Additionally, it’s essential to recognize the potential health risks associated with dogs ingesting poop. While it may seem harmless to dogs, the ingestion of poop from other dogs or animals can lead to illness. Parasites, viruses, and bacteria present in feces pose serious health threats to dogs. Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms are among the parasites that dogs can contract through the ingestion of poop.

Therefore, it’s crucial to discourage dogs from eating poop and to also promptly clean up after our own pets to minimize the risk of illness and maintain the overall health and well-being of our furry companions and the biodiversity of the forest.

Bibliography:

City of Saskatoon Dog Parks
International Tree Foundation
Saskatchewan Provincial Motto

Keep it Clean Keep it Green Scoop that Poop