November 6 is the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. What a day to remember!
In the last two years of World War I over half of the productive forests in Britain were lost to the war effort. They were needed for building up the trenches, building up barbed wire fencing, providing a wood sidewalk during years of constant rain.
Whatever trees were not chopped down for the war effort, were brought down for lighting and heating houses domestically in Britain.
There was not much difference between the clear-cut forests and the ensuing fire devastation of the lands of Britain, and the flattened landscapes of France in the theatre of war. Where did the forests go for places of spiritual, mental and psychological refuge? They were gone.
Trenches and aerodromes, forests fell and continued to fall during the First World War. “By the end of the First World War, it is estimated that 85,000 tonnes of round timber, 260 million board feet of lumber and over 200,000 tons of fuel and slabs were harvested by the Forestry Corps.”source
“During the month of October 1918 alone, over 53 million board feet was cut by the forestry troops.”source
“The same demand for wood arose during the Second World War”source
It was the destruction of the ecosystem, without a doubt.source
Now, what does the have to do with Richard St. Barbe Baker? Well Rudy Haase, an environmentalist forming the Friends of Nature, in 1960, joined the campaign to reforest Sahara desert. “In 8 years the Sahara could be a green homeland for millions of people if a force equal to standing armies of the world started work. A 50, 000 square mile subterranean lake makes St. Barbe Baker’s grand plan possible.”source
“Baker’s visions of a green peace where armies can be reorganized to undertake tasks such as turning deserts into forests have inspired millions.”source
So, this peaceful use of the armies of the world for desertification purposes was a vision of Richard St. Barbe Baker’s.
tree planting
“Who plants a tree loves others than himself” Richard St. Barbe Baker. For the love of trees.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982)
We are letting you know about a film and film launch program that includes global conservationists who knew Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982) aka Baba Wya Miti Loving Father of Trees, who are part of a virtual film on Saturday, November 6, 1:00 pm SK time (CT)
The film, The Legacy of Saskatoon’s Hidden Forest, highlights the 326-acre man-made forest on the prairies that was named after Richard St. Barbe Baker. Celebrate with us the extraordinary achievements of Richard St Barbe Baker, aka Man of the Trees, 50 years after he was bestowed his honorary Doctorate of Laws at the University of Saskatchewan by chancellor John G. Diefenbaker. Please join us to learn more about this remarkable champion of forests and trees, who inspired people around the world.
For international guests check meeting time here: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html If you have not invited others to the event please feel free to do so by forwarding the information below and attached.
“To respect a mystery is to make way for the answer.” ― Criss Jami
There are special bio-blitzes or eco-quest days coming up, but if you wish to be a detective an conduct your own bio-blitz using iNaturalist when you are free, that is fine as well. On these days, people will be trying to solve the mystery – The Search for the Missing Linden.
So whereis it? Where is the Linden Tree? A prize worth $50 retail is offered to whomever finds the Linden Tree, and sends in the GPS coordinates to friendsafforestation@gmail.com for confirmation!
In 1984, the people of Saskatoon started the Richard St. Barbe Baker Foundation with an aim “to assist non-government organizations by offering them administrative, technical, and education assistance related to forestry and trees – focusing on Canada and developing countries”.
Further to this the foundation had three objectives as follows.
In cooperation with individuals and non-governmental organizations, to promote, support and undertake non-profit tree planting projects in Canada and worldwide;
To develop educational materials related to tree planting and forestry for use in both developed and developing countries;
To commemorate the name and works of the late Richard St. Barbe Baker.
On June 4 and 5, 1984 – also celebrating World Environment Day – Saskatoon hosted the founding conference of the Richard St Barbe Baker foundation. The conference was to promote the wise use and conservation of the world’s tree resources.
Now, then as part of the aforementioned conference ceremonies, a Linden tree, Tiliaceae, was planted at two locations in Saskatoon; Diefenbaker Center and at the west side entrance of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
“Those who dare seek, shall find what they are seeking for.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
So whereis it? Where is the Linden Tree? A prize worth $50 retail is offered to whomever finds the Linden Tree, and sends in the GPS coordinates to friendsafforestation@gmail.com for confirmation!
We have four planned meet ups on the west side of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area to search for the Linden Tree.
Aug 1 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.102562, -106.788275 West Side
Aug 22 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.102562, -106.788275 West Side Sep 12 meet at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area GPS 52.102562, -106.788275 West Side
Description of the family as follows:
BASSWOOD Tilia americana, Linnaeus FAMILY AND GENUS DESCRIPTION- The Linden family. Tlliaceae, comprises about 35 genera with probably 175 species found in temperate and tropical regions. The members consist of trees, shrubs, and a few herbs. One genus, Tilia, alone has tree representatives in North America. This genus comprises about 20 species here 8 of which are native to North America.
Linden Tree Linnaeus family
Linden Tree Linnaeus family
Linden Tree Linnaeus family
BASSWOOD. Tilia americana, Linnaeus. FAMILY AND GENUS DESCRIPTION-The Linden family. Tiliaceae, its leaves are pubescent and grayish-green beneath leaves with green and smooth lower surfaces. Trunk straight, clean, with little taper.
BARK-On young stems dark gray and smooth.
TWIGS-Smooth or very finely hairy, shining:, bright red; second year olive, olive-red, usually zigzag, mucilaginous if chewed, characteristic blunt conical masses with intervening lighter colored areas are present.
BUDS-deep red. Unsymmetrical buds alternate: terminal bud absent; ovoid. 2-ranked, stout, often out in June. Perfect, regular, sweet, fragrant, cymose clusters. The long peduncle which bears the flowers is united for about half its length with a conspicuous green bract. white flowers arranged in drooping clusters attached to a green bract
FRUIT-A woody, spherical, nut-like drupe about the size of a pea. Occurs singly or in small cluster with a common stalk attached to a leafy bract and often persisting far into winter.
WOOD-Diffuse-porous; rays distinct, but colorless; light, soft, compact, moderately strong light brown to nearly white, fine in texture; little difference between spring wood and summer wood Weighs 28.20 lbs. per cubic foot.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS—The Basswood. also known as Linden, Lime-tree, Whitewood Beetree. Whistle-wood, and Lynn, large, firm un- equally based leaves with green and smooth lower surfaces, by its smooth bright red twigs, by its alternate, deep red, unsymmetrical buds with 2-3 visible scales, by its white flowers arranged in drooping clusters attached to a green bract, and by its woody spherical nut-like drupe about the size of a pea attached to winged bracts. The dark funnel-shaped areas In the inner bark alternating with lighter areas as seen in a cross-section of a twig are characteristic. The smooth dark gray bark of younger stems and the thick longitudinally-furrowed bark on older trunks are distinguishing features.
HABITAT—Rarely grows in pure stands, but usually mixed with other hardwoods. Prefers rich soils in bottomlands. It can endure considerable shade. It suffers little from windfall but occasionally from windbreak upon exposed situations.
PROPAGATION OF THE SPECIES— Seeds or seedlings may be, planted. If seedlings are used, they should be planted early in spring before growth starts. The tree sprouts from stump very freely. It grows rapidly, produces beautiful sweet smelling flowers, and is rarely attacked by fungi. It is one of our most attractive ornamental trees.
WHITE BASSWOOD Tilia heterophylla, —Usually 150-100 ft. high but may reach a height of 90 ft. with a diameter of 41 feet. It becomes as thick but not so high as the Common Basswood. Trunk -straight, clean, slightly tapering. Crown dense, broad, rather rounded.
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
The afforestation areas were started as city tree nurseries under the banner of the Green Survival Program. The Green Survival Programwas concerned about ecology abuse, and pollution, providing planting, and greening up the planet, with a motto, “It’s up to you!”
What is nephelococcygia?
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) Autumn colour of foliage CC3.0 Stan Shebs
SONY DSC
Clouds in the sky
While practicing the art of self-isolation, and social distancing for COVID-19, take in the art of nephelococcygia. Nephelococcygia is simply laying back for the pleasure of seeking and finding shapes in clouds.
Can you draw, or paint the shapes which you find? When you do create a picture, would anyone ever believe, that really the clouds looked like that on that day?
Did you know that Air pollution drops as countries shut down amid spread of COVID-19 and India’s coronavirus lockdown is having a dramatic impact on pollution? Just as all the COVID-19 protocols meant that people stepped up and practiced various measures for their own personal safety, and the collective safety of friends and families, so too, it is important to save the habitats around the world from sky – and air pollution. What measures can you take to make sure that your grandchildren will be able to practice nephelococcygia? Where can you lower your carbon footprint? Can you change vehicles? Can you change the way your home or business sets its carbon footprint? Contemplate how to keep your air and sky pollution low with the same earnestness and passion devoted to COVID-19. Can you plant a tree? Actually can you plant a forest? What an amazing method forests and trees are to help reduce the carbon footprint around the world.
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
If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us. – David Suzuki
Never to allow gradually the traffic to smother / With noise and fog the flowering of the spirit. Stephen Spender
“Planting and growing increasing quantities of trees is the scientific solution to Earth’s environmental dilemma” Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker
The aim, passion and love aim of Richard St. Barbe Baker was to form ‘a society of tree lovers working to create a universal tree sense and encourage all to plant, protect and love trees everywhere’.
As you celebrate Valentine’s day, today, February 14, start a tree seedling to be planted out this spring. A proverb says that “Saint Valentine brings the keys of roots”. Plants and flowers start to grow on this day. It has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. To support this Valentine’s Day ritual, Richard St. Barbe Baker has said, “Who plants a tree loves others than himself”
“Who plants a tree loves others than himself” Richard St. Barbe Baker. For the love of trees.
Dorothy Maclean’s book, Call of the Trees, echoes the sentiments of Richard St. Barbe Baker. “What are the themes of the messages from the Trees?
• The trees speak of love: of Oneness among humans, trees, and all the rest of life.
• Nature is conscious and intelligent, and ready to coöperate with humanity.
• The call is for humans to awaken from their sleep of separation, and to fulfill their
destiny of healing the earth”
Richard St. Barbe Baker recounts his first experience immersing him in his lifelong love of trees, “…I seemed to have entered the fairyland of my dreams. I wandered on as in a dream, all sense of time and space lost…buoyed up with an almost ethereal feeling of well-being, as if I had been detached from earth. I became intoxicated with the beauty around me, immersed in the joyousness and exaltation of feeling part of it all… Rays of light pierced the canopy of the forest… I had entered the temple of the woods. I sank to the ground in a state of ecstasy; everything was intensely vivid… The overpowering beauty of it all entered my very being. At that moment my heart brimmed over with a sense of unspeakable thankfulness which has followed me through the years since that woodland rebirth.”
In Choices of Love,by Maclean she relates, “When I first contacted the soul essence of trees, the vital need for large trees on the surface of the Earth was communicated to me. The same message was repeated again and again wherever and whenever I attuned to, or “listened” to, the trees.
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
Richard St. Barbe Baker expounds further, “It is with a spirit of reverence that I approach God’s creation – this beautiful Earth. We may climb mountains or wander through field and forest, intoxicated by loveliness through the changing hours and seasons recorded by the length of shadows cast by the trees – and as we watch the pink, opalescent fingers of the dawn reaching up from beneath the dark horizon, so we wait for the sunrise of our awakening to the realisation of our kinship with the earth and all living things.”
Later, Richard St. Barbe Baker, would state that the poem Terra Incognita by John Masefield, encapsulated his insight;
“Here in the self is all that man can know
Of Beauty, all the wonder, all the power,
All the unearthly colour, all the glow,
Here in the self which withers like a flower;
Here in the self which fades as hours pass,
And droops and dies and rots and is forgotten
Sooner, by ages, than the mirroring glass
In which it sees its glory still unrotten …
Beauty herself, the universal mind,
Eternal April wandering alone;
The God, the Holy Ghost, the atoning Lord,
Here in the flesh, the never yet explored. John Masefield“
And this spiritual experience created for St. Barbe a love for trees powerfully embracing his soul, and inspired Richard St. Barbe Baker’s objective, was which echoed throughout the world; ” to develop a “tree sense” in every citizen and to encourage all to plant, protect, and love their native growth.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This day, marks the beginning of spring, and in contemporary times, February 14 is celebrated as the day of love. What could those who are suspicious bear against any other on such an auspicious day.
“Valentin – prvi spomladin” (“Valentine — the first spring saint”)~proverb
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
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!
“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
“From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and bark which brace mankind…A town is saved, not more by the righteous men in it than by the woods and swamps that surround it…”
-Henry David Thoreau
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 