NATIONAL ORCHID DAY APRIL 16
Orchids, are quite unique among the outdoor native flowers. Sadly a great many of the orchids are declining. Orchids require a special and unique habitat with the corresponding nutrients in the soil, and the right neighbours. Because humans love orchids so, the collection of orchids in the wild to transplant in the human garden is a great factor in their decline. Daryl E. Mergen, in his peer-reviewed report for the USDA Forest Service, mentions that this little orchid is very sensitive required “calacarous derived soils” for it to thrive. Orchids pretty much always die on transplanting, so it is much better to appreciate them in their home habitat, and not uproot them. That’s not the only reason the Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper is a provincially listed species. As mentioned earlier, the habitat is critical for this particular species of orchid. Habitat destruction by human beings plays a major role in the extirpation of the Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper. The Canadian Orchid Congress encourages you to stay on the trail, and do not step off the trail, and do not braid the trail (i.e. do not change the route of the trail) not even to look at this flower, nor take its picture for such a human disturbance may be a tragedy. Daryl E. Mergen,in his report for the USDA Forest Service, mentions that this little orchid required “calacarous derived soils” for it to thrive. Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott relates that those wild plants at risk are subject to their recovery plans which means that the Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper is “protected from being: disturbed, collected, harvested…” Both Renny Grilz of the MVA and the Saskatoon Nature Society have spoken to the Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper in the afforestation area. Grilz mentioned that the habitat where this orchid is found is very conducive to this endangered species.
The City of Saskatoon [CoS], along with the Meewasin Valley Authority [MVA] has implemented a wonderful programme. They have deemed it necessary to conduct ecological assessments of the afforestation areas in regards to the master plan. With such foresight, and being thus concerned with the conservation aspects of endangered species, the Small yellow Lady’s Slipper which was found on two different years in the afforestation area, may, indeed have a home in which to thrive, helping this orchid succeed and not become extirpated or extinct.
“You have to hold yourself accountable for your actions, and that’s how we’re going to protect the Earth.”– Julia Butterfly Hill
In this era of climate change, when we may see the seasons becoming wetter, wilder, and warmer, there will be stress on all forms of plants and animals. This is where living in a community which makes a difference really comes to the forefront with earth friendly design. It is one small step to having a greener footprint as the users in the afforestation area increase exponentially. Excellent resources on season change (phenology) can be found here on theNational Phenology Network.
Here is a great activity; “What can we do about climate change?”
You can help the environment by using energy efficient devices in your home. Reducing waste as you travel is another wonderful way to stand up for the environment. Whenever you are able to find efficient means of travelling, such as a car-pool, taking the bus, walking, travelling by skateboard, or bicycle, or changing to a smaller vehicle. During the pandemic, an even greater green efficiency is to follow the COVID-19 protocols and stay at home! This will be protective for yourself as well as for the environment. Do your part.
Today is Thursday April 16, and celebrating Earth Month. This year’s Earth Day 2020 theme is Climate Action.
What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. – Mahatma Gandhi
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
Please help protect / enhance /commemorate your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers)
1./ Learn.
2./ Experience
3./ Do Something: ***
“To do good, you actually have to do something.” – Yvon Chouinard
We must face up to an inescapable reality: the challenges of sustainability simply overwhelm the adequacy of our responses. With some honourable exceptions, our responses are too few, too little and too late. – Kofi A. Annan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 