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

Journeying into the Unknown: Discovering Saskatoon’s Historic Wonders

Explore the extraordinary life of a visionary conservationist, reflect on invisible histories, and embrace a sustainable future.

Introduction: Welcome to Historic Places Days! Get ready to embark on a captivating journey into Saskatoon’s best-kept secrets, also known as Saskatoon’s hidden gems. In this blog post, we’ll take you on an adventure through two remarkable afforestation areas: the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. These events are sure to inspire eco-visitors and the general public alike, as we uncover hidden legacies, learn about invisible histories, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of visionary individuals who shaped our world.

Yellow Sunflower Moth Stiria rugifrons on top of Curlycup Gumweed Grindelia squarrosa

Hairy Woodpecker female (Picoides villosus) — Yellow Sunflower Moth Stiria rugifrons on top of Curlycup Gumweed Grindelia squarrosa

Unveiling Legends: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Date: Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 6:30 pm Location: 241 Township Road 362, Grasswood, SK S7T 1A8 YouTube

Join us for an evening of discovery as we delve into the untold stories of our past. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, named after the visionary conservationist, celebrates its Jubilee anniversary this year, marking 50 years since its afforestation in 1973. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore interactive exhibits and engaging presentations that bring the invisible histories to life. Learn about the contributions of unsung heroes, the struggles of marginalized communities, and the importance of environmental stewardship. This is a chance to broaden your understanding of the world and gain a deeper appreciation for our natural heritage.

Unveiling Legends: George Genereux Urban Regional Park Date: Monday, July 24, 2023, at 6:30 pm Location: Range Road 3063, Saskatoon, SK S0K 1V0 YouTube

Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting George Genereux Urban Regional Park, nestled within 148 acres of captivating forest. As part of Historic Places Days, this event invites you to explore the “Invisible” Histories that have shaped this remarkable greenspace. Discover the enduring legacy of Dr. George Genereux, an Olympic gold medalist and accomplished athlete, whose name graces this magnificent park. Reflect on the profound connection between environmental education, preservation, and the captivating story of George Genereux. Celebrate the Jubilee anniversary of the park, honoring 50 years since its afforestation in 1973, and pay homage to the extraordinary achievements of this Canadian legend.

Historic Places Days Contest: As you immerse yourself in the beauty and history of these afforestation areas, don’t forget to participate in the Historic Places Days Contest! From July 8 to 23, 2023, you have a chance to win exciting prizes including a $1000 cash prize, a Parks Canada pass, or a VIA Rail travel voucher. Imagine the adventures you could have with these incredible rewards! Take part in the contest and enhance your journey through historic places.

Conclusion: Saskatoon’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered during Historic Places Days. Join us as we delve into invisible histories, celebrate the legacies of visionary individuals, and embrace a sustainable future. Whether you’re an eco-visitor, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, these events offer an immersive and inspiring experience. Let’s learn from the past, appreciate the present, and shape a brighter future for generations to come. Unearth hidden legacies, embrace invisible histories, and explore the remarkable treasures that Saskatoon has to offer. Historic Places Days awaits you!

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 )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal 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!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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

Secret of the Expression of the Afforestation Areas

It may be that in some of my readers’ minds—those who, like the sceptical friends and those who have been in the afforestation areas whom perhaps you have met. They are not distinctly conscious of the cause or secret of the expression of the afforestation areas—some doubt may still remain after what has been said of this place, of these wildwoods. Such a doubt ought to disappear when the time and history are considered, and when it is found that the expression peculiar to trees and greenspaces varies infinitely in degree, and is always greatest in those shades of the colour which come nearest to the most beautiful spring and autumnal colors to grace the viewer. Delve into the many and several secrets of the afforestation areas of Saskatoon

Discover the Wildwoods of Saskatoon Sunday September 18 at 2:00 pm at the Remai Modern. Register Now

At the follow up place based forest tours Sept 24 and 25 meet Forest Guide: Sam Ereke, BSc, MSc, Research Scientist who will also be leading the Saskatoon and Area BioDiversity Challenge iNaturalist tours Sept 15-18.

Sept 15 at 6:00 pm

Sept 16 at 6:00 pm

Sept 17 at 2:00 pm

Sept 18 at 6:00 pm

Sat, 24 September 2022 2:00 PM

Sun. Sept 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm

Cardiovascular benefits, and heart health forest walking — Forest Secrets Revealed

Forest Film Documentaries — Forest Secrets Revealed

National Forest Week brings attention to our forests and trees from coast to coast across Canada. Our forests and trees provide habitats for wildlife, insects, polllinator species, birds and so much more! What is the ‘triple environmental emergency we are facing?

1. Loss of biodiversity
2. Climate change
3. Out of control pollution.

Out of control pollution.
Our native biodiversity needs wild spaces, food and homes such as trees and forests provide in which to thrive. Forests, tree planting, and forest conservation initiatives are nature-based solutions towards climate action. Pollution, pesticides, herbicides are escalating the extinction events. Creating safe, organic forest spaces is a large step to halt and slow down the silent sixth mass extinction event of invertebrates, the planet’s bird food on wings. Ornithologists and botanists have noticed that the songbird, and raptor populations have declined by a staggering 48%. The monitored wildlife populations are reduced by a catastrophic 68%. A loss of forests and habitats have caused over 2/3 of our animal populations to totally disappear.

Richard St. Barbe Baker said it this way, “If a person loses one third of his or her skin, the person will die; if a tree loses a third of its bark, the tree will die, and if the world loses a third of its trees, the world will die.
We live less that five minutes without air and the trees give us air we breathe. We live less than five days without water, and trees are absolutely essential in the water cycle. We live less than five weeks without food, and without the trees we could not grow food.” (Filson, Bruce K. October 7, 1982, Western People, p. 5)

This biodiversity Challenge is a great way to discover new trees and unexplored forest places, or perhaps it is a time to return to celebrate a favourite forest you love and are familiar with

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 )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal 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!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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

A Glimmer of a Rumour

When the forest speaks to us and tells us their own secrets- they can always charm our ears to listening and our lips to silence. The world will never weary of watching, and yearning for their ears to hear and delve into the silence, and the secrets held in the afforestation areas. Can it be called the forests’ autobiography? -the autobiography that is irresistible?

Perhaps you have sometimes thought that the story of the afforestation areas’ secrets might be really an artistic myth, created in critical days, and serving to remind us, not merely that the Great Poet is always a Seer, seeing less with the eyes of the body than he does with the eyes of the soul, but that he is a true singer also, building his song out of music, repeating each line over and over again to himself till he has caught the secret of its melody, chaunting in darkness the words that are winged with light.

The image stained upon the afforestation areas in our minds. For those who know little of the life of the afforestation areas this film reveals the secrets. For the secrets of life and death belong to those, and those only, whom the sequence of time affects, and who possess not merely the present but the future, and can rise or fall from a past of glory or of shame. Maybe you heard of something hinted at, a glimmer of a rumour, or a tale about the afforestation areas.

Discover the Wildwoods of Saskatoon Sunday September 18 at 2:00 pm at the Remai Modern. Register Now

Sept 15 at 6:00 pm

Sept 16 at 6:00 pm

Sept 17 at 2:00 pm

Sept 18 at 6:00 pm

Sat, 24 September 2022 2:00 PM

Sun. Sept 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm

Commemorate #NationalForestWeek with a theme in 2022 "Canada's Forests: Solutions for a Changing Climate." 2022 is the 30th anniversary of "Maple Leaf Day" or National Tree Day in Canada — Forest Film Documentaries

1. Loss of biodiversity
2. Climate change
3. Out of control pollution.

This biodiversity Challenge is a great way to discover new trees and unexplored forest places, or perhaps it is a time to return to celebrate a favourite forest you love and are familiar with

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

The Afforestation Area Secrets Revealed

What do you know about the afforestation areas?

The afforestation areas are an enigma. There are so many secrets to unravel!

Come to the film Wildwoods of Saskatoon where it will be revealed —the secret of their charm. What has been hiding? A deep dive tries to explain the individual and very special charm of this these particular forests—what I have ventured to call the secret of the afforestation areas — to be revealed.Sunday Sept 18 at 2:00pm. After all, it is not a deeply hidden secret, and has indeed been half guessed or hinted by various writers expounding upon the heritage and mystery of the afforestation areas. What secrets are hiding which come out in the film? The forests have held secrets, and now, the woodlands will have no secrets from the world, and the stories do not want to hide any longer.

To these and many more questions come to the Wildwoods of Saskatoon heritage documentary on Sunday Sept 18 at 2:00pm Register now

Sept 15 at 6:00 pm

Sept 16 at 6:00 pm

Sept 17 at 2:00 pm

Sept 18 at 6:00 pm

Sat, 24 September 2022 2:00 PM

Sun. Sept 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm

iNaturalist Connect with nature for the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon and Area Défi nature urbaine hosted by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc — 50th anniversary of World Environment Day,

50th anniversary of World Environment Day, 50th Birthday for Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon — 50th anniversary of World Environment Day,

1. Loss of biodiversity
2. Climate change
3. Out of control pollution.

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

George Genereux Park

On the south west of the City of Saskatoon is an urban regional park named George Genereux Park at 147.8 acres in size. It is on the west side of Saskatchewan Highway 7 (the Pike Lake Highway.) The Saskatoon border loops around the quarter section. As shown on the map below, the afforestation area is a park surrounded by the neighbouring agricultural lands of the RM of Corman Park 344.

Many people from Saskatoon, the RM of Corman Park, and tourists have not known that this forest tucked beside the CNR overpass is really an urban regional park to enjoy nature, go for walks, watch birds, engage in health and wellness by bicycle, hiking and cross country skiing. Many classroom activities are planned for George Genereux Park as it truly is an amazing place for place-based learning nature field trips.

This park is an amazing mixed woodlands, a laboratory in ecological succession, and as such has many attributes of a boreal forest ecotone merging with the moist mixed grasslands. Many people local to this area enjoy this urban regional park as they don’t have to drive north of the provincial tree line to immerse in a delightful forest experience with changing microecosystems of evergreens, deciduous trees and meadows.

Back in 1972, when this tree nursery was created, the tree planters could randomly select from a wide variety of hardy drought-resistant saplings. This results in a unique experience. As you walk, one area of the parkspace will be quite distinct and individual from another region. Tt is fascinating to see how the existing aspen bluffs, and prairie animals have adapted to the trees planted in 1972. There are species at risk in the afforestation areas commonly found in a boreal forest ecosystem at a higher elevation, but rare on the prairies.

The trees selected for planting, were planted in a weaving pattern and not north-south and east-west in rows. This weaving pattern gives the park a naturalized appearance. The original intention was that the forests would become urban regional parks for Saskatoon and area to enjoy when the city grew out this way, which is happening now with the P4G and Blairmore Sector plans. The greenspaces started out a tree nurseries to transplant trees into city parks, and now, 50 years later, the trees are too large to transplant.

Here is a summer breeding bird checklist for the park space. Members of the Saskatoon Nature Society have been ringing (banding) birds at George Genereux Park for a number of years.

And a trail map for the park to help and assist park users enjoying George Genereux Park.

Coincidentally when the City Parks department got involved with the Green Survival Program, to build on their green belt, another afforestation area was also preserved in perpetuity. The neighbouring Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is on the other side of Sk Highway 7. On the following map George Genereux is the purple square to the west, and the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is between Cedar Villa Estates and the CN Chappell Yards.

Map to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Arrow indicates the South West Off Leash Recreation Area Parking Lot. Saskatoon, SK, CA

Please enjoy these urban regional parks located on the west side of Saskatoon! Richard St. Barbe Baker has the Chappell Marsh wetlands located within it, and to the south of Cedar Villa Road (Tsp Rd 362A) is the other side of the wetlands at Chappell Marsh Conservation Area owned by Ducks Unlimited in the RM of Corman Park. Both the afforestation areas are in the peri-urban region of the City of Saskatoon, and the greenspaces are enjoyed by health and wellness enthusiasts, dog walkers, and nature lovers. You are invited and welcomed to come out and explore these Undiscovered Forests of Saskatoon! The afforestation areas are amazing in all seasons. What will you discover?

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Breeding Bird checklist

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trail map pamphlet

YouTube History of the afforestation Areas Jane’s Walks

Stay tuned for Sept 19-26 2021 National Forest Week events, the Nov 6 2021 Celebration honouring Richard St. Barbe Baker and the anniversary when he was bestowed the honourary Doctorate of Laws from the U of S for extraordinary humanitarian service, and the 2022 Birthday Party planned for the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.

The magic of George Genereux Park, City of Saskatoon at RM of Corman Park 344 boundary — NE 21-36-6 W3

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 — NE 21-36-6 W3

Learn more about the Smart Phone Prairie Forest Interpretive GPS App

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

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