Tag: shared experience

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support using Canada Helps

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

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

The Nature-Inspired Journey of Emperor Hirohito

Walking in the Footsteps of Hirohito: A Greenery Day Exploration

The story of Greenery Day which has a name change to “Showa Day” takes us back to the youthful days of Japanese Emperor Hirohito, a man whose passion for marine biology and nature shaped the celebration we honor on April 29. Showa Day is the revamped name for Greenery Day, honoring Emperor Showa’s fondness for plants, also known as Emperor Hirohito. It falls on May 4th. Born on this day, Hirohito’s early infatuation with life’s wonders led him on a unique journey, guided by his school biology teacher, Hirotaro Hattori.

Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
Albert Einstein

As a shy introvert, Hirohito discovered solace in nature, finding inspiration in the microscopic world and the mysteries of marine life. The ocean became his sanctuary, and his teacher, a mentor who introduced him to the joys of microscopic observation. Together, they explored the realms of hydrozoans, cnidarians, corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish, paving the way for a lifelong love affair with the natural world.

.. the word ecology, coined by the German biologist and philosopher Ernst Haeckel (initially as oecology) in 1866. derives from the Greek oikos, “referring originally to the family household and its daily operations and maintenance.” The term ecology is therefore intended to refer to the study of the conditions of existence that pertain to, and the interactions between, all the entities that make up our larger, cosmic household here upon earth.
Warwick Fox

SmartPhone nature Photo using the free iNaturalist app

In the private realm, Hirohito was an eager investigator, driven by the pursuit of discovery and understanding. His passion for biology not only provided comfort but also reflected his belief in natural science as a unifying force for humanity. Despite his public image as a placid leader, he embraced the role of an original investigator, seeking humility and inspiration in the humblest orders of life.

We are enabled to apprehend at all what is sublime and noble only by the perpetual instilling and drenching of the reality that surrounds us. We can never have enough of nature.
Henry David Thoreau

Goldenrod Gall Fly Eurosta solidaginis Conservation Status: imperiled (S2S4) in Saskatchewan, CA (NatureServe)

Showa Day, therefore, stands as a tribute to Hirohito’s connection with nature, urging us to commune with the environment and appreciate its abundance. The day encourages us to follow in the footsteps of a man who found solace and inspiration in the natural world, even amidst the chaos of war.

What is wrong with our culture is that it offers us an inaccurate conception of the self. It depicts the personal self as existing in competition with and in opposition to nature. [We fail to realise that] if we destroy our environment, we are destroying what is in fact our larger self.
Freya Matthew

Today, citizens can embrace Hirohito’s fascination with the natural world through citizen science. The iNaturalist app allows us to share in his enthusiasm, turning our smartphones into tools for identifying and documenting the diverse species around us. As we celebrate Showa Day, let’s remember Hirohito’s legacy and engage in the Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 City Nature Challenge April 26 to April 29, contributing to the discovery and inventory of species, tracking invasive ones, and understanding the changes in species range.

The basic pattern of life is a network. Whenever you see life, you see networks. The whole planet, what we can term ‘Gaia’ is a network of processes involving feedback tubes. Humans are part of the larger whole, Gaia.
Fritjof Capra

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) habitat is in cattail marshes such as Chappell Marsh in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The female is not a brightly coloured as this male.

April 26 to April 29, 2024, marks a time to embark on a unique journey of discovery. By snapping pictures of wild plants, insects, birds, mushrooms, and other signs of life, we contribute to a shared experience of documenting biodiversity. Signs of life represent things that were once living or represent something that is living, like owl pellets, roadkill, scat, animal and bird tracks, snakeskins, bones, skeletons. feathers, seashells. Join the movement, connect with nature, and unveil the results on Monday, May 6, 2024. It’s more than a walkabout; it’s a celebration of life, science, and the interconnectedness of our world.

What is it? a YouTube Video

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, Rosewood Varsity View Community Association, Nutana Varsity View Community Association, Montgomery Place Varsity View Community Association. City Nature Challenge Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 led by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.

A human being is part of the whole called by us universe … We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive.
Albert Einstein

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

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support using Canada Helps

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

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

Saskatoon’s Response to Plastics Menace

“Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics – A Call to Action for Environmental Protection“

Article: Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is a global initiative rallying individuals to demonstrate their support for environmental protection. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” emphasizes the urgent need to address the detrimental impact of plastics and microplastics on our planet’s health.

Planet vs. Plastics: Saskatoon Stands Strong for Earth Day 2024

Sept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community Scene

Plastics, ubiquitous in our daily lives, pose a severe threat to environmental well-being. Here are 10 ways plastics and microplastics are harming our ecosystems:

Ocean Pollution: Plastics end up through our wetlands, and rivers in oceans, posing a direct threat to marine life through ingestion and entanglement.
Microplastic Contamination: Microplastics, small particles resulting from plastic breakdown, infiltrate ecosystems and threaten aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Wildlife Disruption: Plastic pollution disrupts wildlife habitats, affecting animals’ natural behaviors and migration patterns.
Toxic Chemical Release: Plastics release harmful chemicals, contributing to soil and water contamination, impacting plant and animal life.
Air Pollution: Burning or degrading plastics release toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution and respiratory issues.
Landfill Overload: Improper plastic disposal leads to overflowing landfills, causing soil degradation and leaching harmful substances.
Chemical Runoff: Rainwater transports plastic additives into water bodies, causing chemical pollution with detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastics in Food Chain: Microplastics enter the food chain, posing potential health risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood.
Invasive Species Transport: Floating plastics serve as vectors, transporting invasive species across water bodies and disrupting ecosystems.
Climate Impact: The production and disposal of plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Members of the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade Inc. Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park on October 3

From Documenting Nature to Combatting Plastics: Saskatoon’s Earth Day

Recognizing the urgency of environmental protection, the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin and the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas advocate for environmental guardianship, and biodiversity inventories in order to undertake proactive greenspace management. Understanding the local biodiversity is paramount, and citizen science emerges as a powerful tool. It is a time to discover and inventory species of concern, and to track invasive species for early detection and rapid response, and to determine species range changes, i.e. expansion and contractions.

And…. While you’re capturing the diverse life forms for the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge CNC YXE 2024 by using the free iNaturalist app on your smart phone, do a little extra by picking up any plastic or litter that doesn’t belong in nature.

BioDivercity Challenge free iNaturalist App — City Nature Challenge free iNaturalist App

The iNaturalist app, a free smartphone application, facilitates biodiversity documentation and empowers individuals to contribute to environmental protection efforts.

Eco-Warriors Unite: Saskatoon’s Earth Day 2024 – No More Plastic Pollution

Participating in the City Nature Challenge on iNaturalist is a tangible way to take action:

April 26 – April 29, 2024: Capture images of diverse wildlife, documenting the richness of our surroundings.
April 30 – May 5, 2024: Identify the discovered species, aiding in creating an inventory of biodiversity.
What is it? a YouTube Video

Results unveiled on May 6, 2024, will foster a shared experience of discovery and renewal. Remember, we can only protect what we know. Let’s unite to safeguard our planet for future generations, turning the tide in the battle of “Planet vs. Plastics.” Hey, when you are out documenting biodiversity, pick up some plastic or trash that just doesn’t belong in nature. It’s a double win-win!

City of Bridges, City of Change: Saskatoon Takes On Plastics for Earth Day

Individuals do not exist in isolation, but in relationship and that individual existents are unique (and irreplaceable in the future) by virtue of the special set of relationships in which only they are (and can remain) embedded. The world is therefore seen in organismic terms rather than mechanical ones, in terms of interacting processes and fields rather than isolated things, and socially, in terms of an extended ecological community rather than in terms of essentially separate, competing individuals.
Alan Dregson

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

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support using Canada Helps

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

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

Embracing the Wonders of the Solar Eclipse: A Spectacular Event Unfolding in Saskatchewan

As the April 8 solar eclipse approaches, the anticipation builds for a celestial event that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who witness it. Across Saskatchewan, people are preparing to gather in places like the afforestation areas to experience the magic of this rare phenomenon.

Did you know that solar eclipses have far-reaching effects beyond the visual spectacle? According to Victor Trees et al, the clouds affected by solar eclipses could alter sunlight reflection and even impact local precipitation patterns. Nature India reports that these eclipses cause a substantial decrease in solar irradiance, leading to atmospheric changes such as cooling temperatures and increased humidity.

At its peak, the eclipse will cast a shadow over Saskatchewan, offering a unique opportunity for scientific observation and personal reflection. Organizations like Queen’s University are sending eclipse ambassadors to schools, educating students about the event’s significance and guiding them in safe observation techniques.

The Audubon Society encourages people to pay attention to animal behavior during the eclipse, noting that when the moon covers the sun, animals may exhibit unusual reactions. This shared experience invites us to connect with nature and each other, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.

While Saskatchewan will only experience a partial eclipse, the magnitude of the event remains profound. As the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, creating a momentary darkness, we are reminded of the vastness and complexity of our universe.

Begins:	Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 11:53 am
Maximum:	Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 12:52 pm 0.453 Magnitude
Ends:	Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 1:52 pm

Saskatchewan Partial Solar Eclipse times April 8 2024

For those fortunate enough to be in the eclipse’s path, it’s a chance to embrace the awe and wonder of the cosmos. Take a moment to tune out distractions and focus on the shared joy of the experience. In doing so, we honor the work of organizations like the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, who cultivate a love of science and nature, enriching lives and creating lasting memories for all. Please come outside and witness this unique phenomena, and check if it affects nature and wildlife in Saskatoon’s Afforestation Areas, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park!

Hoar Frost and Rime Ice covering the trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon , SK , in the bright morning sunlight

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

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support using Canada Helps