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

Celebrating Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

Black History Month: Celebrating Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

February is Black Histories and Futures Month, a time to reflect on the contributions of Black people to society. In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the surrounding area, this month provides an opportunity to explore the intersection of Black history with sustainability, the UN SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, Life on Land, and climate action. The story of Richard St. Barbe Baker, known as the “Man of the Trees,” is an example of this intersectionality.

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, originally from England, was a pioneer in the field of forestry and environmental conservation. He dedicated his life to planting trees and advocating for sustainable land management practices. In the 1920s, he founded The Men of the Trees Foundation, now known as the International Tree Foundation. In this intersectionality there have been 100s of billions of trees worldwide.

In 1920, St. Barbe Baker traveled to Kenya, Africa, where he worked closely with Chief Josiah Njonjo to promote tree planting and sustainable land management practices. Together, they established hundreds of Forest Scouts, known as Watu wa miti, or “People of the Trees.” These Forest Scouts were responsible for planting and caring for trees in their communities, and they played a vital role in the reforestation efforts in Kenya.

The story of Richard St. Barbe Baker and the Forest Scouts of Kenya is a powerful example of how individuals and communities can come together to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. It underscores the importance of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. As we celebrate Black Histories and Futures Month, let us remember the contributions of Black leaders like Richard St. Barbe Baker and Chief Josiah Njonjo and continue to work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.

Richard St. Barbe Baker planting trees in Kenya Africa — Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker in Kenya Africa Planting a tree
Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan,
University Archives & Special Collections,
Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

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 WFor 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!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 This greenspace is located in the South West area of Saskatoon

Black Histories and Futures Month

Elevating Black Voices in Saskatoon: The Intersection of Black History and Climate Action

February is Black Histories and Futures Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of Black people to society. In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the surrounding area, this month presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of Black history with sustainability, the UN SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, Life on Land, and climate action.

Black voices and leaders within the climate movement have been speaking out about environmental racism and the disproportionate impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on Black and equity-deserving communities. Saskatoon, with its diverse population, is no exception. Organizations like Black Lives Matter YXE are advocating for environmental justice and addressing the impacts of climate change on Black communities.

Black entrepreneurs and innovators have also been pioneers in developing solutions to combat climate change and promote greater equity and resilience. In Saskatoon, there are many Black-owned businesses and organizations that are working towards sustainability and climate action. For example, Black-owned urban farms are addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Saskatoon’s Black Histories and Futures Month is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Black people to sustainability and climate action. By recognizing the intersectionality of these issues, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all.

Bibliography:

Resources for Black History Month

Black Lives Matter YXE [Online]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://blacklivesmattersaskatoon.com/

United Nations. (n.d.). Reduced Inequalities. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10

United Nations. (n.d.). Life on Land. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal15

United Nations. (n.d.). Climate Action. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal13

Business, Technology, 21st Century Culture, Planet Earth

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

We All Drink From the Same River: Navigating the Future of our Lifeline

As we turn on our taps without a second thought, the life force flowing through the South Saskatchewan River remains an unsung hero, sustaining the existence of 2.2 million people, including us here in Saskatoon. But the river, a symbol of vitality, is facing an uncertain future. Join Wild About Saskatoon for a captivating online event, “We All Drink From the Same River,” on Thursday, January 25, from 7-8 pm, featuring Elder and Water Walker Marjorie Beaucage and river expert Dr. Tim Jardine.

The South Saskatchewan River begins its journey in the mountainous realms, carving through the drylands of two prairie provinces to bestow life-giving water upon everyone and everything in its path. It’s not just a physical presence; it’s a pulsating connection, coursing through our veins with each drop of water we consume. The river’s health is intrinsically linked to our own, and it’s time to recognize its significance.

In the face of challenging times, where last year’s mountain sources were parched and this year’s snowpack in Banff is only 40% of average, the urgency to safeguard our river has never been more pressing. The event aims to shed light on the intricate web of demands tugging at the South Saskatchewan River and what steps we need to take to preserve this vital lifeline.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) This is the brightly colored male. The female of the species will use the cattails, reeds or rushes standing above the surface of the water to weave a nest, and lay 2-5 eggs.

South Saskatchewan River with Hoar Frost in the winter Adapted from image courtesy Ryan Hhodnett ccbysa4-0

Meet the Voices Behind the Cause:

Marjorie Beaucage: A Two-Spirit Métis Auntie, filmmaker, art-ivist, and educator, Marjorie’s roots in Vassar, Manitoba, have grown into a life dedicated to creating social change. As a land protector and Water Walker, she stands as a beacon for right relations and possibilities. Marjorie’s extensive experience as the Elder for OUT Saskatoon and the Elder-In-Residence for the University of Saskatchewan Student Union has uniquely positioned her to guide us through the cultural and spiritual dimensions of our connection to the river.

Dr. Tim Jardine: Associate Professor in the Toxicology Centre and the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Tim Jardine is a dedicated river ecologist. His expertise extends across the globe, studying the ecology of rivers in Australia and Brazil, while leading collaborative projects in Western Canada’s inland river deltas. Dr. Jardine’s insights will provide a scientific perspective on the challenges facing the South Saskatchewan River.

How Can You Contribute?

Tune in to the live event on YouTube on Thursday, January 25, from 7-8 pm, to hear Marjorie Beaucage and Dr. Tim Jardine discuss the state of the South Saskatchewan River and the actions we can collectively take to ensure its well-being. This free, online gathering is not just an informational session; it’s a call to action for every individual who understands that the fate of the river is intricately tied to our own.

The South Saskatchewan River is not just a resource; it’s a lifeline. Let’s come together to ensure that we all continue to drink from the same river for generations to come.

Of the earth’s thirty billion acres, already nine billion acres are desert. And if a man loses a third of his skin, he dies; plastic surgeons say “He’s had it.” And if a tree loses one-third of its bark, it dies. And if the earth loses one-third of its green mantle of trees, it will die. The water table will sink beyond recall and life on this planet will become impossible. It’s being skinned alive today. . .
Richard St. Barbe Baker

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: