Shhhh…Listen Do You Hear the Sound of Forest Tourism?
We tend to take forests for granted, underestimating how indispensable they still are for everyone on the planet. That would quickly change if they all disappeared, but since humanity might not survive that scenario, the lesson wouldn’t be very useful by then.
Russell McLendon
The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) May 25, 2019 Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com
There is no doubt about it, trees help us to breath. When arriving at the hospital, the medical care team, in many circumstances rely on giving the patient oxygen. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and worldwide, forests emit oxygen to keep us alive.
The afforestation areas provide semi wilderness habitat homes to a diverse range of birds, insects and animals. Have you ever walked in the woods, and heard the woodpeckers, robins or meadowlarks? Did you see the little American Red Squirrels leaping from limb to limb? Did you marvel at the population of butterflies which you see in the afforestation areas, and how many you saw last year and the year before? 80 % of fauna biodiversity can be found in forests! Forests are indeed Magical!
There are a plethora of health benefits to be derived from an outing in the afforestation areas. For an introduction, they boost your immune system, reduce stress, increase your energy level and have even been know to lower blood pressure! It is truly wise to immerse yourself in a forest for better health. It is no wonder that PaRx (parks) are a prescription for health.
Truly forests, also help us during this era of taking action on climate change. Not only do they act as carbon sinks, as mentioned earlier, but woodlands also protect us from natural hazards such as great winds, floods, and heavy rains. There are truly benefits of forests…so important to us and to the world.
“<a href="http://<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>"Walking, cycling, tai chi or doing conservation work regularly in forests" can assist with weight loss</p> Walking, cycling, tai chi or doing conservation work regularly in forests” can assist with weight loss
Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese art of forest bathing to soothe the soul. “Forest Bathing is an accepted part of Japanese preventative health care because of the mental, physical and spiritual health benefits it delivers.”
Educational aptitude and cognitive development are enhanced. “To increase literacy and numeracy, children need to have access to nature, and at the very least, green and natural views of trees.” Studies have shown that outdoor education is of benefit to the human population. “The presence of trees and urban nature can improve people’s mental and physical health, children’s attention and test scores” Therefore, in summary, children are more likely to succeed in school where they can fully receive the benefits from trees, if not through place based learning in a forest, then at a minimum they should be afforded a view of trees.
Identified benefits of community trees and forests include; “trees can be successfully used to mitigate heat islands. Trees reduce temperatures by shading surfaces, dissipating heat through evaporation, and
controlling air movement responsible for advected heat” During these times of warmer, wetter, and wilder weather this is a great benefit to society!
Further to these listed benefits, trees reduce air pollution. ” They help to settle out, trap, and hold particulate pollutants (Dust, ash, pollen and smoke) that can damage human lungs.”
Forests themselves, are bewitching, and beautiful, amazing and enchanting. This week is tourism week May 23, May 30. Enjoy the afforestation areas – the 326 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the 147.8 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Long, long ago, when all the world was young and there were but few people dwelling on it, the strangest things could often come to pass. Then fairyfolk still lived in the greenwoods and elves sang and danced in the soft summer dawns. Then trees could sing and flowers speak and birds would carry messages about the world; wild beasts were often loyal friends to men and helped them in their difficulties. Then wise men read the stars and seers would gaze in crystal bowls to tell the coming good or ill they saw.
Loretta Ellen Brady
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.comFacebook 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
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 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! Canada Helps
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