Community Development

A unique experience provided a capture of two different communities, the one here in Saskatchewan Canada with programs developed for the community, and the community development programs in Africa.

Here, in Saskatchewan, there was OVER 38,300 kg (11,700 pounds)of illegally dumped materials removed from the two afforestation areas to create a safe greenspace environment. This is amazing, but at the same time it is quite a statement about the culture in Saskatchewan itself.

Whereas, in Africa the community development programming has to do with how to provide enough water for the community from the boreholes. There is no consumer spending on disposable items which end up polluting the environment. Nowhere on the African horizon were there discarded chesterfields, televisions, consoles, shingles or oil containers in the environment.

In Africa there was so very much appreciation for a single tree, that it became their community meeting space. In the shade of that single tree, community would gather and celebrate that they had a tree to gather underneath.

African Savannah
African Savannah

It is indeed a culture shock, that people here in Saskatchewan, Canada think nothing of dumping their mattresses in fields, forests and urban regional parks to save a couple of bucks by disposing of their trash properly in the landfill. What is a park supposed to do with the discarded mattress, or a farmer harvesting their crop? The affluent in Saskatchewan, Canada who have enough disposable money to buy a new mattress, or a new large flat screen television shamefully do not have the additional spare change for the landfill!

What, indeed would the communities in Africa say, if they could experience the mixed woodland forests which we are so blessed to have in Saskatchewan and the afforestation areas which provide a boreal-type forest right in the city! Forests which we are so lucky to have which raise the water table, and provide nature-based solutions to climate change.

And yet, why was there OVER 38,300 kg (11,700 pounds)of illegally dumped materials removed from the two afforestation areas to create a safe greenspace environment? That alone is unfathomable.

Experiencing the African culture of trying to find water to survive is an eye-opener for how callously we here in Canada, in Saskatchewan regard our good fortune. Where here in Canada we have to develop Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies to mitigate illegal trespass and illegal dumping in a greenspace and around wetlands, people in Africa are treasuring their single tree with reverence.

We, here in Saskatchewan actually have wetlands, and there are those people who do not treasure them and figure that wetlands can so easily be filled in and discarded and built upon. And there are those who illegally dump hazardous waste near or heaven forbid in the wetlands. Again, the culture shock is quite striking, because in Africa, they travel long distances to the water bore hole which serves ten to twelve villages and communities. The African people come together to figure out equitable ways to portion out the bore hole water to ensure everyone has water to sustain their health, lifestyle, and food supply.

The community development programs in Canada are so radically different from the attention and focus of community development programs in Africa. It is quite shocking to the core.

Richard St. Barbe Baker was posted as Assistant Conservator of Forests in Kenya Africa in 1922 where the International Tree Foundation found its roots. Baker used his silviculture training from Cambridge University to enable the Kikuyu from Africa to survive. Baker changed the slash and burn food production to one which we could call agro-forestry or social / community forestry practices. Baker encouraged forest guardians called the Watu Wa Miti who took a solemn oath before Ngaire to plant ten trees a year, take care of trees everywhere, and do a good deed every day – the pledge to become one of the Men of the Trees. This organization became known today as the International Tree Foundation.

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

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

““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 ocean, our climate, our weather

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. are proud to take action for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) We need to plan, and take action “to deliver, together, the ocean we need for the future we want!

March 23 is World Meteorological Day with a 2021 theme of – The ocean, our climate and weather. This day is devoted to taking action on climate change, as we watch the change meteorological weather patterns.

 “We forget that we owe our existence to  the presence of Trees.   As far as forest  cover goes, we have never been in such a vulnerable position as we are today.  The  only answer is to plant more Trees – to  Plant Trees for Our Lives.” says Richard St. Barbe Baker

To take action on climate change it is very easy to take the Forest Guardian pledge created by Richard St. Barbe Baker which is to plant ten trees every years, take care of trees everywhere, and to do one good deed every day.

So, how in the middle of the prairie provinces, in a moist mixed grasslands can the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. support the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development?

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas held two amazing Clean Green Community Scene Trash Cleanups, one in 2016 and there were actually another two the fall of 2021, as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. The GCSC is a “ national conservation program that provides Canadians the opportunity to take action in their communities wherever water meets land, one bit of trash at a time.

The afforestation areas are located in the West Swale Wetlands. The West Swale drains into the South Saskatchewan River. The North and South Saskatchewan Rivers join to create the Saskatchewan River which empties in Lake Winnipeg. The waters of Lake Winnipeg eventually drain into Hudson Bay, via the Nelson River. By cleaning up the afforestation areas, this has a huge impact downstream, and for our oceans.

YouTubePlaylist
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
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

“I thought how lovely and how strange a river is. A river is a river, always there, and yet the water flowing through it is never the same water and is never still. It’s always changing and is always on the move. And over time the river itself changes too.

Aiden Chambers

Life is like the river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere.

Walk Lightly on the Earth

Global Recycling Day is very important when it comes to thinking about the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. Members of the public, South West Off Leash Recreation Area dog walkers, the Stewards and Stakeholders of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, The Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. all have come out to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and to George Genereux Urban Regional Park for “Clean Green Community Scene” volunteer clean ups to restore these urban regional parks to amazing winter wonderland green spaces which are enjoyed all year around.

Recycling is so, so very important when you see what was collected during the various clean up days. There were toys which would have been so much appreciated by another family. Clothing was discarded in the urban regional park which could have been put to much better use. Very environmentally hazardous items were discarded like flammable oil and tires which are very disastrous in a greenspace. Furniture would have been much better displayed in someone’s home rather than being ruined by ticks, rain, mice, and other vermin in the forest.

Did you know the City of Saskatoon has some amazing recycling programs?

We can compost at the compost areas in town.

SARCAN has newspaper and cardboard depots

Citizens can recycle paint, and electronics at SARCAN along with their bottles, and cans.

Residents can take in clothing, toys, household or garage items to a number of thrift stores

Furniture is welcome at many thrift and second hand stores also

Metal appliances can be turned in for cash

Did you know that the City of Saskatoon landfill also has an eco-centre? Used oil, antifreeze, oil filters and diesel exhaust fluid can make use of the eco-centre

The City of Saskatoon has arranged an amazing landfill so the residents do not get typhoid and diptheria! And we should use it rather than the environment.

The City of Saskatoon also collaborates with Community Associations for spring/fall community clean ups to help residents if they see litter accumulating in the neighbourhood which is amazing for sure. Cleaning up their parks, and streets, and alleyways is a great way to have a safe and healthy neighbourhood for our children to grow up in.

Do your part! Do your part on March 18, Global Recycling Day, and every day

#RecyclingHeroes

Waste Reduction Week – HELP!

Donate clothes and household items to Goodwill!

Recycle ~ Reduce Waste

Keeping the trash out of the woods.

Consider our wetlands, our rivers, our drinking water

We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.

Barbara Ward

The Winter Staycation Take It Outside Challenges continue!!! Today take a picture of the bag of trash you pick up in the afforestation area while out in the forest. Email the picture in to be eligible for our prize draw!!! Email another amazing way to reduce, reuse and recycle! What was forgotten in the list above?

YouTubePlaylist
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
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

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.

Chief Seattle

Important Update!

This is a big deal!

You can enter the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc charity for a chance to WIN $5,000!

December 1st is GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to giving. To celebrate, Canada Helps is offering up a chance to WIN $5,000 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc . Just imagine the difference $5,000 can make! $5,000 could help provide environmental protection in the form of park identification signs and also install motorized vehicle barriers so that people cannot come in and dump trash all over the park space and all over the trails willy nilly.  The afforestation areas are amazing places to decompress and partake in wonderful social distancing while getting out in nature.  Environmental protections also care for species at risk and the semi-wilderness corridor and so much more.

To enter, simply tell Canada Helps that you would like to nominate the charity, Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., to win the $5,000 prize. Contest closes on November 30th. Hurry and enter today!
ENTER NOW

For @GivingTuesdayca, there is another opportunity to nominate the afforestation area greenspace online through facebook or twitter!

YouTube video for @GivingTuesdayCA

GivingTuesday #OurForestReturns #SaskatoonWildForestAngels
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
DRAFT P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits
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
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
1./ Learn.
2./ Experience
3./ Do Something: ***
“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Online help needed!

No matter where you are worldwide, you can enter the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc charity for a chance to WIN $5,000!

Giving Tuesday on December 1, is a day dedicated to giving. To celebrate, Canada Helps is offering up a chance to WIN $5,000 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. Just imagine the difference $5,000 can make! $5,000 could help provide environmental protection in the form of park identification signs and also install motorized vehicle barriers so that people cannot come in and dump trash willy nilly.  The afforestation areas are amazing places to decompress and partake in wonderful social distancing while getting out in nature.  Environmental protections also care for species at risk, trails and the semi-wilderness corridor and so much more.

To enter, simply tell Canada Helps that you would like to nominate the charity, Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., to win the $5,000 prize. Contest closes on November 30th. Hurry and enter today!
ENTER NOW

At this time – before November 30, can you show that  you are indeed a steward / guardian / Saskatoon forest angel and help with the aforementioned online endeavour as well as this social media nomination to help out the afforestation greenspace?

Though trash cleanups are wonderful and amazing, and it is great to see the forest restored year after year, it would be so nice not to cleanup after buniuks who dump trash in an urban regional park with park protections installed!.  Parks are amazing places to get out to enjoy nature during this pandemic, and they are also great places to connect with  the semi-wilderness area and provincial birding hot spot.  This year’s clean up statistics amounted to 15.34 tonnes removed.  That is a lot.  Can you help protect this greenspace, the trails, the wildlife please? 

Please share this email with your friends and family!

GivingTuesday #OurForestReturns #SaskatoonWildForestAngels

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

DRAFT P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

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

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Waste Reduction Week – HELP!

Waste Reduction Week is October 19 – 25 2020, the third week in October. Download your Waste Reduction Kit today! Donate clothes and household goods, and recycle them rather than letting them be destroyed in an amazing greenspace, the home to plants and animals. Can you be successful on the waste free challenge?

Write in the comments how you reduce your waste!

Check out the various ways you can help and learn to reduce waste with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council!

The facts that people use amazing urban regional parks for their waste and trash is deplorable. Volunteers removed waste amounting to more than 15,340 kg on the following days

3,410 kg Richard-St-Barb-Baker-Afforestation-Area October 3

2,660 kg from George Genereux Urban Park October 3

9,270 kg from George Genereux Urban Park September 19

15,340 kg in TOTAL which works out to 16.9 US tons – 33,818.9 pounds – 15.1 Imperial Tons – 15.34 tonnes

That is way, way too much garbage in a park where families, birdwatchers, hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers all come together to enjoy the landscapes and viewscapes. What must go through peoples heads to go into a forest greenspace and dump trash? Disgusting!

Please help spread the word, and help reduce waste!

Did you know that the Ministry of the Environment has a confidential Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) Anyone at all can report, and the webpage says how to do it safely, and still protect the environment! If you use and enjoy these greenspace urban regional parks, please use TIPPS. As a result of the two aforementioned clean ups, personal identification was found in the thrown away garbage, and reported. The identification was followed up on by authorities.

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

DRAFT P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker 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

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

Thanks to Meewasin & City

The non profit charity, Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. take this opportunity to profer a huge thank you, publicly, to the City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin for facilitating the clean up effort out at the afforestation areas! The results made our green space parks cleaner, more inviting and and much more environmentally friendly for everyone.

The Clean Green Community Scene is a community effort facilitated by Regan Olson, Environmental Protection Officer for orchestrating the large Loraas dumpster which were filled cleanup bags, and assorted large items of trash, taken to the dump several times throughout the day. The parks could not become much safer green spaces without the attentions and support provided by the city departments, and those working at Land Branch and the landfill to facilitate the accomplishments of the two autumn days.

Thank you also to the large truck and trailer provided by Meewasin, and also to the Meewasin technicians and their partners for the amazing help assisting at the clean up. The clean up kg totals from Oct 3 and Sept 19 do not reflect the two large loads taken to the dump in the Meewasin large truck and on their trailer.

How can we ever indeed, say that we appreciate the dedication shown by the various departments at the city working alongside Regan Olson, as well as those working hard at the Meewasin. These two autumn days are a testament to the accomplishment by the City of Saskatoon and by the Meewasin Conservation Authority in their commitment for the betterment of the greenspaces and ultimately the urban regional parks are a great deal safer. It is amazing what can be accomplished together. We also wish to acknowledge all the folks who came out on Sept 19 and Oct 3 for the afforestation area clean ups.

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

DRAFT P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker 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

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

#ShorelineSpotlights

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup celebrated International Shore Cleaning Month and hosted a Cleanup Across Canada. In the GCSC #ShorelineSpotlights, the Sept 19 clean up in Saskatoon at George Genereux Urban Regional Park was featured as follows.

Featured in the above image are Ivan and Ila owners of Ivan and Ila’s No Frills Store in Westage Plaza which is located at 2410 22nd St W in Saskatoon, SK

“The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc lead a fruitful cleanup of George Genereux Urban Regional Park on Saturday, September 19th. 

Their cleanup, in celebration of National Tree Day, and International Coastal Cleanup month, removed more than 204,367 pounds from the forest. Volunteers even collected 39 tires for recycling! “

George Genereux Urban Regional Park is situated on the shoreline of the Yorath Island Spillway, a great pleistocene river with a large delta which emptied floodwaters and sediment into the South Saskatchewan. Any pollution in George Genereux Urban Regional Park is carried via the West Swale directly into our South Saskatchewan River where it affects our drinking water.

Thank you Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup for featuring Saskatoon in their ShorelineSpotlights article!

Thank you to all the volunteers who came out and wore masks, and socially distanced when around others not in their COVID bubble George Genereux Urban Regional Park is 148.9 acres, and it is easy to socially distance. It was a great way to celebrate World Clean up Day and National Forest Week, indeed. Hats off to everyone who made a difference!

“For one minute, walk outside, stand there, in silence. Look up at the sky and contemplate how amazing life is.” —Anonymous

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:

Canada Helps

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

P4G District Official Community Plan Sept 24 public hearing

[Draft] P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Instagram: St.BarbeBaker

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

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)

Canada Helps

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” – William Shakespeare

“This generation may either be the last to survive in any semblance of a civilized world, or it will be the first to have the vision, the daring, and the greatness to say, “I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life; I will play no part in this devastation of the land, skinning it alive by removing virgin tree cover; I am destined to live and work for peaceful construction, for I am morally responsible for the world of to-day and to the generations of to-morow.”

“TWAHAMWE” is our motto.  ‘Let us pull together’, and let us give our active support to all efforts of desert reclamation by tree-planting.”  from the Richard St. Barbe Baker’s Condensed Sketch of Richard St. Barbe Baker’s Life in the University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

“Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly.” —Thomas Jefferson

By the numbers

The September 19 clean up which saw over 9,270Kg or 9.27 tons or 10.2 US tons or 204,367 pounds removed from the forest!  What was an indication of what the volunteers saw in this 148.9 acre forest?

As you can imagine, a huge wave of gratitude goes out to everyone who showed up on Sat. Sept. 19, and cared for the trees, the environment and created a safe urban regional park! There are a number of parents, dog walkers, bird banders, foresters, photographers and citizen scientists using iNaturalist who go out regularly to enjoy George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

52 tires
25 Plastic Bags
20 Food Wrappers
20 Paper
20 Wood Pallets
15 cardboard boxes wet and soggy
15 piles of lumber [huge and heavy]
13 bags of elm leaves
12 chesterfields and couch cushions
12 mattresses
10 armchairs
10 melamine boards
7 blankets
7 tin cans
6 box springs
6 metal tubes about 1/2 inch diameter, 3 feet long
5 Coffee Cups
5 kleenex boxes
5 oil jugs
5 plastic pails
5 plastic preschool toys
5 shoes
5 Straws
4 bags of broken glass
4 large plastic sheets
4 tables
3 boxes flat screen TVs larger than 55″
3 desks
3 foam mattresses
3 huge rolls of contractor fibreglass insulation
3 microwaves
3 plastic bins
3 Plastic Bottles
3 televisions
3 wooden chairs
2 burnt out metal frames of things
2 car seats
2 card tables
2 carpets and foam underlay
2 Containers
2 heavy metal piece
2 office chairs
2 piles shingles
2 Propane tanks
1 Aluminum Webbed Woven Folding Nylon Lawn Chair
1 bamboo chair 
1 blue golf duffel bag
1 blue tarp
1 burned out arm chair
1 car battery
1 car engine
1 chest freezer
1 child bicycle seat
1 deep laundry tub
1 door
1 electric motor
1 electrical panel for high energy lines
1 empty large oil can
1 futon
1 Glass Bottle
1 ice cube tray 
1 ironing board
1 large canvas sign 6 feet by 10 feet
1 living room wood console
1 old deck
1 Personal Hygiene item
1 pile black electrical wire
1 pile blue electric wire plastic casing
1 pile electrical conduit
1 pile lattice wood
1 pile of black rubber hosing
1 pile of household waste
1 pile of metal siding
1 pile wood panelling
1 plastic lawn chair
1 plexiglass window
1 red plastic thing
1 sheet
1 shower curtain
1 suitcase
1 tin dish in the shape of a dog bone
1 truck cover
1 wooden end table
1 wooden shelving unit
1 wooden stool

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
P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits
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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Instagram: St.BarbeBaker
Twitter: StBarbeBaker
You Tube Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
You Tube George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
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!
QR Code FOR PAYPAL DONATIONS to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.Paypal
Payment Options
Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD
1./ Learn.
2./ Experience
3./ Do Something: ***
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker

Keeping Track of Litter

Thank you for the interest shown in the George Genereux Urban Regional Park Cleanup scheduled for Saturday September 19. As an outdoor event, on a large property 1/2 mile x 1/2 mile (147.9 acres) it is easy to social distance, and we are giving away free fabric re-usable facemasks for those instance where we cannot social distance. We take the well-being of our volunteers seriously! We are providing cloth facemasks, disposable face masks, plastic gloves, hand sanitizer, taking forehead temperatures, supplying individually packaged refreshment and are encouraging outdoor social distancing in this huge forest.

We are going to be tracking and recording the litter by using Data Card or Online Data Tracking Feature.

We have found out through the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup that keeping track of the litter found is a critical aspect of the Shoreline Cleanup.

Why? By tracking litter items it helps determine their origins, leading to solutions to reduce those garbage items that ends up on our shorelines and polluting the South Saskatchewan River via the West Swale (a low lying area a part of the Yorath Island Spillway a glacial river connecting the North Saskatchewan to the South Saskatchewan). The record keeping and solutions also helps reinforce the impact you are having for cleaner shorelines. There
are three great ways to gather your litter data:

  1. Pick up a Data Card from the George Genereux Urban Regional Park Registration Table.
  2. ONLINE APP Use the Online Data Tracking Feature! Want to record your litter findings on a mobile device? Register with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup for this event. They will email you your individual links to the online data tracking feature! Wow! It is that easy to record your data digitally. Then just login to your Shoreline Cleanup account on mobile and open this link, tap in to start tallying up the litter items you find. Only those registered on the website for the clean up will receive access to this link.

3. ONLINE APP Jake Rubenstein, Manager of the Great Global Cleanup says “And while you’re picking up litter, check out our Earth Challenge 2020 app to record the composition and amount of trash that you collected. Every data submission, including yours, will help researchers track global litter trends as part of the biggest citizen science project in the world. “

Thank you again for your consideration at finding a time during the day to come out to clean up George Genereux Urban Regional Park inside the City of Saskatoon!

Donations by bottle drive pick up (just contact us if you have bottles 306.380.5368), eTransfer or Paypal to friendsafforestation@gmail.com are very welcome for purchase of facemasks, clean up supplies. Tax receipt from the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.

777143876RR0001 Non profit charity.

Please kindly advise friendsafforestation@gmail.com  if anyone has access to either a:
1/truck

2/trailer

3/forklift

4/ wheelbarrow

5/ wagon

6/ a 2 or 4 wheel dolly

7/ a pry bar, crow bar or wrecking bar

There are both large items and smaller trash to remove from the greenspace environment on

Sat. Sept 19, 2020 9:00-5:00

Clean Green Community Scene

At George Genereux Park

Besides full day shifts, there are staggered shifts throughout the day available for anyone wishing to volunteer partial days like two hours, or 1/2 day, etc.   It is wise to come for the weather – a hat, closed toe footwear, sunscreen, bug spray & water bottle, pen or pencil to help record trash, canvas gloves, masks.  Prizes to win! Free facemasks, plastic gloves & trash bags. More information friendsafforestation@gmail.com

Saturday September 19, 2020

9:00 to 5:00

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

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker 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

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nations saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

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