Many people have heard of David Suzuki, David Attenborough, or Greta Thunberg. Richard St. Barbe Baker was the first global conservationist and humanitarian. This is our way to remember his international legacy. International Online Premiere: The Legacy of Saskatoon’s Secret Forest Saturday November 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm CST (UTC-6)
So, who is Richard St. Barbe Baker?
He had the longest listing in the “Who’s Who” book which relates facts about notable people – more on this later!
The Times, June 12, 1982 said “Baker deserves to be remembered as one of the very first men to realise that we were destroying our natural resources of the world faster than was prudent that the trees were not only providers of timber, pulp and fuel but were also manufacturers of life-giving oxygen from the waste products of man and his machines; and, perhaps even more importantly, inducers of rain when massed in sufficient numbers.”
“We will also pay tribute to his life of distinguished service to mankind. Hospitality was one of his achievements.” Memorial Service
” He dedicated his life to encouraging tree planting around the world and championing environmental causes.” Saskatoon SP June 10, 1982
“He gave us a vision of a new age…We have been the recipients of an overflowing cupful of his wisdom and vision, but if we, and more particularly the world at large, had been more receptive, how much more could he have given us.” -Alan Grainger
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker
Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan,
University Archives & Special Collections,
Our Forests. Are They Alive?
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 Afforestation Area Forest
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 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
A tribute presented to the forest, a great enhancement. A wonderful place to sit and watch the birds at the bird feeders
"Wild bird, whose warble, liquid sweet,
Rings Eden through the budded quicks,
Oh, tell me where the senses mix,
Oh, tell me where the passions meet,"
Lord Alfred Tennyson
These little bird statues represent the embodiment of place and time, of humanity in the forest, and connecting with nature.
They symbolize the mysterious interconnection between society and nature, people connecting with Mother Earth.
What a beautiful gift for the Afforestation Area. Along with bird feed, and peanuts, users of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, grace the benches near the bird feeding stations with a fitting tribute and honour.
Thank you so much!
The benches are enjoyed by many people, as are the afforestation areas. In gratitude to the City of Saskatoon for the Take It Outside initiative enable the benches and two of the bird stations. Thank you!
And now, wouldst thou, O man, delight the ear With earth’s delicious sounds, or charm the eye With beautiful creations, then pass forth And find them midst those many-colored birds That fill the glowing woods. The richest hues Lie in their splendid plumage, and their tones Are sweeter than the music of the lute.”
Elizabeth and Joseph Grinnell
Robin, Sir Robin, gay-vested knight, Now you have come to us, summer’s in sight; You never dream of the wonders you bring— Visions that follow the flash of your wing. How all the beautiful by and by Around you and after you seems to fly; Sing on, or eat on, as pleases your mind. Well have you earned every morsel you find. “Aye! ha! ha! ha!” whistles Robin. My dear, Let us all take our own choice of good cheer.
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. Donate your vehicle to Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. to raise funds for afforestation areas. Click here to find out more. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date! Canada Helps
Praise for Man of the Trees Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist, with a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and introduction by Jane Goodall
“Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario & Former UN Under Secretary General, UNEP – This biography of pioneering conservationist and environmental campaigner Richard St. Barbe Baker is in part a tribute to a remarkable man, and in part a guidebook for re-energizing our collective efforts to walk more lightly on Earth. In taking the reader through his life and career, Paul Hanley leaves no stone unturned: thoroughly researched chapters detail the depth and breadth of St. Barbe Baker’s activities to stave off deforestation and ecological degradation. I have no doubt this volume will inspire people everywhere to follow his example.” Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Colorado Blue Spruce Picea pungens in Winter copyright Julia Adamson
“As long as recorded history, generations have successfully competed with their predecessors in their efforts to devise quicker, vaster, and more permanent methods of destruction and exploitation. Science divorced ethics is like a mind which in its blind self-sufficiency has torn itself away from the heart and man’s downhill race to total destruction can only be halted by immediate, courageous and resolute action.
And who will take this action? The world is sick indeed and needs a Divine Physician. If either of the great powers presses the wrong button to-morrow it will be too late. 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
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
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!
“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
“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.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
Cardiovascular benefits, and heart health forest walking
Richard St. Barbe Baker L.L.D, O.B.E. photo credit University of Saskatchewan. University Archives and Special Collections. Richard St. Barbe Baker Fonds MG71.
St. Barbe was eighty-six when I first met him. …
“Help Me” he said simply.
Help me! He took on the struggle and greatness of the planet itself in that moment.~Gaea Laughingbird Weiss. New Age. November 1982
Have you ever taken a moment to delve into the heart and soul of Richard St. Barbe Baker? Spend a moment and read through his personal correspondence, many and several articles about St. Barbe, tributes and memorials upon his passing. These and more can all be uncovered at the University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
“Trees are sensitive to thought vibrations and sometimes visibly recoil from people who do not love them. Many believe that should a tree have to be felled or even heavily pruned, there should be an understanding wit the tree deva. ~Richard St. Barbe Baker in Trees for Health and Longevity. Forward by Kenneth T.H. Moore M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S.
Richard St. Barbe Baker was responsible for planting some 26 trillion trees during his lifetime. Organizations, and people committed to the legacy of St. Barbe continue his life mission even today.
“It took a long time to find a suitable site for such an important memorial.” The Richard St. Barbe Baker Memorial Wood, Charnwood Borough.
Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982) received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws on 6 November 1971 from the University of Saskatchewan. This honour was followed by an appointment bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II as Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE in 1978.
“[Richard St. Barbe Baker said,] I am going to Saskatchewan where I began as a young man, studying forestry at the university, homesteading and planting the first trees. I don’t know if I will go beyond there.” He paused and looked at me in that direct way he had, reading my mind, for I had been wishing to speak with him of death. “Is there anything you wish to say to me in my condition? he asked.
“Do you mean as you are about to die? I [Gaea Laughingbird Weiss] responded.
“Yes,” he said…..
When I left, he said, “Pray for me,” and I felt waves of love move through me, as if from lifetimes of friendship.”
“~Gaea Laughingbird Weiss. New Age. November 1982
Why did St. Barbe, a world wide traveler, choose Saskatoon, specifically with due thought, care and attention, as his resting place? Why did St. Barbe honour Saskatoon with his presence in June 1982 and ever after? How does Saskatoon take the time to repay this great and terrific honour? It is truly humbling to learn about St. Barbe and to always feel a great privilege to walk in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area named out of respect in his memory.
“Many scientists have a spiritual perspective that remains hidden from public view until their later years or their death. Not so St. Barbe, who integrated rigorous scientific understanding of trees, and the place of forests in planetary ecology, with a profoundly spiritual understanding.” Gaea Laughingbird Weiss. New Age. November 1982
Paul Hanley, a personal friend of St. Barbe, a freelance writer, and environmentalist, has written a biography on this internationally known forester, Richard St. Barbe Baker. Contact Paul Hanley for more information about this book.
A bit of fog and hoar frost in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Forest
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
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 Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA
Richard St. Barbe Baker photograph courtesy University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
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
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!
“The future of the planet concerns all of us, and all of us should do what we can to protect it. ” Wangari Maathai.
“It is with a spirit of reverence that I approach God’s Creation, this beautiful Earth. The ancients believe that the Earth was a sentient being and felt the behavior of mankind upon it. As we have no proof to the contrary, it might be as well for responsible perople to accept this point of view and behave accordingly.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker
I pray to God that I remain to be just to the earth under my feet, to my neighbour, and my inner conscience
Worldwide, the efforts of St. Barbe have been recognized. St. Barbe was a humble man, who looked upon his fellow-man as though they were much taller trees than he, himself Richard St. Barbe Baker’s book, “Tall Trees” enumerated the many people whom he encountered and whom he looked up to, indeed.
And yet, he persevered, reaching out with a dream and a simple ideal within the grasp of everyone, “the simple act of planting a tree, which is in itself a practical deed, is also the symbol of a far-reaching ideal, which is creative in the realm of the Spirit, and in turn reacts upon society, encouraging all to work for the future well-being of humanity rather than for immediate gain.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker.
St. Barbe enrolled in Divinity at the University of Saskatchewan before serving in World War One. At this time, Richard St. Barbe Baker took out a homestead south of Beaver Creek on the North West quarter of Section 25 Township 34 Range 6 west of the Third meridian, which is currently in the R.M. of Dundurn #314. St. Barbe traveled in for classes every day until abandoning his homestead duties, and taking up residence on campus. Very close to the homestead location can be found “Baker Road” on maps.
St Barbe formed two international organisations, “Men of the Trees” and “Children of the Green Earth”. Because of the tireless energy and passion which St. Barbe expended to save trees everywhere, estimates made in 1979 reported that organisations founded or initiated by St. Barbe have led to the planting of 26 billion trees worldwide. In over 108 nations, are “Men of the Trees” organisations.
Those who became “Watu wa Miti” or “Men of the Trees” had three missions;
1/ Plant ten trees, seedlings or seeds each year.
2/ Do a good deed every day.
3/ Care for trees everywhere.
Alongside United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 1930s Roosevelt and St. Barbe established the Civilian Conservation Corps to save the California Red Woods. St. Barbe’s “Save the Redwoods” project attracted millions of dollars in donations. St. Barbe bought land to be preserved as a natural reserve, and gave it to the State of California to be preserved forever.
The World Forestry Charter Gatherings was begun by St. Barbe in 1945, which was a collaborative joining between 62 governments around the world.
St. Barbe went on two Sahara Expeditions. The first in 1952 was a 9,000 mile trip, and this was followed by a 25,000 mile journey around the entire perimeter of the Sahara. St. Barbe followed in the footsteps of Charles Fourier, who employed armies of men to reclaim the Sahara desert in 1808. St. Barbe, also strove to reclaim the Sahara and sought to change the climate, and retain water in the soil by tree planting efforts. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Wangari Maathi founded Kenya’s Green Belt Movement, and The Billion Tree Campaign, and won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, and Yacouba Sawadogo from Brazil all were St. Barbe protégées, and used tree planting techniques to reclaim barren lands.
Richard St. Barbe Baker L.L.D, O.B.E. photo credit University of Saskatchewan. University Archives and Special Collections. Richard St. Barbe Baker Fonds MG71.
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
Images of St. Barbe, credit
University of Saskatchewan,
University Archives & Special Collections,
Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
In 1966, the Millennium Guild of New York presented St. Barbe with the Freshel Award in London by for his book Sahara Challenge.
The World Wildlife Fund WWF, made St. Barbe the inaugural Honorary Life Member.
In 1972, St. Barbe was the recipient of the Friends of Nature Conservation Award on the Golden Anniversary of founding of the international organisation, Men of the Trees. This same year, St. Barbe’s autobiography, My Life, My Trees, is published.
St. Barbe has been recognised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. In 1971 he was awarded an honourary Doctorate of Laws at his old alma mater, the University of Saskatchewan.
The Order of the British Empire was bestowed upon St. Barbe in 1978 by her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. . The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area was proposed on October 19, 1978. On December 28, 1978, it was taken before Saskatoon City Council, that the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area become a park ~ and has been referred to as an urban regional park. On January 2,1979, this is recommended by council.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales becomes the Patron of The Men of the Trees organization in 1979.
Shortly before St. Barbe passed away, June 9, 1982 he planted his last tree on the grounds of the University of Saskatchewan. At this time he was writing his thirty-first book, in a worldwide humanitarian effort.
The Arbor Day Foundation, paid tribute to St. Barbe with a Special achievement Award in 1983.
In 1984, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Foundation held its first conference. The following year, the Foundation presented the Trees Award to Chines forestry ecologist Zhu Zhaohua.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in Saskatoon, SK has a dedication ceremony on June 15, 1985.
In 1992, The Men of the Trees organisation, became The International Trees Foundation in the United Kingdom.
St. Barbe was born in the West End of Hampshire, March 2003. A memorial sculpture of St. Barbe, a bronze bas-relief image by Jill Tweed. In his birth village, a street, Barbe Baker Avenue bears tribute to St. Barbe also.
In 2013, near the site of St. Barbe’s last tree planting, the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Baha’i Community erected a plaque commemorating St. Barbe.
Catriona Baker, who lives in Fairlie, Mackenzie District, Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, wrote a book in tribute to St. Barbe, The Man of the Trees and Other Dedicated Environmental Guardians.
A memorial was placed in Centennial Park, Timaru, New Zealand, honouring St. Barbe. St. Barbe made his home at Mount Cook Station, New Zealand between 1959 and 1982.
So who was St. Barbe to have received these accolades from those around him? St. Barbe said; “I have just celebrated my 88th birthday. All of you should pray to God for the success of these Men of the Trees movement.
I pray to God that I remain to be just to the earth under my feet, to my neighbour, and my inner conscience”.
Please email or add a comment to this web page if you are aware of any other honours and recognitions bestowed for Richard St. Barbe Baker, and they will therefore, become part of this page of commemoration for this great silviculturist, Richard St. Barbe Baker.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
“26 trillion tree estimation”, The International Journal of Environmental Studies 14, 1979: 77, retrieved 14 August 2010
Adamson, Hugh C. Historical Dictionary of the Baha’i
Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series
Edition 2, reprint
Publisher Scarecrow Press, 2006
ISBN 0810864673, 9780810864672
Agenda – City of Saskatoon. Public Agenda Executive Committee. Monday September 21, 2015. Council Chamber, City Hall. Date accessed June 5, 2016.
Littlewood, Matthew. Book Honours Tree Guardian. The Times Herald. March 3, 2014Stuff.co.nz
Date accessed June 5, 2016.
Miller, Ruth. Saskatchewan Heroes and Rogues. Edition illustrated
Publisher Coteau Books, 2004
ISBN 1550502891, 9781550502893 Digitised online by Google Books. Page 168. Richard St. Barbe Baker. Source Watch. October 13, 2013. Date accessed June 5, 2016.
We are sad to report the death of Catriona Baker [November 12, 20140 November 7, 2014. International Tree Foundation. England. [International Tree Foundation “Trees” Journal featured an article of her life with her husband, St. Barbe, which is now online] Date accessed June 5, 2016.
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
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!
What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.
“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker
“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.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 