An invaluable resource

Indigenous Perspectives on the Land and Virtual Prairie Forest Guide

As technology continues to advance, the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives is becoming increasingly important for the development of virtual guides. This is especially true for the virtual smartphone wayfinding guide for the prairie forests of North America. Through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous heritage, this guide will provide an invaluable resource for all.

The prairie forests of North America, and in particular the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, are home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. Through the integration of Indigenous philosophies, this virtual guide can provide a model for how to relate to the land and restore and build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The inclusion of Indigenous perspectives will provide an invaluable resource for all those seeking to explore and appreciate the natural world.

By utilizing traditional ecological knowledge and ethnobotany, this virtual guide will provide an in-depth look into the prairie forests and the flora and fauna that inhabit them. Through the use of Indigenous languages, this guide will also provide a unique window into the heritage and culture of the Indigenous communities that have lived in the prairie forests for generations.

The virtual guide will also be an invaluable resource for those looking to explore the prairie forests, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park. By providing GPS maps, descriptions, and photos of the flora and fauna, this virtual guide will make it easier for users to explore the prairie forests and appreciate all that they have to offer fostering environmental protection, conservation and guardianship.

By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the virtual guide, this resource can be used to foster understanding and appreciation of the prairie forests and the Indigenous communities that have lived there for generations. Through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous heritage and culture, and Indigenous languages, this virtual guide will provide an invaluable resource for all who seek to explore and appreciate the natural world.

The ideal candidate for this stage one contract position -Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App Editor / Content Writer- will have a degree in ecology, environmental studies, or a related field and will be knowledgeable about the prairie forest and its various plants, animals, and traditional uses to edit existing content and add missing interpretive stories. They must also have excellent communication skills, be organized and detail-oriented, and be comfortable working with a variety of software tools.

If you are interested in this opportunity and believe that you have the skills and experience necessary for success, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the best person for the job to our email address friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

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 )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

Exploration of the components of these ecosystems

As society continues to become increasingly aware of the importance of protecting and preserving the environment, the need for accurate interpretation of the natural world has become increasingly important. Interpretation, the practice of providing meaningful and useful information about the natural world, is essential for both indigenous and non-indigenous people to be able to understand and appreciate the complexity of our ecosystems. By learning about the various botanical and ecological systems, we can better understand the importance of afforestation, a process of planting trees in areas that have been deforested, for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land.

Interpretation has long been used by indigenous cultures to understand their local environment and the networks of relationships within it. Indigenous knowledge of botanical and ecological systems has been used to sustainably manage the environment and to provide important services to the local population. This knowledge is often passed down through generations, with each generation adding to the collective understanding of the environment. By learning from indigenous cultures and applying their knowledge to afforestation efforts, we can improve our understanding of the natural world and how to better protect it.

Non-indigenous people can also benefit from interpretation, as it helps us to better understand the complexity of natural ecosystems. By learning about the flora, fauna, and other components of these ecosystems, we can better appreciate the importance of afforestation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land. Furthermore, this knowledge can be used to inform iNaturalist sightings, a practice of recording species of plants and animals that have been identified in a specific area. By recording these sightings, we can build a better understanding of the local environment and its changing dynamics, allowing us to make more informed decisions about afforestation efforts.

Interpretation is an essential tool for both indigenous and non-indigenous people to understand the natural world and to protect and preserve it. By learning about the various botanical and ecological systems, we can gain a better understanding of the importance of afforestation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land. This knowledge can also be used to inform iNaturalist sightings, allowing us to better track changes in the environment and make informed decisions about afforestation efforts. As society continues to become increasingly aware of the importance of protecting and preserving the environment, interpretation will become increasingly important for us to understand and appreciate the complexity of our ecosystems.

The ideal candidate for this contract position should have a degree in education or a related field and experience in outdoor and environmental education learning experiences. You should be comfortable working in a team environment and have an eye for detail. Additionally, you should be passionate about the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park and their unique cultural and environmental heritage.

If you are interested in this contract position for Stage One Editor/Writer for Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App and think you have the qualifications and experience necessary to edit existing interpretive stories and write new heritage stories, we look forward to hearing from you. Please submit your application and any supporting documents to the Cultural and Environmental Heritage Prairie Forest Guide App team at friendsafforestation@gmail.com.

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position

More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture

This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.

Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details

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 )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

Help Us Protect Naturalized Areas

Calling All Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writers: Help Us Protect Naturalized Areas

Are you a passionate writer who cares deeply about cultural and environmental heritage? Do you want to help us honour the United Nations Decade on Indigenous Languages? Are you interested in helping us share traditional ecological knowledge to protect important naturalized areas?

If so, we need you!

We’re looking for a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer to work with us to help protect these areas, which are laboratories in ecological succession and habitats for federally and provincially listed species at risk. As a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer/Editor, you’ll have the opportunity to help us communicate these important messages to a wider audience and ensure that these areas are protected for generations to come.

As a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer, you’ll be responsible for researching, writing, and editing content related to the protection of these naturalized areas. You’ll be tasked with understanding the issues, the history, and the current state of these areas, as well as working with us to share traditional ecological knowledge and honour the United Nations Decade on Indigenous Languages. You’ll also be responsible for ensuring that your content is accurate, up-to-date, and engaging.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about cultural and environmental heritage and has a proven track record of writing engaging and informative content. You should have a good understanding of the issues surrounding naturalized areas, as well as a strong grasp of the English language. Knowledge of the United Nations Decade on Indigenous Languages and traditional ecological knowledge is an asset.

If you think you have what it takes to be a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer, please contact us today friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Worldwide Stewardship

“Richard St. Barbe Baker was evidence of the goodness one person can bring to the world” ~ Jo Lynn Sheane Saskatoon Star Phoenix Feb 20, 1995“

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. Josh Billings
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. Josh Billings

September 13

Positive Thinking Day!

“Few of us know that our home town [Saskatoon, SK] launched the career of one of the greatest pioneers in the movement for global conservation.”~ Paul Hanley Oct 10 1989 Saskatoon Star Phoenix

By some estimates, organizations Richard St. Barbe Baker founded or assisted have been responsible for planting over 26 trillion trees around the world! He saw these trees seeded personally according to his biography when inducted into the Environmental Hall of Fame 1983!  This is a true testament to the power of Positive Thinking!

“The Ecstasy of Love is born of giving for regiving, in knowing our oneness in each other, in seeing all men as God’s creation; in knowing every living thing as part of us in Creation; the Ecstasy of Love is feeling the pulse-beat of the universe in a flower, a tree, and all we call Nature, and knowing that all things animate or inanimate are the imaginings of God.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker  in Caravan Story and Country Notebook.

Can you join in Richard St. Barbe Baker’s dream, and plant a tree (for free), yourself?

Richard St. Barbe Baker: Evangelist, missionary, writer, raconteur, entrepreneur, generous, visionary, single minded, boundless energy, member of the Bahai’ faith, excellent networker, inspirational, abstemious, excellent recall, Vegan.”~Geoff Poulton author of the occasional paper Richard St. Barbe Baker Eastleigh and District Local History Society

Stand firm, hold fast, Reach upward to the skies, Bend to the winds of Heaven, And learn tranquility.~Richard St. Barbe Baker tree planting song

“If we continue tearing away the earth’s green cloak at the rate that we have we soon won’t have enough trees to provide the oxygen we need to survive, and life will disappear from the planet.  All that’s required is some intelligent stewardship.  It’s a world wide responsibility.” Richard St. Barbe Baker; For Every Child A Tree: Richard St. Barbe Baker 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

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)

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: ***

 

“Has any one of us ever really seen a Tree? When we become aware of trees we may catch glimpses of them in moments of spiritual vision and, identifying ourselves with the trees, become conscious of the rising of the sap; the upward thrust of life; leaf burgeoning, their consciousness of the changing seasons; we may share their passionately boisterous exuberance of life in the height of a storm, and their tranquility when at rest; with them we will enjoy the glad murmur of the ripening seed clusters when after weeks of drought the steady warm rain brings relief to thirst; and we will know that these creatures, our elder brethern, are intimately related to us in their love and hunger for life. We may even catch their enthusiasm and aspire heavenwards while still rooted in our Mother Earth and in communion with our fellow men and, tree-wise, strive to make the Earth more fruitful again.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker

 

 

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.

What’s Happening?

The Word On The Street Saskatoon Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Have you ever pondered how your favourite book came about?  Do books come from personal experiences, random things, real life issues, a dream, or inspiration from another author?   Paul Hanley will share his latest inspiration for his latest book on Sunday September 16, 2018.  “Paul Hanley is a writer with a special interest in the natural environment, agriculture, and the future of civilization.” This event is of particular significance to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and its namesake, Richard St. Barbe Baker OBE, Hon. LL.D. F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982) .  Come find out what Hanley has to say.

This book will bring joy and inspiration to many. …We honour the Grand Old Man of the Trees for his extraordinary life achievement.~Sir George Trevelyan, Bt. M.A. introduction to Richard St. Barbe Baker’s book ‘My Health My Wealth’

This introduction to one of St. Barbe’s books, could equally apply to the newest publication put out by Paul Hanley who has emerged as environmental champion.  Hanley, environment awareness promoter, activist, free lance writer, speaker, and author introduces his latest book, Man of the Trees. Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist, Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales Introduction by Jane Goodall, at The Word on the Street.  Hanley has published four other books and over 1,600 environmental articles.

 

 

Hanley wrote the book Eleven, as “UN projections show global population reaching 11 billion – and the world economy growing 500 percent – by the end of the twenty first century – Can the planet accommodate 4 billion more people when our current ecological footpring already exceeds Earth’s biocapacity by 60 percent.”

Paul Hanley also was author and editor of Earthcare: Ecological Agriculture in Saskatchewan, The Spirit of Agriculture and wrote 25 Years in the Life of a River Valley.

Working for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix 1989-2016 he contributed articles about the environment, agriculture, and sustainable development.

As an Environment Awareness Promoter, Hanley is engaged as speaker for a plethora of events, including TED talks, and many more

Hanley was honoured with the Canadian Environment Award from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2006 and the Saskatchewan Sustainability Award from the Regional Centre of Excellence for Education on Sustainable Development.  In 2006, Paul Hanley was the recipient of the Organic Connections Pioneer Organic Communicators Award.  The Meewasin Valley Authority bestowed upon Paul Hanley the 2014 Meewasin Conservation Award.  This award is given to those who make outstanding contributions to the Meewasin Valley natural heritage resources.  Not only was Hanley a winner of the Saskatchewan Book Award  for Non-Fiction from the University of Saskatchewan President’s Office in 2015 he also won that same year the North American Award for Distinguished Scholarship from the Association for Bahai Studies

Paul Hanley, Word on the Street Sept 16 1:00 p.m.

Great Expectations Tent

East side of Broadway Avenue at 10th Street, south of the theatre.

 

Book Launch: Man of the Trees. Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist. By Paul Hanley Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales Introduction by Jane Goodall

Paul Hanley, short biography

Paul Hanley, Saskatoon, SK

Man of the Trees University of Regina Press

Tribute from His honour, W. Thomas (Tom) Molloy, O.C., S.O.M., Q.C., LL.B, LL.D. Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan

Praise from Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Paul Hanley Eleven on You Tube

Paul Hanley Meewasin Conservation Award 2014

Paul Hanley, Eleven Billion People Will Change Everything.

Paul Hanley, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Page 1

Paul Hanley, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Page 2

Visit Paul Hanley’s website:
http://www.elevenbillionpeople.com/

To learn more about U of R Press, visit:
https://www.uofrpress.ca/

To check out Sask Books’ Book store, visit:
http://www.skbooks.com

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)

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: ***

 

“Has any one of us ever really seen a Tree? When we become aware of trees we may catch glimpses of them in moments of spiritual vision and, identifying ourselves with the trees, become conscious of the rising of the sap; the upward thrust of life; leaf burgeoning, their consciousness of the changing seasons; we may share their passionately boisterous exuberance of life in the height of a storm, and their tranquility when at rest; with them we will enjoy the glad murmur of the ripening seed clusters when after weeks of drought the steady warm rain brings relief to thirst; and we will know that these creatures, our elder brethern, are intimately related to us in their love and hunger for life. We may even catch their enthusiasm and aspire heavenwards while still rooted in our Mother Earth and in communion with our fellow men and, tree-wise, strive to make the Earth more fruitful again.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker

 

 

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.

 

Our Experience of the World

when the alchemy of Nature transmutes the sylvan landscape to one vivid and almost homogeneous mass of green;…in such surroundings the mind loses its perspective; time and space become trivial and unreal, and echoes of a forgotten prehistoric past beat insistently upon the enthralled consciousness.

Here at your fingertips is a literal book extravaganza! These books have the potential to be life changing, and it is a pleasure to draw attention to the value that these books bring to homes, schools, and communities as truly, “nothing else takes bookworms on such magical, extraordinary and exciting adventures”~WBD National book tokens.

 

Richard St. Barbe Baker, himself, was a notable author, writing books as a way to raise money in an effort to save forests and trees around the world. There is a personal warmth in all the books that Baker wrote, in his speeches, and public appearances and it is felt that we knew him in a sort of personal way, as if we had shaken hands with him, and heard his voice; and we always have a feeling that he is addressing us in our own person.

If you were to walk in nature, and write a book, what is your story, your most vivid memory of your natural world? Here is an introduction to other writers, authors, and publishers who also have written about biodiversity, wildlife, nature, and the province of Saskatchewan we have all grown to know and love.

“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.”~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

  • Saskatchewan wildlife federation book: Wonders of Wildlife – Lori Milligan An activity manual for teachers and youth leaders for expanding the awareness of nature to young conservationists. A guide book to get youth become more involved in the outdoors, which mitigates Vitamin N deficiency.
  • The Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis Text by Rebecca L. Grambo Photography by Branimir Gjetvaj
  • Saskatchewan Breeding bird Atlas in the process of compilation as we write this. Citizen scientists and professional bird watchers between 2017-2022 will collaborate to map the distribution and relative abundance of breeding birds in Saskatchewan.
  • Saskatchewan nature books compilation from Eco-friendly Saskatchewan Updates
  • Nature Viewing Sites in and around Saskatoon (3rd edition) (includes the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area)
  • Trevor Herriot’s latest books
    • Towards a Prairie Atonement
    • The Road is How: A Prairie Pilgrimage through Nature, Desire, and Soul
    • Grass, Sky, Song: Promise and Peril in the World of Grassland Birds
  • Saskatchewan: The Luminous Landscape, Prairie Light, Prairie Skies by Courtney Milne and Old Man on His Back: Portrait of a Prairie Landscape, which he co-authored with writer Sharon Butala. Both Milne, and his wife Sherill Miller worked alongside environmental green groups raising awareness, and reclaiming our natural biodiversity.
  • The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List,Photographer’s Guide to Saskatchewan and Western Canadian Farm Trivia Challenge Saskatchewan published by Robin and Arlene Karpan
  • Lone Pine publishing nature books
  • Flora of Saskatchewan books and book reviews from Nature along with a number of other great Nature publications
    • Conifers and Catkin-Bearing Trees and Shrubs of Saskatchewan (July 2016)
    • Grasses of Saskatchewan (August 2014)
    • Sedges (Carex) of Saskatchewan (March 2012)
    • Lilies, Irises and Orchids of Saskatchewan (October 2011)
    • Ferns and Fern Allies of Saskatchewan (June 2011)
    • When the Ice Goes Out on Dore Lake
    • Dragonflies and Damselflies in the Hand
    • Grasses of Saskatchewan
    • Getting to Know Saskatchewan Lichens
    • Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis
    • On the Living Edge: Your Handbook for Waterfront Living
    • Prairie Phoenix: The Red Lily in Saskatchewan
    • Birds of the Saskatoon Area
    • Atlas of Saskatchewan Birds
    • Robert David Symons, Countryman – The Life of a Cultural Giant
    • A Country Boy by R.D. Symons – A Prairie Classic
    • Birds of the Rosetown-Biggar District
  • Environment Canada publications relating to biodiversity ecosystems, migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife habitat and nature
    Saskatchewan wild and other Saskatchewan books. Listing from Saskmade
  • Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre Publications Biodiversity
  • Biodiversity Handbook [online]featuring for the prairies:
    • Mixedwood Forest Society ”
      A campaign to protect mixed forest, wetland, and river landscapes—and the unique species
      they contain—in the Swan River & Porcupine Hills regions of western Manitoba.”
    • Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan
      “A project to increase conservation of native prairie and at-risk species within the Prairie Ecozone
      in Saskatchewan”
  • Saskatchewan books Prairies North listing

So today, March 5, 2017 is World Book Day. How can we, the shepherds of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area celebrate the authors, illustrators and books today? On this 20th anniversary of this United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Book Day celebrate, come together, and explore the pleasures of exploring nature, biodiversity, wildlife, the ecosystem to open your eyes and senses next time you are out in the afforestation area. If you are a primary school teacher or home school educator check out these fabulous activities and another 20 ideas.

Another marvelous concept would be to support a green group with a purchase of one of the books they have published as a fund-raising initiative as listed above. However, don’t stay inside too long. Don’t become Vitamin N deficient, or acquire Nature Deficit Syndrome. A most excellent way to be healthy, enjoy nature and its excellent bio-diversity would be to obtain one, two or more nature field guides as listed above,  and set out on an explore!

Help create the Saskatchewan Breeding bird Atlas with your bird watching skills. Take out a field guide, and discover what wild plants and flowers are blooming this spring. Wander among the tall prairie grasslands and identify butterflies, trees, prairie grasses and sedges along the way with the help of a guide book or two. Reading can really help you open your eyes as to what you are seeing around you on your walks.

Please advise if there are any other most excellent books on the environment, nature, wildlife, flora and fauna which should be included to celebrate World Book Day this Sunday March 5, 2017. If we get reading now, while the snow whitens the ground, by the time the crocus pop up on April 16, 2017, oh, what amazing flora and fauna you may come to recognize by the time the Easter pasque flower shows its head.

“Mid-summer … when the alchemy of Nature transmutes the sylvan landscape to one vivid and almost homogeneous mass of green; when the senses are well-nigh intoxicated with the surging seas of moist verdure and the subtly indefinable odours of the soil and the vegetation. In such surroundings the mind loses its perspective; time and space become trivial and unreal, and echoes of a forgotten prehistoric past beat insistently upon the enthralled consciousness.”~H. P. Lovecraft

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

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

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance /commemorate 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.
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Payment Options
Membership : $20.00 CAD – yearly
Membership with donation : $50.00 CAD
Membership with donation : $100.00 CAD

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2./ Experience

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You Tube Video Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

You Tube Video Richard St Barbe Baker presented by Paul Hanley

You Tube Video Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale wetlands

You Tube Video Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – Saskatoon’s best kept secret.

 

 

I believe in oneness of mankind and of all living things and in the interdependence of each and all. I believe that unless we play fair to the Earth, we cannot exist physically on this planet. Unless we play fair to our neighbour, we cannot exist socially or internationally. Unless we play fair to better self, there is no individuality and no leadership. ~Richard St. Barbe Baker.

 

“Kind people have been expressing superlatives on my work. But I can assure you that anything which I have been able to achieve has been team work. We have a motto in the Men of the Trees. TWAHAMWE. It is an African word meaning ‘pull together’ and I pass this on to all those concerned with conservation in this country. I would like to call you to silence for a moment with the words of Mathew Arnold:

“Calm soul of all things, make it mine,
To feel amidst the City ‘s jar
That there abides a peace of thine
Men did not make and cannot mar. ”
~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

 

 

 

 

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