Green Horizon: Saskatoon’s Groundbreaking Climate Action Budget

Grasp Your Pen! Saskatoon’s First Climate Action Budget Calls for Your Support

In the face of pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Saskatoon stands at a critical crossroads. The upcoming 2024-2025 City Budget represents a watershed moment—a chance for the city to embrace sustainable practices and forge a resilient future. This budget is not just a financial plan; it’s a statement of commitment to environmental stewardship. Now, more than ever, your voice can shape Saskatoon’s destiny.

A Call to Action

As Saskatoon approaches the culmination of the 2024-2025 Multi-Year Business Plan & Budget, it’s time for residents to rally for a sustainable future. The Sustainability Department, along with environmental advocates, is pushing for a historic budget transformation that prioritizes climate action and sustainability. Your involvement is pivotal—let your voice be heard!

Saskatoon Rising: Join the Climate Action Movement

We invite you to write a letter to the City Council expressing your support for sustainability initiatives, climate action, and a cleaner Saskatoon. Stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sustainability Department and be part of this transformative moment. Saskatoon Rising is not just a hashtag; it’s a collective call for a city-wide commitment to combat climate change.

Act Now!

Arrange to submit your letter or speak before the City Council by November 27, 5 p.m. Your proactive engagement can help shape a future where Saskatoon becomes a beacon of environmental responsibility. Let’s seize this opportunity to create a Saskatoon that leads in fostering a healthier planet.

Final Budget Review: A Chance to Participate

City Council will meticulously review budget line options during the final budget review scheduled for November 28 – 30, 2023. This is the moment to stand with your neighbors at City Hall and advocate for a budget that reflects our collective commitment to sustainability.

Proposed Environmental Actions Need Your Support

Several environmentally impactful options have been proposed for the trimming the budget, including tree-related initiatives like Reduced Tree Planting (Option 7) and Extension of Tree Pruning Cycle (Option 8). Let us now see these options being cut for the next two years, let’s protect our trees and urban tree canopy! Out of the ten options, only four have been recommended and approved by the City of Saskatoon Council. For full details of potential cuts to the City of Saskatoon’s actions

Recommended Options That have been Cut

1. Option 1 – Closure of East Compost Depot
2. Option 2 – Adjust Operating Hours at Landfill and Material Recovery Centre
3. Option 3 – Eliminate Skunk Inspection, Trapping, and Relocation Services for Private Residential Properties
4. Option 4 – Reduce Mosquito Control Treatment Area

Your Letter Can Make a Difference

Support the environmental actions proposed, especially Option 7 – Reduced Tree Planting and Option 8 – Extension of Tree Pruning Cycle. Your letter can influence the decision to protect Saskatoon’s urban canopy and promote green initiatives in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.

These are other environmental proposals which may be cut from action. Do you want to say good bye to these options over the next two years?

Option 1 – Closure of East Compost Depot
Option 2 – Adjust Operating hours at Landfill and Material Recovery Centre
Option 3 – Eliminate Skunk Inspection, Trapping and Relocation Services for Private Residential Properties
Option 4 – Reduce Mosquito Control Treatment Area
Option 5 – Discontinue Christmas Tree Drop-off Sites
Option 6 – Further adjustments to Operating hours at Landfill and Material Recovery Centre
Option 7 – Reduced Tree Planting
Option 8 – Extension of Tree Pruning Cycle
Option 9 – Eliminate GHG Management Software
Option 10 – Eliminate Healthy Yards and Boulevards Garden Program Advertising and Support
Option 11 – End Student Action for a Sustainable Future program contribution

Governance and Priorities Committee Recommendation

The Governance and Priorities Committee recommends including the aforementioned options in the 2024/2025 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget. These options signify a commitment to sustainability and a step towards a greener Saskatoon.

Let’s join hands, Saskatoon! This is our moment to contribute to a resilient, biodiverse, and cleaner city. Act now, write your letter, and be a part of Saskatoon’s journey towards a sustainable future! #SaskatoonRising #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture

Saskatoon’s climate budget and what it could mean for residents

Saskatoon’s first climate budget to be previewed next week

Saskatoon City Council presents first budget directed towards climate initiatives

Benefits of trees and afforestation

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

Promoting Literacy through Nature: Building Sustainable and Peaceful Societies

Introduction: In celebration of International Literacy Day, September 8, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. delve into the theme of promoting literacy for a world in transition, recognizing the crucial role of education and lifelong learning in fostering inclusive, peaceful, just, and sustainable societies. This year’s focus on the reciprocal relations between literacy and other areas of development provides an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact of literacy in building a better future. As we explore the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, we discover how environmental programming and engaging with nature can advance literacy skills and lifelong learning.

The Power of Nature in Advancing Literacy: Nature has an innate ability to inspire and captivate our senses, making it an ideal setting for promoting literacy and lifelong learning. By connecting with the natural world, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their surroundings and cultivate a sense of wonder, curiosity, and exploration. Here are five activities that embrace lifelong learning and reflect on the role of literacy at these green spaces:

1. Nature Journaling: Encourage visitors to keep a nature journal, where they can document their observations, thoughts, and reflections. By writing about their experiences in nature, individuals can enhance their literacy skills, such as descriptive writing, vocabulary expansion, and critical thinking.
2. Storytelling Circles: Create storytelling circles within the afforestation areas, where people of all ages and backgrounds can share stories inspired by the natural environment. Storytelling not only fosters creativity and imagination but also strengthens listening and communication skills, contributing to improved literacy.
3. Guided Nature Walks: Organize guided nature walks led by knowledgeable educators who can share information about the local flora, fauna, and ecological processes. These walks provide opportunities for participants to engage in active listening, ask questions, and learn new vocabulary related to the natural world.
4. Environmental Workshops: Host interactive workshops on environmental topics, such as climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. These workshops can include reading materials, group discussions, and hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, research skills, and literacy engagement.
5. Poetry and Writing Contests: Initiate poetry and writing contests focused on themes of nature, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Encourage participants to express their thoughts and emotions through written word, fostering creativity, self-expression, and literacy development.

Embracing the One City Concept: The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park embody the essence of inclusivity, diversity, and the One City concept. These green spaces serve as gathering places where individuals from all walks of life can come together to connect with nature and participate in educational and recreational activities. By promoting literacy and lifelong learning within these spaces, we enhance the social fabric of our communities and foster a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

Action Plans for Promoting Lifelong Learning: To further promote lifelong learning and reflect on the role of literacy at these afforestation areas, we recommend the following action plans:

1. Collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to organize field trips and nature-based learning experiences for students of all ages. Encourage teachers to integrate environmental themes into their curriculum to foster a love for nature and develop critical thinking skills. Please engage in our Green Skills packages; Richard St. Barbe Baker Stories Place based activities, Exploring the Wildwoods of Saskatoon: The Ecology of a Planted Forest, Living Legacy activities.
2. Establish partnerships with libraries and literacy organizations to host storytelling sessions, book clubs, and literacy-focused events at the afforestation areas. Provide access to nature-themed books and resources to encourage reading and literacy engagement.
3. Develop interpretive signage and educational displays throughout the green spaces, offering information about the flora, fauna, and cultural significance of the area. Incorporate interactive elements to engage visitors of all ages in a meaningful learning experience.
4. Foster mentorship programs where knowledgeable individuals can share their expertise with others, whether through guided hikes, workshops, or skill-sharing sessions. This peer-to-peer learning promotes knowledge exchange, enhances literacy, and builds community bonds.
5. Organize community-wide events, such as nature festivals, environmental workshops, and citizen science initiatives, to encourage active participation and hands-on learning. These events can ignite a passion for nature and empower individuals to become environmental stewards. Stay tuned for events offered throughout the year.

Conclusion: As we celebrate International Literacy Day, let us recognize the transformative power of nature and its potential to advance literacy skills and lifelong learning. By embracing environmental programming and the unique offerings of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, we create opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, develop literacy skills, and foster a deep sense of environmental stewardship. Let us embrace the One City concept, ensuring that everyone has access to these invaluable resources, promoting literacy, inclusivity, and sustainability for a brighter future.

To express your interest in the above initiatives or inquire further as supporter, volunteer or board member for the non profit environmental charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., please reach out to us at email: friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We meet virtually once a month, and host in person events at George Genereux Urban Regional park and Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

Forest Events

Forest tours

Coming together

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

Importance of reconciliation and traditional ecological ways of knowing

Are You an Experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer?

We’re looking for an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer who can edit and run reconciliation, traditional ecological ways of knowing fact checks on The GPS interpretive app. The GPS interpretive app is designed to facilitate place-based learning for families, health and wellness enthusiasts, classrooms, nature lovers, and greenspace park users.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in cultural and environmental heritage writing and an understanding of the importance of reconciliation and traditional ecological ways of knowing. They should also have a passion for nature and the outdoors, and a desire to help educate others about the importance of protecting and preserving nature.

Responsibilities for this position include:

• Editing and running reconciliation, traditional ecological ways of knowing fact checks for The GPS interpretive app
• Developing content for the app that is both accurate and engaging
• Ensuring accuracy in all content related to traditional ecological ways of knowing
• Collaborating with the app developers and other stakeholders to ensure the accuracy of the app

Qualifications for this position include:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Strong writing / editing skills, with experience in cultural and environmental heritage writing
• Understanding of reconciliation and traditional ecological ways of knowing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

If you are an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer and are interested in this position, please send a CV and writing samples to friendsafforestation@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Northern Shoveler

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

Green Letters

INTERNATIONAL PLANT APPRECIATION DAY

April 13, 2020

The Trembling Aspen is also referred to as the Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) May 25, 2019

Elm Leaves

Today’s little project involves some writing.

You can write letters or emails.

Jot a note off to companies ask them to create products which are greener.

If it can’t be reduced, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production. – Peter Seeger

Send a letter to you member of the legislative assembly asking that the upcoming amendments to the wildlife act include provisions for protecting plant life.

Check with your member of the legislative assembly for the action plan to protect the Saskatchewan provincial endangered small yellow lady’s slipper found in the afforestation area.

Write a letter to your local green environmental group asking for suggestions on how to take action on climate change.

For your second activity today, how many words, or anagrams can  you make from “appreciation?”

“It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It’s not just climate change; it’s sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now.” ~David Attenborough

Monday April 13, and the second monday of Earth Month. This year’s Earth Day 2020 theme is Climate Action.

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 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: ^***

“Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species that we will never know — that our children will never see because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.”
– Pope Francis

“He that plants a tree, loves others besides himself.” ~Thomas Fuller