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delicatelysublimeforester · 4 years ago

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The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup “is now recognized as one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. ”

“Litter can have negative impacts on wildlife and ecosystems, including ingestion or entanglement, environmental toxicity due to harmful chemicals in plastics. “

The George Genereux Urban Regional Park clean up is happening Saturday September 19 when the City of Saskatoon will kindly arrange to drop off a large Loraas disposal bin at the site where it will be handy from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Clean Up Volunteers at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestaton Area, Saskatoon, SK 2016 Community Clean Up

White-Tailed Deer Fawn

Robert White, 2016 Clean UP Photographer, Personal Friend of Richard St. Barbe Baker, Baha’i representative, SOS Elms, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, south west sector, in the City of Saskatoon, SK, CA at the Volunteer Community Clean UP 2016

George Genereux Urban Regional Park is located in the West Swale, the current name of the Pleistocene era Yorath Island Glacial Spillway. The Yorath Island Glacial Spillway or West Swale was once a river connecting the Glacial North Saskatchewan river valley and Glacial Rice Lake with -at the time- South Saskatchewan Glacial Lake. This span of land is still conducting water through above ground wetlands, and underground water springs and channels between the North Saskatchewan River and the South Saskatchewan River. Keeping this area without pollutants and litter, also keeps the City of Saskatoon water clean and fresh. Cleaning the forest also restores this naturalize site started as a tree nursery in 1972, and it is now an urban regional park, and an amazing nature viewing site.

If anyone has the wherewithal to conduct a cleanup by themselves, that is also wonderful! The Meewasin cleanup has bins around the city and people can go out to George Genereux Urban Regional Park anytime between now and September 31! The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area and Meewasin can accommodate this wonderful individual endeavour and supply bags to you! How? [email protected] or 306.380.5368

On Saturday, September 19, George Genereux Urban Regional Park is about 1/2 mile square -147.8 acres- in size, so it should be easy to social distance. We will take COVID-19 precautions, to do everything we can during phase 4 of the province’s opening to keep all volunteers safe. We are even rustling up ways to give out volunteers free facemasks on Sat. Sept. 19 in case volunteers come closer than 6 feet! 😉

On Saturday Sept 19 there will be prizes to win! Free facemasks, free refreshments, free plastic gloves & free trash bags for our clean up volunteers. Please let us know your intention to come out so we have enough supplies! [email protected] or 306.380.5368 Thanks!

We look forward to your help and assistance to restore this afforestation area to its naturalized wildlife habitat and enjoy this urban regional park!

Volunteers who helped with the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area cleanup said that it was very rewarding seeing the difference to the semi-wilderness wildlife habitat, and they would do it again!

Please share the George Genereux Urban Regional Park pamphlet with your friends and family! Thanks!

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′ Addresses: Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

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

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!

Canada Helps

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

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.

Recent Posts

iNaturalist

Tree Check Month

Algae Blooms

Bottle Drive in the Newspaper

COVID Moth-er Event!

Interpretation in the forests

Survival

Safety in the Forest

Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Cree Word Search

Great Canadian Shorline Cleanup The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup "is now recognized as one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada.

#clean #Clean up #Community Clean Up #Free facemasks #Free plastic gloves #Free prizes #Free refreshements #Free trash bags #Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc clean up #George Genereux Urban Regional Park Clean up #Great Canadian Shoreline Clean up #Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup #Litterati app #Meewasin Clean UP #Saturday September 19 #September 19

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delicatelysublimeforester · 6 years ago

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World’s most endangered ecosystem United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020

Grus canadensis Sandhill Crane

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

SONY DSC

Red Fox

Rabbit

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

“Ask any Canadian kid to name the world’s most endangered ecosystem, and chances are you’ll hear one of the following answers: 1) rainforests; 2) coral reefs; 3) leave me alone.by Dan Kraus” However, the answer, from The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, declared temperate grasslands as the world’s most endangered ecosystem. Bob Peart Saskatchewan in the middle of Canada’s plains, is the home of the temperate grasslands.

What is biodiversity anyways? “Bio” is a prefix meaning life as in plants and animals or flora and fauna. Diversity means a variety. Biodiversity, therefore is a mix of flora and fauna which includes species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and genetic diversity, and their interrelationship with each other as they don’t live in a vacuum.

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is unique with riparian afforested mixed woodlands, native aspen bluffs, the Chappell marsh wetlands eco-system, and tall grass prairie ~ an amazing semi-wilderness wildlife habitat rich in biodiversity within the City of Saskatoon. And check out the neighbouring afforestation area formerly named George Genereux Park, and its bio-diversity.

1./ “Biodiversity education begins with learning. Discover the names of the trees, birds, native plants and insects that share” the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area.1

2./ “Once you know a little more, get out and experience the wonders of life’s diversity. Visit a local park. Take an afternoon hike through the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. 2

3./ “Do Something: Finally, get involved! Make changes to your lifestyle which reduce your impact on the planet, or become a ‘citizen scientist’ and join others in contributing to our collective understanding of the world around us!”3 Included in the bibliography are a plethora of sites ~ a literal swarm of activities to get youth involved as a parent or a teacher, or perhaps you are a kid or citizen scientist interested in saving the world around you.

Have you ever hugged a tree? Hug a tree, and one day you will come to know that it is not only that you have hugged the tree but that the tree also responds, the tree also hugs you. – Osho

BIBLIOGRAPHY: What can you do? Here are a few ideas…. Biodiversity. Environment. Government of Saskatchewan.

Biodiversity. 1996-2017 National Geographic Society.

Bug Blitz. A biodiversity workshop for kinds (Australia) Bugs aren’t for squishing, bugs are for appreciating. Love thy bug! Facebook page.

Biodiversity for kids NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Biodiversity in Saskatchewan. | What you can do Saskatchewan EcoNetwork.

Canada Youth Action Guide for Agenda 21 designed for young people, parents and educators. Carla Doucet, National Round Table on the Environment and Economy, and Student focus groups across Canada.

Children and Youth. Global Youth Biodiversity Network, Youth, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals, Join the Green Wave One School, One Tree, One Gift to Nature! CBD Secretariat Convention on Biological Diversity.

Earth Rangers Saskatchewan initiatives. “Earth Rangers is a registered Canadian charity whose mission is to educate kids about the importance of biodiversity and empower them to protect animals and their habitat. ”

EcoLeague } Sustainability Classroom Resources at Resources for ReThinking Our Canada Project. 2017 Learning for a Sustainable Future. LSF

Ecology for Kids. Summer kids Camps. ” Kids will visit scientists, study rocks, fossils, plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and Saskatchewan Endangered Species, and then undertake environmentally friendly projects to help them! ” University of Saskatchewan.

Homes on the Range: Conservation in Working Prairie Landscapes. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference and Workshop 2007.

Kids Activities. “Water Watchdog Activities! Water Watchdog Origami Activity. Water Watchdog Word Find. Water Footprint, Water Detective. Play Catchment Detox! ScienceSeekers: Wetlands. Wetlands Activity! Biodiversity: A Data Discovery Game.” Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin.

Kids Right To Know. One planet for all All for one planet. Environment Canada.

Gone Wild for Wildlife: Learning more about preserving Saskatchewan biodiversity | Gone Wild for Wildlife The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Global News.

Just for kids Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre.

KAWS Animal Rescue. Because Kritters are Worth Saving!

Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources through the Green Classroom. Ausable Bayfield Conservation.

Macdonald, Cam. Where do you want to go birding in Saskatchewan today? Mitchell, Kathi. Biodiversity for Kids Mrs. Mitchell’s Virtual School

Morrisey, Beth MLIS Biodiversity and Nature. Quizzes, puzzles, and activities. Ecofriendly Kids

Nature at work. Why Biodiversity is important to you. Environment Canada. Government of Canada.

Northeast Swale Northeast Swale Watchers

Peart, Bob. Life in a Working Landscape: Towards a Conservation Strategy for the World’s Temperate Grasslands. 2008 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature declared temperate grasslands as the world’s most endangered ecosystem. A Record of The World Temperate Grasslands Conservation Initiative Workshop Hohhot, China – June 28 & 29, 2008 August 2008.

On the Prairie – Games 2017 by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan.

Preserving Rare ecosystems and biodiversity in Canada. | Saskatchewan’s Underappreciated Trails Nature Canada.

Protecting Biodiversity. Endangered Species Legislation. Wildlife and Habitat. Issues. David Suzuki Organization.

Resources for Educators “Wetland Centres of Excellence. Project Webfoot. Earn Wetland Hero Status. Duck Detectives.” Ducks Unlimited.

Resources. School Ground Greening resources, Teacher’s Corner, Community greening resources, food growing resources, native plant database. Evergreen Canada.

Robin, Michael. Responsible pet ownership crucial to saving salamander and newt biodiversity “The fate of the world’s richest biodiversity of salamanders and newts is in the hands of pet owners across North America, said Natacha Hogan, an environmental toxicologist specializing in amphibians at the University of Saskatchewan. ” May 30, 2016. University of Saskatchewan.

Sage Grouse Initiative SGI Wildlife Conservation Through Sustainable Ranching. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) initiative.

Saskatoon Nature Society Kids in Nature Grant Program

Saskatoon Zoo Society. | Young Naturalists. Events for kids.

Saskatchewan’s Ecoregions Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre

What is Biodiversity? Helping Biodiversity in your Own Backyard ~ create a Certified Wildlife Habitat! National Wildlife Federation. What is biodiversity? Education and Awareness | What can you do? Biodiv Canada. The Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. Government of Canada.

Dan Kraus, Dan. Why Canada’s Prairies are the world’s most endangered ecosystem. Land Lines The Nature Conservancy of Canada. October 24, 2016

Why is biodiversity so important Ted Ed 2011-2017 The Kid Should See This

Wild About Saskatoon Spring festival

Q: How is a dog and an ornithologist alike? A: One wags a tail and the other tags a Gadwall (Waterfowl or Duck).

I pray to God that I remain to be just to the earth under my feet, to my neighbour, and my inner conscience”. Richard St. Barbe Baker

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 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 Facebook: StBarbeBaker Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Facebook: South West OLRA If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque please to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund” (MVA RSBBAA trust fund) and mail it to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area c/o Meewasin Valley Authority, 402 Third Ave S, Saskatoon SK S7K 3G5. Thank you kindly! Twitter: St Barbe Baker Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Q: How did the herpetologist know he would be married soon? A: He caught the garter snake.

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

Inner Conscience World’s most endangered ecosystem United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 “Ask any Canadian kid to name the world’s most endangered ecosystem, and chances are you’ll hear one of the following answers: 1) rainforests; 2) coral reefs; 3) leave me alone.by Dan Kraus” However, the answer, from The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, declared temperate grasslands as the world’s most endangered ecosystem.

#Afforestation Area formerly known as George Genereux Park #biodiversity #Canada #Chappell Marsh #coral reef #endangered ecosystem #George Genereux Afforestation Area #George Genereux Urban REgional Park #rainforest #Richard St. Barbe Baker #Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation ARea #Richard St. Barbe Baker Park #Saskatchewan #Saskatoon #temperate grasslands #tree

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delicatelysublimeforester · 7 years ago

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It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. Isaac Asimov

To what do Ellsworth Huntington and Stephen Sargent Visher refer when they expound that “Unity is perhaps the keynote of modern science. This means unity in time, for the present is but the outgrowth of the past, and the future of the present. It means unity of process, for there seems to be no sharp dividing line between organic and inorganic, physical and mental, mental and spiritual. And the unity of modern science means also a growing tendency toward coöperation, so that by working together scientists discover much that would else have remained hid…. Its fundamental principle has been that the present, if rightly understood, affords a full key to the past?” Can it also be said that the fundamental principle is that the present, if rightly understood, affords a full key to the future?

The land for the afforestation areas was purchased by the City of Saskatoon in 1960. Then the lands were afforested with trees as a tree nursery in 1972 along with fire breaks left in 1972. These firebreak areas left unplanted resulted in native prairie untouched since 1960. Additionally only some of the land was homesteaded before the city purchase, resulting in native grasslands and woodlands left in their native state since before 1960. Currently, the trees are also too large to be used as transplants so the afforestation areas are no longer considered viable as a tree nursery.

The afforestation areas are quite diverse, being riparian woodlands wholly situated in the wetlands of the West Swale. Additionally to the general West Swale wetlands classification there is also a Class IV permanent wetlands creating a huge diversification in flora and fauna including ~ grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

American Pelican Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

White-tailed Deer Fawn. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

Red Winged Blackbird. Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

So it is quite a mix, indeed of flora, therefore, which host quite a mix in the wildlife one can see while in the afforestation areas.

The afforestation areas, thus described, are located within city limits. Perhaps it is areas such as these which are invaluable to the City of Saskatoon while the city is growing to 380,650 by 2035; 500,000 before 2050; with some projections seeing the City reach 1.52M by 2038. It is areas such as these afforestation areas that make Saskatoon a green city, which was foreseen by the City Planners of 1960.

The afforestation areas were “preserved in perpetuity” by City Council in 1972 and, furthermore, they were designated in 1979 in honour of Dr. Lt. Richard Edward St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E., Hon. LL.D. (Sask), F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF and St Barbe’s vision.

How is that to be interpreted? That is the question.

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Protect your dog in the severe cold winter weather warnings.

Cross Country Skiing in the Forest – a health benefit of Green Infrastructure and WinterCity YXE

Spirit of place! It is for this we travel, to surprise its subtlety; and where it is a strong and dominant angel, that place, seen once, abides entire in the memory with all its own accidents, its habits, its breath, its name. Alice Meynell

Richard St. Barbe Baker often quoted Henry van Dyke, whom he thought of as the greatest of tree poets;

“He that planteth a tree is a servant of God; He provideth a kindness for many generations And faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.~Henry van Dyke”

For more information:

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

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

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5 Please and thank you!

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition or make a donation to SOS Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area 😉

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“We are passing through a time of unprecedented destruction of things of the spirit of the natural order. We have been caught up by personal greed and national competition. The very body of life on this planet is now being threatened by the destruction of earth’s green mantle, the Trees.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

The future of the present It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.

#afforestation #city #cooperation #fauna #firebreaks #flora #George Genereux Urban REgional Park #grasslands #Henry van Dyke #Isaac Asimov #Richard St. Barbe Baker #Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation ARea #Saskatoon #tree #tree nursery #unity #vision #wetlands

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delicatelysublimeforester · 8 years ago

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JackRabbit West Swale Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

Ruddy Duck. Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

At the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK Construction Discards and Hazardous Waste. Before the 2016 Community Clean Up

Clean Up Volunteers at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestaton Area, Saskatoon, SK 2016 Community Clean Up

Species at risk: Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo) butterfly depends on buckwheat host plant.

It’s biodiversity decade 2011-2020. What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is species biodiversity, ecological biodiversity, and genetic biodiversity.

At the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area, there is a great diversity of ecosystems and habitats. There are native and modified grasslands, native and afforested woodlands, as well as the West Swale wetlands, including the north segment of Chappell Marsh.

Flora and fauna species biodiversity abounds within each of the biomes of the afforestation area mentioned above.

Genetic biodiversity, which encompasses those differentiation within a species. ” All dogs are part of the same species, but their genes can dictate whether they are Chihuahua or a Great Dane. There can be a lot of variation in genes – just think about all the colors, sizes, and shapes that make up the genetic diversity of dogs. NWF” Consider hybridization of tree species in the afforestation area.

Globally, efforts are underway to protect biodiversity! You, now, can support the national interest in preserving biodiversity by becoming involved locally. For instance, Meewasin Valley Authority is currently conducting a city wide river bank clean up the Meewasin Spring Clean-up Campaign April 22 – May 19, 2017. The South West off leash recreation area is hosting their clean up April 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. to noon.

“About a third of assessed species worldwide are threatened with extinction in the wild. Ecosystem diversity is also vulnerable”NCC.“ The Nature Conservancy of Canada, states that the Canadian Prairies are the “world’s most endangered ecosystem…. temperate grasslands are endangered…[they] are faced with continuing habitat loss, fragmentation and desertification, impacting both biodiversity and local people that rely on healthy grasslands for their livelihood.”NCC.” NCC realizes the plight of temperate grasslands, as do the International Union for the Conservation of Nature the Journal of Ecological Letters and the journal Science magazine all have reported on the dire straits of the prairie grasslands. What will be the domino effect on flora and fauna, on the natural wildlife habitat which relies on native grasslands? Ranging across the prairies, the plains bison, swift fox, greater sage grouse, Baird’s sparrow, Sprague’s pipit and chestnut-collared longspur, for example, are few and far between.

Do you value your naturalized areas?

Are you part of the management of your local heritage?

Do you treasure your woodland, wetland, river, and grassland areas?

How can do you help?

Did you know that “Legacy pollution refers to any pollution that remains from past activities where there is no immediately responsible party who can be held liable for the pollution and compelled to carry out remediation…1) Accept the problem and establish responsibility and leadership. Targeting ”

“It is important to remember that when combined each local effort has the power to change the world. Without such changes, our children may never know the rich biodiversity we experience today.Clean UP. “

Remember to support your local bio-diversity;

International Day of Forests March 21

World Water Day March 22

Earth Day April 22

International Day for Biological Diversity May 22

World Environment Day June 5

National Forest Week is the last full week of September

National Tree Day (Maple Leaf Day) falls on the Wednesday of that week.

Do you have an avid interest in the first arrival of spring’s robin? The pelican? The pasqueflower, or spring crocus? The Meadowlark? These true harbringers of spring rely on your active engagement to protect biodiversity locally in your area!

When opening the Loraas bins lids at the South Saskatchewan River weir it was indeed found empty?!?!?! Does this imply that a huge amount of volunteers have been out which is fantastic and the Loraas bin has been emptied, Wow! Or does it mean that no one has been cleaning around the weir and area, arrggghhh.

Kudos and congratulations to all those volunteers who have filled the Loraas bins at Meewasin Park north to overflowing, what a testament to cleaning up the river, and the shoreline.

“Threats to biodiversity include habitat loss, …and breaking the connectivity among ecosystems.Threats “

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Amel, Elise, Christie Manning, Britain Scott, and Susan Koger. Beyond the roots of human inaction: Fostering collective effort toward ecosystem conservation. Science 21 April 2017: Vol 356 Issue 6335, pp. 275-279, DOEL10:1126/Science .Aal1931

Cooke, Sonia Van Gilder. Q&A. Biodiversity. How is biodiversity threatened and what is done to protect it? Environment. The Guardian. April 6, 2010.

Environmental Health News. Sunday April 23, 2017

Fact Sheet Biodiversity. About, Loss and Conserving. Clean up the World Pty Ltd. Royal Exchange NSW, Australia.

Ding, Yifan. Impact of Affluence and Overexploitation of natural resources. Environment and Development Vol 1. Institute of World Development, Development Research Centre of State Council People’s Republic of China.

International Decade of Biodiversity 2011-2020 Evibe. Education for Sustainability. Auckland Council. Issue 4 2012

Cardinale, Bradley J., J. Emmett Duffy, Andrew Gonzalez, David U. Hooper, Charles Perrings, Patrick Venail, Anita Narwani, Georgina M. Mace, David Tilman,, David A. Wardle, Ann P. Kinzig, Gretchen C. Daily, Michel Loreau, James B. Grace, Anne Larigauderie, Diane S. Srivastava, & Shahid Naeem. Review. Biodiversity loss and its impact on mankind. Cardinale et al Nature 2012. doi:10.1038/nature1148

Targeting Legacy Pollution Tools Available to Governments to handle Pollution from Legacy Problems. Guidance Note on Legacy Pollution.

Threats to Biodiversity MH education. ON Science 9 Unit 1 Section 3.3

United Nations on Biodiversity 2011-2020 Convention on Biological Diversity. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. World Trade Centre. Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

What is Bio-diversity? National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

Why Canada’s prairies are the world’s most endangered eco-system. Nature Conservancy of Canada. NCC

Facebook United Nations Decade on Biodiversity

Two decades ago, at the first Earth Summit, the vast majority of the world’s nations declared that human actions were dismantling the Earth’s ecosystems, eliminating genes, species and biological traits at an alarming rate. This observation led to the question of how such loss of biological diversity will alter the functioning of ecosystems and their ability to provide society with the goods and services needed to prosper”.Cardinale

For more information:

Off Leash Dog Park Valley Road Saskatoon! Facebook: StBarbeBaker Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Facebook: South West OLRA If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque please to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund” (MVA RSBBAA trust fund) and mail it to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area c/o Meewasin Valley Authority, 402 Third Ave S, Saskatoon SK S7K 3G5. Thank you kindly! Twitter: St Barbe Baker Pinterest richardstbarbeb

“It would seem that the West is heading for a precipice. When a blind man is walking towards a precipice, a friend will seize him and turn him around and set him walking in the opposite direction…Already half the human family is on the verge of starvation, for man breeds and lives beyond the limits of the land. “~ Richard ST. Barbe Baker

Biodiversity Efforts It's biodiversity decade 2011-2020. What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is species biodiversity, ecological biodiversity, and genetic biodiversity.

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delicatelysublimeforester · 8 years ago

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How can we encourage more people to get outside, get active and get together over the winter months in Saskatoon?~Eric Westberg COS

Horseback Riding

Fat Bike bicyling at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Cross Country Skiing at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Sasktachewan

In 2015, members of the Fatlanders FatTire Brigade (FFTB) discover the Richard St. Barbe Baker afforestation area and start to use existing trails for winter recreational snow biking. Through January to March 2016 the (FFTB) groom trails using showshoes to gauge the effectiveness of this method of making trails. The FFTB is quite enthusiastic, and wish to pursue a formal trail network in this flat land area. Several bicycle enthusiasts prefer these trails over and above the technical trails in existence along the riverbank.

FFTB submits proposal to the City of Saskatoon (COS) Open Spaces Consultants for discussion of a “Man of Trees“ winter trail network. It is noticed by the FFTB that the City of Saskatoon initiates a Winter City Strategies Initiative for the City of Saskatoon. The City of Saskatoon is currently in growing Winter City YXE and they are in the planning and development stage “to make winter in our city great!” Jeff Hehn, ambassador for the FFTB, brings to the city the FFTB proposal to embrace a winter strategy that could increase outdoor winter recreation.

The FFTB proposal suggests that the groomed winter trail network would encourage fat biking, cross-country skiing, skijourning, snow shoeing, horse back riding, winter hiking, and sliding snowshoeing recreational activities.

The “Man of the Trees” trail network, is stated to have the potential to improve winter tourism amenities for the City of Saskatoon in this proposal. An emerging recreational activity known as fat biking is on the rise. Fat bikes are specialized for winter biking and riding upon snow. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, slide snowshoeing, skijoring, hiking, and horseback riding all benefit from the grooming of a winter trail network.

As part of this winter tail network, it is imperative that motorized vehicles do not have egress to the park, as vehicles undo the work done by those actively engaged in grooming the paths. The FFTB have been in this way: actively engaged as stewards of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area while at the same time advocating for the winter trail network.

Further to the newly installed barriers, the FFTB feel beholden to continue to raise money unilaterally for the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Trust Fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)” to fully support the erection of gates and barriers at any areas where vehicles may enter the afforestation area. With motorized vehicles, thus restricted, there is no doubt that it is very much easier to create trails to fat bicycle in the afforestation area, and keep them well groomed.

If you are ever out in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and wonder about the newly created trails they have been the passion of Jeff Hehn and the Fatbike Fatlanders Brigade. Consider this, is the man of the trails network an an outlier in regards to the environment issues being an observation point that is distant from other environmental observations Or is the man of the trails network a means to observe and appreciate the flora and fauna with a healthy respect for their habitat and provides a means of proceeding with respect through the afforestation area with the least amount of impact on the semi-wilderness wildlife habitat. Though, in the past, the several Stewards have not been privy nor know much about the ongoing plans and discussions of the Fatbike Fatlanders Brigade, the meetings between the stakeholders as a whole body, have always included the FFTB in any of their discussions. This process is now evolving and the communications process is opening up with awareness, and the acquisition of new knowledge as reflected in the stories unfolding. The meetings have resulted in a sharing of information and an increase of awareness between these diverse stakeholders, who at times feel on two opposite ends of the teeter totter because of the unknown, and at other times in harmony with mutual goals and desires in regards to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area to mitigate illegal trespass and appreciate and respect the afforestation area.

It is fantastic that the City of Saskatoon recognizes and supports two initiatives for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area; the “strategic goal of quality of life” and the “strategic goal of environmental leadership.”

The City of Saskatoon is growing, expected to reach 250,000 by 2025 and 380,000 by 2035. It is truly an honour to know that the City of Saskatoon takes the biodiversity of this ecological area seriously. The various stakeholders have been in contact with the City along the way regarding both the environment as well as the FatLanders Fattire Brigade pitched the Winter Trail Network – a Winter City YXE proposal. As the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is across Cedar Villa road from Chappell Marsh Conservation Area, it is fitting and fantastic that the herds of deer, waterfowl, small mammals and amphibians are considered alongside the wetlands, native and modified woodlands and grasslands when creating human plans and recreation activities in the home and habitat of the native wildlife.

Respect of the afforestation area coupled with a due consideration of the semi-wilderness wildlife habitat, means this generation and many future generations can also enjoy in various recreational capacities the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Without trails, humans just cannot interact with nature, with too many trails and other forms of human intervention, nature cannot interact with humans. The wise deliberation on the ecological footprint is a wonderful recommendation at the outset of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area human development process at a time when the human footprint in the afforestation area increases exponentially. With forethought now as to wise and considerate placement of trails and human activities in a semi-wilderness wildlife habitat, it just may be that humans and nature can peacefully co-exist now and in the future. Wouldn’t it be a fantastic experience as it is today, that in 2035 as well, when the city reaches a population of 380,000 grandchildren and great grandchildren can see waterfowl, deer, amphibians and other wildlife within the city limits at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area without the only urban recourse of going to a zoo? Don’t jump to the wrong conclusion here, zoos are fantastic, however, don’t you agree it is a treasure to have a preserved afforestation area affording a natural environment for human activities alongside the urban zoo. Respect of the afforestation area coupled with a due consideration of the semi-wilderness wildlife habitat, means this generation and many future generations can also enjoy and take part in various recreational opportunities at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

…today it is the duty of every thinking being to live, and to serve not only his own day and generation, but also generations unborn by helping to restore and maintain the green glory of the forests of the earth.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

Sidenote: As Richard St. Barbe Baker had once the nick name “Man of the Trees” this trail network, is thus named by the FFTB. The multi-use trail network is of course open and available to those who are not men.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Giles, David. City of Saskatoon offering free winter activities Global News.

Feeling dreary about winter? City of Saskatoon trying to change that New strategy designed to improve winter life, economy, accessibility, culture CBC news January 2017

Things to do in Winter in Saskatoon. Tourism Saskatoon

WinterCityYXE: Saskatoon’s Winter City Strategy City of Saskatoon

Winte City Strategy Breakfast March 15, 2017

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 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 Facebook: StBarbeBaker Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Facebook: South West OLRA Off leash dog park Valley Road Saskatoon! If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque please to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund” (MVA RSBBAA trust fund) and mail it to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area c/o Meewasin Valley Authority, 402 Third Ave S, Saskatoon SK S7K 3G5. Thank you kindly! Twitter: St Barbe Baker Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Man of Trees winter trail network How can we encourage more people to get outside, get active and get together over the winter months in Saskatoon?~

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delicatelysublimeforester · 8 years ago

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Baby Deer ~ Fawn

Downy Wwoodpecker Ddryobates pubescens

Pelican Preenning

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and West Swale Wetlands in the fog

“Ask any Canadian kid to name the world’s most endangered ecosystem, and chances are you’ll hear one of the following answers: 1) rainforests; 2) coral reefs; 3) leave me alone.by Dan Kraus” However, the answer, from The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, declared temperate grasslands as the world’s most endangered ecosystem. Bob Peart Saskatchewan in the middle of Saskatchewan’s plains, is the home of the temperate grasslands.

Right now is the Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020. What are you doing to preserve Saskatchewan’ temperate grasslands, the world’s most endangered ecoystem? How are you caring for Canada’s Biodiversity? What can you do? The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is unique with riparian afforested mixed woodlands, native aspen bluffs, the Chappell marsh wetlands eco-system, and tall grass prairie ~ an amazing semi-wilderness wildlife habitat rich in biodiversity within the City of Saskatoon. And check out the neighbouring afforestation area formerly named George Genereux Park, and its bio-diversity.

“Biodiversity education begins with learning. Discover the names of the trees, birds, native plants and insects that share” the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area.1

“Once you know a little more, get out and experience the wonders of life’s diversity. Visit a local park. Take an afternoon hike through the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. 2

“Do Something: Finally, get involved! Make changes to your lifestyle which reduce your impact on the planet, or become a ‘citizen scientist’ and join others in contributing to our collective understanding of the world around us!”3 Included in the bibliography are a plethora of sites ~ a literal swarm of activities to get youth involved as a parent or a teacher, or perhaps you are a kid or citizen scientist interested in saving the world around you.