blind – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

Harmony’s Call: A Day of Charity

International Day of Charity
5 September

On International Day of Charity, let our voices rise,
United in purpose, hearts open and wise.
Charity, volunteerism, philanthropy’s embrace,
Creating bonds, building inclusive space.

Through acts of kindness, societies thrive,
In people, planet, prosperity, peace we strive.
Empowering women, breaking barriers with flair,
Gender equality, a cause we proudly declare.

Advancing culture, science, sports, and more,
Protecting heritage, a legacy to adore.
Rights of the marginalized, underprivileged to defend,
Spreading the message of humanity, to every bend.

In this tapestry of charity, six areas we weave,
People, planet, prosperity, peace, partnership to believe.
Mitigating barriers, fostering equity’s reach,
For those deserving, naturalized green spaces teach.

Persons with disabilities, their spirit unbound,
Indigenous peoples, their heritage profound.
Racialized groups, LGBTQI2S+ communities stand,
Immigrants, refugees, newcomers, holding hands.

English as an Additional Language, bridging the divide,
Low-income households, in their corner we reside.
Youth and seniors, their stories unfold,
Persons living with mental illness, we embrace, uphold.

Victims of violence, strength we’ll ignite,
Persons with low literacy, knowledge we’ll invite.
In forests, nature’s embrace, wellness blooms,
Physical and mental health benefits, nature assumes.

Let’s turn 192 hectares, 474 acres, into a haven,
A welcoming greenspace, for all, we’ll engraven.
Species at risk, like the Red-Berried Elder’s plight,
Imperiled, in need of protection, our guiding light.

Green Skills for Youth, towards a sustainable realm,
Empowering tomorrow’s leaders, at the helm.
Preserving cultural and natural heritage’s grace,
Richard St. Barbe Baker’s legacy we embrace.

B.T. Chappell, Bruce Gordon, and Genereux’s name,
The Old Bone Trail’s tales, honor their fame.
The Green Survival Program, the Green Belt’s reign,
Man-made forests, Yorath Island’s glacial spillway’s gain.

Through the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas,
Cultural heritage’s protection, a mission we bear.
Richard St. Barbe Baker’s message, forever alive,
With harmony’s call, together we thrive.

On International Day of Charity, let’s unite,
For a world where love and compassion ignite.
In charity’s embrace, let’s extend our hand,
For a future where charity’s legacy shall forever stand.

Harmony’s Call: A Day of Charity

To express your interest or inquire further as supporter, volunteer or board member, 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.

Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus Species at Risk

Children enjoying their time collecting leaves in the autumn forest. — Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus Species at Risk

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.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
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

The Call of Earth’s Guardians

Oh, seekers of the green, gather near,
Listen closely to the call you hear.
Amidst the twin crisis, we take a stand,
Join us as guardians, hand in hand.

Climate change and biodiversity’s plight,
Call us forth to champion what’s right.
United Nations’ goals guide our way,
Life on Land, Life underwater, each day.

As a board member, duties you’ll embrace,
Guiding our nonprofit with love and grace.
Plan events that stir hearts and minds,
Grant writer, weaving dreams that bind.

Tours and fair booths, where connections are made,
Serve as a beacon, lighting up the glade.
Board of directors, a foundation strong,
Fundraising events, weaving a hopeful song.

Education and awareness, we’ll embark,
On a journey to unveil nature’s arc.
Richard St. Barbe Baker, George Genereux’s grace,
No longer secrets, but Saskatoon’s Hidden Gems embrace.

Inclusivity and equality, our guiding light,
Breaking barriers, ensuring all take flight.
Disabilities, indigenous kin, and the races,
LGBTQI2S+ communities, in all their graces.

Immigrants, refugees, newcomers seeking peace,
Low-income households, their worries cease.
Youth and seniors, united hand in hand,
Mental illness warriors, a compassionate band.

Victims of violence, healing hearts with care,
Low literacy struggles, knowledge we’ll share.
Forests, wetlands, trees, their healing embrace,
Physical and mental wellness they efface.

Let 192 hectares, a haven be found,
Welcoming greenspaces, equity shall abound.
Though summer keeps us apart, a vibrant dream,
Our Annual General Meeting, in September’s gleam.

Advocate for species at risk, their plea,
Red-Berried Elder, Green Ash, heritage’s decree.
American Elm, a poignant sight,
Turkey Vulture soars, its wings in flight.

Northern Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper, vulnerable it stands,
Western Yellowjacket, its fate in our hands.
Goldenrod Gall Fly, Woodland Skipper’s plight,
Silver-spotted Skipper, let its wings take flight.

American White Pelican, Canada Warbler’s song,
Semipalmated Sandpiper, where they belong.
Pine Grosbeak, a vibrant vision rare,
Barred Tiger Salamander, let’s show we care.

Horned Grebe, Bank Swallow, their stories unfold,
Baird’s Sparrow, Grasshopper’s story untold.
Western Grebe, Bobolink, a fragile dance,
Red-necked Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs’ chance.

And nearby, the majestic Whooping Crane,
Endangered, yet its spirit remains.
Join us, Earth’s guardians, as one,
Together, we’ll ensure a brighter sun.

Take action now, heed Earth’s plea,
Answer the call, let your spirit be free.
Join our board, become a volunteer anew,
Together, we’ll protect, preserve, and renew.

Answer the Call: Become a Guardian Today!

To express your interest or inquire further, please reach out to us at email: friendsafforestation@gmail.com.

Equity Conservation Community Engagement Become a Board member now

Gray Comma Butterfly Spring Polygonia progne — Equity Conservation Community Engagement Become a Board member now

Unlock the Secrets of Our Hidden Gems!

🌿 Lead. Create Change.🌳

Are you ready to ignite your passion for the environment and make a lasting impact in your community? Look no further! We invite you to become a board member for our non-profit environmental charity, dedicated to protecting and promoting the awe-inspiring Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the breathtaking George Genereux Urban Regional Park. These enchanting spaces hold a unique geology, history, and heritage that we are determined to share with the world, transforming them from Saskatoon’s best-kept secrets into true hidden gems.

🌿 Engage. Transform Spaces.🌳

As a board member, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the magic of these naturalized green spaces. Your duties might be diverse and impactful:

🌍 Plan Events: Organize captivating educational tours and captivating fair booths to unveil the wonders of our afforestation areas. Let’s spark curiosity and raise awareness about their rich biodiversity, geology, and fascinating heritage.

💡 Become a Grant Writer: Channel your skills as a wordsmith to secure funding for our initiatives and conservation efforts. Together, we can fuel our mission and bring positive change to these precious gems.

👋 Help at Tours and Fair Booths: Engage with visitors, sharing stories about the Old Bone Trail and inspiring all to enjoy and cherish these natural wonders. Break down barriers and advocate for inclusivity and equality, ensuring that everyone, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, LGBTQI2S+ communities, immigrants, low-income households, youth, seniors, persons living with mental illness, victims of violence, and individuals with low literacy, can revel in the beauty of these green spaces.

🎯 Serve on the Board of Directors: Shape the future of our organization by contributing your insights, expertise, and passion. Together, we’ll chart a course toward sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and habitat preservation. Email now

🌱 Help with Fundraising Events: Play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our organization. From innovative campaigns to exciting events, your efforts will enable us to continue protecting and nurturing these hidden gems for generations to come.

✨ By joining us as a board member, you’ll enjoy a multitude of benefits:

🌿 Be part of a dedicated team: Join forces with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the environment and are committed to making a real difference in our community.

💼 Gain valuable skills: Develop leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking abilities that will not only elevate your role as a board member but also enhance your professional growth.

🤝 Expand your network: Connect with environmental experts, community leaders, and passionate individuals who can become invaluable allies in your journey toward creating positive change.

📚 Learn and grow: Immerse yourself in the world of environmental conservation, discovering innovative practices and solutions that will contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

💚 Make a lasting impact: By advocating for equity, breaking down systemic barriers, and protecting species at risk like the Red-Berried Elder, Green Ash, American Elm, Turkey Vulture, Northern Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Western Yellowjacket, Goldenrod Gall Fly, Woodland Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper, American White Pelican, Canada Warbler, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pine Grosbeak, Barred Tiger Salamander, Horned Grebe, Bank Swallow, Baird’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Grebe, Bobolink, Red-necked Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, and the magnificent Whooping Crane, you’ll leave an indelible mark on the environment and the lives of those who treasure it.

✨ Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! While our meetings are on hold over the summer, our next Annual General Meeting is in September, where you’ll have the chance to connect with other passionate individuals and learn more about our organization.

🌿 Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of environmental stewardship? Volunteer today and become a board member! Together, let’s unlock the full potential of Saskatoon’s hidden gems, creating welcoming and inviting greenspaces for all to enjoy. Contact us now to join our cause and make a positive impact on our community! Email now

🌳 Together, we will shape a greener, more inclusive future for all! 🌿

Forest Gathering Walk 50th Anniversary #NationalForestWeek and the 30th anniversary of Maple Leaf Day and #NationalForestWeek — Equity Conservation Community Engagement Become a Board member now

Promote Equity, Preserve Nature.

Are you ready to embark on an adventure that will change lives and shape the future of our hidden gems? Join us as a board member for our non-profit environmental charity and unleash the power of your passion for the environment. Together, we can make a tangible impact in our community and turn Saskatoon’s best-kept secrets, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park, into truly remarkable and cherished hidden gems.

As a board member, your dedication and commitment will be instrumental in preserving and promoting these naturalized green spaces. You’ll have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in creating welcoming and inclusive environments for equity-deserving groups who have historically faced systemic barriers. Let’s break down those barriers and ensure everyone, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, LGBTQI2S+ communities, immigrants, refugees, newcomers, low-income households, youth, seniors, persons living with mental illness, victims of violence, and persons with low literacy, can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that forests, nature, wetlands, and trees provide. Email now

So, what exciting responsibilities await you as a board member? Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey:

🌍 Duties of a Board Member:

Attend engaging board meetings where your voice and ideas matter.

🌍 Leadership potential:

Collaborate with fellow board members to plan and execute captivating events, including educational tours and interactive fair booths, that captivate hearts and raise awareness about the unique geology, history, and heritage of our hidden gems.
Unlock your inner grant writer and secure funding to support our transformative initiatives and conservation efforts.
Dive into the world of fundraising events and campaigns, helping us achieve sustainability and make a lasting impact.
Channel your creativity and expertise to develop educational and awareness materials that highlight the profound physical and mental well-being benefits of these green spaces.
Embrace your role as an advocate for inclusivity and equality, championing the cause of equity-deserving groups and ensuring that they can access and enjoy the wonders of our naturalized green spaces.
Share captivating stories about the Old Bone Trail, history, heritage, natural science, weaving narratives that inspire and unite our community.

But wait, there’s more! As a board member, you’ll also enjoy remarkable benefits:

💚 Benefits of Volunteering as a Board Member:

Join a passionate and dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are determined to make a real difference in our community.
Unlock invaluable leadership and organizational skills that will propel your personal and professional growth to new heights.
Expand your network and connect with environmental experts, community leaders, and fellow passionate advocates.
Immerse yourself in a world of environmental conservation, habitat preservation, and sustainable practices, gaining knowledge that will leave a lasting impact on your journey.
Witness firsthand the transformative power of your efforts as you make a positive difference in the lives of equity-deserving groups and future generations.

Are you ready to take the leap and become a board member? Join us now and contribute to the conservation of endangered species and their habitat like the Red-Berried Elder, Green Ash, American Elm, Turkey Vulture, Northern Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Western Yellowjacket, Goldenrod Gall Fly, Woodland Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper, American White Pelican, Canada Warbler, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pine Grosbeak, Barred Tiger Salamander, Horned Grebe, Bank Swallow, Baird’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Grebe, Bobolink, Red-necked Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, and the majestic Whooping Crane.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other passionate individuals and learn more about our organization at our upcoming Annual General Meeting in September. Mark your calendars and be part of a movement that will redefine the boundaries of possibility.

Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the first step and volunteer today! Embrace the challenge, become a board member, and together, let’s transform Saskatoon’s hidden gems into thriving, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable spaces. Contact us now and embark on an extraordinary journey that will create a greener, more equitable future for all! Email now

🌿 Join us and let’s shape the future together! 🌳

Parent and Child in Nature — Equity Conservation Community Engagement Become a Board member now

Be a Catalyst for Change!

🌿 Join the Board and Unleash Your Impact! 🌳

Are you a passionate advocate for the environment? Do you envision yourself making a tangible difference in your community? Do you wish to advocate for inclusivity in naturalized green spaces? Look no further! We extend a heartfelt invitation for you to become a board member of our non-profit environmental charity. Together, we are dedicated to protecting and promoting Saskatoon’s best-kept secrets—Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park—and transforming them into true hidden gems.

As a board member, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey filled with purpose and fulfillment. Your role will encompass a variety of exciting responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to the thriving growth of these green spaces. Let’s dive into the incredible world that awaits you:

🌍 Embrace Your Duties:

✨ Attend board meetings and actively shape the decision-making processes that shape the future of our hidden gems.

🌍Potentials which need your direction:

✨ Plan and orchestrate captivating events, including educational tours and vibrant fair booths, to showcase the rich geology, captivating history, and cherished heritage of our afforestation areas.

✨ Be a resolute advocate for inclusivity and equality, empowering us to shatter systemic barriers that hinder equitable enjoyment of these naturalized green spaces.

✨ Develop your grant writing prowess, securing vital funding that sustains our initiatives and ensures the conservation efforts for these precious spaces remain robust.

✨ Play a vital role in organizing and participating in exhilarating fundraising events and campaigns, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of our organization.

✨ Contribute your creativity to developing educational and awareness materials, enlightening the community about the profound physical and mental health benefits found within the embrace of forests, nature, wetlands, and trees.

✨ Unearth captivating stories about the enchanting Old Bone Trail and inspire all, regardless of background or circumstance, to revel in its wonders.

💚 Reap the Benefits of Volunteering:

✨ Immerse yourself in a passionate team committed to making an authentic and transformative impact within our community.

✨ Unlock the power of leadership and organizational skills that will amplify your professional growth and open doors to new horizons.

✨ Expand your network, forging connections with kindred spirits, esteemed environmental experts, and influential community leaders.

✨ Delve deep into the realms of environmental conservation, habitat preservation, and sustainable practices, becoming an agent of positive change.

✨ Carve an indelible mark upon the lives of equity-deserving groups and future generations, leaving a legacy of compassion, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

Join us now and become a guardian of the species at risk dwelling within our afforestation areas—the enchanting Red-Berried Elder, the imperiled Green Ash, the critically endangered American Elm, the majestic Turkey Vulture, the vulnerable Northern Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper, the imperiled Western Yellowjacket, the endangered Goldenrod Gall Fly, the imperiled Woodland Skipper, the vulnerable Silver-spotted Skipper, the awe-inspiring American White Pelican, the secure Canada Warbler, the near-threatened Semipalmated Sandpiper, the imperiled Pine Grosbeak, the endangered Barred Tiger Salamander, and many more.

We actively seek passionate individuals like you, who possess the dedication and resolve needed to protect these species and their habitats. Together, as esteemed board members, we will unearth the full potential of these hidden gems, transforming them into accessible and cherished green spaces for all.

Mark your calendars! Our Annual General Meeting, brimming with inspiration and opportunity, awaits you in September. It’s an ideal setting to connect with other fervent souls, kindling the spark of change within our hearts.

Are you ready to seize this remarkable opportunity? Volunteer today, become a board member, and breathe life into Saskatoon’s hidden gems. Your unwavering commitment and unwavering dedication will usher in an era of thriving, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable spaces. Contact us now to embark on this transformative journey and make an indelible impact on our community!

🌿 Together, let’s weave a greener tapestry, rich with inclusivity, equality, and natural wonder! 🌳

Promote Equity, Conservation, and Community Engagement in Saskatoon’s Hidden Gems

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey where you can make a meaningful difference for our environment and the community? Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. invites you to join our non-profit environmental charity. Together, we can create a greener, more inclusive future, protect endangered species, and uncover the hidden gems of Saskatoon’s afforestation areas, 192 hectares ( 474 acres ) of greenspace in the city. Delve into the exciting opportunities available and the extraordinary species we strive to safeguard.

Join as a Volunteer or Board Member: Make a lasting impact by becoming a part of our team. Volunteer opportunities abound, whether you wish to contribute your organizational skills to plan events, offer your writing prowess as a grant writer, assist at tours or fair booths, or support our board of directors. Your involvement will shape our initiatives and help us foster environmental education and awareness. Email now
Unveiling Saskatoon’s Hidden Gems: The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, spanning 132 hectares (326 acres), and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, covering 60 hectares (148 acres), are more than just well-kept secrets. These natural spaces hold unique geology, rich histories, and captivating heritage, waiting to be explored and cherished by all. By joining us, you can help ensure that these precious green havens become welcoming and inviting spaces for equity-deserving groups.
Advocating for Inclusivity and Equality: At Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., we strive to break down systemic barriers and promote inclusivity. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have equal access to and enjoy the beauty of these naturalized green spaces. By sharing stories about the Old Bone Trail and highlighting ways in which equity-deserving groups can benefit, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable community.
Protecting Species at Risk which include for instance: The Red-Berried Elder, Green Ash, American Elm, Turkey Vulture, Northern Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Western Yellowjacket, Goldenrod Gall Fly, Woodland Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper, American White Pelican, Canada Warbler, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pine Grosbeak, Barred Tiger Salamander, Horned Grebe, Bank Swallow, Baird’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Grebe, Bobolink, Red-necked Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, and the iconic Whooping Crane—these species are all in need of our protection. By joining our organization, you become an advocate for their survival, helping us combat threats and preserve their habitats. Take action
Enhancing Health and Wellbeing: Forests, nature, wetlands, and trees offer invaluable benefits to our physical and mental health and wellbeing. By actively engaging in our initiatives, you contribute to creating environments that provide these benefits to our community. Together, we can foster a healthier and more connected society as Saskatoon grows towards one million by 2063. A metropolis needs greenspaces and connectivity now more than ever! Help tackle the twin crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss and take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Conclusion: Now is the time to join Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. and be part of a collective effort to protect our environment, champion equity and inclusivity, and preserve endangered species. By becoming a volunteer, board member, or advocate, you can make a tangible impact on the 192 hectares (474 acres) of precious green space in Saskatoon. Together, let’s unveil the hidden gems, protect species at risk, and build a future where nature and equity thrive.

Get involved today and be a catalyst for positive change! Email now

George Genereux Urban Regional Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sept 24

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