As we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, it is a perfect moment to reflect on the profound, lasting impact of women who have shaped the environmental movement. These women have not only led with passion but have forged new paths in the fight for our planet’s health, justice, and sustainability. From the deepest forests to the vast oceans, they’ve shown us what it means to truly care for the Earth. Let us raise our glasses to them and honor the work they’ve done for all of us.
Rachel Carson:
In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote a book that would change the world: Silent Spring. Carson was a biologist, a writer, and an advocate for the natural world who alerted the public to the dangers of pesticides like DDT, a chemical that was harming wildlife, polluting ecosystems, and even threatening human health. Her work sparked the environmental movement that we know today, reminding us of the delicate interconnection between humans and nature. Rachel showed us that it is not enough to just enjoy nature—we must also protect it.
Wangari Maathai:
When Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya in 1977, she did more than plant trees—she planted seeds of hope. By encouraging women to plant trees in deforested areas, she not only worked to restore the environment but empowered women to take leadership roles in their communities. Maathai became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, showing the world that environmental justice and human rights go hand in hand.
Vandana Shiva:
Vandana Shiva, an Indian environmentalist and activist, has dedicated her life to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming practices. Through her advocacy for seed sovereignty and her fierce opposition to genetically modified crops, she has become a powerful voice for farmers and communities around the globe. Her work calls us to rethink our relationship with the land and to value local, organic agriculture as the key to nourishing people and preserving the planet.
Greta Thunberg:
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenager who began striking outside her school in 2018 to demand climate action, has become the face of the global youth-led climate movement. Her powerful speeches at international forums like the UN have rallied millions of young people to take action, reminding us all of the urgency of addressing climate change. With unyielding determination, Greta has made it clear that the planet’s future cannot wait, and it is the younger generation who will bear the brunt of inaction.
Sylvia Earle:
When it comes to the oceans, Sylvia Earle is a pioneer. A marine biologist, explorer, and advocate, she has spent her career diving into the depths of the world’s seas to discover and protect the delicate ecosystems within. In 1970, she led the first all-female team of aquanauts on the Tektite II mission, and since then, she has led efforts to establish marine protected areas. As the founder of Mission Blue, Sylvia has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about ocean conservation and has inspired a generation to become stewards of the sea.
Jane Goodall:
For decades, Jane Goodall has studied chimpanzees in their natural habitats, forever altering our understanding of animal behavior and intelligence. Her groundbreaking work at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania showed the world that humans are not as different from other species as we once believed. A staunch advocate for conservation, Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program has empowered young people around the world to take action in their local communities, making a lasting impact on wildlife protection and environmental education.
Winona LaDuke:
In the fight to preserve the land, Winona LaDuke, an Ojibwe environmentalist and activist, has been a fearless leader. Her work focuses on protecting Indigenous lands, advocating for sustainable farming, and challenging corporate control of natural resources. Through her work with organizations like the White Earth Land Recovery Project, LaDuke has led efforts to re-establish tribal sovereignty and fight the devastating impacts of resource extraction on Indigenous communities.
Isatou Ceesay:
In the Gambia, Isatou Ceesay has transformed her community by tackling the issue of plastic waste. Known as the “Queen of Recycling,” Isatou created a program that teaches women in rural Gambia to turn discarded plastic bags into woven handbags. This initiative not only addresses the growing problem of plastic pollution but also empowers women economically and socially. Isatou has shown us that waste can be transformed into opportunity, and one woman’s vision can make a world of difference.
In addition to these trailblazers, there are numerous inspiring women who are making remarkable strides in their own communities, bringing fresh perspectives to the environmental movement.
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias, a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice, has been working with local communities to combat climate change and support sustainable practices. Her work emphasizes the connection between traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern environmental science, demonstrating how ancient practices can be pivotal in the fight for a more sustainable future.
Dr. Kaminskyj, a biology professor at the University of Saskatchewan, is advancing our understanding of the intricate relationships between fungi and ecosystems, helping to build solutions for combating climate change and environmental degradation. Her work in environmental microbiology is a testament to how every aspect of nature, no matter how small, contributes to the health of the planet.
Candace Savage, the distinctive voice of Western Canada, has long been a force in environmental education, literature, and activism. Through her writing, she brings to life the natural world of the Canadian prairies, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in a rapidly changing world. Her perspective is not just one of environmentalism, but of the deep interconnectedness of people and the land.
Elizabeth Bekolay, A local nature-based educator, naturalist, and writer in our own community has inspired countless individuals through guided nature walks, storytelling, and an unshakeable belief in the power of direct interaction with the natural world. With a deep love for the land and a firm commitment to fostering environmental stewardship, she’s been instrumental in helping others understand the importance of local ecosystems and how we can all play a role in their protection.
Each of these women has contributed something extraordinary to the health of our planet. Whether through groundbreaking scientific research, community-driven grassroots movements, or unyielding advocacy, they have made indelible marks on the landscape of environmental change.
The women highlighted in this piece represent just a small fraction of the countless remarkable women who have shaped and continue to shape the environmental movement. From grassroots organizers to leading scientists, the list of women who have made significant contributions to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainability is vast and diverse. We deeply regret that this story cannot encompass every woman whose work deserves recognition and admiration. Their efforts inspire us to keep pushing forward, and we encourage you to seek out and learn about even more incredible women in the field who have dedicated their lives to making the planet a better place for all.
This International Women’s Day, let us not only celebrate their achievements but also honor their legacy by continuing the fight for a healthier, more sustainable world. The work of these great women has only just begun, and now it is our turn to ensure their efforts are carried forward.
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:
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 – Richard St. Barbe Baker 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
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
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Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
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United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
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- Let’s Bring Back Forests
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““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
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 