Introduction: A Legacy of Kindness in the Dance of the Trees
On November 13th, as the world unites to celebrate World Kindness Day, it’s not just about individual acts of benevolence; it’s about creating a ripple effect of compassion that touches lives far and wide. Richard St. Barbe Baker, a visionary environmentalist, exemplified this ethos through a unique act of kindness intertwined with nature—the Dance of the Trees.
The Dance of the Trees: A Pioneering Act of Kindness
In the early 1920s, Kenya witnessed environmental devastation due to slash-and-burn farming and colonial farming methods. St. Barbe Baker, deeply moved by the destruction, envisioned a plan to restore the native forests. What set him apart was his approach—he turned to the indigenous people for assistance. Holding meetings with Kikuyu chiefs and elders, he urged them to counter destructive farming methods by planting trees. Inspired by ceremonial dances, St. Barbe devised a ceremonial tree-planting dance to encourage the youth to be part of the solution.
A Unique Collaboration: Indigenous Wisdom and Environmental Action
St. Barbe’s approach was revolutionary; he consulted with the native Africans, learning the Kikuyu tribe’s history, language, and customs. Recognizing the importance of dance in Kikuyu culture, he organized the Dance of the Trees, where volunteers took an oath to protect and plant trees, becoming the first Men of the Trees. St. Barbe’s actions reflected an uncommon attitude by a colonial officer—he immersed himself in the culture, earning the respect and collaboration of the indigenous people.
Facing the Desert: A Man-Made Catastrophe
St. Barbe witnessed the dire consequences of desertification in Africa, a man-made catastrophe exacerbated by colonial farming methods. He observed the Indigenous population abandoning traditional activities and refusing to bear children due to the encroachment of the desert. Faced with this crisis, St. Barbe knew that a collective effort was needed to reverse the devastating effects on both the land and its people.
Twahamwe: “We are all working together as one man.”
St. Barbe’s vision resonated beyond the Kikuyu tribe. Soon, other tribes joined in with the motto “twahamwe,” signifying unity—“We are all working together as one man.” This collective spirit became the driving force behind the Men of the Trees, an organization that, to this day, continues its mission as the International Tree Foundation.
A Promise of Kindness: The Oath of the Forest Scouts
Richard St. Barbe Baker encouraged all who joined the Men of the Trees, known as the Watu Wa Miti or forest guides, to make a solemn promise. The forest scouts took an oath to “plant ten trees a year, take care of trees everywhere, and do one good deed every day.” This oath encapsulates the essence of kindness—caring for the environment and making a positive impact on the world.
Conclusion: Spreading Kindness Like the Leaves of a Tree
As we celebrate World Kindness Day, let us draw inspiration from Richard St. Barbe Baker’s legacy—the Dance of the Trees, a unique act of kindness that harmonized with nature. The Men of the Trees, now the International Tree Foundation, continues to carry forward St. Barbe’s vision of unity, environmental stewardship, and kindness. On this day, let us all be forest scouts, pledging to plant the seeds of kindness, nurture them with care, and watch as they grow into a forest of compassion that spreads its branches around the world.
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
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 