community gathering – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

Walking Stories, Growing Connections: Jane’s Walk Saskatoon 2026

Every spring, cities around the world come alive with footsteps, stories, and shared curiosity—and in Saskatoon, that spirit is thriving once again. Jane’s Walk Saskatoon 2026, taking place May 1–3, invites residents to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the landscapes and histories that shape their community.

Inspired by urban thinker Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walks are not your typical guided tours. There are no scripts, no podiums—just people হাঁ walking together, exchanging ideas, and seeing their city through fresh eyes. This year’s walks, , bring a particularly meaningful focus: the intersection of urban nature, memory, and community identity.

At the heart of the 2026 program are two remarkable green spaces—George Genereux Urban Regional Park and Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. These aren’t just parks; they are living archives of local history, ecological resilience, and civic vision. Participants will hear stories that stretch from the land’s early uses to its evolving role in a growing city.

On Saturday, May 2 at 3:00 PM, walkers gather at George Genereux Urban Regional Park organized with SOS Trees and FSAAI for an afternoon of conversation and discovery. By Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 PM, the focus shifts to a deeply reflective theme—Forest, Memory, and the City We Choose to Build—organized with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas within the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Here, the walk takes on added emotional resonance with the introduction of a proposed Memorial Healing Forest honouring the Humboldt Broncos. It’s a space envisioned not just for remembrance, but for healing, growth, and community connection.

What makes Jane’s Walk special is its simplicity. There’s no cost, no barrier to entry—just an open invitation to walk, listen, share, and reflect. Conversations unfold naturally: about trees and trails, about city planning and belonging, about the stories we inherit and those we choose to tell.

In a fast-paced world, these walks offer something increasingly rare: time to notice. Time to connect. Time to imagine what kind of city Saskatoon can become.

As the first weekend of May approaches, one thing is certain—whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious newcomer, Jane’s Walk Saskatoon 2026 is an opportunity to experience the city in a way that’s both grounding and inspiring.

Step by step, story by story, Saskatoon reveals what makes it not just a place to live—but a place to belong.

People walking and talking in the forest

Forest Gathering Walk 50th Anniversary #NationalForestWeek and the 30th anniversary of Maple Leaf Day and #NationalForestWeek

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 or

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

BlueSky Social

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

Support via Zeffy

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

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 “Sidewalks” of the Forest: Why We Walk the Edge of the City

Whenever we talk about cities, we tend to talk about density, storefronts, and the intricate ballet of the downtown sidewalk. But a city is not merely made of asphalt and brick; it is an organic, living entity that requires lungs as much as it requires feet. In Saskatoon, those lungs breathe at the edge of the map, in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

On Sunday, May 3rd, we are going to do something that seems simple but is actually quite radical: we are going to walk through 326 acres of trees and talk to one another. There are no sidewalks, find out why.

The Living Room of the Wild

We often think of “urban planning” as a series of colored zones on a map in a windowless basement at City Hall. But real planning happens when we decide what we value. In the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, the planning isn’t just about setbacks and zoning; it’s about how memory, ecology, and people intersect. It’s a web, a biotic community structure, an interaction web, it’s interdependence, synergy, relationality and mutualism.

This year, our Jane’s Walk takes on a poignant weight as we discuss the proposed Memorial Healing Forest in honor of the Humboldt Broncos. A forest is perhaps the only monument that can truly hold the weight of such a memory—a place that doesn’t just stand static in stone, but grows, changes, and heals alongside the community. It is a “healing forest” in every sense of the word, reminding us that a city’s health is measured by how it cares for its grieving hearts as much as its moving traffic.

Eyes on the Forest

I have often said that a safe city is one with “eyes on the street.” People believe that safety comes from fences and patrols, but it actually comes from use. A used place is a cared-for place.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas understand this instinctively. By inviting the public into these woods, we apply the same principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) that make a neighborhood vibrant. When we walk these trails, when we bring our dogs, our children, and our curiosity, we are “observing” the forest into safety. We are claiming this space not as a forgotten wasteland on the city’s periphery, but as a vital limb of the urban body.

The Man of the Trees

We walk in the shadow of giants—both the trees themselves and the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker. He was a man who understood, long before it was fashionable, that the fate of humanity is inextricably linked to the fate of the forest. He saw trees not as timber, but as a global infrastructure of life.

As we navigate the gentle, uneven terrain of the SW Off-Leash area, or the forests on either side of the SW OLRA, we aren’t just looking at “greenery.” We are looking at a deliberate act of stewardship. We are looking at what happens when a city chooses to build a forest instead of just another parking lot.

Join the Conversation

Cities—like forests—are healthiest when people are part of them. They are not meant to be viewed from a car window at sixty kilometers an hour; they are meant to be experienced at three miles per hour.

So, bring your walking shoes (and perhaps tuck those pants into your socks—the ticks are part of the ecosystem, too). Bring your memories of the Broncos, your questions about Saskatoon’s growth, and your willingness to listen to what the wind says through the poplars.

The forest has a story to tell. But it needs an audience to make it a community.

WALK DETAILS:

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Parking Area P2, SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (355 Township Road 362A).
The Mission: To walk, listen, share, and reflect on the city we choose to build.
Learn More: friendsareas.ca

Paul Hanley author Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist which includes a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and an introduction by Jane Goodall. — Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker
Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan,
University Archives & Special Collections,

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 or

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

BlueSky Social

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

Support via Zeffy

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

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..”

Exploring the Heritage of Saskatoon’s Green Spaces: A Journey Through Time at the Heritage Festival

By the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas

YouTube

Heritage Festival of Saskatoon Sunday afternoon February 2, 2025 WDM

In the heart of Saskatoon, where the hum of the city fades into the embrace of nature, lies a rich tapestry of history, biodiversity, and land stewardship—an enduring legacy of the land and its people. This February, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty and heritage of Saskatoon’s treasured Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park at the Heritage Festival of Saskatoon. Join us on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Western Development Museum for an afternoon of exploration and learning, from 12 PM to 5 PM, as we bring the past to life with our display.

These green spaces are not simply places to walk or bike; they are vibrant chronicles of the natural world, shaped by the hands of visionary environmental stewards and the slow, patient forces of nature itself. As Aldo Leopold once said, “The land is alive, and so too, the stories it tells.”

The Story of St. Barbe and Genereux

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, named for the great forester and environmental pioneer, Richard St. Barbe Baker, stands as a testament to the vision of those who recognized the value of trees and forests in preserving our environment. St. Barbe Baker, whose global impact is still felt today, was instrumental in the afforestation movement—a movement that recognized trees as the lungs of the earth, capable of sustaining life through their deep roots and quiet grace. Through the dedication of local residents and the guidance of figures like St. Barbe, this forested area came to be, not just as a place for recreation, but as a sanctuary for the soul and a vital piece of the city’s green infrastructure.

Just a stone’s throw away lies George Genereux Urban Regional Park, a space equally rich in heritage and ecological importance. Named after one of Canada’s youngest Olympic Gold Medalist, Genereux’s park is a gathering place where the deep history of the land meets the modern world. From its original role in providing valuable recreational space for the community to its current place as a symbol of urban biodiversity, Genereux Park continues to evolve and inspire.

The West Swale: A Geological and Ecological Gem

Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring features of these spaces is the West Swale, a geological treasure that holds the memories of a time long past. As John Muir once wrote, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” This swale, formed during the Pleistocene era, offers a glimpse into Saskatoon’s ancient past, where water, ice, and wind sculpted the land into the swale and flood plain we see today. With its distinctive wetlands, riparian zones, and unique biodiversity, the West Swale is a natural masterpiece—rich with life and history, waiting to be explored.

A Commitment to Heritage and Conservation

At the Heritage Festival, we will highlight the geological wonders, paleontological significance, and the profound importance of afforestation. You will learn about the City of Saskatoon Heritage Policy, the Statement of Significance, and the historical value these parks hold for our community. Much of this heritage stems from the tireless work of local groups and individuals who have worked to ensure that future generations can enjoy these spaces. We’ll showcase historical findings that trace the history of the land from the Old Bone Trail to the present day.

Through this rich display, we celebrate the Green Survival Program, a critical effort to grow and plant trees and ensure they continue to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saskatoon’s residents. As we reflect on these parks’ contributions to urban sustainability, we are reminded that the fight to protect the earth’s fragile ecosystems requires vigilance, collaboration, and deep respect for the natural world.

Why Does This Matter?

In our increasingly urbanized world, it is easy to lose sight of the land beneath our feet. Yet, as Muir aptly put it, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” The afforestation areas, parks, and trails of Saskatoon are not isolated; they are an integral part of a larger ecological system that sustains all life, including our own.

Through your participation in the Heritage Festival, you are not only learning about history—you are engaging in the ongoing story of conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship that continues to unfold in Saskatoon. You are part of a community that values the past and works tirelessly to ensure a sustainable, thriving future for both our urban and natural landscapes.

Join Us This February

We extend a heartfelt invitation to all Saskatoon residents and visitors to join us at our display on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 12 PM to 5 PM at the Western Development Museum for a family-friendly celebration of our city’s heritage. With FREE ADMISSION to all events, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the rich history of our afforestation areas, and explore the vital role these spaces play in fostering sustainability and biodiversity.

As we walk the paths of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park, let us remember that we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us—visionaries who understood the deep, interconnected value of land and nature. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to protect and preserve these green spaces, ensuring they remain a sanctuary for generations to come.

See you at the Heritage Festival, where the past, present, and future of Saskatoon’s natural heritage come together.

— Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, 2025

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 – 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

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

Support via Zeffy

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!

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

Nurturing Nature

Together for Tomorrow: Environmental Progress Report YouTube

Roots of Renewal 2030 Vision

Annual Report 2023

Advocacy Statement
Connecting People and Nature: The Cultural Value of Afforestation Areas: Advocacy Strategy

Nurturing Nature: The Vision and Achievements of Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas

As a dedicated non-profit Canadian registered charity, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas (FSAAI) passionately work to promote and preserve the natural beauty of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Our mission centers around advancing educational and interpretive programs that nurture both current and future stewards of these vital natural spaces.

Our Mission

At (FSAAI), we believe that fostering a deep appreciation for our diverse ecosystems is essential for their preservation. Through research, program development, workshops, and events, we aim to enhance the experience of park visitors, creating lasting connections between people and nature.

The magic of George Genereux Park, City of Saskatoon at RM of Corman Park 344 boundary

Progress and Achievements

Over the past year, our initiatives have flourished, leading to significant advancements in community engagement and environmental stewardship:

City Nature Challenge: This event successfully engaged the community in documenting local biodiversity, highlighting the richness of our urban ecosystems across Saskatoon. Supporting the environmental stewardship. Rapid detection early response to invasive species. You can’t protect what you don’t know regarding species at risk.
Jane’s Walk: We encouraged exploration of our urban landscapes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique blend of nature and city life. Learning, and appreciating the complex work undertaken by the City of Saskatoon in urban planning and environmental sustainability and supporting efforts being undertaken
Arbor Week & National Forest Week: These celebrations advocated for the importance of trees and forests, emphasizing their role in enhancing urban life and continuing the Richard St. Barbe Baker pledge with Forest Guides and Forest Scouts everywhere.
ParticipACTION Challenge: By promoting active lifestyles echoing Olympic Champion George Genereux, we encouraged outdoor engagement, connecting citizens with their natural surroundings. Come to Nature, Come to Life!

Our commitment to these programs is made possible through the generous contributions of donors, grants, and volunteers. Every effort counts, and we are grateful for the ongoing support from our community and corporate partners.

Advocacy for Sustainability

Advocacy is at the heart of our mission. It facilitates collaboration between community organizations, government agencies, and businesses, allowing us to implement effective conservation strategies. Our advocacy efforts focus on promoting sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts on our environment, ensuring that the afforestation areas remain vibrant and accessible for all.

We highlight the cultural and recreational value of these green spaces, fostering a sense of pride and connection among citizens. Through educational outreach, we raise awareness about the significance of biodiversity conservation, influencing policy decisions at local, regional, and national levels.

Geocaching, Orienteering skills in the forest wander forest trails in search of adventure led by Saskatchewan Orienteering or the Saskatoon Geocache community

Focus Areas for Future Initiatives

As we look ahead, our focus will be on several key areas:

Native Ecosystem Education: Enhancing awareness of the ecological significance of native flora and fauna, particularly species at risk, by targeting various stakeholders including naturalists, walkers, and municipal policymakers.
Preserving and Restoring Nature’s Diversity: Advocating strategic conservation approaches that ensure healthy populations of native species and ecosystems.
Sustainable Land Utilization: Supporting practices that positively affect biodiversity and combat climate change.
Diversity and Inclusion: Engaging equity-deserving groups in our initiatives, recognizing and addressing barriers faced by various communities, and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Get Involved

We invite everyone to explore the afforestation areas and join us in our mission. Whether through membership, volunteering, or simply visiting, your involvement makes a tangible difference. We also encourage support for our sponsors who play a vital role in our success.

Skimmer (Dragonfly) mating in air courtesy Prasan Shrestha

A Community Effort

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank our local companies and community partners for their unwavering support. Your contributions enable us to achieve our goals each year and help make the Richard St. Barbe Baker and George Genereux Urban Regional Park Saskatoon’s premier urban forest destination.

For more information or to get involved, please visit our website or follow us on social media. We welcome your comments and suggestions as we continue to work towards preserving and enhancing our beloved parks.

Together, we can nurture nature and ensure that these cherished spaces thrive for generations to come.

With your dedication and support, we can create a lasting impact on the environment and our community. Thank you for being a part of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas!

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

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