ecological initiatives – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

Gratitude in Action; Roger’s TV

Gratitude in Action: Connecting with Nature and Community for the City Nature Challenge 2025

Tune into Rogers tv on “Community Shorts”, which repeats several times daily throughout the week or click; City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2025 / UNEP accreditation Rogers tv Community Shorts

As spring begins to stir, bringing with it the promise of renewal and growth, we find ourselves reflecting on the importance of connection—both to the land and to each other. It is in moments of collective effort, rooted in shared purpose, that we find the true essence of community. In this spirit, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to those whose contributions have made the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2025 a reality.

At the heart of this effort is a singular, transformative opportunity: to connect with nature during the Spring Easter Break, to explore the wilds of Saskatoon, and to document the diversity of life that surrounds us. But the true beauty of this initiative, as we are discovering, lies not just in the act of observation, but in the stories woven by those who have come together in support.

First, we extend our gratitude to Eric Steiner, Producer at Rogers TV, whose tireless dedication and expertise have brought the City Nature Challenge into the homes of so many. By airing this important event, Eric has provided a unique platform to share the importance of preserving our natural world, while also offering viewers an accessible and meaningful way to connect with the wildlife around them. In a world where many find themselves increasingly disconnected from nature, Eric’s work is a reminder of how the media can serve as a bridge—linking us to the earth in ways we never thought possible.

Our thanks also go to Rahul (CPHR, MCIPD), whose insightful words and passion for the environment highlighted the importance of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and their work. Rahul eloquently spoke to the need for urban greenspaces and how they play an essential role in building vibrant, sustainable communities. His advocacy for local environmental groups brings into focus how the preservation of natural spaces is not just a matter of conservation, but a deeply human endeavor that enhances our well-being, our health, and our futures.

It is, however, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas themselves who deserve the greatest thanks. The organization has been the guiding force behind the City Nature Challenge in Saskatoon. Frezer’s work as Co-Facilitator of the Women Major Group for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has garnered significant recognition, including the recent announcement that the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have achieved UNEP accreditation. This monumental achievement speaks not only to Frezer’s tireless advocacy but to the global recognition of the group’s ongoing efforts to protect and sustain the environment.

The City Nature Challenge stands as a testament to the power of grassroots action, a powerful reminder that from the smallest steps we take in our own neighborhoods, the ripples of change can spread across the globe. It embodies our collective ability to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this initiative, we take a stand for SDG Life on Land, championing the protection of our ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. We advocate for SDG Life Below Water, recognizing the vast, often invisible world beneath the surface that sustains us all. It is also a call to action for SDG Sustainable Communities, showing that the health of our cities and towns is deeply intertwined with the health of our natural environment. And, ultimately, it fuels SDG Climate Action, reminding us that every effort to protect the planet, however small, is a step toward mitigating the climate crisis. Through the City Nature Challenge, we witness firsthand how local action has the power to shape a more sustainable future for all.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas leadership has also extended to the creation of the YouTube feature community short for the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2025, a collaboration with Rogers TV’s Community Shorts initiative. Through this, we are able to celebrate the beauty of our local greenspaces—whether it’s the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Park—while also contributing to the broader, global mission of understanding, appreciating and protecting biodiversity. The Friends role in bringing this project to fruition is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and community.

The City Nature Challenge, taking place from April 25 to 28, 2025, is not just an event—it is an invitation. An invitation to step outside, to explore, to learn, and to participate in the larger global conversation about biodiversity. Using the iNaturalist app, participants will be able to document their findings, contributing to the rich tapestry of knowledge that is informing global conservation efforts. The opportunity to engage with nature and to witness its beauty firsthand is one that many of us take for granted, but as we have seen through the leadership of those mentioned above, such moments are precious.

As we look ahead to this exciting event, we are reminded of the simple but profound truth that nature, in all its wild, unpredictable beauty, connects us. It binds us to the earth and to one another, and it inspires us to protect what is fragile and fleeting.

We are truly thankful to all who have made this event possible, from Eric Steiner at Rogers TV to Rahul’s impactful words and Frezer’s leadership. Together, we are creating a legacy that will endure for generations to come—one rooted in gratitude, community, and a shared commitment to the land we call home.

Event details and directions to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Park can be found at friendsareas.ca. The iNaturalist app used to document organisms and signs of life through photo or sound recordings can be downloaded free from the App Store or Google Play.

As we approach the City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2025, let us remember that it is through our collective action and shared responsibility that we can truly make a difference. Let us honor the natural world, not just for its beauty, but for the deep connection it fosters among us all.

The greatly appreciated Television Coverage by Global News, Saskatoon. — The greatly appreciated Television Coverage by **Eric Steiner**, Producer at Rogers TV

iNaturalist Observation with smart phone connecting with nature, supporting vital conservation research worldwide. — The greatly appreciated Television Coverage by **Eric Steiner**, Producer at Rogers TV

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

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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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““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

Honoring Richard St. Barbe Baker on World Humanitarian Day 2023

This World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, we reflect on a remarkable legacy that embodies the spirit of compassion and environmental stewardship, we reaffirm our commitment to humanitarian principles and stand in solidarity with communities in need.

Among the many who have exemplified these ideals, Richard St. Barbe Baker stands out as a visionary whose impact resonates deeply with our theme of embracing kindness and collaboration. Celebrated for his pioneering environmental work and humanitarian efforts, St. Barbe’s legacy continues to inspire.

A Visionary’s Kindness: The Dance of the Trees

In the 1920s, Kenya faced severe environmental degradation due to destructive farming practices. Richard St. Barbe Baker, moved by this devastation, devised a plan to restore the native forests. Unconventional for his time, St. Barbe sought the help of indigenous communities, recognizing their deep connection to the land. He engaged with Kikuyu leaders and elders, encouraging them to adopt tree-planting practices as a countermeasure to environmental destruction.

His innovative approach included the creation of the “Dance of the Trees,” a ceremonial tree-planting event inspired by Kikuyu cultural traditions. This unique initiative not only promoted environmental restoration but also celebrated indigenous customs, fostering a deep sense of unity and shared purpose.

A Legacy of Unity and Resilience

St. Barbe’s work was not limited to Kenya. His commitment to combating desertification and fostering environmental stewardship transcended borders, capturing the collective spirit of cooperation. The motto “twahamwe,” meaning “We are all working together as one man,” became a rallying cry for various tribes and communities. This collaborative ethos led to the formation of the Men of the Trees, now known as the International Tree Foundation, which continues to champion St. Barbe’s vision.

Fostering a “Tree Sense”

Richard St. Barbe Baker’s philosophy extended beyond tree planting; he advocated for developing a “tree sense”—an intrinsic respect and responsibility towards nature. His global efforts to plant billions of trees were driven by a profound belief in humanity’s capacity to heal the Earth.

Today, as we celebrate World Humanitarian Day, let us honor St. Barbe’s legacy by embracing and nurturing our own “tree sense.” His life’s work reminds us that every act of kindness, every effort to restore our environment, and every commitment to sustainability contributes to a better world.

A Model of Global Stewardship

St. Barbe’s achievements earned him widespread recognition, including an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II. His dedication to environmental and humanitarian causes exemplifies the spirit of World Humanitarian Day—working together across borders and cultures to create a more compassionate and sustainable world.

As we commemorate this day, World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, let us draw inspiration from Richard St. Barbe Baker’s extraordinary life. May his example of unity, kindness, and environmental stewardship guide our efforts to protect our planet and uplift humanity. Let us honor his legacy by continuing the vital work of preserving and nurturing our world, just as he did throughout his remarkable life.

For more information about Richard St. Barbe Baker’s legacy and ongoing efforts by the International Tree Foundation, visit International Tree Foundation and explore the new biography by Paul Hanley, Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist.

http://www.friendsareas.ca