World-famous environmentalist.
“Few of us know that our home town launched the career of one of the greatest pioneers in the movement for global conservation.
Richard St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E., often called Man of the Trees because of his lifelong efforts to conserve and replant the world’s forests…”
Read more Hanley, Paul. World-famous environmentalist. Saskatoon Star Phoenix. Oct 10 1989.
Sowing Seeds of Change: Richard St. Barbe Baker’s Green Legacy
World Environment Day: Land restoration, desertification & drought resilience; on June 5 serves as an annual reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. In the realm of global conservation, few names resonate as profoundly as Richard St. Barbe Baker, a visionary environmentalist whose legacy has shaped the world’s approach to restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
Born in 1889, St. Barbe Baker’s journey as Assistant Conservator of Forests played a pivotal role in the global conservation movement. His impact was especially profound in Kenya, Africa, where he made inroads that reverberate through the ages.
In 1921, St. Barbe Baker founded the Men of the Trees organization, a transformative initiative marked by the symbolic “Dance of the Trees.” This dance not only encapsulated the spirit of unity with nature but also laid the groundwork for what is now recognized as the International Tree Foundation. St. Barbe Baker, initially called the “Man of the Trees,” envisioned a global network committed to the conservation and replanting of forests—an idea that has grown into a formidable force in the fight against environmental degradation. In 1955, Baker agreed that the title Men of the Trees was not inclusive, and the International Tree Foundation was born.
St. Barbe Baker was a visionary ahead of his time, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of desertification. Recognizing the vital role of trees in preventing the encroachment of deserts, he dedicated his life to taking concrete actions against desertification. His efforts extended beyond theoretical discourse, as he implemented practical strategies to combat the degradation of arable land.
One of his remarkable initiatives was his journey across the Sahara Desert, and finding the remains of great forests there, Baker realized that the area could be restored. This vision by St. Barbe Baker was later championed by Wangaari Maathai, a fellow environmentalist and Nobel laureate. This movement, shared many of St. Barbe Baker’s principles, focused on empowering communities, especially women, to plant trees as a means of environmental conservation and social upliftment.
The symbiotic relationship between St. Barbe Baker and Wangaari Maathai exemplifies the enduring impact of collaboration in the environmental movement. Their shared vision for a greener, more sustainable future laid the foundation for the Green Belt Movement’s success, making significant strides in Kenya and beyond.
St. Barbe Baker, during his travels to Saskatchewan during the dirty thirties, implored leaders to plant shelterbelts in protection of the land to prevent desertification happening on the prairies.
As we celebrate World Environment Day, we pay homage to the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker—a trailblazer whose commitment to restoration, desertification resilience, and environmental stewardship continues to inspire a global community dedicated to preserving the planet we call home.
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 – 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
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
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
- Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
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- 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. 