Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Humboldt Broncos Memorial Forest. Come to Nature. Come to Life. Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestationk Areas Inc. friendsareas.ca
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Chris and Liz for their incredible dedication and hard work in keeping our South West Off Leash Recreation Area clean and safe for everyone.
This spring, Chris and Liz took it upon themselves to clean up the dog poop left behind by our furry friends over the winter months. Their selfless actions have made a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our beloved park.
While their efforts are truly commendable, it’s important to remember that they wouldn’t have to work tirelessly if every pet owner did their part to scoop after their own pet. In gratitude we recognize that the City of Saskatoon generously provides pet waste pick-up bags and trash bins for this purpose, making it convenient for all visitors to dispose of their pet’s waste responsibly.
Chris and Liz’s commitment to keeping our park clean not only benefits human visitors but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable environment for our canine companions. Their actions exemplify the true spirit of community and environmental stewardship.
Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to Barb and Garry for their artwork on the new posters, which help raise awareness and support Liz and Chris’s efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the park.
When Chris and Liz arrived at the dog park, they observed the site covered in dog poop and felt compelled to take action. They brought with them a garbage bag and worked tirelessly to make the area look more pleasant. We can all assist their efforts by also carrying a garbage bag with us when visiting the park and disposing of pet waste responsibly. If you bend down to pick up after your dog, pick up a few extra while there! It makes a huge difference to the park, and to Chris and Liz as well.
Let us all come together in the spirit of Richard St. Barbe Baker, who coined the motto “TWAHAMWE,” which is Swahili for “All Together or Pull Together,” for the International Tree Foundation. Let us also heed our Saskatchewan provincial motto, “Multis e gentibus vires” (From Many Peoples Strength).
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Chris and Liz for their collaboration as park users in keeping our South West Off Leash Recreation Area clean and enjoyable for all. Your dedication and commitment are truly appreciated.
Additionally, it’s essential to recognize the potential health risks associated with dogs ingesting poop. While it may seem harmless to dogs, the ingestion of poop from other dogs or animals can lead to illness. Parasites, viruses, and bacteria present in feces pose serious health threats to dogs. Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms are among the parasites that dogs can contract through the ingestion of poop.
Therefore, it’s crucial to discourage dogs from eating poop and to also promptly clean up after our own pets to minimize the risk of illness and maintain the overall health and well-being of our furry companions and the biodiversity of the forest.
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
Coyote as predator. Stock image – not a photograph taken at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nor photographed at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. How to co-exist with coyotes in Saskatoon, SK
Coyote as predator. Stock image – not a photograph taken at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nor photographed at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. How to co-exist with coyotes in Saskatoon, SK
Coyote as predator. Stock image – not a photograph taken at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, nor photographed at George Genereux Urban Regional Park. How to co-exist with coyotes in Saskatoon, SK
Coyote warning poster
Coyote poster
Entering the forest means you are entering a semi-wilderness habitat. You are entering the homes of many species of wild animals, this is what is absolutely wonderful about the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park. “Forests are home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.~Arkive
“Successful green intervention is a negotiated settlement within a community,” says Dr. Eric Strauss, executive director for the Center for Urban Resilience, “Communities need to decide not what green spaces or animals they want, but what ecosystem services they want from their green space.”
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation has some excellent tips in case a wild animal is found. For more questions call(306) 281-0554.
Help monitor biodiversity, human activities and events happening in George Genereux Urban Regional Park by posting on facebook FB Users of George Genereux Urban Regional Park. In the case of coyote, from a safe distance, take part in citizen science and biodiversity monitoring on the free smart phone app iNaturalist which registers time, and location automatically with a photo.
It’s mating season February and March for coyotes Canis latrans. Coyotes engage in litter and den protection (Mar- Sept). If you encounter a coyote there is no need to contact Conservation Officers or the police right away. Naturalist Kevin Cantelon provides some hints for living in harmony with coyotes. If you own a large dog, a coyote may respond very protectively of its territory, and defend it’s den. As with any wild animal, a parent coyote will defend its pups, and both male and female coyotes share in raising the litter. Breeding season will also spike the coyote’s hunger. A small dog may be seen as potential food for the pack, and a housecat is a treat. For these reasons, if you are walking in an unfenced area, it is wise to keep your dogs onleash to reduce conflict with coyotes.
“Coyotes usually breed in February; litters of 5-7 pups (maximum 19) are born 60-63 days later (April to early May) in a den,” says C. S. Churcher, “Breeding begins at one year, and coyotes mate for life.” So, the mating season, sees an increase risk to your dog during this time of year. Midwest Outdoors notes, that it is important to “spay or neuter your pet. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unspayed or unneutered domestic dogs. Unspayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes. Un-neutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. Male dogs can be lured by the female coyote’s scent and killed by male coyotes.”
During breeding season, Jaymi Heimbuch reminds us also, “Coyotes that usually avoid any confrontation with humans or dogs will display more territorial behaviors, warning passers-by with vocalizations or even following them. And coyotes that would normally scamper off when chased by an off-leash dog will more likely stand its ground.”
Midwest Outdoors adds these precautions “Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night, and do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your back yard.
* Accompany your leashed pet outside.
* Keep dogs on short leashes while walking outside; the Division of Wildlife recommends a leash no longer than six feet.
* Leave noisemakers on hand to scare away coyotes that may enter your yard, such as whistles and horns.
* Yell, clap hands, blow a whistle and try to make yourself look larger if you have a close encounter with a coyote.”
Cantelon noted, that if you do encounter a coyote, “Make them uncomfortable, throw a stick at them and haze them to make them not welcome. And they will learn to stay away very, very quickly.”
“How can we have happy coyotes? …We have to learn how to make space for each other. We need cross-species diplomacy.” says Stella Tarnay, an urban planner and co-founder of Biophilic DC, a group that works to make cities better habitats for animals and people.
Shara-Lynn Morrison noted that “The coyote gets your dog to chase him and then somewhere in the distance the pack waits for your dog.” Your dog will act to defend you, and the coyote pack will be defending their pack, and their territory. The government of Manitoba states coyotes”can be seen anytime of the day but are most active at nightas they search for food and defend their territory from other coyotes. Often considered a predator of larger animals such as deer or livestock, coyotes will also scavenge on dead animals and eat insects, rodents, rabbits and songbirds. They are also known to kill or injure pets, especially small dogs or cats. Coyotes have an annual home range of about 20 square kilometres
Churcher mentions that the Coyote diet consists “chiefly on rabbits and rodents, but they also consume insects, fruits and human waste.” That being said, it is important to scoop your poop, if walking in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, the South West Off Leash Recreation Area, or George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Animals are also attracted to feces.
“Cities are nature. “We have this idea that there’s the urban world and there’s nature. We’re the only species that looks at landscape that way,” said Dr. Eric Strauss, executive director for the Center for Urban Resilience… “We changed this landscape. It’s all still nature, it’s just not nature as we remember it.”
“Here’s what the city [of Saskatoon] recommends you do during a close encounter with a coyote:
Never approach the animal
Look for a way out
Be observant of the coyote’s movement
Act assertive, yell and wave your arms
Ensure the animal has an escape route and enough space to flee the situation
Keep pets on a leash and under control
Tips to avoid a coyote encounter in your yard:
Never feed coyotes or leave food waste in accessible areas
Do not put meat, eggs, or dairy in compost bins
Seal off access to decks and other sheltered spaces in your yard
If you feed your pets outdoors, bring the food in at night
Close the gate to your yard and make sure fencing is in good condition
People can call pest management at 306-975-3300 with questions and concerns.”
If you find an injured coyote, Mass Audubon states, remember, “sick or injured animals can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially those susceptible to the rabies virus (including coyotes). If you find a coyote in either condition stay away from it and do not attempt to handle it or move it.” “Coyotes suffer from diseases such as canine distemper, rabies, canine hepatitis, and parvo virus”. If you see a coyote that is approaching dogs or people, limping or staggering, paralyzed hind legs, acting confused or attacking non-living objects, please reach out and let experts know. Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation has some excellent tips in case a wild animal is found. For more questions call(306) 281-0554Notes from Wildlife Rehabilitation Rescue WR SOS(306) 242-7177.
Coyote Watch Canada also has excellent tips for coexisting with coyotes such as how to make NOISE MAKERS.
“Supervise your pets and keep them under strict control. Adhering to leash by-laws, accompanying pets on walks, and not allowing them to roam is in the best interests of your pets. Our pets are at risk of many environmental dangers when they are not under our control: owls, eagles, hawks, foxes and coyotes can all prey on smaller pets. Cats are safest indoors or in secure outdoor play enclosures. Domestic dogs can be considered competition for food items at locations where humans are feeding coyotes, and coyotes may prey on small domestic animals for food or to eliminate a threat to their territory or pups.
Neuter your pets. Although a rare occurrence, coyotes may mate with domesticated dogs.
Do not approach coyotes, their dens or their pups, even if it appears the parents have abandoned them. Coyotes will do their best to avoid human contact, but may attack humans when provoked, sick or injured.
Teach children about wildlife and how to safely respond to a coyote (or dog) nearby.
Respect, compassion and education are common sense tools that nurture safe and healthy human and wildlife families.
Yelling in a firm voice while outdoors “Go away coyote!”, banging pots, spraying a water hose (in warmer months), throwing objects towards not at the coyote, using a shake can, popping open an umbrella can be effective deterrents to safely move a coyote away.
**Use hazing or aversion techniques such as shaking car keys, popping an umbrella, throwing an object in the direction of the coyote such as clumps of dirt, sticks or blow a whistle. Review and download our Keeping Coyotes Away Pamphlet Be prepared and aware of your surroundings when enjoying the outdoors. Be a good visitor “leave no trace”.Carry out leftover food, garbage and dog feces.“
How to identify if a coyote is in the area? Government of Manitoba, notes coyote sign such as coyote tracks, coyote scats, and pets that are fearful or barking uncontrollably. “Coyotes commonly howl or “yip” to communicate to each other and urinate frequently to mark their territory.” The Commonwealth of Massachusetts says, “Coyotes howl because:
They’re telling non-family members to stay out of their territory.
They’re locating their family members within their territory.
They’re advertising for a mate during breeding season.
Pups practice howling and can be especially vocal in late summer as they attempt to mimic their parents.
When there is a potential threat towards the pups, adult coyotes will scatter and howl in order to distract the threat away from the den site.”
“If there is an introduction of wild systems into the city, there needs to be an education that nature is harsh and one needs to be careful with it,” Susannah Drake says.“In the same way kids in the city are taught to look both ways before crossing the street, there are dangerous situations you learn about and become aware of.”
Heimbuch sums it up coyote mating season succinctly, “Coyote attacks on humans are rare, and there have been only two fatal attacks in modern history, in 1981 and 2009. Urban Coyote Research reports, “In almost a third of the reported attack cases, it was known that coyotes were being fed (either intentionally or accidentally) near the attack site. One victim was bitten while feeding a coyote and another was bitten by a coyote that was being fed by her parents.” So it appears there is often a human cause to the bites in the first place.
…So, if it helps assuage fears of neighborhood coyotes, a child is far more likely to be bitten by a domestic dog than by a coyote when out playing in the neighborhood.
That said, it is only smart to know about coyotes and their behavior so that you can continue to coexist peacefully with these wild urban residents.”
Mass Audubon says, “Coyotes are wary animals who will avoid people at all costs,” and remember to never, never leave food out for coyotes, and this includes dropped dog treats, and dog feces. Scoop your poop!
Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures. ~His Holiness The Dalai Lama
If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. ~St. Francis of Assisi
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, 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!
“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
“Man has lost his way in the jungle of chemistry and engineering and will have to retrace his steps, however painful this may be. He will have to discover where he went wrong and make his peace with nature. In so doing, perhaps he may be able to recapture the rhythm of life and the love of the simple things of life, which will be an ever-unfolding joy to him.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 