Tag: forest trails

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

Walking – Cycling Safely Among Moose

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

Moose Sightings in Saskatoon: Why Reporting Matters

Mother Moose and Baby Calf Roam Saskatoon’s Urban Forests

Saskatoon Residents Asked to Report Moose (large animal) Sightings in Urban Green Spaces

Residents enjoying walks through the forest trails of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or the nearby Southwest Off Leash Recreation Area may be fortunate enough to witness an extraordinary wildlife encounter: a mother moose browsing quietly beside her calf. These majestic animals remind us that Saskatoon’s naturalized green spaces continue to provide important habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

Recently, sightings of a cow moose and calf have raised community interest and concern. Saskatchewan conservation professionals emphasize that public reporting plays a vital role in monitoring wildlife movement within urban areas. Officials make management decisions based largely upon the number, timing, and location of reported sightings.

If you observe moose within Saskatoon city limits, residents are encouraged to contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment TIPPS reporting line. In Saskatoon, sightings may be reported by calling 306-933-6240. Across Saskatchewan, the provincial TIPPS line can also be reached toll free at 1-800-567-4224.

Reporting is especially important if the animals remain in the afforestation area or the Southwest Off Leash Dog Park over multiple days. If the only sighting occurred yesterday, May 20, the animals may already have moved beyond the area. However, repeated sightings help conservation officers determine whether the moose are temporarily passing through or establishing a more regular presence nearby.

Wildlife specialists note there may be two possible explanations for the behaviour being observed. One scenario is that the younger moose may actually be last year’s calf. Cow moose often encourage yearlings to separate in spring as they prepare for a new season and new territory. Alternatively, if the calf was born this year, it will usually remain closely beside its mother throughout its early development.

Park visitors should continue exercising caution around all wildlife. Moose, especially mothers with calves, can become defensive if approached too closely. Dogs should remain leashed, and observers should always maintain a respectful distance while allowing wildlife clear space to move away naturally.

Urban forests such as the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area provide valuable ecological refuge not only for birds and pollinators, but also for large mammals seeking food, shelter, and safe movement corridors. Community cooperation and timely reporting help conservation professionals protect both public safety and wildlife wellbeing.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert, enjoy wildlife responsibly, and report ongoing sightings so Saskatchewan conservation officers can continue monitoring the situation carefully.

Afforestation Area 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

Clavet Memorial Healing Forest honouring the Humboldt Broncos.

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

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

Clavet Memorial Healing Forest honouring the Humboldt Broncos.

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

Walking – Cycling Safely Among Moose

Sharing the Forest: Walking / Cycling Safely Among Moose in Urban Parks

There is something unforgettable about walking quietly through a forested park and suddenly noticing movement among the trees. A tall mother moose lifts her head from a willow thicket while her calf browses nearby, both perfectly at home in the woodland habitat they have adopted. In many Canadian communities, including parks and naturalized urban forests, moose are becoming more familiar sights as protected green spaces provide shelter, water, and abundant vegetation.

Moose are browsers, meaning they feed on leaves, twigs, aquatic plants, and shrubs rather than grazing on grasses. Wetlands, ponds, and wooded corridors offer ideal habitat, especially where willow, poplar, and dogwood grow naturally. A mother moose with a calf often seeks quieter forested areas away from roads and disturbances, where dense vegetation provides protection and food.

For park visitors, these encounters can feel magical. Watching a calf learning to browse beside its mother reminds us that urban forests are not simply recreational spaces for people; they are living ecosystems supporting wildlife. Yet experts caution that moose, especially females with calves, deserve both admiration and respect.

Wildlife agencies note that cow moose are highly protective during calving season and may charge if they perceive a threat. Moose can weigh over 700 kilograms and move surprisingly quickly despite their size. Unlike deer, moose often stand their ground rather than flee.

Precautions for Park Visitors

When walking in a park where moose live, several precautions help keep both people and wildlife safe:

Stay well back and observe quietly from a distance.
Never approach a calf, even if it appears alone; the mother is usually nearby.
Avoid getting between a mother and her calf.
Keep dogs leashed and far away, since moose may view dogs as predators similar to wolves.
Watch for warning signs such as pinned ears, raised neck hair, stomping, or head swaying.
If a moose appears agitated, slowly back away and place trees or large objects between yourself and the animal.
Never feed wildlife or attempt selfies or close photographs.
Moose Sightings in the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas: Why Reporting Matters

Parks agencies generally recommend remaining at least 25 metres away from moose, though greater distances are often safer around calves.

Morning and evening walks may increase the likelihood of encounters, especially near ponds, streams, or willow-rich habitats. Cyclists and joggers should slow down on wooded trails because sudden appearances can startle wildlife. Moose often blend remarkably well into forest vegetation despite their enormous size.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from sharing parks with moose is humility. These forests were wildlife habitats long before trails, benches, or paved pathways appeared. Seeing a mother moose and calf peacefully browsing among trembling aspens and willow shrubs is a reminder that successful conservation allows wild creatures to coexist alongside human communities.

When visitors respect boundaries and give wildlife space, parks remain safe for people while continuing to provide sanctuary for the animals that call the forest home.

Last sighted west of the SW OLRA, and east of the wetlands near the aspen bluff at or near GPS 52°06’04.7″N 106°45’53.3″W between the ancient abandoned portion of the Car Mart Road grade and the ancient and abandoned railway line grade. The latest update, is that there may be two different adult moose in the forest.

National Park Service. “Moose Safety.” Denali National Park and Preserve, U.S. Department of the Interior, https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/wildlife-safety.htm. Accessed 21 May 2026.

National Park Service. “Moose Safety.” Kenai Fjords National Park, U.S. Department of the Interior, https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/moose-safety.htm. Accessed 21 May 2026.

Northern Moose Alliance. “Moose Safety and Viewing Etiquette.” Northern Moose Alliance, https://moosealliance.org/moose-safety-and-viewing-etiquette/. Accessed 21 May 2026.

Parks Canada. “Moose Safety.” Kouchibouguac National Park, Government of Canada, https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac/visit/securite-safety/faune-wildlife/orignal-moose. Accessed 21 May 2026.

Afforestation Area 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 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

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

Finding Winter’s Quiet Magic

There are winter days—rare, special days—when the world looks as though it has stopped just long enough to take a deep breath. Days when every branch is edged with hoar frost, shining like silver lace; when the air smells of pine and something faintly hopeful; when you feel as though you’ve stepped straight through the pages of a Christmas card into a land where snow always falls softly and nothing is ever in a rush.

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is one of those extraordinary places. Tucked into the heart of Saskatoon’s WinterCity spirit, it becomes a forest of quiet marvels once winter settles in. Here, the trees stand still and proud in their sparkling coats, and the only chatter comes from the tiny, cheerful birds who don’t seem to mind the cold one bit.

In the hush of snow, the fairytale begins.

Walk slowly—winter likes you better when you take your time.

You might spot a Red-breasted Nuthatch darting between the evergreens with the energy of someone late for a very tiny appointment. A White-breasted Nuthatch might shuffle up a trunk like a small, determined mountaineer. The Black-capped Chickadees hop about like living ornaments, their calls ringing through the stillness like little bells. And if you’re lucky, a Pileated Woodpecker might hammer away with the gusto of a craftsman working on a secret project. Above the treetops, Pine Siskins flit like golden sparks, and flocks of Bohemian Waxwings wander the winter sky in soft, swirling clouds.

It’s enough to make you forget the cold entirely.

If you bring a picnic, winter becomes even friendlier. Find a bench, settle your thermos between your hands, and watch the feeders sway gently as the birds come and go. There is something wonderfully grounding about sipping hot chocolate while snow gathers in the quiet corners of the forest. Everything feels calmer. The world feels kinder.

This isn’t simply a walk—it’s a moment of reconnection.

A reminder that nature isn’t a place set aside for special occasions; it is a patient companion, always ready to steady us. In winter, it teaches us the art of paying attention. Every breath of crisp air, every crunch of snow underfoot, every upward glance through frost-framed branches whispers the same thing:
Slow down. Look closely. There is wonder everywhere.

“Where hoar frost sparkles, winter wonder begins.”

Hoar Frost and Rime Ice covering the trees at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon , SK , in the bright morning sunlight

A bit of fog and hoar frost in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatoon’s Winter Spirit

Across northern cities like Saskatoon, people have begun reimagining winter—not as a long stretch to be endured, but as a season full of possibility. Instead of huddling away until spring, we ARE finding ways to make the colder months lively, inviting, and joyful. The idea is to spotlight winter’s charm so everyone can come outside and enjoy it.

Walk gently—winter is listening.

Here in Saskatoon, this approach is gathered under the umbrella of WintercityYXE—a shared community effort that celebrates everything that makes the city feel alive in winter. Let us embrace the season with enthusiasm! The goal is simple: build a city where winter feels welcoming, safe, and accessible for all.

“Nature slows. Wonder grows.”

A Season to Share

As you wander through the frost-bright forest, you may find yourself thinking about how easy it is to overlook these simple, extraordinary moments. A bird’s sudden flutter. The glow of low winter sun. The hush that settles on the world after snowfall. These small things become anchors—reminders of the beauty we live alongside and the responsibility we share in caring for it.

So come.
Come to the trees.
Come to the quiet.
Come to the winter that waits patiently for you to notice just how magical it can be.

Let the frost, the birds, the branches, and the stillness settle softly into your heart. Share this space. Protect it. Cherish it.

A fairytale carved from snow and silence

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas welcome you to explore more at friendsareas.ca.
Your winter adventure is waiting—ready to take root, just like the trees.

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 or

Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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..”

The Living Classroom: Teaching Children the Language of the Forest

There is a moment — quiet, almost imperceptible — when a child first notices the rustle of life beneath the canopy. A beetle turning over a fallen leaf, a chickadee flitting between branches, the sunlight filtering through layers of green. It is in that instant that understanding begins: a realization that the forest is not merely a collection of trees, but a living, breathing community of countless species, each bound to the others in a delicate web of life.

In Saskatoon’s afforestation areas, these lessons are being sown with care. The work of conservation here is not only about protecting trees or safeguarding species at risk, though these are noble aims. It is about nurturing a generation capable of seeing themselves as part of the natural world—a generation that understands that when one element of the ecosystem falters, all are affected.

Education programs and stewardship initiatives invite young minds to explore with curiosity and purpose. Children are learning that each tree is more than wood and leaves; it is a habitat, a refuge, a home. Beneath their feet lie networks of roots and fungi—silent communicators that sustain the forest community. Above, the canopy shelters the nests of birds, the dens of squirrels, and the cool breath of shade-loving plants.

Yet, these places are fragile. When children push over saplings or try to push over a tree or bang on tree trunks as they run through the forest, hit nests from trees, the harm may not be visible at first—but it is real. Each scar on bark opens a doorway for fungus, pathogens, and pests, weakening the very trees that sustain the forest’s life. And beyond the trees, there are plant species at risk—delicate forbs that struggle to survive beneath the shadow of human carelessness.

That is why stewardship must be taught not as restriction, but as relationship. There are wide open grass spaces for play, for laughter and movement. But through the forest, we walk gently. We stay on the trails, we listen before we touch, and we look before we act. Every step can be a step of respect—for the chickadee’s nest, the wild rose’s roots, the trembling aspen’s song.

In these forests, three tree species are at risk—a solemn reminder that even the giants among us need protection. Do you know which they are? It is a question worth pondering, for awareness is the first act of stewardship.

And so, through every classroom visit, every guided walk, and every act of citizen science, we are advancing stewardship initiatives that bridge science, citizen action, and sustainability. We are spreading education and awareness, encouraging greater care for these vital green spaces in Saskatoon.

Together, we are planting seeds—not only in the ground, but in young minds. Seeds of curiosity, care, and empathy. The impact of these efforts will ripple outward, as each child carries the memory of the forest into the wider world, fostering stewardship for decades to come.

For in the end, conservation is not merely about saving the trees—it is about saving our sense of belonging within the great, unfolding story of life on Earth. And that story continues, one child, one tree, one forest at a time.

Close-up of American elm (Ulmus americana) buds on a young brown twig. The buds are oval-shaped with pointed tips and a scale-like pattern, projecting in the same direction as the branch. The scales are reddish-brown and somewhat hairy along the edges, and the twig is smooth to lightly hairy. The buds are longer and less squat compared with Siberian elm buds. Courtesy Matt Lavin, CC BY 2.0

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 or

Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

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

Breaking Barriers Together

Breaking Barriers Together: Paving the Way for an Inclusive Future

In the spirit of National AccessAbility Week, this year’s theme—“Breaking barriers together: Paving the way for an inclusive future”—resonates deeply with the recent enhancements at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA) in Saskatoon. These improvements, particularly the new crusher dust trail on the east side of the area, exemplify how thoughtful urban planning can foster inclusivity and accessibility for all.

City of Saskatoon Natural Infrastructure Funding ProjectCoS NIF

Wheeling through a forest in a wheelchair with a friend

The RSBBAA, a 132-hectare urban forest planted to trees in 1972, has long been a cherished green space for Saskatonians. However, parts of the area remained less accessible due to uneven and natural terrain. Recognizing the need to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, the City of Saskatoon undertook a project to upgrade a 947-meter stretch of dirt path to a 3-meter-wide crusher dust trail. This initiative, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund, aims to improve accessibility while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

The new trail not only enhances physical access but also symbolizes a commitment to inclusivity in urban design. By providing a stable and smooth surface, the trail ensures that individuals using wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility aids can navigate the space with greater ease. Moreover, the trail encourages visitors to stay on designated paths, thereby protecting sensitive ecosystems and species at risk within the forest.

Community engagement played a pivotal role in this project. Residents, local organizations, and volunteers collaborated to identify areas needing improvement and to support the implementation of the upgrades. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing these green spaces, were instrumental in advocating for the project and mobilizing community support.

As we celebrate National AccessAbility Week, the enhancements at RSBBAA serve as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to break down barriers. The new crusher dust trail is more than just a path through the forest; it is a pathway to inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the tranquility and beauty of Saskatoon’s hidden gem.

For more information on the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and its accessibility initiatives, friendsareas.ca and City of Saskatoon

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

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

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..”

Dog Sledding Through the Saskatoon Winter

Dog Sledding Through the Saskatoon Winter: A Journey Into History and Adventure

Tune in Monday December 30, 2024 around 7:30 a.m. to hear the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area interview with Jeremy Dodge, Anchor CTV News Saskatoon CTV Morning Live airs weekday mornings 6:00 am – 9:00 am.

The greatly appreciated Television Coverage by Global News, Saskatoon. — The greatly appreciated Television Coverage by CTV Morning Live, Saskatoon.

Dog Sledding Event Saturday January 13, 2024 at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area — The greatly appreciated Television Coverage by CTV Morning Live, Saskatoon.

There’s something magical about the Saskatoon winter. The air, biting and crisp, wraps itself around you like a secret waiting to be discovered. The quiet of the snow-covered forest, the beauty of frost on the trees, and the exhilarating rush of a dog sled ride. This January, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area invite you to experience it all, with the Frozen Trails and Wagging Tails: Dog Sledding Delight event. And you can get a sneak peek of this unforgettable adventure on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., when Jeremy Dodge, the anchor of CTV Morning Live, sits down to interview Julia Adamson and Rahul Shekar of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area. Stay tuned to your television, or the CTV News Website.

Jeremy’s interview will focus on the unique history of dog sledding, an integral part of First Nations and Métis culture. For those of us more accustomed to the land of urban convenience, there’s something enchanting about connecting to the past through the sound of sled runners gliding over snow, and the sight of sled dogs working in perfect harmony with their mushers.

The event, taking place on January 4, 2025, will introduce participants to two passionate mushers, Dan Kirkup from Battle River Kennel and Garrick Schmidt from Eagle Ridge Kennel. Garrick’s kennel, Métis owned and operated, adds an extra layer of significance to the day, linking the rich culture of dog sledding with the modern-day preservation efforts of the region. These men, who could easily be mistaken for Santa’s most enthusiastic helpers, have dedicated their lives to working with dogs—dogs that are more than just athletes—they are family.

Dan and Garrick share a genuine love for their dogs, and the joy is infectious. The dogs, some of which can hardly contain their excitement before a race, show just how much they thrive on the run. Watching them in action, it’s easy to forget the chill in the air as you’re swept away by the energy and enthusiasm of these incredible canine athletes.

But it’s not just the dogs who will steal your heart. The event is designed to give you a deeper connection to Saskatoon’s wilderness and the rich history of the land. You’ll enjoy a 10-minute sled ride through the pristine forest, with expert guides sharing their knowledge of the forest’s beauty and its cultural significance. The experience promises winter fun, heartwarming moments, and stunning views.

Of course, as with all great adventures, this is a limited-capacity event, so pre-registration is a must. The last thing you want is to miss out on an afternoon of frosty fun because someone else beat you to it! Head over to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area website at friendsareas.ca to reserve your spot.

For those unfamiliar with the area, the event location is easily accessible. Drive along Circle Drive toward the City’s landfill, passing the Civic Operations Centre, Bus Barns, and Snowdump area. Then turn right (north) off onto Valley Road and follow Township Road 362-A (Cedar Villa Road). Continue west until you reach the forest and signs for the South West Off-Leash Recreation Area. From there, the adventure awaits. Please come out ahead of time and explore all the parking areas of this Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

The Frozen Trails and Wagging Tails event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the City of Saskatoon and the YXE WinterCity Grant. This collaboration celebrates not just winter sports but the importance of preserving our natural spaces and connecting with history in meaningful ways.

So, mark your calendar for January 4, 2025. Tune in to CTV Morning Live on December 30, 2024, to learn more about this extraordinary event. It’s more than just dog sledding. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the snow melts. And who knows? It might just inspire you to put on your warmest coat, grab your mittens, and start planning your next winter adventure.

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 – 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

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.com Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Support via Zeffy

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

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

Support using Canada Helps