local climate – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

The Dance of Weather: How Trees and Forests Shape Our World

The Dance of Weather: How Trees and Forests Shape Our World

Imagine standing beneath the vast canopy of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Urban Regional Park, where the intricate dance of weather unfolds before your eyes. Here, local weather patterns intertwine with the natural rhythms of the forest, revealing a fascinating interplay between temperature, wind, sunlight, precipitation, humidity, and cloud cover.

As you explore, you’ll notice how the forest responds to various weather conditions. On a sunny day, the temperature rises as the sun’s rays filter through the leafy canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The trees, with their lush foliage, play a crucial role in moderating this heat. They absorb and transpire water, releasing it into the atmosphere and cooling the air around them. Richard St. Barbe Baker once observed, “A high tree will transpire as much as from 100 gallons to 500 gallons of water a day into the air,” illustrating the trees’ vital role in regulating temperature and humidity.

When wind sweeps through the forest, it carries the fresh, earthy scent of the trees and the soft rustle of leaves. The direction and speed of the wind influence how air moves through the forest, dispersing seeds and aiding in pollination. The forest’s microclimate is shaped by these wind patterns, affecting everything from temperature to the distribution of moisture.

Precipitation, whether it falls as rain or snow, is another key player in this dynamic system. When rainstorm clouds gather, the canopy of trees acts as a natural buffer. The leaves and branches intercept and slow down the rainfall, allowing it to gently reach the forest floor. The layer of fallen leaves and humus beneath acts like a sponge, absorbing and slowly releasing water into the soil. This process not only conserves water but also prevents soil erosion and reduces the risk of floods and droughts. Richard St. Barbe Baker noted, “The trees not only conserve water but they also conserve the soil and in this way tend to prevent floods and droughts.”

It is well known that water vapor in the air, when forced to rise by mountain ranges, cools, condenses, and falls as rain; water transpired by forests has a similar cooling effect on the air and ‘seeds’ rain clouds. Dr. Paul Schreiber, a meteorologist who conducted extensive research in this field, concluded that a region covered by forest increases rainfall to the same degree as elevating the region by approximately 650 feet. Other observers maintain that the vertical influence of the forest can extend to thousands of feet. Forests also protect the soil from desiccating winds, with their beneficial influence extending up to thirty times their average height. This underscores the role of forests in creating rain within a locality and region, highlighting the importance of treating the hydrologic and climate-cooling effects of trees and forests as a top priority.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Saskatoon, SK, CA

Cloud cover and relative humidity are essential in maintaining the forest’s balance. On cloudy days, the forest enjoys a respite from the sun’s intense heat, while high humidity levels help sustain the forest’s diverse plant and animal life. The interplay of these weather elements influences the growth and health of the forest, highlighting the interconnectedness of weather and ecosystem.

Pioneering research by Rudolph Geiger in Germany established microclimatology as a significant field of study which revealed that distinct microclimates are determined by canopy cover, species composition, rain interception, and dew formation, among other factors. This research has helped us understand the profound impact of forests on local and regional climates.

On a broader scale, understanding local, national, and global weather patterns helps us address various weather-related challenges. Air movement and solar energy transfer drive global weather systems, influencing everything from seasonal changes to extreme weather events. By studying these patterns, scientists can better predict and prepare for weather impacts on society and the environment.

The wisdom of Richard St. Barbe Baker reminds us of the profound relationship between trees, water, and weather. He observed, “Men and trees, water and trees, man and water are inseparable. This is the trinity of life.” The health of our forests is intrinsically linked to the stability of our climate and the well-being of our communities.

Watch and observe weather signs in the forest, when the leaves of a trembling aspen turn over, it’s a sign that rain is on its way. Dandelion flowers love the sunshine and close up when it’s cloudy or rainy making another excellent weather forecaster.

2023 Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inspirational Calendar. Landscapes courtesy Vivian Allan. Sample January Month showing. Support Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon — The winter season Landscapes courtesy Vivian Allan. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon

1. Weather and Community Impact Research Project:

Activity: Investigate how short- and long-term weather forecasts are used in your community. Create a presentation on how local weather affects daily activities such as choosing food, clothing, and transportation. For example; How do you think year(s) of drought or year(s) of spring flooding, or summer(s) of rains would affect the Saskatoon berry plant, misaskwatomin (nêhiyawak Plains Cree), gozigwaakomin (nakawē Saulteaux), wípazutkȟaŋ / wipazuka(yankton and yanktonai Nakota people), lii pwayr (Michif language of the Métis), L’Amélanchier à feuilles d’aulne ou Aronie fleuri (Français language of the francophone or French speaking people)
Objective: Understand the practical applications of weather forecasting in daily life and its impact on community decisions.

2. Traditional Weather Terms Exploration:

Activity: Research weather-related vocabulary in different languages, including Francophone, Métis, nêhiyawak (Plains Cree), Nakawē Saulteaux, and Yankton Nakota. Create a bilingual weather glossary to display and/or a poster with images.
Objective: Learn about the cultural significance and diversity of weather terms across different languages.

3. Forest Weather Interaction Investigation:

Activity: Conduct a field study in a local forest area to observe how different weather conditions affect trees and the surrounding ecosystem. Document findings and compare them with the observations of Richard St. Barbe Baker and Dr. Paul Schreiber.
Objective: Explore the relationship between weather patterns and forest ecosystems.

4. Long-Term Weather Effects Analysis:

Activity: Research how long-term changes in weather have affected local, national, and global communities. Create a timeline or infographic showing these impacts on different regions.
Objective: Examine the broader effects of weather changes on societies and environments around the world.

5. Organism -plant and animal- Behavior and Weather Patterns Study:

Activity: Observe local organisms and their behaviors in response to changing weather conditions. Compare these observations with the behaviors of organisms mentioned in the story, such as the trembling aspen and dandelion flowers.
Objective: Understand how animals adapt to weather changes and how this knowledge can be used to predict weather patterns.

Restoring Forests to Fight Climate Change

In the fight against climate change, trees are among our strongest allies. Not only do they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but they also cool our planet through a process called transpiration. This cooling effect has recently been studied in the Eastern United States, where researchers found that reforestation has significantly cooled the land surface and air temperature, providing a natural solution to the warming climate.

The study, led by Mallory L. Barnes from Indiana University, investigated the impact of reforestation on the climate of the Eastern United States (EUS) during the 20th century. The research team found that forests cool the land surface by 1–2°C annually compared to nearby grasslands and croplands, with the strongest cooling effect during midday in the growing season, when cooling is 2–5°C. Young forests (20–40 years) have the strongest cooling effect on surface temperature. This cooling effect also extends to the near-surface air, with forests reducing midday air temperature by up to 1°C compared to nearby non-forests.

The study’s findings have important implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Reforestation in temperate regions, such as the EUS, could provide a complementary set of benefits: mitigating climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while also helping with adaptation to rising temperatures by cooling surface and air temperatures over large areas.

This research has received widespread attention, including an article by The Guardian, which described the study’s findings as a “stunning feat” in curtailing the soaring temperatures caused by the climate crisis. The recovery of forests in the Eastern United States has helped stall the effects of global heating through transpiration, in which water is drawn up through the roots to the leaves and then released into the air as vapor, slightly cooling the surrounding area.

As we continue to face the impacts of climate change, the importance of trees in mitigating and adapting to these changes cannot be overstated. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are dedicated to preserving and restoring our forests, recognizing the critical role they play in protecting our planet. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

“Plant Trees, Save the World: The Ultimate Cooling Solution!”

References:
Barnes, M. L., Zhang, Q., Robeson, S. M., Young, L., Burakowski, E. A., Oishi, A. C., Stoy, P. C., Katul, G., & Novick, K. A. (2022). A Century of Reforestation Reduced Anthropogenic Warming in the Eastern United States. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(2), e2021GL097144. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL097144

Milman, O. (2024, February 20). Very cool: trees stalling effects of global heating in eastern US, study finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/20/trees-stalling-effects-of-global-heating-in-eastern-us-study-finds

“Forests: The Secret to a Cooler Climate!”

Sept 24 clean up at both Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and at George Genereux Urban Regional Park, Saskatoon The Clean Green Community Scene — Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

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 – 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 WFor 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
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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 )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal 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!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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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!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 This greenspace is located in the South West area of Saskatoon

The Cooling Canopy: How Reforestation is Keeping Temperatures in Check

Restoring and preserving the world’s forests are promising natural pathways to mitigate some aspects of climate change. In addition to regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, forests modify surface and near-surface air temperatures through biophysical processes. In the eastern United States (EUS), widespread reforestation during the 20th century coincided with an anomalous lack of warming, raising questions about reforestation’s contribution to local cooling and climate mitigation. Using new cross-scale approaches and multiple independent sources of data, we uncovered links between reforestation and the response of both surface and air temperature in the EUS. Ground- and satellite-based observations showed that EUS forests cool the land surface by 1–2°C annually compared to nearby grasslands and croplands, with the strongest cooling effect during midday in the growing season, when cooling is 2–5°C. Young forests (20–40 years) have the strongest cooling effect on surface temperature. Surface cooling extends to the near-surface air, with forests reducing midday air temperature by up to 1°C compared to nearby non-forests. Analyses of historical land cover and air temperature trends showed that the cooling benefits of reforestation extend across the landscape. Locations surrounded by reforestation were up to 1°C cooler than neighboring locations that did not undergo land cover change, and areas dominated by regrowing forests were associated with cooling temperature trends in much of the EUS. Our work indicates reforestation contributed to the historically slow pace of warming in the EUS, underscoring reforestation’s potential as a local climate adaptation strategy in temperate regions.

Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the observed lack of 20th-century warming in the eastern United States (e.g., Meehl et al., 2012; Z. Pan et al., 2004; Partridge et al., 2018; Tosca et al., 2017). The work here does not identify widespread reforestation as the sole factor causing the EUS warming hole or its trend, but multiple independent data sources suggest it can be an important contributor to this lack of historic regional warming. Beyond that, the study provides robust evidence of local biophysical climate benefits of reforestation in the EUS. The strong and persistent increase in forest cover throughout the region in the 20th century contributed to cooling, which is consistent with observed temperature changes. In addition, the findings demonstrate that reforestation has a consistent cooling effect on both surface and air temperatures, especially during midsummer periods when high temperatures can be most harmful. These findings emphasize the potential for reforestation to provide local climate adaptation benefits in temperate regions such as the EUS, highlighting the importance of biophysical co-benefits of nature-based climate solutions.

But don’t take our word for it, please read:

A Century of Reforestation Reduced Anthropogenic Warming in the Eastern United States written by Mallory L. Barnes, Quan Zhang, Scott M. Robeson, Lily Young, Elizabeth A. Burakowski, A. Christopher. Oishi, Paul C. Stoy, Gaby Katul, Kimberly A. Novick and published in the American Geophysical Union AGU Advancing Earth and Space Sciences Journal by John Wiley and Sons Inc.

This scientific article was reviewed by The Guardian;

Very cool: trees stalling effects of global heating in eastern US, study finds Vast reforestation a major reason for ‘warming hole’ across parts of US where temperatures have flatlined or cooled. Written by Oliver Milman Feb 17, 2024.