Welcome, nature explorers!

Did you know that here in Saskatoon, on the very first day of the City Nature Challenge, in these early spring months with amazing temperatures, we already had 188 observations of organisms, spotted 94 different species, with the help of 30 identifiers and 21 keen observers? What an incredible start — and it’s all thanks to everyday heroes like you who are stepping outside and tuning into the world around them. What a great time to be outside connecting to nature!

Now it’s your turn to join the adventure! 🌎✨ Download the free iNaturalist app and be part of this exciting global event. Every photo and sound you record — whether it’s the cheerful call of a Robin, the sweet song of a Meadowlark, a busy ant on the move, a fluttering butterfly, a playful squirrel, or the delicate shimmer of a spider web — helps scientists, conservationists, and our whole community understand and protect the biodiversity we treasure.

Be the voice for nature today, Sunday, and Monday (April 28)! Together, we can celebrate Saskatoon’s wild side and show the world just how vibrant our corner of the Earth truly is. 🌿📸🎶

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible supporters: SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, the Saskatoon Nature Society, and Wild About Saskatoon. Your generosity and commitment to environmental stewardship make events like the City Nature Challenge possible. Together, we are fostering a stronger connection between people and the natural world, inspiring a new generation of nature lovers and citizen scientists. Thank you for helping us celebrate and protect the beauty that surrounds us!

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

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

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

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

BlueSky Social

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

Support via Zeffy

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

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

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

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

““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

Saskatoon’s Ecological Wonders: Wildlife Conservation Celebration

On December 4th, join the world in celebrating Wildlife Conservation Day with a visit to the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. These awe-inspiring man-made forests create a unique eco-tone that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including birds and animals, as well as flora and fauna. Come out and explore these winter wonderlands while learning about winter bird feeding do’s and don’ts. And if you’re feeling extra inspired, join the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas to help protect and document the amazing wildlife in these areas. Celebrate Wildlife Conservation Day with a visit to these two remarkable afforestation areas!

Overview of wildlife conservation day and location

Every year on December 4th, Wildlife Conservation Day is celebrated around the world. This day serves as a reminder to appreciate and protect nature’s wild creatures for future generations. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan offers two remarkable parks that provide incredible habitat for birds and animals, as well as flora and fauna native to the area: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Established in 1972 and named in 1978, the two afforestation areas have been supported by Friends of Saskatoon Afforestation Areas since 2015 clean ups, and officially becoming a charity in 2019. The Friends are committed to conserving these eco-tone parks.

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area offers visitors a chance to explore its network of walking or biking trails while at George Genereux Urban Regional Park there are wetlands, woodlands, meadows and prairies featuring even more wildlife activities such as winter bird feeding do’s and don’ts – from what types of food they should eat during colder months to how we can feed them safely whilst preserving their habitats! On December 4th Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas invite you to join them in their mission towards protecting these stunning man-made forests with various activities dedicated solely to this cause!

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area: wetlands, woodlands and meadows

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada is an incredible man-made forest and a prime example of a moist mixed grasslands ecosystem. This area is home to a variety of wildlife, including more than 200 species of birds that can be seen year round. Mammals such as white-tailed deer and jackrabbits also make their home here, while wildflowers abound in the spring and summer months.

This afforestation area provides an ideal habitat for its animal residents due to its wide range of ecosystems. The wetlands are full of aquatic plants and many amphibian species such as frogs and salamanders, while woodlands provide shelter for birds and small mammals like squirrels. The meadows bursting with different flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer months, providing food for other animals such as bats.

For those wanting to explore the park further, trails provide a great way to appreciate the diversity of this ecosystem. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and are often lined with wildflowers, cattails, and other native plants. Birdwatchers can keep an eye out for some of the species that call this park home such as red-winged blackbirds, northern harriers, killdeer and more. With its unique blend of woodlands, meadows and prairies teeming with life, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is a must see for anyone looking to experience nature in all its glory!

George Genereux Urban Regional Park: flora and fauna

It’s important to appreciate each of these ecosystems within the afforestation area so we can better understand how to protect them from destruction or overuse. We need to take time to celebrate Wildlife Conservation Day on December 4th by exploring this unique afforested area and learning how our actions will affect its marvelous wildlife inhabitants. Join Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas on December 4th for activities dedicated solely to protecting this amazing man-made forest!

Winter bird feeding do’s and don’ts

Winter bird feeding can be a great way to enjoy watching birds in the winter months while also helping to conserve wildlife. However, it’s important to follow certain guidelines in order to ensure the health and safety of the birds. Here are some do’s and don’ts for winter bird feeding that you should keep in mind when visiting Saskatoon’s Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Urban Regional Park:

Do offer a variety of seed types: Different species of birds prefer different types of food, so make sure you provide a variety of seeds to attract more birds. Sunflower seeds, millet and safflower are all good options for providing energy-rich foods that most birds will enjoy.

Do provide fresh water: Birds need access to clean water year-round, but this is especially important during the winter months when there is less natural water available due to frozen ground or snow accumulation. Make sure you regularly refill your bird bath with fresh water, as well as periodically cleaning it out to prevent algae buildup.

Do use feeders that are safe from predators: Raptors such as hawks and owls may come around looking for an easy meal if they know there is food nearby. To protect your feathered friends from these predators, use feeders with covers that have small openings so they can still get their food but larger predators won’t be able to reach them.

Don’t use feeders with sharp edges or deep bowls: If you’re using a homemade feeder, make sure it doesn’t have any sharp edges or deep bowls that could injure smaller birds while they’re eating. Additionally, avoid placing bird feeders too close together as this could lead to fighting among species over food sources.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the birds visiting Saskatoon’s afforestation areas during the colder months while helping them thrive in their habitats!

Join the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas

Celebrate Wildlife Conservation Day by joining the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and help protect these amazing man-made forests. This volunteer group was created to assist with the conservation and protection of these two afforestation areas. The organization focuses on protecting the wildlife in these areas, as well as encouraging visitors to experience nature in its purest form.

Membership is open to anyone who wants to contribute their time and efforts towards the conservation of these afforestation areas. You can also donate money or supplies if you are unable to contribute your time. Become a member of this organization and stay up-to-date on their activities through their newsletter, blog posts, and social media accounts. Additionally, attend their virtual monthly meetings where you can discuss plans for conservation and protection of the afforestation areas with other members of the organization.

Share your experiences with others by writing reviews or taking pictures while visiting these natural wonders and post them online. By joining this organization, you can help ensure that these magnificent forests are protected for future generations to come. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers along too! It only takes one small action from each person to make a big difference in preserving our planet’s precious resources.

or 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 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
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
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
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
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.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
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

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