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
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.
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.
MooseBull Moose brayingMoose laying down during daytime
WALKING THROUGH TIME AND TERRAIN: A Pilgrim’s Journey Into the Heart of the Wild City
Today, at one o’clock sharp, the soul of Saskatoon will stir.
There in the whispering grass and willow-thick shadows of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, people will gather—not to build, pave, or take—but to listen and talk and join the conversation. We’ll join the walk called “Walking Through Time and Terrain”, one thread in the great tapestry that is the Jane’s Walk Festival. It’s a festival born not of fanfare or flash, but of principle—Jane Jacobs’ principle—that cities are most alive when we, the people, are fully present in the places we call home.
We’ll be there, boots dusty, journal in hand, walking not just through the marshes and woods of the West Swale, but through eras, stories, and ice age adventures. This is no idle stroll—it is a pilgrimage through past and present: a chance to hear how glaciers sculpted our land in the Pleistocene, how leaders like B.T. Chappell and Richard St. Barbe Baker shaped its meaning, and how, even now, a moose once quietly moved through the trees, as if summoned by our collective memory.
Yes, moose.
Because alongside our musings on infrastructure, wetlands, and community planning, we will take time to honor the silent sentinel of our woodlands. She had no voice in meetings or maps, yet she reminds us, more eloquently than any city planner, what it means to coexist. Meadow, Shadow, Maggie—what shall we name her to retain her memory? The people will decide. The children will dream. And together, we’ll remember how to live with wildness at our doorstep.
That is the gift of this Jane’s Walk: not just movement through space, but a deepening of place. You’ll leave not only with wind-kissed cheeks and soil on your shoes, but with a new sense of belonging. Of stewardship. Of awe.
So pack your repellent. Tie your laces. Bring your questions and your reverence.
And if you should meet the moose? She is gone. Bow your head a little. She was the keeper of an ancient truth we’ve nearly forgotten:
We are not the masters of this land. We are its guests.
Living in Harmony with Moose: Safe Encounters and the Name the Moose Contest
The majestic moose (Alces alces) has long been an iconic symbol of the wild forests and wetlands of Saskatchewan. As these giant herbivores make their way through the woods of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA) and George Genereux Urban Regional Park, it’s important for residents and visitors to understand how to live harmoniously with these magnificent creatures. This year, we are excited to announce that a female moose has recently been spotted in the west side of RSBBAA, and a moose sighting recently on the east side of the park. Previously, a moose family even overwintered in George Genereux Park. With sightings becoming more common, it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of the best ways to coexist with these wild animals while also participating in a fun and educational event: our Name the Moose contest!
Understanding Moose and Safe Interactions
Moose are typically solitary animals, known for their peaceful nature. However, they can become agitated or aggressive if they feel threatened, particularly during the spring when they are protective of their calves. The gestation period for moose is around 230 days, meaning that moose calves are usually born in late May or early June. This makes it especially important to give mother moose and their newborns plenty of space during this time. When you spot a moose in the wild, keep a respectful distance and observe from afar.
Moose can become aggressive if approached too closely, especially by dogs. Dog and moose interactions can be dangerous, as a moose will often perceive a dog as a threat to its young. Always keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas known to have moose activity, and avoid walking near them during the spring when they are most protective.
If you encounter a moose, remember to stay calm and slowly back away. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the moose. Moose typically don’t chase humans but will defend themselves or their young if they feel cornered.
The Name the Moose Contest
To make things even more exciting, we’re asking for your help to name our local moose! This is a fun and engaging way for the community to connect with the wildlife in our parks and learn more about these incredible animals. Currently, the names that have been suggested for the female moose include:
Meadow
Shadow (She moved quietly through the bush in George Genereux like a shadow)
Melvin (Melvin the Moose!)
Nahale (meaning “forest” in Native American, for a beautiful baby boy)
You can participate by submitting your name suggestion or voting on the names you like best. To cast your vote, visit our Facebook page, where we’ll be asking for your input on which name should be chosen for our local moose.
For the Name the Moose contest, we will be asking these five questions:
What would be your advice for a moose encounter?
Have you ever encountered a moose anywhere?
Why was the person Richard St. Barbe Baker notable?
Why was the person George Genereux significant?
What wild animals have you seen in either Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or in George Genereux Urban Regional Park?
Join us for the grand finale of the Name the Moose Event at the upcoming Jane’s Walk:
Where: To support the likes on FB, During this event at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA), we’ll be discussing moose behavior, habitat, and safety tips for living with these majestic creatures, and of course, we’ll add to the existing FB vote results and at the event or shortly thereafter announcing the results of the Name the Moose contest.
Tips for Safe Encounters
Keep Your Distance: Always stay at least 30 meters (roughly the length of three school buses) away from any moose you encounter. If you need to pass, retreat slowly and keep an obstacle, such as a tree or vehicle, between you and the moose.
Stay Calm: If you spot a moose while walking or biking, don’t approach it. Stay calm, and slowly back away. Moose are generally not aggressive but may defend themselves or their young if they feel threatened.
Leash Your Dog: Dogs can provoke moose, so always keep your dog on a leash. In some cases, moose have been known to charge when they perceive a dog as a threat to their calves.
Drive Cautiously: Moose can be hard to see, especially at dawn or dusk. If you’re driving in areas known for moose sightings, slow down and remain vigilant.
Avoid Feeding Moose: Feeding moose is illegal and can cause them to become reliant on humans for food. Never feed wildlife, and encourage others to do the same.
Protecting Moose Habitats
Moose rely on a variety of plants for food. In the warmer months, they feed on aquatic vegetation and shrubs, while in winter, they turn to woody browse, such as twigs and young trees. Understanding their food sources helps us appreciate their role in the ecosystem and the need for conservation.
Human expansion and climate change pose risks to moose populations. Warmer temperatures can alter the types of vegetation that thrive in moose habitats, which can impact their survival. Preserving forests and wetlands is essential to ensuring moose populations remain healthy and thrive.
How You Can Help
Report Sightings: If you see a moose in urban areas, especially near public spaces like playgrounds, contact local wildlife authorities.
Respect Their Space: Understand that moose are wild animals and need their space. Always observe from a distance to prevent any distress to the animal.
Support Conservation Efforts: Support organizations and initiatives dedicated to preserving moose habitats and educating the public on safe interactions.
Conclusion
Living in harmony with moose is about understanding their behavior, respecting their space, and taking steps to ensure safe encounters. As we celebrate the moose that have made their way to our urban parks, let’s remember that we are part of a shared environment, and together, we can help protect these magnificent animals. Don’t forget to join us at the Jane’s Walk on May 3, 2025, to continue the vote on the winning name for our local moose and learn more about these amazing creatures. Your participation matters, and together, we can make a difference!
For more information, please visit our Facebook page or contact us at friendsafforestation@gmail.com
Bull Moose brayingMooseMoose laying down during daytime
In the dense forests of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (west side) and the sprawling woodlands of George Genereux Park, with many walkers cyclists and hikers enjoying the outdoors, the giants of the northern wilderness also roam – the moose. These majestic creatures, often seen as the embodiment of the untamed wild, have graced these urban regional parks of Saskatoon with their occasional visits. Yet, these sightings, though rare, hold within them the spirit of the wilderness and a reminder of the profound beauty of nature that coexists within our city.
The moose, with its towering antlers and lumbering gait, is more than just a creature of the woods – it is a symbol of strength, resilience, and the deep roots of the wild. As they wander the edges of these green spaces, they become an integral part of the ecosystem, contributing to the health of the forest by browsing on shrubs and trees, maintaining the balance of the landscape.
Now, we have the opportunity to honor these incredible creatures in a way that celebrates their place in our local environment. The Name the Moose Contest is a chance for residents and wildlife enthusiasts to engage with the spirit of the moose in our own backyard. We invite all those who’ve witnessed these creatures firsthand or who hold a deep respect for the wilderness to submit their name suggestions for these local giants.
As the contest begins, we are reminded of the profound relationship between humans and the wild. Our encounters with moose are often fleeting, yet they leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
In order to participate, we ask five simple questions that invite reflection on the moose and the natural world that surrounds us:
What would be your advice for a moose encounter?
Have you ever encountered a moose anywhere? Every encounter with a moose is unique.
Why was Richard St. Barbe Baker notable?
Why was George Genereux significant?
What wild animals have you seen in either Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or in George Genereux Urban Regional Park? These two parks are rich in biodiversity.
The winning name for our moose will be chosen through a community vote on our Facebook page. The name that receives the most likes will stand as the symbol of these magnificent animals, a title bestowed upon them by the very people who share the space they roam. But it’s not just about the name – it’s about a deeper connection with the wildlife around us and fostering a community spirit of conservation and respect for the creatures with whom we share this land.
So, join us in celebrating the moose! Share your suggestions, answer the questions, and help us honor these magnificent creatures. The winning name will not only hold a place in the hearts of those who live in Saskatoon, but will also serve as a symbol of our commitment to preserving the wild spirit of these urban green spaces.
The Name the Moose Contest is not just about a name – it’s about connection. It’s about recognizing that we are part of something much larger, that the spirit of the wild resides in our parks, and that the moose, as well as all the creatures of our forests, deserve our respect and our care.
Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the legacy of the wild in Saskatoon, and to name a giant whose presence will echo in the forests for generations to come.
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
Name the Moose Contest: Help Us Choose the Perfect Name for Our Local Giants!
The Name the Moose contest is an exciting opportunity to get involved with the wildlife of Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Park -City of Saskatoon urban regional parks- where moose have occasionally been sighted. We’re calling on local residents and wildlife enthusiasts to submit their best name suggestions for these magnificent creatures. The proposed moose name with the most likes on our Facebook page will be crowned the winner, if they can answer the questions at the end of this article, and the lucky submitter will receive a special prize! Join us in celebrating the moose, and help us give one of these majestic animals a name that truly represents its spirit. Don’t miss out on this fun and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the park’s natural heritage!
Navigating Life with Moose: Tips for Safe Coexistence in Their Habitat
Living in harmony with moose (Alces alces), the majestic giants of the deer family, requires awareness, respect, and understanding of their behavior and needs. As one of the largest terrestrial mammals, moose hold a significant place in the ecosystems of northern forests and wetlands, playing a vital role in shaping their environments. However, living alongside these magnificent animals requires careful navigation of the potential risks and responsibilities involved.
Moose
Understanding Moose Behavior
Moose are generally solitary and peaceful animals, but they can become dangerous when they feel threatened, especially if they are protecting their young, navigating through stressful conditions, or during the fall mating season. In the spring; Moose are highly protective of their calves and can become aggressive when approached by people or dogs. Bull moose, too, can be unpredictable, particularly during the rut in late September and early October, when they are driven by the desire to establish dominance and find mates. Additionally, moose may feel cornered or threatened when they are obstructed on trails, roads, or other resting areas.
It’s important to observe the moose from a distance and be aware of physical warning signs. If a moose lowers its head, flattens its ears, or shows signs of agitation such as licking its lips or snorting, this could indicate that the animal feels threatened. When a moose is in this state, retreating slowly and maintaining distance is crucial to avoid escalating the situation.
Keep Your Distance: Respecting Boundaries
Maintaining a safe distance is paramount. A general rule of thumb is to stay at least 30 meters (roughly three school bus lengths) away from a moose. If you’re on a trail or road and encounter one, it’s best to wait for the moose to move away naturally. If you need to pass, however preferably you should retreat, keep a large object such as a tree, vehicle, or building between you and the moose. This allows you to make an escape if the animal becomes aggressive.
Moose are curious creatures, but they are also unpredictable. When on foot, bicycle or in a vehicle, avoid disturbing a moose’s rest or routine. Approaching them too closely can lead to unnecessary stress and provoke dangerous behavior to yourself or others nearby.
The Danger of Feeding Moose
Feeding moose is not only illegal but also dangerous. Humans can inadvertently condition moose to expect food, making the animals more aggressive and potentially dangerous when they aren’t fed. Wild animals should be allowed to forage naturally, without interference from humans. For the safety of both people and moose, never feed them, and discourage others from doing so.
Avoiding Conflict with Moose
Stay Alert and Calm: If you encounter a moose, stay calm and slowly back away in the direction you came from. Moose usually don’t chase humans but will defend themselves or their young if they feel cornered.
Keep Dogs Leashed: Dogs can provoke moose and lead to aggressive encounters. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking in areas where moose might be present.
Drive Cautiously: Moose are large and difficult to see on the road, especially at night or during dawn and dusk. Always drive slowly in areas where moose are common, and stay vigilant for signs of wildlife along roadsides.
Stay Inside: If a moose is lingering near a public area, especially a playground inside the city, report it to local wildlife authorities, but do not approach it. Maintain a safe distance and avoid placing yourself or others at risk.
Understanding Moose Habits: How to Practice Safe Avoidance
Know that your best chances of viewing a moose are in the afforestation areas, with Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Park being prime locations. The best time for spotting these majestic creatures is typically in May and early June, during the evening around dusk, or, better still, during the two or three hours after dawn when moose are most active. If you’re out driving in these areas, it’s crucial to be cautious. Easy on the gas pedal — you don’t want to have a vehicle-moose collision! If you see a driver ahead of you slow down for no apparent reason or stop by the side of the road with hazard lights flashing, it’s time to slow down yourself and approach cautiously. Chances are, the driver has spotted some wildlife, and in spring, it could very well be a moose.
Always remember: If you stop to view a moose, pull right over onto the shoulder, turn on your flashers, and stay in your car. It’s important to stay inside for your safety, as moose can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened. Keep your eyes peeled and have your camera ready, but always prioritize safety first!
Respecting Moose Habitat
Moose are herbivores and rely on a variety of plants throughout the year. During the warmer months, they feed on aquatic vegetation and shrubs. In winter, they turn to woody browse, such as twigs and young trees. Understanding the food sources and seasonal patterns of moose can help us appreciate their role in the ecosystem and how they adapt to changing conditions.
Climate change poses an additional threat to moose, as warmer temperatures and shifts in vegetation favor species like the white-tailed deer, which can outcompete moose in certain habitats. This, coupled with human expansion and habitat fragmentation, makes it more difficult for moose to thrive in their native ranges. Efforts to conserve and protect their habitats, such as preserving forests and wetlands, are essential in ensuring the survival of moose populations for future generations.
Collaborating for Conservation
Moose are a keystone species, impacting their environment and the wildlife that share it. In some regions, moose are at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, and disease such as chronic wasting disease (CWD), which has been identified in moose populations. Conservation efforts, including collaboration with local communities, governments, and indigenous knowledge systems, are vital to sustaining moose populations. We can all play a role in their preservation by respecting their natural behaviors, supporting conservation initiatives, and ensuring that human activity does not disrupt their ecosystems.
In summary, living in harmony with moose involves respecting their space, observing their behavior, and protecting their environment. By understanding the risks, maintaining safe distances, and helping preserve their natural habitat, we can coexist with these powerful creatures in a way that benefits both moose and humans alike.
For the Name the Moose contest, we will be asking these five questions:
What would be your advice for a moose encounter?
Have you ever encountered a moose anywhere?
Why was the person Richard St. Barbe Baker notable?
Why was the person George Genereux significant?
What wild animals have you seen in either Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or in George Genereux Urban Regional Park?
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
So, cattails and you, and why all parts of the cattail plant are amazing for a wild spring, summer or fall harvest. “The shoots or hearts, also known as “Cossack asparagaus,” are best harvested in spring or early summer, prior to the devlopment of the flower stalk” source So after harvesting the shoots, just rinse, soak in vinegar for 15-20 minutes and then rinse. <a href="http://<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>So, cattails and you, and why all parts of the cattail plant are amazing for a wild spring, summer or fall harvest. "The shoots or hearts, also known as "Cossack asparagaus," are best harvested in spring or early summer, prior to the devlopment of the flower stalk"<a href="https://wildfoodgirl.com/2013/cold-hearted-cattail-salads/"> source</a> So after harvesting the shoots, just rinse, soak in vinegar for 15-20 minutes and then rinse. </p> Cold Cattail and Tomato Salad is a great way to start out enjoying your Cattail harvest.
Remember to harvest your cattails alone, and without your puppy dog with you, as spring is nesting time for many waterfowl and animals. Humans are not the only animals who forage on cattails. “Wherever there are cattails, there’s food. The seeds, roots and shoots attract plant-eating animals, and predators that eat the cattail’s visitors. Ducks and Canada geese sometimes eat the tiny seeds, and geese dine on the plant’s new shoots and underwater roots…. Muskrats gnaw on the roots, and use the leaves to build a shelter, called a lodge, to keep themselves safe. It’s common to see red-winged blackbirds hanging around cattails. After the male finds a mate the birds use plants including cattail leaves to build their nest.” source
As you embark on the Cold Cattail and Tomato Salad, consider the nutritional benefits from Cattails, such as Manganese, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin B6 and Sodium. According to Health Benefits of Cattail, Uses And Its Side Effects, Cattails, help with mitigation of Anaemia, preventing cancer, controlling hypertension, reducing atherosclerosis risks, controlling diabetes, and is also a natural antiseptic.
Nature is the source of human subsistence but the transformation of nature into food is a cultural process that is not independent of power relations. The colonization of America comprised the systematic repression of indigenous ways of knowing and even after the elimination of political colonialism the relationship between European cultures and the others is still one of colonial domination. The colonial repression of different knowledges also affects the culinary epistemology that informs food preparation and consumption.
Muskrat West Swale Wetlands. Chappell Marsh. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA
Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA
Red Winged Blackbird. Chappell Marsh. West Swale Wetlands. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA
Canada Geese West Swale Wetlands. Chappell Marsh. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA
Drawing a Cattail Plant emerging from the Chappell Marsh Wetlands in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Always be careful about safety when around water . So today, is another momentous day to celebrate Tourism Week In Canada. Pop out for a visit to the afforestation areas, enjoy the delightful spring weather, and enjoy this man-made forest on the prairies.
Send in a comment on how you succeed with your foraging adventure! Stay tuned throughout tourism week for more Cattail recipes for your outdoor foraging foray.
“All of these things are food for insects, for birds, for bears, deer, elk and moose, and if we compromise that by our foraging … it won’t be long before these things are no longer here,” … Julie Walker recommends people plant some of these species in their backyard gardens — or at least stop the war on weeds and let and nature take its course. Many native species have qualities that can benefit a home garden, like requiring little to no maintenance and being drought-resistant, she added. People can also forage on public lands, as long as they learn to recognize healthy populations of wild plant species.
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 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! Canada Helps
Trees worked for millions of years to make it possible for man to come on this planet.
When speaking of the trees planted in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and those wooded areas with native growth, which tree is the loftiest of them all?
American Elm Ulmus americana a deciduous tree 20-25 meter (66 – 82 feet) tall.Green Ash Fraxinux pennsyvica a deciduous tree 12 m (39 feet) tall.
Balsam Poplar (Black Poplar) Populus Balsamifera deciduous tree reaching on occasion 25 m tall however usually 10-15 meters (33 – 39 feet).
Trembling Aspen Populus tremuloides a native deciduous tree usually 20 meters tall, but can reach 30 meters (98 feet) in height.
Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila. A deciduous tree. 10-20 meters (33 – 66 feet) in height.
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. coniferous tree up to 35 meters (115 feet) in height, though an exception may reach higher than 45 meters (148 feet).
Blue spruce, (green spruce, white spruce, Colorado spruce, or Colorado blue spruce), Picea pungens is a columnar evergreen conifer which may grow 23 meters (75 feet) in its native habitat, however when planted it usually grows to about 15 meters (49 feet) tall.
At the moment the Balsam Poplar seems to be the tree reaching lofty heights at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Though statistically, the Scots pine can extend higher in its reach, the Scots pine is a slower growing tree than the Balsam Poplar. With the canopy of the Balsam poplar, this tree also has an impressive, and grand stature in this urban regional park with its extraordinary canopy of leaves. Towering above the caragana, snowberry bushes, and roes, the Balsam Poplar is a grand sight with its yellow leaves in the autumn. The Balsam poplar attracts moose, deer,and other ungulates, and it is true that the Richard St. Barbe Baker has become a nurturing environment for White tail deer and Mule deer. Bees also hover to the Balsam poplar using the resin obtained from the buds to waterproof their hives. The eco-system at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area, is an amazing aspen parkland system set into the West Swale with picturesque wetlands. The planted trees of the afforestation area, and the geological features of the west Swale combine to prevent the surrounding city of Saskatoon and RM of Corman Park 344 land areas from excessive flooding during years and seasons with high water tables.
Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. ~ James Allen
Trees worked for millions of years to make it possible for man to come on this planet. Yet man, who owns his presence on this Earth to trees, has been cutting, burning, greedily and recklessly. He has turned the forest into desert, until today we are faced not only with a timber famine, but with a food famine. ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
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!
What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.
“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 