Nature Notes – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

The Saga of Saskatoon’s Afforestation Areas

A Tapestry of Resilience: The Saga of Saskatoon’s Afforestation Areas

In the latest edition of Saskatoon Nature Society’s Nature Notes, a rich tapestry of history unfolds, weaving together the remarkable journey of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. From the mid 20th century to the present day, this chronicle reveals the enduring spirit of stewardship and community that has shaped these two Saskatoon’s green spaces.

In the mid twentieth century, as the prairie winds whispered tales of ecological imbalance, visionaries embarked on a bold endeavor to reclaim the land from erosion’s grasp. Inspired by a desire to nurture biodiversity and combat the encroaching urban sprawl, the Afforestation Areas initiative took root. Through meticulous planning and laborious effort, thousands of trees were planted, 200,000 in fact, transforming barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems.

In the early years, dedicated individuals like Bert Wellman, City Manager and Director of Planning and Development; Bill Graham, urban planner and Alex Ligtermoet, Assistant Parks Superintendent laid the groundwork for what would become a beacon of conservation in Saskatchewan. Their tireless advocacy and hands-on involvement galvanized community support, laying the foundational sustainability inspiration for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.

Naming local landmarks and public areas not only instills a sense of identity in our communities but also cultivates a feeling of attachment and inclusivity. By christening our greenspaces honouring George Genereux, Richard St. Barbe Baker, Bruce Gordon and B.T. Chappell, we pay homage to historical narratives and evoke vivid imagery that reflects our shared past and present achievements.

Through years marked by shifting priorities and economic challenges, the Friends remained steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding these precious green spaces. As urbanization encroached upon the outskirts of Saskatoon, they became champions for the preservation of natural habitats, advocating for responsible development and mindful stewardship.

The Nature Notes article chronicles the trials and triumphs encountered along the way – from bureaucratic hurdles to the ongoing challenge of securing protected status for the afforestation areas. Through it all, a resilient community emerged, united by a common love for nature and a shared vision for the future.

Today, as climate change looms large and the pressures of urban expansion intensify, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas continue their vital work. Through restoration projects, educational initiatives, and community engagement, they strive to ensure that future generations will inherit a legacy of biodiversity and beauty.

As readers immerse themselves in the pages of Nature Notes, they are invited to witness the unfolding story of Saskatoon’s Afforestation Areas – a story of resilience, collaboration, and the enduring power of nature. In these green spaces, where the echoes of the past mingle with the promise of the future, the spirit of stewardship thrives, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the land and each other.

We express our deepest gratitude to the Saskatoon Nature Society for presenting the insightful Nature Notes article, “Preserving Nature’s Legacy: The Journey with Saskatoon’s Afforestation Areas,” which serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation in our community.

Which is the segway for calling all citizens of Saskatoon and Area! from April 26 to April 29, 2024 we’re hoping you’ll venture outdoors and take part in #CNC #CityNatureChallenge Saskatoon and Area! Get out and about recording wildlife observations and contributing to this chance to place Saskatoon and Area on the world stage! CNC YXE DNU.

This #CNC event is hosted by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, and sponsored by SaskTel, SaskPower and the Saskatoon Nature Society with support from City of Saskatoon, Wild About Saskatoon, Varsity View Community Association, SOS Trees Inc., Rosewood Varsity View Community Association, Nutana Varsity View Community Association, Montgomery Place Varsity View Community Association. Please reach out should you wish to sponsor, volunteer or collaborate.

City Nature Challenge Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 led by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.

An "after" image of the afforestation area. After the amazing clean up of the greenspace — Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, south west sector, in the City of Saskatoon, SK, CA before Volunteer Community Clean UP 2016 — Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

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 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.com Facebook 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 )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

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

Thank you to SNS for sponsorship

Thanks to the Saskatoon Nature Society for sponsorship of the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge CNCYXE

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus — Thanks to the Saskatoon Nature Society for sponsorship of the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge CNCYXE

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas extend heartfelt appreciation to the Saskatoon Nature Society for their generous sponsorship, which enables youth and classrooms to explore the rich biodiversity of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. This remarkable semi-wilderness green space, with its unique ecotone blending boreal forest and moist mixed prairie grasslands, offers an unparalleled setting for educational experiences. Our guided nature walk, made possible through this partnership, showcases the area’s natural wonders and fosters a deep appreciation for our environment. Through hands-on exploration, participants gain insights into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and are inspired to become stewards of our planet.

The Saskatoon Nature Society (SNS) is a revered charitable organization established in 1955, dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation of nature. Their objectives include promoting nature appreciation, sharing experiences, and encouraging a deeper knowledge of the natural world through observation and education. The Society is a leading advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats, regularly engaging in conservation efforts. Monthly indoor programs featuring guest speakers, alongside birding, botany, and butterfly field trips, and identification classes are organized by the SNS.

Their partnership with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, a collaboration which extends their mission to support nature conservation projects further. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas’ primary focus is on the conservation, protection, and promotion of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. These semi-wilderness green spaces is a unique blend of boreal forest and moist mixed prairie grasslands, offering an unparalleled setting for educational experiences. Through this partnership, the SNS helps enable youth and classrooms to explore this rich biodiversity.

The collaboration with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas is realized through a guided nature walk. This walk serves as an interactive and educational experience, providing insights into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and inspiring participants to become stewards of the planet. The SNS’s sponsorship and support play a pivotal role in making these experiences accessible, helping to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and appreciation among participants.

The Saskatoon Nature Society (SNS) has demonstrated a profound commitment to environmental education and conservation through its sponsorship of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area. In addition to sponsorship, the SNS has contributed to the awareness and understanding of the efforts of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area by publishing an article ion “Nature Notes” detailing the history and accomplishments of FSAAI.

In conclusion, the Saskatoon Nature Society’s support and collaboration with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area exemplify their shared commitment to environmental education and conservation. Their partnership underscores the importance of community involvement and collaboration in protecting our natural resources for future generations.

Thank you to the Saskatoon Nature Society for their dedication and support of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Area. Your partnership has made a significant impact on the preservation of this natural gem and has furthered environmental education and conservation efforts in our community. We are grateful for your continued commitment to the environment and for helping us make a difference for future generations.

Saskatoon Nature Society: Leading the Way in Environmental Education and Appreciation

City Nature Challenge Saskatoon 2024 CNCYXE2024

iNaturalist CNCYXE2024 project page

BioBlitz Apr 26, 2024 – Apr 29, 2024 with hosted events

City Nature Challenge Nature Walk

Species of concern A listing of 62 species found in the afforestation areas, including three of high likelihood to be found.

Tree Species in the afforestation areas A listing of Tree Species in the Afforestation Areas. Did you know that Ten tree species were afforested (Planted)? Did you know that there are 40 tree species in total? guided nature walk.