Terry Fox – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

September 18: A Day to Remember Terry Fox Every year on September 18th, Canadians come together to honor the legacy of Terry Fox, a true national hero whose courage and determination left an indelible mark on the country. Born in Winnipeg and raised in British Columbia, Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer at 18. After the amputation of his right leg, he embarked on his “Marathon of Hope,” a cross-country run to raise funds for cancer research.

Although he had to stop after 143 days and over 5,000 kilometers due to the cancer spreading to his lungs, Terry’s relentless spirit and dedication continue to inspire.

In Saskatoon, we have the opportunity to integrate Terry Fox’s legacy into our local curriculum and celebrate his contributions alongside the natural beauty of our city. This year, let’s engage students with meaningful activities that connect Terry Fox’s story with the local environment and heroes like Bruce Gordon the inspiration for #BeLikeBruce trail in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, another champion who made significant contributions to cancer research.

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 — George Genereux (March 1, 1935 – April 10, 1989) photo courtesy SPL b-8759

George Genereux (March 1, 1935 – April 10, 1989) photo courtesy SPL b-8759

Grades K-2: Understanding Real HeroesFor our youngest students, introduce the concept of heroism through Terry Fox’s story and local landmarks. Start by discussing what makes someone a hero. Highlight Terry Fox’s bravery and his fight against cancer, contrasting it with fictional superheroes. Engage students in a simple but impactful art project:

Activity: Create a “Hero Hat” or a “Hero Medal” using materials like construction paper, markers, and stickers. Ask students to decorate their hats with symbols representing what makes someone a hero. These could be hearts for kindness, stars for bravery, or other symbols they feel represent heroism. Have students wear their hats as they share what they believe makes Terry Fox a hero and how they can be heroes in their own lives by doing small acts of kindness.

Grades 3-5: Exploring Heroism and Community For students in Grades 3-5, dive deeper into the characteristics of heroes and integrate local knowledge about Saskatoon’s afforestation areas. The afforestation area namesakes; Richard St. Barbe Baker, George Genereux, Bruce Gordon, and Benjamin Thomas (B.T.) Chappell were all local heroes. email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for more biographical information.

Activity: Organize a “Hero’s Trail” project in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Students will create illustrated maps of the trail, incorporating both information about Terry Fox and the natural features of the park. Students could hang poems and pictures on biodegradable paper for inspiration. They can write about how Terry Fox’s perseverance mirrors the importance of preserving and protecting natural spaces. This project will help them understand heroism in both historical and environmental contexts.

Grades 6-8: Reflecting on Heroism and Environmental Stewardship Students in Grades 6-8 can engage in more complex reflections on what constitutes true heroism and its connections to environmental stewardship.

Activity: Conduct a research and creative writing project titled “Heroes and Nature.” Students will research how Terry Fox and local figures like Bruce Gordon have contributed to society and then create a multi-media presentation that connects these contributions to the importance of environmental conservation. They will explore how preserving spaces like the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park contributes to the community’s well-being, much like how cancer research contributes to fighting disease.

Additionally, students will reflect on George Genereux’s athletic prowess. Although he was a gold medal Olympic athlete and had the opportunity to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Genereux chose to follow a career in helping others. He became a professor of radiology and contributed significantly to the medical field contributing to the fight on the crippling disease of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Students will explore how Genereux’s achievements and his decision to focus on a career that benefited others demonstrate heroism in different forms.

Additional Activity: Have students write a short story or poem about a hero who works to protect both people and the environment. They should incorporate elements from their research about Terry Fox, Bruce Gordon, George Genereux and the importance of local natural spaces.

School-Wide Activities: Encourage the entire school to participate in Terry Fox Day by organizing a range of activities:

School Run: Host a school-wide Terry Fox Run or Walk around the school grounds or in local parks. Set goals for distances and encourage students to gather pledges for cancer research. Make it a fun event with music and refreshments, ensuring all health and safety protocols are followed.

Community Involvement: Engage with local organizations and invite guest speakers, such as representatives from the Terry Fox Foundation or local environmental groups, to talk about the impact of Terry Fox’s legacy and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Celebrating Local Heroes: As we commemorate Terry Fox Day, let us also honor the contributions of local heroes like Bruce Gordon and recognize the importance of our natural spaces in Saskatoon. By integrating these themes into our curriculum and activities, we not only celebrate the legacy of Terry Fox but also inspire our students to be heroes in their own right—both through community service and environmental stewardship.For more information about participating in the Terry Fox Run or planning classroom activities, visit the Terry Fox Foundation’s website and explore the resources available. Let’s make this September 18th a day of reflection, celebration, and inspiration for all.

Paul Hanley author Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist which includes a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and an introduction by Jane Goodall. — His honour, W. Thomas (Tom) Molloy, O.C., S.O.M., Q.C., LL.B, LL.D. Lieutenant Govenor of Saskatchewan and Paul Hanley, author Man of the Trees. Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist. By Paul Hanley Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales Introduction by Jane Goodall,

His honour, W. Thomas (Tom) Molloy, O.C., S.O.M., Q.C., LL.B, LL.D. Lieutenant Govenor of Saskatchewan and Paul Hanley, author Man of the Trees. Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist. By Paul Hanley Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales Introduction by Jane Goodall,

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