tree identification workshop – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

Celebrate Arbor Week in the heart of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area! This special event falls on National Smile Day (May 31), and we believe there is no better reason to smile than standing in the presence of our towering leafy friends. Whether you are a tree-hugger, a budding botanist, or a family looking for a Sunday adventure, join us as we uncover the stories of the forest. For more information or to sign up now!

The Grand Arboretum Tour

Every tree in our afforestation area has a narrative—some are ancient native residents, others are resilient immigrants, and some are “visitors” we need to watch closely.

An arboretum is a specialized botanical garden or “living museum” dedicated exclusively to the cultivation, study, and display of a wide variety of trees and woody plants. These sites, often termed “tree museums,” feature specimens used for education, scientific research, and conservation efforts.

We will be spotting and discussing a wide variety of species, including:

Heritage & Native Giants: Learn about the American Elm and Green Ash (both on the IUCN Red List), the Bur Oak, and the iconic Trembling Aspen.
The Rare & Elusive: Keep your eyes peeled for the Red-Berried Elder (a rare S2 species) and the Smooth Rose (S1 ranked)—help us make history if we find it!
The Travelers: We’ll discuss introduced species like the Amur Maple, Scots Pine, and the Siberian Peashrub (Caragana).
The Watchlist: Help us protect our forest by identifying the highly invasive European Buckthorn on iNaturalist.

💰 The $50 Linden Tree Challenge!

In 1984, a Linden Tree (Tiliaceae) was planted somewhere within the area. We are offering a $50 prize to the first participant to find it and record a verified observation on iNaturalist during the event!

Event Details

When: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area to Parking Area P2 Map and Directions https://www.friendsareas.ca/friends/P2%20SW%20OLRA.html
Focus: Conservation, preservation, and the joy of nature.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a smartphone with the iNaturalist app, and your best National Smile Day grin!

What We’ll See (The Short List):

From the Silver Buffaloberry and Wild Black Currant to the Colorado Blue Spruce and Balsam Poplar, we will explore the diverse layers of our urban canopy. We’ll talk about the medicinal history of the Kinnikinnick (Red Bearberry) and the resilience of our various Willow species. ( The long list 😉 )

Come for the trees, stay for the smiles! Let’s honor the legacy of Richard St. Barbe Baker—the Man of the Trees—by connecting with the giants he inspired us to protect.