City Nature Challenge Results Thanks to one and all in Saskatoon and area for the results of the City Nature Challenge!

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The Arbor Week Events


May 21 to 29, 2022 Arbor Week 2022 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Green Survival Program and the afforestation project in Saskatoon and what spring tree planting means In a collaboration with SOS Trees Inc. the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and our community partners are offering the above events during Arbor Week to celebrate and observe the spring planting of trees.




Commemoration Ceremony June 5, 2022

  • You are cordially invited to special tree planting ceremony by the University of Saskatchewan collaborating with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas on World Environment Day (W.E.D.), June 5, 2022. Near the Diefenbaker Centre U of S campus at 2:00 p.m.
  • The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA), 132 ha in size, was planted in 1972 under the Green Survival Program, and preserved in perpetuity by Saskatoon City Council a few years later. The Green Survival Campaign spread across North America with the message that "each individual can have a positive, meaningful effect on the quality of life by planting trees and other living plants."
    • The 40th anniversary of the last tree planting by Richard St. Barbe Baker on World Environment Day, 1982.
  • 2022 also marks the centenary year of the International Tree Foundation (patron HRH Prince Phillip)
  • The 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day is proclaimed by City of Saskatoon along with a flag raising. Request by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas.
Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.





BioDiverCity Challenge! A friendly competition between Northern Prairie Latitudes for Saskatoon and Saskatchewan provincially. Local Saskatoon bioblitzes as follows: Download the free iNaturalist app, then it's as easy as 1-2-3. Find it. Snap it. Share it. In a collaboration with Nature Alberta - Edmonton and Calgary, who have taken part in the "BioDiverCity Challenge" for the past couple of years. This year, 2022, Saskatoon area, the province of Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, and Shell Lake provincial Park MB will join the "BioDiverCity Challenge." More cities may also join in to support support vital conservation research while connecting with nature and enjoying the outdoors. There are four scheduled dates for Saskatoon BioBlitzes as above, however you can download the free iNaturalist app and take part anywhere in Saskatoon and Area OR in the province of Saskatchewan recording evidence of organisms or living flora and fauna- plants and wildlife anywhere.




Reviving Local Heritage

  • July 22, 2022 at 7:00 pm Remai Modern, Saskatoon
  • Discover. Connect. Get Inspired.

  • Featuring "Global Crusader and Changemaker" that brings us closer to our connection with Richard St. Barbe Baker and his roots in Saskatoon. What role do the stories told about the Saskatoon afforestation areas- these laboratories in ecological succession- have in shaping urban long range plans, and as nature based solutions to climate change?

  • Conservationist Richard St. Barbe Baker, the extraordinary visionary behind the International Tree Foundation, leads campaigns around the world including the reclamation projects for the world's deserts and protection of virgin forests from destruction. Award Winning Christopher Chapman archival footage brings this historic figure to life. This Riley Deacon - directed documentary features Baker’s tree sense urging and encouraging every citizen to plant, protect and love their native trees. Baker’s message is inspirational. Hear from people locally and from around the world who knew Baker and attest to Baker’s success and motivational formula.

  • 2022 marks the centenary year of the International Tree Foundation (patron HRH Prince Phillip) founded by Richard St. Barbe Baker and Chief Josiah Njonjo.




National Forest Week
Jubilee

  • September 18-25, 2022 50 years
  • Heritage Film Premiere
  • Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area 132 hectares [326 acres] named in honour of Richard St. Barbe Baker, silviculturist, conservationist, environmental activist & prolific author, who contributed greatly to worldwide forest protection, reforestation and desert reclamatio
  • 60 hectares [148 acres] of semi-wilderness habitat to explore and celebrate. Honouring Gold Olympic medalist Dr. George Genereux, radiologist, professor, and meticulous illustrator




The Legacy of Saskatoon's Secret Forest
Heritage Documentary Films and Corresponding Curriculum

Inspiring Environmental Action: Ordinary People Doing the Extraordinary. A 326-acre afforestation area, planted as a man-made forest on the prairies, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada was named after Richard St Barbe Baker, aka Man of the Trees. Celebrate this Jubilee celebration 50 years after he received his honorary doctorate at the University of Saskatchewan.



The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.


As you enter the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or George Genereux Urban Regional Park is it easy to see that nature is everywhere. Through iNaturalist BioBlitzes taking place at different times of the year, it is great to engage in community science and citizen science endeavours to document a flora and fauna inventory. This inventory supports environmental protection, environmental health and environmental sustainability. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. is a non profit environmental charity with nature lovers on the board of directors. The afforestation areas are a good choice for opeting outside in The Great Outdoors to explore our urban forest in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Friends are seeking a volunteer bookeeper to join the Board of Directors.