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friendsafforestation · 1 year

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Prairie Forest Guide Self Guided Tour.

Are you looking for an outdoor adventure this winter? Look no further than the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park in Saskatoon.

With the Prairie Forest Guide app, you can take a self-guided tour of these beautiful parks and learn about the local flora and fauna and heritage, all while exploring at your own pace. From towering trees to curious critters, there's something for everyone in these natural wonderlands.

And don't forget to pack a thermos of hot cocoa and some snacks, so you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.

So what are you waiting for? Visit pfg.friendsareas.ca to enjoy the Prairie Forest Guide app and plan your winter adventure today. All are invited this winter to enjoy WinterCity YXE!

With thanks for the City of Saskatoon WintercityYXE Micro-Grant to help winterize the Prairie Forest Guide! pfg.friendsareas.ca As you walk through the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park now you can read or listen to the self-guided tour interpretive stories as you enjoy the scenery around you.

Prairie Forest Guide pfg.friendsareas.ca Support today https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charit...

Brought to you by the non profit Environmental Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. http://friendsareas.ca

"There’s just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you’re special."– Carol Rifka Brunt

Love the freedom, wonder, and exploration of winter in the wide open forest spaces. Hear the Prairie Forest Guide winter story, Savour Winter Life and the Love of Winter. Catch a snowflake on your tongue, the little forest critters would love to meet you - red-taiiled squirrels, black-capped chickadees, snoeshow hares, jackrabbits!

Loving winter in the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." -William Blake

"Winter is not a season, it's a celebration."--Anamika Mishra

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meracamphoto-blog · 5 years

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Couple goals. Walk and run in minus 30 C°. Just amazing! . . . #happy #couple #couplesgoals #couplegoals #joyful #walk #walking #jog #jogging #winter #real #cold #freezingcold #freezing #wintercity #yxe #yxeliving #yxelocal #yxephotographer #saskatoon #saskatooning #saskatchewanphotographer #saskatoonphotographer #lifestylephotography #lifestyle #couplephotoshoot #couplephotography #livingyxe #yxeliving #keepwarm (at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMVWOUFVnu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=o727sg9alb07

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thebyronmcbride · 4 years

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In the darkest days of winter, we sacrifice to our gods to ensure that the horrible sun never returns... Thanks for dragging me out into the endless night @foxymcb and @stevebarss 😊🥶🔥 #art#artist #artlovers #artlife #myart #artistsoninstagram #vancityarts #yvrarts #yvr #yycarts #yyc #yeg #yegarts #yxe #yxearts #yqrarts #yqr #instaart #instaartist #instadaily #edmontonart #edmonton #picoftheday #winter #wintercity #yegliving #yeglife #silverskatefestival #canada #mentalhealth (at Silver Skate Festival) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8qIxHNgltg/?igshid=v5idao61dqrx

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delicatelysublimeforester · 2 years

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Loving Winter Wild!

Loving Winter Wild sponsored by the City of Saskatoon Winter City YXE Strategy View pamphlet View poster Loving Winter Wild: Enhancing winter family fun exploring trails at the 326-acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [RSBBAA] in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan by highlighting bird-watching, spotting wildlife, finding geo-caches and providing rest-stop benches. And publicizing this COVID-19…

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#bird watching #City of Saskatoon #Friends of the Sasaktoon Afforestation ARea #geo-caches #Legacy of Saskatoon&039;s Secret Forest #Loving Winter Wild #rest-stop benches #Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation ARea #Richard St. Barbe Baker Park #wildlife #winter #WinterCity YXE

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delicatelysublimeforester · 3 years

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Saskatoon CommUNITY Commitment Pledge

A new challenge for you this winter. To be eligible for this particular challenge and be eligible to win prizes, please send via email a photo that your business or organization has become a Saskatoon CommUNITY Commitment partner and that you are displaying the CommUNITY Commitment logo proudly inside your businesses and on your digital platforms. Also attach a second photo of the Richard St.…

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#business #challenge #City of Saskatoon #excitement #free #fun #organisation #prizes #Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation ARea #Saskatoon #Saskatoon CommUNITY Commitment pledge #Saskatoon Tourism #Take It Outside #win #YXE WinterCity Strategy

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delicatelysublimeforester · 4 years

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Calculate your personal carbon footprint! Then compare it to the amount of carbon removed from the air Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional park. There were 200,000 trees planted in 1972, is this amount of afforestation enough? Then think about the size of the City of Saskatoon. July 1, 2019 estimated population 272,211 Saskatoon’s population is expected to reach 380,650 by 2035. “The current world population of 7.3 billion is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100,” says the United Nations. How many trees did you personal carbon footprint need? What happens to the number of trees needed for 380,650 people? 7. billion? 11.2 billion? How does your carbon footprint compare to a bunny rabbit? to a puppy dog? Why?

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Take your pants for a walk day! Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Cross Country Skiing in the Forest – a health benefit of Green Infrastructure and WinterCity YXE

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:

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

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

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

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

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger

“From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and bark which brace mankind…A town is saved, not more by the righteous men in it than by the woods and swamps that surround it…” -Henry David Thoreau

“This generation may either be the last to exist in any semblance of a civilised world or that it will be the first to have the vision, the bearing and the greatness to say, ‘I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life, I will play no part in this devastation of the land, I am determined to live and work for peaceful construction for I am morally responsible for the world of today and the generations of tomorrow.’” Richard St. Barbe Baker

Trees offset carbon footprints! Calculate your personal carbon footprint! Then compare it to the amount of carbon removed from the air Richard St.

#afforestation #carbon sequestration #carbon sinks #City of Saskatoon #Dog #forest #George Genereux Urban REgional Park #population #rabbit #reforestation #Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation ARea #Saskatoon #trees

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delicatelysublimeforester · 4 years

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Take a Walk in the Park Day

March 30

Child running through the forest having a great time connecting with nature

Cross Country Skiing in the Forest – a health benefit of Green Infrastructure and WinterCity YXE

Clean Up Volunteers at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestaton Area, Saskatoon, SK 2016 Community Clean Up

Take your pants for a walk day! Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Puppies. Puppy Day March 23.

This monday, where will your walk take you? During this Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak please stay well and healthy and follow protocols set by City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Health and Health Canada in regards to the Coronavirus. Best wishes to you all.

When the Coronavirus has passed by, there are times for explorations. Will you walk your dog in the South West Off Leash Recreation Area? Or perhaps you may wish to walk and explore the east side the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area getting ready to see the small yellow lady’s slipper, a provincially endangered species? Maybe you would rather have a walk, and discover some plant and animals sightings for iNaturalist on your smart phone. Another option would be to take a walk around George Genereux Urban Regional Park.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

John Muir

There is so much to discover. One monday is just not enough. Take a Walk in the Park Day will just get you started. Celebrate your New Year’s resolutions today, and pop around to the afforestation areas, and do take a walk in a park when you feel that you are safe from the Coronavirus protocols which have been set into place!

“Besides water, trees provide pure air. They are the great filtering machines for the human organism. They improve and transform the air in a way which is most favorable and most acceptable to the lungs of man.”…~Richard St. Barbe Baker

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Alongie, Jenise. Badger FActs. Animal Facts Encyclopedia. 2011-2017 American Badger. Wikipedia.

Badger Wikipedia.

Bradford, Alina. Facts about Muskrats. Live Science Contributor. Jan. 28, 2017.

Groundhog. Wikipedia.

How to Predict the Weather Without a Forecast

Meteorology – Clouds Pilot Friend.

Muskrats – Water loving Rats. Pictures and facts.

Names of Animal Groups

North American Beaver Wikipedia.

Walker, Nick. Winter and Cold Weather Previously Asked Questions. 2007 Small Gate Media.

North American Porcupine Wikpedia.

Odd names for groups of animals flash cards. Quizlet.

Porcupine. Wikipedia.

For more information:

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 SW 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

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Canada Helps

Receive more than you seek Take a Walk in the Park Day March 30 This monday, where will your walk take you?

#afforestation #Afforestation ARea #forest #iNaturalist #infrastructure #March 30 #Park #Saskatoon #South West Off Leash Dog Park #South West Off Leash Recreation Area #South West Off Leash Recreatioo Area #Southwest OLRA #Take A walk in the park day #Walk

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delicatelysublimeforester · 6 years

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It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. Isaac Asimov

To what do Ellsworth Huntington and Stephen Sargent Visher refer when they expound that “Unity is perhaps the keynote of modern science. This means unity in time, for the present is but the outgrowth of the past, and the future of the present. It means unity of process, for there seems to be no sharp dividing line between organic and inorganic, physical and mental, mental and spiritual. And the unity of modern science means also a growing tendency toward coöperation, so that by working together scientists discover much that would else have remained hid…. Its fundamental principle has been that the present, if rightly understood, affords a full key to the past?” Can it also be said that the fundamental principle is that the present, if rightly understood, affords a full key to the future?

The land for the afforestation areas was purchased by the City of Saskatoon in 1960. Then the lands were afforested with trees as a tree nursery in 1972 along with fire breaks left in 1972. These firebreak areas left unplanted resulted in native prairie untouched since 1960. Additionally only some of the land was homesteaded before the city purchase, resulting in native grasslands and woodlands left in their native state since before 1960. Currently, the trees are also too large to be used as transplants so the afforestation areas are no longer considered viable as a tree nursery.

The afforestation areas are quite diverse, being riparian woodlands wholly situated in the wetlands of the West Swale. Additionally to the general West Swale wetlands classification there is also a Class IV permanent wetlands creating a huge diversification in flora and fauna including ~ grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

American Pelican Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

White-tailed Deer Fawn. 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

So it is quite a mix, indeed of flora, therefore, which host quite a mix in the wildlife one can see while in the afforestation areas.

The afforestation areas, thus described, are located within city limits. Perhaps it is areas such as these which are invaluable to the City of Saskatoon while the city is growing to 380,650 by 2035; 500,000 before 2050; with some projections seeing the City reach 1.52M by 2038. It is areas such as these afforestation areas that make Saskatoon a green city, which was foreseen by the City Planners of 1960.

The afforestation areas were “preserved in perpetuity” by City Council in 1972 and, furthermore, they were designated in 1979 in honour of Dr. Lt. Richard Edward St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E., Hon. LL.D. (Sask), F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., ACF and St Barbe’s vision.

How is that to be interpreted? That is the question.

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Protect your dog in the severe cold winter weather warnings.

Cross Country Skiing in the Forest – a health benefit of Green Infrastructure and WinterCity YXE

Spirit of place! It is for this we travel, to surprise its subtlety; and where it is a strong and dominant angel, that place, seen once, abides entire in the memory with all its own accidents, its habits, its breath, its name. Alice Meynell

Richard St. Barbe Baker often quoted Henry van Dyke, whom he thought of as the greatest of tree poets;

“He that planteth a tree is a servant of God; He provideth a kindness for many generations And faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.~Henry van Dyke”

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 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

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5 Please and thank you!

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition or make a donation to SOS Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area 😉

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

“We are passing through a time of unprecedented destruction of things of the spirit of the natural order. We have been caught up by personal greed and national competition. The very body of life on this planet is now being threatened by the destruction of earth’s green mantle, the Trees.” Richard St. Barbe Baker.

The future of the present It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.

#afforestation #city #cooperation #fauna #firebreaks #flora #George Genereux Urban REgional Park #grasslands #Henry van Dyke #Isaac Asimov #Richard St. Barbe Baker #Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation ARea #Saskatoon #tree #tree nursery #unity #vision #wetlands

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delicatelysublimeforester · 7 years

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Cross Country Skiing in the Forest – a health benefit of Green Infrastructure and WinterCity YXE

Downy Wwoodpecker Ddryobates pubescens

Bohemian Wwaxwing Bbombycilla Ggarrulus

Mule Deer Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Green Infrastructure “is a network providing the “ingredients” for solving urban and climatic challenges by building with nature”. The main components of this approach include stormwater management, climate adaptation, less heat stress, more biodiversity, food production, better air quality, sustainable energy production, clean water and healthy soils, as well as the more anthropocentric functions such as increased quality of life through recreation and providing shade and shelter in and around towns and cities.”[*]

“The fate of an individual or a nation will always be determined by the degree of his or its harmony with the forces and laws of Nature and the universe. Man is not alone in the universe but is surrounded by sources of power, harmony and knowledge. The fullness of life depends upon man’s harmony with the totality of the natural cosmic laws. Our individual evolution is a job that has to be carried on day by day by each individual himself. It is a livelong task.”Richard St. Barbe Baker

“Green infrastructure refers to any natural or built systems that provide ecological benefits and help to maintain pre-development hydrology. It encompasses natural features like streams, wetlands, forests, and parks, as well as engineered systems that manage urban runoff.”[***]

The West Swale is an important pre-requIsite for the City of Saskatoon, as this low lying area protects both agricultural and urban neighbourhoods from flooding. The afforestation area also sequesters carbon emissions, improving the air. The soil and water quality also benefits from the woodland environment.

Environmental benefits include ”

Increase carbon sequestration

improve air quality

additional recreational space

efficient land use

flood protection

drinking water source protection

replenish groundwater

improve watershed health

protect or restore wildlife habitat

reduce sewer overflow events

restore impaired waters

meet regulatory requirements for receiving waters”[**]

By utilizing green infrastructure, the city of Saskatoon has an ecological base for sound social, economic, and environmental health and well-being. In the case of the West Swale and the afforestation areas, the green infrastructure, is supported by wetlands, so it may be also referred to as blue or “blue-green” infrastructure.

Economic benefits include; ”

reduce hard infrastructure construction costs

maintain aging infrastructure

increase land values

encourage economic development

reduce energy consumption and costs

increase life cycle cost savings”[**]

The afforestation area is a splendid example of urban forestry at its finest, and has the capacity to reduce energy usage costs, and may help to manage storm water and runoff. Physical activity and the reduction of stress are among the health benefits of urban green space.

Social benefits are: ”

“Establish urban greenways

provide pedestrian and bicycle access [recreation]

create attractive streetscapes and rooftops that enhance livability and urban green space

educate the public about their role in stormwater management

urban heat island mitigation”[**]

The meeting on May 29, 2017 showed a forward thinking City of Saskatoon embracing concepts of green infrastructure which will be applied to the long range planning of the Blairmore Sector Plan. Such a proposal brings the green infrastructure home for the neighbourhood planning of the city. According to the report, “the purpose of the Green Infrastructure is to develop an integrated approach to planning for and maintaining a sustainable, biodiverse city by considering natural and supportive areas as part of an ecological system.” As the Blairmore Sector Plan moves forward, natural and naturalized areas will be duly inventoried. As the plan develops, the community will be engaged for public engagement.

With a green infrastructure program, communities unite in an effort to preserve watersheds, wildlife habitats, and parks, to better protect the environment maintaining wildlife diversity while benefiting quality of life, helping people to connect with nature, increase health benefits of spending time in nature, while having access to clean air, and water. Once fully developed, the green infrastructure program have the potential for supporting both recreational and conservation activities that will have positive impacts far beyond the immediate community.

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver”. ~Martin Luther

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

FCM – Green Municipal Fund What we fund

** Green Infrastructure Case Studies Municipal Policies for Managing Stormwater and Green Infrastructure (EPA 841 F 10 004)

Green Infrastructure | Help Build Sustainable Communities ESRI

Infrastructure Canada – Green Infrastructure. Government of Canada Investing in Green Infrastructure.

Green Infrastructure Webcase Series. United STates Environmental Protection Agency.

Green Infrastructure Partnership Launches ‘Celebrating Green Infrastructure Program’ Waterbucket.ca [For further information on Green Infrastructure and success stories in British Columbia – Guidance Documents and Resources The partnership for Water Sustainability in BC video] * Green Infrastructure Wikipedia.

Inquiry Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

*** Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program. Urban Runoff and Green Infrastructure. Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program 2016.

What is Green Infrastructure? United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The trees and vegetation, which cover the land surface of the Earth and delight the eye, are performing vital tasks incumbent upon the vegetable world in nature. Its presence is essential to earth as an organism. It is the first condition of all life; it is the “Skin” of the earth, for without it there can be no water and, therefore, no life.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker

For more information:

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

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1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

Saskatoon Green Infrastructure Program Green Infrastructure "is a network providing the “ingredients” for solving urban and climatic challenges by building with nature".

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delicatelysublimeforester · 7 years

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Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in the fog

Over the past year and a half, Jeff Hehn, the ambassador of the Fatbike Fatlanders Brigade, has been meeting with the various people and departments of the City of Saskatoon engaged in the WinterCity YXE strategy.

Currently the plans for growing the WinterCity campaign machine-groomed trails to include non-motorized recreational activities such as possibly fat bicycling, cross-country skiing, skijourning, snow shoeing, horse back riding, winter hiking, and sliding snowshoeing. Along with the trails, signage, waymarking sites, or kiosks may display maps, trail names, interpretative signage, trail etiquette, event and seasonal information. “The trails in the forest are quite flat which makes for good winter riding and they seem to get the right number of riders to prevent significant ice.*”

“Management of human use of trails in wild areas must be based on information relating trail quality to use. ~Weaver” To protect the vegetation, and environment trails are designed in the winter amidst the Caragana, creating safer trails, and also encouraging users to remain on the groomed trails, mitigating environmental damage. Education posted on social media, or upon waymarking signs during spring thaws will help to prevent damage to the trails and to the forest, ensuring trail maintenance.

“We want to create a more resilient economy outside of the summer and Christmas seasons,” said director of environmental and corporate initiatives Brenda Wallace.CBC

Eco-tourism is certainly growing, as is the City of Saskatoon. More and more folks are recognizing the health benefits of outdoor physical activity. The WinterCity YXE trails can be seen as a fantastic way to improve the quality of life for residents of Saskatoon and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park 344. Additionally, those visiting the City of Saskatoon, during the winter months would certainly be enchanted by the magnificent hoar frost and woodland scenes in this mixed woodland forest.

At this time, the main weakness of the Winter City YXE trail network in the afforestation areas is the fact that motorized vehicles still have access to a portion of the afforestation areas. Motorized vehicles are devastating to trails, and the hard work, time and effort put into grooming trails disappears in one instant if a motorized vehicle decides to go out “mudding”, pop 360s or dump trash in the forest. At this time this is the main conflict facing the success of the WinterCity YXE trail strategy at the afforestation area. It is hoped that a solution to this dilemna may soon be found.

There is no doubt that good trails, offer to the public recreational enthusiast, skiier, bicyclist, snowshoer, or hiker features such as great views, diverse landscapes, and excellent proximity to both the urban neighbourhoods of Saskatoon, and the rural areas of the RM of Corman Park 344.

All, in all, trails increase both physical and mental health benefits, and the overall fitness of the user population. Families, and organizations have an opportunity to enjoy nature outdoors. Located in the city, trails afford an excellent means to educate visitors about the natural environment and surrounds. Very importantly, trails create both healthy and safe environments for the afforestation area, which, in turn creates peaceful, and enjoyable community awareness. Trails also afford a tourism opportunity, and indeed, does make Saskatoon a better place to live.

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. – Albert Schweitzer

A humble and grateful thank you is extended to Jeff Hehn, and the Fatbike Fatlanders Brigade Fat Fun For Fine Folks (Fat Tire Club) , for their work to create a Man of Trees trail network, and to enhance tourism within the afforestation areas. It surely may be that all fat bicycling, cross-country skiing, skijourning, snow shoeing, horse back riding, winter hiking, and sliding snowshoeing enthusiasts will surely be able to appreciate and savour the heightened expression of the forest with a well-groomed and maintained trail system.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” ~Anne Bradstreet

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Charlton, Johathan. City Hall wants to know: How can Saskatoon be more fun in the winter?” Saskatoon Star Phoenix. January 25, 2017.

Cranbrook Community forest Trail Plan Cranbrook Community Forest Society. Draft Version 10. 1/16/2016

City of Saskatoon Council Policy C09-011 Trees on City Property.

Doyle, Sabrina. Best Canadian Cities to visit in winter. These urban centres really know how to heat up the chilly months. November 10, 2016.

Environmental Leadership | Saskatoon.ca City Hall > Our Performance > Performance Dashboard > Environmental Leadership.

Feeling dreary about winter? City of Saskatoon trying to change that. New strategy designed to improve winter life, economy, accessibility, culture. CBC News. January 24, 2017

** For the Love of Winter. WinterCity Strategy Implementation Plan. The LoveofWinter-ImplementationPlan.pdf City of Edmonton. September 10, 2013.

*** For the Love of Winter Strategy for Transforming Edmonton into a World-Leading Winter City. (pdf)

Lun Liu, Hui Wang Hui Wang Hui Wang, Chunyang WuChunyang Wu. A machine learning method for the large-scale evaluation of urban visual environment. a Department of Land Economy, University Cambridge Department of Land Economy, University Cambridge School of Architecture, Tsinghua University of Architecture, Tsinghua UniversityMachine Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Engineering, University Cambridge

* Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. Ministry of Environment. Recreation Trails Strategy for British Columbia. Phase 1: Background Report Appendix 2 Survey Results. May 2007. Province of British Columbia Published by: British Ecological Society. DOI: 10.2307/2402226. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2402226. Page Count: 6

PotashCorp WinterShines 2017: Saskatchewan’s Premiere Winter Festival. January 28 – February 5, 2017 Saskatoon Winter City Strategy Update – City of Saskatoon

Weaver, D. Dale and T. Trampling Effects on Vegetation of the Trail Corridors of North Rocky Mountain Forests Journal of Applied Ecology. Vol. 11, No. 2 (Aug., 1974), pp. 767-772

WinterCityYXE: Saskatoon’s Winter City Strategy | Saskatoon.ca

WinterCityYXE: Saskatoon’s Winter City Strategy

WinterCityYXE Guide

WinterCityYXE interactive map

Winter Cities Shake-Up Presentation – Alternative Approaches to Fostering a Winter City in Smaller Communities January 3, 2017. Community Planning Conference Presentations. YXE Winter City | Optimist Hill Campaign

“Your greatest gift to others is to be happy and to radiate your happiness to the entire world.” – Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Afforestation WinterCity YXE Over the past year and a half, Jeff Hehn, the ambassador of the Fatbike Fatlanders Brigade, has been meeting with the various people and departments of the City of Saskatoon engaged in the WinterCity YXE strategy.

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