Green Survival, It Begins With You! Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

On this nature walk tour, where we will be delving into the rich history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and its connection to the Green Survival Program, a City of Saskatoon parks initiative from the 1970s. In 1972-1973, the city of Saskatoon embarked on a mission to plant thousands of trees in an effort to green the city and improve the environment for its residents. This initiative, known as the Green Survival Program, was a response to the growing concern about the impact of urbanization on the natural environment. As part of the program, over 200,000 trees were planted in various areas throughout the city, including here in the two afforestation areas. Today, we will be exploring some of the surviving specimens from this planting effort and learning about the important role they play in our city’s ecosystem. As we walk through the afforestation area, you will see a diverse range of tree species, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. You will also learn about the different types of habitats that exist here, from dense forests to open grassland meadows, and how these habitats support a variety of wildlife. So join me as we take a step back in time and discover the history and significance of the Green Survival Program and the trees that it helped bring to life in the afforestation area.

Who is Jane Jacobs?

Who is Richard St. Barbe Baker?

Come to the South West Off Leash Recreation Parking Lot and walking in the adjacent Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area to the east of the SW OLRA -Address 241A Township Road 362-A and legal land description Part SE 23-36-6 W3- and GPS 52.100826, -106.742013

Directions to parking lot P2 is at http://www.friendsareas.ca/friends/RSBBAAmap.html

GPS Address: 52.100826, -106.742013

Start Time:14:00 or 2:00 pm

Difficulty:Easy

Additional Info: Wear sturdy walking shoes for walking in a forest along an unpaved forest trail. The trails are flat regarding elevation, and people using a mobility aid such as walkers and canes navigate the trails well. Bring insect repellent. Dress for the weather as this is an outdoor walk. We will be out there in any kinds of weather.

Arbor Week is coming up from May 20th to May 28th, 2023, with the slogan “Healthy Trees, Healthy People.” This event will connect Saskatoon with the mixed wood forest within city limits, and we invite you to enjoy a tour and discover exotic and native trees.

Finally, we have Doors Open, Sunday June 25^th 12-5:00pm. During this event, we invite you to discover the history and significance of Richard St. Barbe Baker to the City and the heritage of the afforestation area itself for visitors.

Stay tuned for Every Place A story; Historic Places Days with exploration dates set for July 2023, followed by activities during National Forest Week 2023 September 17-23, 2023 “Canada’s Forests: Supporting Biological Diversity.”   Discover more about wildlife supported by the forest habitat in Saskatoon.