Wildwoods of Saskatoon #NationalForestWeek

 

NationalForestWeek introduces thousands of people to these unique natural afforestation areas the 132 hectare Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the 60 hectare George Genereux Urban Regional Park. The Wildwoods of Saskatoon heritage documentary spotlights their rich history and heritage.  Walking tours delve into the diverse natural features.to appreciate the mature pine and spruce groves, a large marsh area with numerous waterfowl including horned grebes, and several more endangered species, native trembling aspen, wild rose and much more. We are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of their afforestation to trees which also aligns with the centenary of the International Tree Foundation, and the 30^th anniversary of National Forest Week.  Forest Walking Tours are Saturday and Sunday Sept 24 and 25 at 2   Wildwoods of Saskatoon Film premieres Sunday Sept 18 at 2 Remai Modern Register Now Friends Areas.ca

 

 

Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. is a non-profit, environmental charity focused on the protection and enhancement of both the. The areas were planted in 1972 under the Green Survival Program, and preserved in perpetuity by Saskatoon City Council in 1979.

 

 

Tree planting initiatives, environmental stewardship work together to prevent, enhance nature aesthetics, biodiversity habitats and reverse degradation of the environment honouring the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.  What is the ‘triple environmental emergency we are facing? 

1.       Loss of biodiversity

2.       Climate change

3.       Out of control pollution.

Our native biodiversity needs wild spaces, food and homes such as trees and forests provide in which to thrive.  Forests, tree planting, and forest conservation initiatives are nature-based solutions towards climate action.  Pollution, pesticides, herbicides are escalating the extinction events.  Creating safe, organic forest spaces is a large step to halt and slow down the silent sixth mass extinction event of invertebrates, the planet’s bird food on wings.  Ornithologists and botanists have noticed that the songbird, and raptor populations have declined by a staggering 48%.  The monitored wildlife populations are reduced by a catastrophic 68%.  A loss of forests and habitats have caused over 2/3 of our animal populations to totally disappear.

Richard St. Barbe Baker said it this way,  “If a person loses one third of his or her skin, the person will die; if a tree loses a third of its bark, the tree will die, and if the world loses a third of its trees, the world will die.

We live less that five minutes without air and the trees give us air we breathe.  We live less than five days without water, and trees are absolutely essential in the water cycle.  We live less than five weeks without food, and without the trees we could not grow food.” (Filson, Bruce K. October 7, 1982, Western People, p. 5)

 

Tree planting events, forest tours, a heritage film “Wildwoods of Saskatoon”, in person and virtual events will take place during National Forest Week.  PaRx has arrived in Saskatchewan attesting to the increased health and wellness benefits people experience when getting out to enjoy our forest greenspaces.  Nature enriches the lives of visitors.  #NationalForestWeek events are wonderful ways to help create new healthy biodiversity habitats, to discover new trees and unexplored forest places, or perhaps it is a time to return to celebrate a favourite forest you love and are familiar with.

During this era of climate change, it is hoped that a large audience is reached to take advantage of the opportunity to engage in virtual and in person events.  #NationalForestWeek is a change to tie events together to enhance the multifaceted experience of all visitors.