• AGM Countdown: Join Us This Thursday for a Special Evening" and "Draft Manual" Sneak Peek:

We have several important updates and announcements to share with you as we approach the 2022-2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and continue our mission to protect and preserve the Afforestation Areas.

Draft Manual: We are excited to inform you about the newly created draft manual, which will be presented for review and potential revisions at or following the AGM. This comprehensive manual serves as a valuable resource, especially for new members, offering insights into the rich heritage and ecological history of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park and associated wetlands.  It also encompasses essential safety directives, aligning with the requirements stipulated in our grant applications with the City of Saskatoon.

Guidance for Members and Board of Directors: Our manual draws upon various online sources for non-profit director information, as well as includes the ISC Saskatchewan non profit articles of incorporation, and bylaws. It also outlines our charity's mission registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, ensuring a clear understanding of our organizational objectives and principles. We believe this manual when revised by the board of directors will enhance transparency and empower our members and board to make informed decisions.

Winter Grant and Snowshoeing Idea: We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the responses and feedback we've received regarding the Snowshoeing idea for the winter grant. Your input is greatly appreciated and valued. If there are other winter-related ideas you'd like to suggest, please don't hesitate to share them with us. Your creative ideas and insights are instrumental in expanding our offerings to the community during the winter season.

Annual General Report and Meeting: Our Annual General Report is nearing completion and will be shared with you shortly. Please watch for another email with more details regarding the AGM, scheduled for Thursday night this week, September 21. Your participation and engagement are highly encouraged.

Apology for Frequent Emails: We sincerely apologize for the increased volume of emails this week. Over the summer, our Chair faced the challenging circumstances of their mother's illness and passing due to cancer. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and hence the reason all the reports are coming out separately and not all at one time as usual.

Afforestation in Canada: Planting Trees as Part of Nation Building: In good news, our article written by Robert White a board member and submitted to the periodical The Gardener for Canadian Climates was published in the Fall 2023 edition.

Upcoming Dates:

• AGM: Thursday, September 21
• Pilot Master Plan Virtual Session for Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area: Tonight Tuesday September 19 at 7:00 PM  The draft Manual sent out today may help to understand the Pilot Master Plan considerations undertaken by the City of Saskatoon YXE Green Infrastructure Strategy under Sustainability and WSP, who "develop creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future where society can thrive. Equipped with an intimate understanding of local intricacies, world-class talent and proactive leadership, we [WSP] plan, design, manage and engineer long lasting and impactful solutions to uniquely complex problems."

National Forest Week:  We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has participated in National Forest Week events so far. We look forward to the upcoming events this week, and we appreciate your continued support in our mission to protect these vital natural areas.  If ever you would like to lead or host a tour or event, please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com

Thank you for your dedication to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. We value your involvement and contributions to our cause.

Sincerely,

Julia Adamson, chair Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas