Arbor Week

Join us for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas celebration of Arbor Week, where we come together to recognize the vital importance of trees and their profound impact on our health and well-being.  As Saskatoon undergoes dynamic changes to accommodate a growing population, the advocacy work of Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas becomes even more critical. With expected increases in residents and development in adjacent areas, preserving these afforestation area green spaces becomes paramount and residents are needed to support "Homegrown Resilience" in the face of urban growth.   We invite you to participate in our upcoming events and take action towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Under Water.

Branching Out: A Tree-Centric Celebration for Arbor Week Friday May 31 6:30 pm

Tree-athlon at George Genereux Urban Regional Park Wednesday May 29 6:30 pm

Arbor Week in the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas

ParticipACTION Community Challenge

Inspiring Health and Community: The Legacy of Don Bailey and the Saskatoon ParticipACTION Community Challenge In the heart of Saskatoon, a city buzzing with energy and vitality, a movement is underway. It’s a movement that celebrates not just physical activity, but also the spirit of community, inclusivity, and empowerment.

In the Southwest heart of Saskatoon, nestled among the lush greenery of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, echoes the spirit of an extraordinary man whose influence has rippled through generations. Our organization, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, is dedicated to conserving greenspaces, including the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, inspired by Dr. George Genereux, an Olympian and close childhood friend of Don Bailey, a central figure for over two decades championing ParticipACTION.

Please watch for more details of how you can support Saskatoon becoming honoured in Canada as Canada’s Most Active Community.  The prize money will support physical activity opportunities in the community

National Volunteer Week

Thanking our volunteers at community clean ups, ecological restoration events, BioBlitz City Nature Challenge events, and to everyone coming out to visit the afforestation areas supporting stewardship and guardianship of our 326 acre Richard st. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, and the 148 acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Board members are invaluable, as are all our members who contribute behind the scenes in support of these hidden gems in Saskatoon.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and all our volunteers are deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation principles within our community. We actively support various United Nations Decades. Recognizing the transformative potential of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we prioritize initiatives aligned with these goals, such as Life on Land, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. Upholding Wahkohtowin, a Cree perspective emphasizing interconnectedness and respect for all life forms, guides our approach to sustainability and community engagement. Through our advocacy and actions, we strive to ensure that no one, from the human realm or from the biodiverse community, is marginalized in our pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future. Our commitment extends to addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, and fostering partnerships for collective impact. Together, we work towards a world where every individual and ecosystem thrives in harmony.

In summary, Volunteers exemplify how collective efforts uplift our communities towards a sustainable future for all! Thank you.

#NVW2024 #EveryMomentMatters #TriplePlanetaryCrisis

UN Decades Mentioned: International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024–2033, International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032, United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030, Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism 2021-2030, United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Focus: Life on Land 15, Climate Action 13, Life below water 14, Good health and well-being 3, Reduced inequalities 10, Gender equality 5, Sustainable cities and communities 11. Further the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have advocated and take action on Quality education (SDG 4), Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

National Tourism Week

Advocate for the Afforestation Areas

Canada:Powered by Tourism, Eco-tourism benefits for the afforestation areas.