The urban forest and climate change

The health of trees is being affected by climate change but trees are also a necessary solution in mitigating it. Linda Moskalyk, President of SOS Trees Coalition, says, “Climate mitigation is one of the most important benefits that our trees provide.” This engaging session will bring together citizens from all walks of life who have a commitment to working on climate action. During National Forest Week, take time to reflect on nature based solutions to climate change. SOS Trees Inc. is partnering with the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc in regards to climate action. “We forget that we owe our existence to the presence of Trees. As far as forest cover goes, we have never been in such a vulnerable position as we are today. The only answer is to plant more Trees – to Plant Trees for Our Lives," says Richard St. Barbe Baker This program for National Forest Week is brought to you by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas an environmental non-profit charity that was created to preserve and restore the 326-acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the 148-acre George Genereux Urban Regional Park. Our work reinforces the 1972 City Council decision designating these afforestation areas on the western fringe of Saskatoon to “be preserved in perpetuity.” They are important habitat for wildlife as well as semi-wild public spaces for recreation and nature immersion. The larger of these two areas is named after Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982), who has been called the “first global conservationist” and in recognition of this he was made the first Honorary Life Member of the World Wildlife Fund in 1969. A British forester who also homesteaded and studied in Saskatoon, he dedicated his entire life unfailingly to the preservation and planting of trees and forests. Our goal is to promote discussion about trees and forests, and their multiple and essential benefits. The health of trees is being affected by climate change but trees are also a necessary solution in mitigating it. We aim to raise awareness about what trees and forests give us and what we need to do in return to protect and enhance trees and forests. This is one session in a week long series of events celebrating National Forest Week with a theme – “Our Forests – Continually Giving”