The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA), an affiliate of Nature Saskatchewan, has received official word from the Hon. Dustin Duncan, Minister of the Environment, that the Government of Saskatchewan officially proclaimed May 22 as Arbor Day and May 17-24 as Arbor Week.
The YFBTA began working towards this goal early in 2019 asking the Province to proclaim and publicize an annual spring Arbor Day/Arbor Week.聽 The support of Nature Saskatchewan added appreciated weight to the call. Minister Duncan has responded and committed to have the announcement publicized through the Ministry鈥檚 Facebook page.聽 On the Certificate of Recognition Mr. Duncan states, 鈥淎nd I request the citizens of the Province of Saskatchewan to recognize this day/week.鈥澛� The YFBTA appreciates actions taken by Minister Duncan.
Local MLA for Melville-Saltcoats, Warren Kaeding, stated 鈥淕rowing up, my father instilled in me that value of a tree as being part of the Circle of Life鈥�; the YFBTA also appreciates Mr. Kaeding鈥檚 support of Arbor Day.
Arbor Day and Arbor Week observances are locally planned and carried out. They are participatory and at their best when the activities are inter-generational and involving of as many citizens as possible.聽 Small groups can work together or an individual or household can celebrate by planting a tree and encouraging a neighbour to do the same.
For many years within the province an annual spring observance occurred that involved most schools, many community groups and municipalities, and concerned individuals. The day was marked with the planting of trees, the cleaning up of yards, streets and alleys, choosing and protecting a particular area of natural habitat and generally celebrating our dependence upon nature and specifically trees. This year, because of COVID 19, it may take a little more imagination to become personally engaged and for groups and communities to plan special projects or activities.聽 Nonetheless, any effort put forward will contribute to healthier communities, healthier environments, a healthier world.
There are local plans for tree planting activities at Saltcoats Park & Leflay Trail as well as on a piece of town owned property near Saltcoats School. The public are encouraged to do an activity and share their photos with the YFBTA on Facebook by searching Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail or on Instagram @YFBTA.
Arbor Day was founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, a newspaperman, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted. The ideas and the observance of the special day spread quickly through North America and to many other parts of the globe.
