In 2018 the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) – also known as the Yellowhead Nature Society (YNS) agreed to promote an annual Spring Arbor Day/Arbor Week observance within the Province of Saskatchewan. Historically this international celebration had been an important event in communities and schools in the province for many decades.
In 2019 the group planned and carried out local Arbor Day activities. Beginning in 2019 YFBTA called on the Government of Saskatchewan to once again proclaim and promote Arbor Day within the Province. The first such proclamation was made in 2020. 2025 will be the sixth such proclamation, May 30 being Arbor Day and May 24-31 Arbor Week. Joining in the call to have Arbor Day/Week an annual proclamation/promotion have been Nature Saskatchewan, SOS Trees Coalition (Saskatoon), Sask. Forestry Association. Much remains to be done in terms of promoting awareness and action.
Another initiative of YNS has been the promotion of the Road Allowance Project. Working with area Rural Municipalities, this project seeks the designation of abandoned or limited access roadways protected as areas supporting wildlife habitat and public access for all to enjoy the world of nature.
This information is from the introduction to Walter Farquharson’s Arbor Week Service 2025.
In order to encourage Arbor Day awareness in May of 2025, Walter Farquharson has created a service, complete with sermon. It can be found here – Arbor Week Service WF2025 – in word format so communities of faith can easily create their own bulletin. Sara Giles, Minister at Four Town Pastoral Charge, has offered resources from her 2024 service in addition to Walter’s full service. Arbor Day Service Resources SG2024 It is also in Word format for easy use. Communities of faith are welcome to use one or combine these resources or create their own service for Arbor Day 2025.
Walter has also generously offered his hymn Young Apples Trees also for use during an Arbor Day Service.
And for more fun, a short list of activities has been created that could be used to lead up to Arbor Day or continue the celebration of nature after your Arbor Day service. If you have more suggestions that could be added, please send them to Bev at the Regional Council Office ( bdiebert@united-church.ca ) .
Planting a tree or engaging in different activities to celebrate the value of trees in our world and local environments, would be a great way to celebrate Arbor Day and The United Church of Canada’s 100th Anniversary!! So NOW is the time to get your group together and begin making plans. If you aren’t able to plant a tree on your own church property, check with local governance organizations to see where new trees might be needed.
A tree is a wonderful symbol of God’s love and creation, a sign of hope for our church and world. Be part of this call to offer this benefit to your community – wildlife and humans alike.
