Addendum: Saving the Skin of the Earth
How Richard St. Barbe Baker Changed the Course of Conservation History
Richard St. Barbe Baker was responsible for the planting of more than 26 billion trees around the world. The reforestation programs he initiated, the organizations he founded or co-founded, his prolific writings, radio and television broadcasts, lecture tours, meetings with world leaders, shaming governments into action—all helped to stem the global tide of deforestation, one of the legacy battles of the twentieth century and continuing into the twenty-first.
Richard St. Barbe Baker in his element
The Ireland Connection: A Luncheon with the President
For instance, some remarks by St. Barbe (as he was referred to by his friends), at a luncheon with the President of Ireland, sparked a massive national reforestation program for the Emerald Isle.
His enthusiasm was boundless and contagious. Wendy Campbell Purdy, who worked with Baker for decades on reforestation campaigns and bought a one-way ticket to North Africa, where she dedicated her life to establishing fun planting programs in the schools, described him in this way:
When St. Barbe was in his seventies he took flying lessons and briefly manned the controls of one of the world's fastest jets on a sponsored test flight. At 87 he did his first parachute jump. His best-known book, Green Glory - The Forests of the World, was a forestry textbook being used by government departments. A summary of the book, under the title Sahara Conquest, was published in 1966 and received the prestigious Freshel Award.
A symbol of Baker's vision for reforestation
A Tireless Global Advocate
🌎 The Americas
He traveled to Central and South America and was among the first conservationists to look for an economic solution from the international community that could halt the devastation of the Amazon rainforest.
🌏 India & The Chipko Movement
On his final trip to India in 1981, he visited the remote, hilly area of the Himalayas where the women of the Chipko tree hugging movement had, in desperation, taken a bold stand against the loggers. The tree huggers' cause resonated powerfully with Baker, and his visit was deeply meaningful—he spoke out on their behalf with the full force of his international stature.
Environmental Awareness Campaign
In the last year of his life, at the age of 92, he launched thousands of trees during a global tour to promote environmental awareness. A delegation of Tanzanian officials invited him to visit their country, more than fifty-five years after the ill-fated tree-planting tour in Tanganyika.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Reforestation Programs
Established nationwide planting initiatives from Ireland to India
Educational Influence
Green Glory became a government textbook on forestry worldwide
Freshel Award
Sahara Conquest received this prestigious honor in 1966
International Advocacy
Championed economic solutions for Amazon protection and supported grassroots movements like Chipko
Never Too Old for Adventure
Baker's zest for life never diminished:
Age 70s
Took flying lessons and piloted one of the world's fastest jets
Age 87
Completed his first parachute jump
His enthusiasm was boundless and contagious. He dedicated his life to establishing fun planting programs, inspiring governments, and rallying communities around the world.
— Wendy Campbell Purdy, longtime collaborator
How Baker Changed the World
1. Founded Global Organizations
Created Men of the Trees and similar organizations that continue his work today as the International Tree Foundation
2. Influenced World Leaders
From Presidents to Prime Ministers, Baker's personal advocacy sparked national reforestation programs
3. Authored Influential Works
His writings became required reading for government forestry departments worldwide
4. Supported Grassroots Movements
Championed local environmental activists like the Chipko tree huggers in India
5. Pioneered Economic Solutions
Among the first to advocate for international funding to halt Amazon deforestation
6. Inspired Through Action
At age 92, still launching environmental awareness campaigns globally
"Saving the Skin of the Earth"
This phrase perfectly captures Richard St. Barbe Baker's life mission. He understood that Earth's forests are not mere resources—they are the living skin that protects and sustains all life on our planet.
Through his tireless advocacy, boundless enthusiasm, and global vision, he helped stem the tide of twentieth-century deforestation and inspired generations of conservationists who continue his work today.
Continue Exploring Baker's Legacy
Learn more about Richard St. Barbe Baker's remarkable life, his verified honors, and how his vision continues to inspire tree care professionals today.
Honoring Baker's Mission in Colorado
At Creative Tree & Stump LLC, we continue Baker's vision through professional tree care, conservation education, and fire mitigation services across Colorado's Front Range. Every tree we plant, protect, and preserve honors the legacy of the Man of the Trees.
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