About the Friends

Activities and Achievements

• • In 1991 the House was recognized as a site of National Historic Significance

  • Secured a long term lease to the building from the City of Saskatoon in 1998

  • Completed historical research on the site and on the work of the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station

  • Prepared a restoration and sustainable development plan which uses a phased in approach

  • Prepared a landscape plan for the area surrounding the house

  • Installed new shingles and stabilized the building. Completed interior demolition work

  • Installed new plumbing, heating, electrical and code requirement changes

  • Insulated, dry walled and painted the house

  • Held several 'open houses' for the general public, including a 85th Birthday Party which attracted over 250 people

  • Held several historical walking tours explaining the importance of the history of the house and its grounds

  • Commenced exterior restoration spring 2000, starting with the porch substructure and wheelchair accessible ramp

  • Exterior and interior main floor renovations completed and house is opened to the public, August 2000

  • The main floor welcomes new tenants, launching the 'Hearth and Stone' restaurant and opening its doors and dining room to the public

  • The Friends of the Forestry Farm House debut on the world wide web with the website launch at www.friendsforestryfarmhouse.org now fffh.ca

  • In 2001, the Forestry Farm House restoration project nears completion and moves towards a maintenance program and onto the landscaping phase

  • In January, the completion of the second floor renovations welcomes the Zoo Administration and the Zoo Society to the Superintendent's Residence while their new building is constructed.

  • Tenants change on the main floor and the Friends announce the opening of the 'Forestry Farm Tea House'

  • In 2001, the Friends of the Forestry Farm House receive a Vintage Building Award from the Saskatchewan Architectural Heritage Society in the Adaptive Reuse-Community Landmark category

  • In 2002, the Friends won the City of Saskatoon Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee Heritage Award in the Adaptive Reuse Category

  • The Friends become a member of Tourism Saskatchewan

  • A self-guided walking tour and brochure are developed highlighting the heritage plantings and buildings of the Forestry Farm Park with Glen Gustafson researching and coordinating the project. 'A Walking Tour of the former Sutherland Forest Nursery Station' is launched in September.

  • Landscaping around the Superintendent's Residence saw the reintroduction of some varieties of shrubs developed at the Sutherland Nursery Station by Les Kerr, the second Superintendent of the Station.

  • Bernie Cruikshank and Margot Rashley attend a symposium funded and organized by Parks Canada in partnership with the Lougheed House Conservation Society in Calgary. The conference 'There's No Place Like Home' dealt with issues confronting Canada's Historic Houses.

  • With the departure of the main floor tenants in early 2003, the FFFH take on the task of maintaining the 'Tea House' and welcome the personal and professional skills of manager Jamie Pfiefer and her staff.

  • The Friends of the Forestry Farm House close the 'Tea House' in December of 2004 in order to focus the energies of its volunteers on its original mandate. Today the Superintendent's Residence is home to the National Historic Site Interpretive Centre and can be rented out for workshops or special occasion evening events. Contact 306-975-3382 for rental information.

  • The House seats 45 comfortably in three separate rooms. The kitchen is very basic with a gas stove and refrigerator.

  • In 2006 the walking tour was updated to include information on the Saskatchewan Perennial Society Gardens.

  • In 2012 the Friends of the Forestry Farm House joined other stakeholders at the park to form the Centennial Committee to organize the centennial celebrations for the year 2013.

  • On Sunday May 26th, 2013, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo celebrated 100 years. The day featured old fashioned games, interpretive wagon rides, blacksmith demonstrations, quilts and art displays, entertainment and the ceremonial planting of a 'Ventura' maple. Dignitaries were on hand for a formal program and helped distribute birthday cake. Over 4500 people took part in the day of celebration.

  • In June 2014, the Friends of the Forestry Farm House published 'Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: A Photographic History'. Written by Sara Williams this publication uses many archival and contemporary photographs to tell the story of the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station, its place in history, and its continuing legacy as a city park and zoo, which we enjoy today.

  • In 2017 the Friends of the Forestry Farm House received the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Award for Education, Heritage Events & Publishing for its publication of 'Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: A Photographic History'.

  • The Friends of the Forestry Farm House continue to fulfill their mandate by providing interpretation to school groups and walking tours to the public that focus on the story of the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station and its role in the settlement of the Prairie Provinces.

Board of Directors (2022)

President: Bernie Cruikshank
Vice President:
Treasurer: Claire Bullaro (Saskatoon Zoo Society)
Secretary: Sue Barrett
Directors: Peggy Sarjeant (Saskatoon Heritage Society)
                      Bernadette Vangool (Saskatchewan Perennial Society)
                      Lesley Avant