Harold Baker was born in Merrickville, Ontario, on June 29, 1927. He received a BSA from the Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph (1950); a M.Sc. from the University of Wisconsin (1956); and a PhD. from Cornell (1959). Prior to taking graduate studies, Baker had worked in agricultural extension for the Ontario Department of Agriculture. In 1958, he joined the Centre for Community Studies in Saskatoon and, in 1962, was named Research Specialist in Extension. From 1963-1973, Baker served as Director of Extension Division. His resignation as Director enabled his return to more direct involvement in community education and development and allowed him to research social indicators and their relation to life-long learning and planned development. Baker served on the Community Planning Association of Canada, Canadian Association for Adult Education, Canadian Council on Rural Development, and was a board member of the Canadian Association for Adult Education, Canadian Council on Rural Development, and Canada World Youth. Baker died in Saskatoon on March 18, 2011.

Richard St. Barbe Baker was born in Southampton, England in 1889. He immigrated to Canada and homesteaded on what is now the site of the Beaver Creek conservation area near Saskatoon, in 1909. He was one of the first 100 students to attend the University of Saskatchewan where, among other things, he operated the first student 'residence' in his barn on the campus, penned the University 'yell,' and initiated freshman John Diefenbaker. St. Barbe also attended Cauis College, Cambridge. He served during World War I, and was invalided in France in April 1918. Following the war, he worked briefly for the British Institute for Social Service, helping to establish the Ministry of Health. After completing forestry studies at Cambridge, he was appointed Assistant Conservator of Forests in Kenya where, in 1922, he founded the Men of the Trees, enlisting the help of 9000 voluntary tree planters in an attempt to arrest the invading Sahara. This society, which grew into an international organization, became the central cause of St. Barbe's life. He was called upon to advise several nations on forestry matters, and was active in promoting international cooperation in conservation. He published extensively, not only on forestry and trees but also on spiritual and religious topics and health matters. In recognition of his many accomplishments, the University of Saskatchewan conferred an honourary Doctor of Laws on St. Barbe in November 1971. In 1977, the Order of the British Empire was bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II. St. Barbe died on June 9, 1982 while on a visit to the University of Saskatchewan.

Born October 9, 1889 near Southhampton, England, Richard Edward St. Barbe Baker was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham; Emanual College, University of Saskatchewan; and Cambridge University where he completed forestry studies. Following service in World War II, and a brief stint with the British civil service, St. Barbe was appointed Assistant Conservator of Forests in Kenya. There in 1922, he founded the Men of the Trees, enlisting the help of 9,000 voluntary tree planters in an attempt to arrest the invading Sahara. This society, which grew into an international organization, became the central cause of St. Barbe's life. He became a renowned forestry consultant, and over the years was called upon to advise governments in many nations on forestry and conservation matters, including Palestine, New Zealand, the United States, Africa, and India. He also was active in promoting international co-operation and was involved in preparations for the first World Forestry Congress held in Rome in 1926. In addition to his extensive forestry and conservation activities, St. Barbe wrote and published widely and has more than thirty books and scores of articles to his credit. While much of his writing is autobiographical in nature, he also wrote about tree, forestry and conservation concerns, spiritual and religious topics, health matters, and horses, and also produced some material specifically for children. Throughout his life St. Barbe was constantly in demand as a public lecturer, speaking to numerous audiences in many countries, and gave talks in schools all over Britain and New Zealand. His radio talks were featured on the BBC in Britain, and he was also heard on radio in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Africa. Beyond his forestry and literary activities, St. Barbe was strongly involved with the Baha'i Faith, and was a proponent of healthful living. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972, and in 1977 the Order of the British Empire was bestowed upon him. Richard St. Barbe Baker was married twice. His marriage to Doreen Whitworth in 1946 ended in divorce in 1953. This union produced a daughter Angela, and a son, Paul. In 1959 St. Barbe married Catriona Burnett. Her home at Mount Cook Station, New Zealand remained his residence until his death, which occured on June 9, 1982 in Saskatoon while on a visit to the University of Saskatchewan.