A Home Built of Straw, February 8
Bert Weichel, a lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Saskatchewan, will discuss his experience building a straw bale house on February 8 at 7 pm at the Cliff Wright Library, 1635 McKercher Drive. This event is co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and the Saskatoon Public Library.
Comments re Species at Risk Legislation, February 8
You’re invited to comment on the proposed amendment to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. The public comment period for the amendment ends February 8.
The Saskatoon Nature Society indicates that the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has recommended the addition of 13 terrestrial species, the up-listing of six terrestrial species, and the down-listing of 5 others. More details are available on the SARA website.
Backyard Bird Count, February 17-20
Join bird watchers across North America in tallying the birds you see in your own backyard or neighbourhood between February 17 and 20. Instructions and tally sheets are available on the Great Backyard Bird Count’s website.
Children are encouraged to participate, and the GBBC for Kids page provides an online bird guide, a bird sounds quiz, and a recipe for a bird treat.
Winter Fun Days, Beaver Creek, February 20-24
Indoor and outdoor activities will be available at the Beaver Creek Conservation Centre from 10 am-4 pm from February 20 to 24. For more information, call 374-2474.
Kids’ Winter Camp, Wanuskewin, February 21-24
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is holding a winter camp for kids aged 7 to 10 from 9 am-4:30 pm, Tuesday, February 21 to Friday, February 24. The camp will include guided trail walks, bannock baking, tipi raising, First Nations’ crafts, and winter activities.
Saskatoon’s Naturalized Parks
The Saskatoon Nature Society reports that the City of Saskatoon has designated several city parks as naturalized parks. Gary Pedersen, Naturalized Areas Supervisor, prepared a report for the Society outlining the shrubs that have been planted to attract songbirds. The City plans to maintain its grassland management strategy to accommodate the widest possible diversity of wildlife species.
Managing On-Farm Plastic Waste
The Government of Saskatchewan has partnered with CleanFARMS to manage on-farm plastic waste, such as bale wrap and grain bags. CleanFARMS currently operates a national empty pesticide container recycling program and an obsolete pesticide collection program.
People-Friendly Urban Design
Saskatoon's future is up to us - transportation, housing, neighbourhood design, and agricultural reserves. Find out more in It's Our Choice: People-Friendly Urban Design, an interview with Professor Ryan Walker.
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