Environmental news and events for Saskatoon and area - Birdwatching, Environment Day at Craik, Volunteer Opportunities, Construction Workshops, Food Waste, and Elms
Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips, May 16-30
The following outings are hosted by the Saskatoon Nature Society. Meeting locations and telephone contact information are available on their website.
MVA Trail Bird Walks, Sundays
Beginner bird watchers are invited to participate in a bird walk along the Meewasin trail every Sunday in May from 7-9:30 am.
Shorebirds Southeast of Saskatoon, May 21
Look for shorebirds and other water birds in Clavet, Bradwell, and Blucher from 9 am to 4 pm. Bring a lunch.
Warbler Migration, May 24
Walk through Cosmopolitan Park and look for warblers and other songbirds from 7-8:30 pm.
May Day Bird Count, May 26
Phone 242-5383 to be assigned to a group.
Butterflies 2, May 27
Catch and release butterflies for a close view from 1:30-4:30 pm. This trip may be cancelled if weather is poor. (665-6074)
Environment
Craik World Environment Day, June 5
Visit Craik Eco-Village on June 5 from 10 am – 6 pm for information sessions on food sovereignty, water security, the local food movement, as well as exhibits by non-profit organizations, and a tour of Titan Clean Energy Project. Delila Jahn-Thue will discuss rural recycling and read from her book, Advice Between Kingdoms – How the Hays Moved Trash Mountain.
There will be Green Drinks and networking on June 4 at 7 pm. Meals will be available for purchase from the Solar Garden Restaurant.
Nature Conservancy Volunteers
Join the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s volunteer team at one of their many events this summer, starting on June 2 with a piping plover count in Crane Valley. The Calendar of Events lists all the upcoming opportunities – click on an event to sign up.
Construction
Cob Oven, June 24
Dirt Craft Natural Building is offering a one-day, hands-on cob oven workshop on June 24 from 9 am to 5 pm. Participants will learn how to build a wood-fired oven from straw, clay, sand and bricks, how to build the perfect door, and how to use wood efficiently. The workshop will be held just north of Saskatoon where five families are working together to create a permaculture farm and community.
Earthen Plasters, June 29-July 1
Dirt Craft Natural Building is offering a four-day workshop on wall preparation for various natural building techniques, with a focus on a straw bale, timber-framed house. To register, contact Mike Jones at happybugfarms@gmail.com or phone 306-716-5394 or 306-717-4495.
Straw Light Clay, July 6-8
Craik Sustainable Living Project is offering a 3-day hands-on workshop in straw light clay construction. The workshop will include mixing and applying plasters and a tour and discussion of off-grid living using solar and wind systems.
Gardening
Plant Sale, May 18
Mistik Acres is holding a plant sale on their farm near Alvena from 10 am to 8 pm on Friday, May 18.
Urban
Food Waste
1.4 million tons of food waste goes into landfills every year. Massachusetts is seeking to reduce that figure by making it illegal for large restaurants, businesses, and institutions to put food waste in the garbage. The food waste will be diverted to composting sites and plants that can convert waste into energy, heat, and/or fertilizer.
Save the U of S Elms
You’re invited to sign a petition to save 15 elm trees that are nearly 100 years old from being cut down due to construction of the Aboriginal Students’ Centre.
EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. A complete listing of all upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.
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