Thursday 28 November 2013

Pine Cree Regional Park


In the Cypress Hills, just 13 kilometres from Eastend, lies Pine Cree Regional Park. It’s a small, natural park featuring “old time quiet starry nights, watchable wildlife, wildflowers galore, fishing, and hiking.” Swift Current Creek runs through the site, providing clear, cold running water all year long.

The park was initially developed by Everett Baker, a Saskatchewan naturalist, historian, and photographer. In 1970, Pine Cree became a regional park, commemorating the memory of Everett Baker and John Macoun, a member of the Canadian Geological Survey who camped in the area in the 1880s.

There are three self-guided trails through the park that can be booked through the park officer. One trail takes you up to the highest point in the park where you will discover teepee rings, while another leads you up above the Hermit’s Cave. All three trails are described in Robin and Arlene Karpan’s book, Saskatchewan’s Best Hikes and Nature Walks.


EcoFriendly Action Grant
In June, the park applied for an EcoFriendly Action Grant to help clean up a portion of the creek. A 1980s fish enhancement project had used long spikes and stems of rebar to attach treated timber and long planks to the banks of the creek. Over time, the timber and planks had worked loose, causing jamming and bank destruction and exposing pointed segments of rebar.

Thanks to a $500 grant from EcoFriendly Sask, the park hired Darcy French to remove the timber. Joan Hodgins, the Parks Officer, says, “The work was arduous manual labour, requiring the use of a chain saw, bow saw, crowbars, sledge hammers, axes and hours of work in the cold waters of the spring-fed creek. The portion that was the focus this year was at the north end of the campground, where the fishing is popular, and had no access to the road, so everything had to be carried out to the truck to be disposed.”

Darcy spent 40 hours on the project and was helped on his last day by Riley, a volunteer, and Ashley, a staff person.

Joan goes on to say, “Thank you so much for allotting us the grant money. The Pine Cree Regional Park Authority truly appreciated it and put it to very good use. This project would not have been done without your contribution. The campers and the wildlife have a safer environment.”


Swift Current Creek
Brittney Hoemsen, TRoutreach Saskatchewan’s Project Coordinator, is very familiar with the park. She says, “It's an amazing park. We started sampling it only because it was so pretty there but what we found kept us coming back! It's a small creek with cold (around 4 degrees average all year), clear running water, which is fairly rare in Saskatchewan. It therefore supports many insects that aren't found anywhere else! We found a new species of midge (Odontomesa fulva) that isn't found anywhere else in Saskatchewan. We also found a caddisfly family, Neophylax splendens, which is new to Saskatchewan.

"These organisms are very sensitive to human pollution so they can only be found in places with excellent water quality and healthy stream banks, such as Pine Cree Creek. It's important that we maintain the pristine areas when we can so I really appreciate you supporting this project!!”

Additional information:
Pine Cree Regional Park website
TRoutreach Saskatchewan’s Facebook page
Friends of Pine Cree Park Facebook page
Everett Baker’s Saskatchewan: Portraits of an Era by Bill Waiser (a compilation of Baker’s photographs of Saskatchewan in the mid-twentieth century)
Eastend Hiking & Driving Tours (Auto Tour #2 takes you through the park)

Photo Credits: First photo provided by TRoutreach Saskatchewan; other photos provided by Pine Cree Regional Park

Tuesday 26 November 2013

EcoSask News, November 26, 2013

Black-capped chickadee

Events & Opportunities
The Human Scale, Dec. 7
Great Places Saskatoon presents the film, The Human Scale, at 7 pm, December 7, at the Roxy Theatre. The film explores the ideas and work of Danish architect, Jan Gehl, and the making and shaping of cities for people.

Winter Birding Contest
Keep a list of all the Saskatchewan birds you see this winter and share it with others through Nature Saskatchewan. The contest runs from December 1 to February 28. Send entries to Boyd Metzler, Box 126, Whitewood, SK S0G 5C0 (boyd.metzler@sasktel.net) by March 15, 2014.

Waste Minimization Awards
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is inviting nominations for their Waste Minimization Awards in a variety of different categories, including Youth, Small Business, Municipality, and Festival/Event. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2014.

James L. Baillie Memorial Fund
Individuals and organizations are invited to apply for grants from the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund to support projects that increase understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Canadian birds in their natural environment.

Take Action
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Create a nature trail and bird sanctuary (Neudorf Trails and Wild Bird Sanctuary)

Organize a hazardous waste collection system for your condo/apartment building

Become an Important Bird Area caretaker (volunteers needed for Big Muddy Lake, Cabria Area, Cumberland Marshes, Grasslands National Park – East Block, Primrose Lake, and Suggi Lake)

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What is the best way to protect the Prairies – through rewilding or ranching?

When government supports the fishing industry, environment and our long-term future are the losers –  the same argument could apply to Canada’s oil industry

Thumbs Up
Lake Ontario keeps Toronto cool

Customized advice and energy comparisons work better than monetary rewards in cutting energy usage

5 unconventional ways to get people hooked on nature – from treetop Barbies to prison science projects

Thumbs Down
Toxic waste from Alberta coal slurry spill goes unreported

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

Tuesday 19 November 2013

EcoSask News, November 19, 2013

frosty pigeon

Upcoming Events
Alanna Mitchell, Nov. 22 
Alanna Mitchell, author of Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis, will be speaking at Prairieland Park on November 22. Tickets for the dinner and presentation are $50 and are available by calling 306.373.6365 or 306.343.6301 or at McNally Robinson.

Ecological Goods & Services, Nov. 22 & Dec. 5 
There are two upcoming events on Ecological Goods and Services:

Ken Belcher will speak on the topic at 12:10 pm on November 22 in Room 1024, Education Building, U of S. The presentation is part of the Native Prairie Speaker Series and will be broadcast live.

There is a full-day workshop on December 5 in the Agriculture Building, U of S, organized by the Society for Range Management. Topics include carbon sequestration as an ecological good and service, rangeland health assessment, and the worth of native prairie grasslands.

Where are the Birds?
Join the Saskatoon Nature Society on an upcoming field trip. Additional information is available on their website.
Nov. 24 – Pre-Grey Cup Birding at President Murray Park
Dec. 7 – Gardiner Dam Birding

Unacceptable Levels, Dec. 2
Unacceptable Levels, a film exploring the chemical revolution of the ‘40s, the 80,000 chemicals now in industrial circulation, and the effect this has had on our bodies will be shown at 8 pm, December 2 at The Broadway Theatre. The film is sponsored by The Broadway Theatre, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, and the Saskatchewan Eco Network.

Urban Transportation & Design Conference, Jan. 24
The School of Environment and Sustainability, in partnership with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon, is presenting a one-day Urban Transportation and Design conference on January 24, 2014. The sustainability networking conference will cover balancing sprawl and urban density and fostering change in transportation behaviour. Tickets are on sale now.

negative clarity

Take Action
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Promote a Buy Nothing Day/Xmas or a Buy No Christmas Crap campaign

Host a Foodprint Challenge (reducing ‘Foodprint’ cuts waste, saves money)

Visit a local wetland and share photographs and impressions (Yes! In winter!)

Thumbs Up
Local activists speak out in favour of a strong municipal wetlands policy

Cheap green homes with no energy bill for 10 years

Over 650 swift fox now live in and around Grasslands National Park

Thumbs Down 
Water is undervalued. Recognizing its true value could lead to major savings in water use efficiency and sustainability

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

Tuesday 12 November 2013

EcoSask News, November 12, 2013

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Events
Edible City, Nov. 21
Slow Food Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Eco Network are showing the movie Edible City: Grow the Revolution at the Frances Morrison Public Library at 7 pm, November 21. Edible City profiles a diverse group of people who are challenging the status quo food system through edible education, grassroots activism, and building local economies.

Community Pastures, Nov. 21
Joe Schmutz will provide an update on Saskatchewan’s community pastures, explaining the relationship between grass, birds, and cowboys at 7:30 pm, November 21, in Room 106 of the Biology Building, U of S (Saskatoon Nature Society monthly program meeting).

NE Quadrant Open House, Nov. 26
The Meewasin Valley Authority is holding an open house from 5:30-7:30 pm on November 26 to discuss development plans for the city’s Northeast Quadrant (particularly north of Circle Drive).

Winter Festival & Camp, Dec. 7
The SK Outdoor & Environmental Education Association is hosting a Winter Festival & Camp on December 7 at St. Michael’s Retreat, Lumsden. The Festival will include winter games, a survival skills demo, and a Leave No Trace workshop. Pre-register if you want to try your hand at camping in a snow shelter.

Take Action
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Organize a tour of Saskatoon’s most sustainable housing (solar energy installations, insulation, etc.)

Set up an office compost bin

Thumbs Up
Saskatoon’s City Centre Plan includes pedestrian streets, improved public transit, native plants, and additional sustainable building practices

Solar energy is on the rise and getting cheaper every day

This school has a constructed wetland that treats wastewater on site – not to mention recycled building materials, green roofs, and solar energy panels

Thumbs Down
The report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development states that “the government has not met key commitments, deadlines and obligations to protect Canada’s natural spaces”

Tar sands development in northern Saskatchewan

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

Thursday 7 November 2013

Winter Explorations in Saskatchewan

frosty river scene

We complain about winter, but there is lots to enjoy as well. Here are just a few ideas.

Let’s Get Active
Snowshoeing
Children ages 5-11 can try their hand at snowshoeing with the Saskatoon Young Naturalists (tentative January 5, 2014).

The Saskatoon Snowshoe Club plans a variety of tours and overnight trips. They also provide a list of local businesses that rent snowshoes.

Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve hosts a range of winter family activities, including snowshoeing, as does Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

The Hawood Inn, Waskesiu, lends out snowshoes free of charge.

Skating 
The Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink next to the Hotel Bessborough normally opens in mid to late December, and you can borrow a pair of skates.

If you’re a skating enthusiast, check out the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. There are different lanes for different speeds and lots of room for every skater.

Downhill Skiing
Gentle downhill skiing is available at Table Mountain Regional Park near Battleford. There are 11 runs, and they offer skiing services for people with special needs.

Additional downhill skiing opportunities are available near Big River, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Kamsack.

spidery

Cross-Country Skiing
The City of Saskatoon maintains cross-country ski trails along the river and in various different parks and golf courses.

The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club offers ski lessons for children and adults, weekly ski touring, and groomed cross country ski trails.

Volunteers maintain trails in Prince Albert National Park. Skis, poles, and boots are available free of charge from the Hawood Inn.

Thirteen provincial parks have cross-country ski trails.

CanoeSki Discovery Company offers cross-country ski courses. They also organize a Boreal Forest Ski Mushing weekend, which combines dog sleds and skiing.

Dogsledding
Learn to run a dog team while exploring the southern edge of Canada’s boreal forest with Sundogs Sled Excursions.

Sleigh Rides & Horseback Riding
The Sturgeon River Ranch offers horseback riding and sleigh rides.

Winter Camping
The Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association offers a variety of winter activities, including winter camping.

Winter Cycling
Saskatoon Cycles  and Bike Regina offer a number of winter cycling events.

FatLanders FatTire Brigade in Saskatoon is the only known FatBike specific cycling club in Canada. Their members organize weekly rides throughout the winter and will be hosting several special events in conjunction with the Wintershines Festival in January.

rabbit

Winter Birds
Pishing for Chickadees
Stand very still and make small, repetitive noises - pishing, and you may be lucky enough to attract the attention of a flock of chickadees who will be delighted to eat sunflower seeds straight from your hand.

Saskatoon Young Naturalists head out to Pike Lake to pish every winter (February 1, 2014). You can also join pishing parties at Beaver Creek Conservation Area.

Christmas Bird Count
Every year, thousands of people around the world head outdoors for the Christmas Bird Count. Join members of the Saskatoon Nature Society as they count birds in and around Saskatoon. The Society organizes frequent outings to view birds all year round. Everyone is welcome.

Winter Landscapes
Footprints in the Snow
How many different animal footprints can you identify? Children can check out basic animal tracks with the Saskatoon Young Naturalists (January 19, 2014), or you can teach yourself with a book or app.

Forestry Farm Park and Zoo 
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is open all winter long and admission is free from November 1 to March 31.

Winter Solstice
Why not celebrate the shortest day of the year with an evening walk along the riverbank?

sun down

Festivals
Wintershines
The PotashCorp Wintershines Festival at the end of January is an annual event, including ice climbing, ice sculptures, a children’s winter camp, and much, much more.

Ice Cycle
Ice Cycle (usually held in February) is the coldest bicycle parade on the planet. It features a winter cycling workshop, a cycling costume contest, and live music.

Curl Up with a Good Book
Youth 
Take a Winter Nature Walk, Jane Kirkland

Snow and Ice: Canadian Winter Weather, Nicole Mortillaro

Winter Nature Activities for Children, Brigitte Kutsch

Adults 
Wandering through Winter: A Naturalist’s Record of a 20,000-Mile Journey through the North American Winter, Edwin Way Teale

Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival, Bernd Heinrich

Life in the Cold: An Introduction to Winter Ecology, Peter J. Marchand

Tuesday 5 November 2013

EcoSask News, November 5, 2013

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Bird Feeder Workshops, November
Stop by the Meewasin Valley Centre from 1-4 pm on November 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24 to make a bird feeder. For more information, call 306.665.6888. Program cost is by donation.

Zero Garbage Baby, Nov. 19
Find out how Naomi of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council took on the ultimate personal challenge - getting her baby from zero to potty trained without a single disposable diaper, wipe, or pull up at 7 pm, November 19, at the Frances Morrison Library. This presentation is part of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s Library Speaker Series.

What Are Your Risks, Nov. 21 
KPMG and the United Way of Saskatoon and Area are hosting a seminar for non-profit organizations highlighting key financial and accounting risk areas that active board and audit committee members should focus on, including financial reporting, internal control, governance, and IT risks. Register online for this free event.

Lloydminster Waste Reduction Workshop, Nov. 27 
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council and the Recycling Council of Alberta are presenting a regional workshop in Lloydminster on November 27. Topics include demolition waste, plastics recycling, and composting.

Surface Rights Legislation Review, Nov. 30 
The Ministry of the Economy is seeking public comment on The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act. The Act is being reviewed to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of both landowners and industry stakeholders. A discussion paper and feedback options are available online. The tentative deadline for feedback is November 30.

Take Action: Apply for a Grant
It’s easy to become discouraged about climate change. It’s a lot harder to figure out ways in which we, as individuals or small groups, can make a difference. Here are some ideas. If you’re interested, be sure to apply for an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Build an insect hotel

Sponsor a neighbourhood birds and windows campaign

Plan a lug-a-mug campaign for your office

Thumbs Up 
Brent Veitch of Rock Paper Sun says that solar power is now affordable for the average Saskatoon household.

The governors of California, Oregon, and Washington, along with BC Premier Christy Clark, signed the Pacific Coast Action Plan, making substantive commitments around carbon pricing, low-carbon transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and more.

Recycling and reusing demolition waste can help cities meet their environmental targets.

Thumbs Down 
Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are trending up not down. Growth in the oilsands is the biggest barrier to getting Canada’s emissions on a downward track.

The increasing demand for palm oil is destroying forests and pushing orangutans to the brink of extinction. It’s time for consumers to stand up and say no.

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).