Tuesday 29 September 2015

EcoSask News, September 29, 2015

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Upcoming Events
Wild Bees as Crop Pollinators, Sept. 30 
SK PCAP Native Prairie Speaker Series is offering a webinar, Wild Bees as Crop Pollinators: A Case Study in Haskap, at 12 pm, Sept. 30.

Green Drinks Regina, Oct. 1 
Green Drinks Regina will be held from 5:30-7 pm, Oct. 1, at Abstractions Café, Regina. They’ll be meeting with Goldenrod Land Co-op, a group of families that wants to develop food systems and alternative building and energy sources.

Cowspiracy, Oct. 8 
Intuitive Path SuperFoods is showing the movie Cowspiracy – The Sustainability Secret at 6:30 pm, Oct. 8.

The movie, about how factory farming, cattle and dairy in particular, is decimating the planet’s natural resources, is also available on Netflix.

This Changes Everything, Oct. 10 
The film, This Changes Everything, presents seven portraits of communities on the front line of climate change. Director Avi Lewis will attend the premiere of This Changes Everything at the Broadway Theatre on Oct. 10 and will lead a panel discussion following the film.

Junior Environmental Engineering for Kids, Oct/Nov 
Engineering for Kids is a national program designed to inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by exploring science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, challenging way.

A six-week Junior Environmental Engineering for Kids course will be held at the Crossmount Arts Barn from Oct. 20 to Nov. 24 for 4 to 6 year olds. Students will look for solutions to problems such as saving endangered animals, protecting plants from the sun’s heat, and will investigate natural processes, such as erosion, animal adaptations, and plant growth.

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar.

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Action Grants
Recycling & Lac La Ronge Waste Management Corporation - $500 to establish a kitchen and garden composting program for the Village of La Ronge

Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan - $325 to fund an owl pellet dissection activity at Gone Wild for Wildlife, November 14, 2015

City Park Toy Library - $500 to support a planned expansion of the library to promote alternative models to traditional consumerism and reduce waste

News
Last year, Americans drank more than 10 billion gallons of bottled water. It took over 17 million barrels of oil to make all the plastic bottles.

"We can co-exist if we keep our dogs on a leash and give coyotes space to roam around us."

Two women want to help Canadians stop piling up the trash. They’ve set up a website and a blog with handy tips and resources.

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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

Tuesday 22 September 2015

EcoSask News, September 22, 2015

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Upcoming Events
Parrot Rescue, Oct. 4
Treena Cheveldayoff will introduce some of the parrots she has rescued and discuss parrot species, lifespans, and diets at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1-2:30 pm, Oct. 4.

Falcon Hunt, Oct. 4
Observe one of Dr. Lynn Oliphant’s falcons as it catches its prey. Meet at Wild Birds Unlimited at 4 pm, Oct. 4.

SK Energy Management Task Force, Oct. 7
The Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force hosts monthly breakfast meetings for professionals with an interest in the effective use of energy and its related aspects. The meetings start at 7 am at the Confederation Inn. The speaker on Oct. 7 is Kent Rathwell, Sun Country Highway.

International Walk to School Day, Oct. 7
International Walk to School Day is a global event celebrating active transportation. If you’re worried about safety, you can participate by organizing a walking school bus, a group of children walking to school with one or more adults.

Operate Your Building More Efficiently, Oct. 9 (Estevan), Nov. 20 (Saskatoon)
Would you like your building to be more comfortable and have lower utility bills? Non-profit organizations and small businesses are invited to attend a one-day Building Operator Training seminar in Estevan on Oct. 9 and in Saskatoon on Nov. 20. You’ll learn how to efficiently operate your lighting, electrical equipment, heating, ventilation and cooling, and reduce your water use. Cost is only $30/person thanks to sponsorship by Affinity Credit Union.

Rob Dumont Awards Dinner, Oct. 14
The Rob Dumont Awards Dinner on Oct. 14 will honour today's leaders in energy management. Proceeds from the dinner will go to the Rob Dumont Foundation dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations related to energy management. Dave White will speak on innovation, creativity, and values. Tickets are available on Picatic.

Sustainability Champions Training
Current and recently graduated university students are invited to join IMPACT! Sustainability Champions Training. The training includes a 3-day workshop on sustainability leadership and social entrepreneurship, 4 months of mentorship, and a networking evening with local social entrepreneurs. Applications are due Oct. 18.

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Field Trips
Golden Eagles
Oct. 1, 9 am – Geese & Other Migrants
Oct. 8, 9 am – Whooping Cranes
Oct. 15, 9 am – Pike Lake Area
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate in Golden Eagle field trips.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Oct. 2, 7-10 pm – Saw-Whet Owl Banding
Oct. 10, 8 am-5 pm – Whooping Crane Trip
Oct. 12, 9:30-11:30 am – Woodlawn Cemetery & Weir
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details (e.g. some trips require rubber boots, others will be cancelled if the weather is bad).

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

News
Many of the new "exotic" pollutants can't be removed through current water treatment methods

Endangered and threatened marine fish species in Canada are routinely refused protection by the federal government

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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

Tuesday 15 September 2015

EcoSask News, September 15, 2015

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Upcoming Events
Wildlife Rehab Fundraiser, Sept. 17
The closing date for Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation’s online auction is Sept. 17. Head over to their Facebook page and bid for a chance to watch a Riders’ football game with George Reed.

Garage Sale Fundraiser, Sept. 26/27
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation is holding a garage sale fundraiser on Sept. 26 and 27.

Coyote Walk, Sept. 26
A presentation and roundtable discussion as part of the Conversation Series, sponsored by Void Gallery and Finding City Community Arts Inc., will bring attention to the entanglement among humans, domestic animals, and wildlife in Saskatoon. The Coyote Walk will take place on Sept. 26 in association with Nuit Blanche YXE.

Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference
The deadline for submitting abstracts for oral or poster presentations at the Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference has been extended to Oct. 2 (end of day).

Project Wet, Oct. 3 (Regina)
Sask Outdoors is offering a one-day Project WET workshop in Regina on Oct. 3. Project WET is a K-12 instructional resource covering topics such as climate and weather, water demand management, and conservation.

SK Energy Management Task Force, Oct. 7
The Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force hosts monthly breakfast meetings with a guest speaker for professionals with an interest in the effective use of energy and its related aspects. The meetings start at 7 am at the Confederation Inn.

The Oct. 7 speaker is Kent Rathwell, Sun Country Highway.

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Moose Mountain Gone Wild, Oct. 24
The first annual fundraiser for Moose Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation will begin at 5 pm, Oct. 24, at the Red Market Barn north of Kenosee Lake.

From Rivers to Oceans, Nov. 2-4
Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin will be holding their annual conference from Nov. 2-4 in Winnipeg. The conference will seek to make connections between the rivers in our watershed and their journey to the ocean.

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar

News
The Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative has launched a crowdfunding program to purchase two new cars so that they can expand their services to City Park and Downtown. All donations are welcome.

Agricultural products are one of the world’s biggest sources of plastic trash. Here are three ways that farmers are kicking the plastic habit.

A City of Saskatoon report shows that, while the City has initiated climate impact assessments, they have not yet begun to act.

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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

Tuesday 8 September 2015

EcoSask News, September 8, 2015

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Events
Green Drinks Regina, Sept. 10
Green Drinks Regina will discuss electric vehicles in Saskatchewan and SaskPower’s latest energy conservation initiatives from 5:40-7:15 pm, Sept. 10, at Abstractions Café.
 
Flowering Rush Removal, Sept. 10/11 
Help the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan remove invasive flowering rush from a wetland between Young and Watrous on Sept. 10 and 11. Contact NPSS to let them know you’ll be attending.

Trash Bashes & Fence Fighting, Sept. 11, 18, 26
Join Nature Conservancy of Canada for one of the following outdoor clean-up opportunities:
Trash Bash on Asquith, Sept. 11
Fence Fighting at Fairy Hill, Sept. 18
Edenwold Fence Pull, Sept. 26

Vereco Open House, Sept. 12
Find out what’s involved in designing efficient homes at a Vereco Open House from 1-4 pm, Sept. 12. Register to attend more in-depth workshops at 1:30 and 2:30 pm.

Dark Skies at the Creek, Sept. 19
Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night at Beaver Creek Conservation Area from 8 pm to 1:30 am, Sept. 19. Local astronomers and telescopes will be on hand along with the “bat girls.” Visitors can learn about nocturnal wildlife on hikes at 10 pm and 12 pm.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Sept. 19 
The City of Saskatoon accepts household hazardous waste once a month at the SaskTel Centre from 9 am - 3:30 pm. The next Household Hazardous Waste Day is September 19.

Optimistic Environmentalist, Sept. 21
David Boyd, an environmental lawyer and author of Cleaner, Greener, Healthier: A Prescription for Stronger Canadian Environmental Laws and Policies will be speaking in Saskatoon on Sept. 21:
12-1 pm, Room 150, College of Law, U of S 
7 pm, McNally Robinson Booksellers

Living with Wildlife Conference, Oct. 16 
The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals is holding a one-day Living with Wildlife Conference in Vancouver on October 16. The conference speakers will discuss solutions for co-existing with urban wildlife.

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar.

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News
Ducks Unlimited is calling on the Saskatchewan government to introduce mitigation strategies to accompany the new drainage regulations.

The largest wildlife overpass in the US has been proposed for Los Angeles’ 101 freeway. Should we be considering some shorter wildlife overpasses over the proposed roads in the Northeast Swale?

Meewasin Valley Authority is developing an energy conservation program at Beaver Creek. The program will include the installation of solar panels and a net metering system and will include insulation strategies, renewable energy, waste reduction, and a discussion of animal and plant adaptation.

The National Film Board has undertaken a documentary initiative to explore issues and stories from the southern prairies. The project includes films, media clinics, and community screenings. More information is available on their blog.

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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

Tuesday 1 September 2015

EcoSask News, September 1, 2015

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Upcoming Events
Seed Saving Workshop & Movie, Sept. 2
Join Prairie Garden Seeds at 7 pm, Sept. 2, for a Seed Saving Workshop and Work Bee hosted by the Saskatoon Seed Library, followed by an open-air screening of the film Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds, hosted by the Saskatoon Food Council.

Renewable Energy in Remote Microgrids, Sept. 15-17
Pembina Institute is hosting a conference on the potential of renewable energy generation in remote communities from Sept. 15-17 in Yellowknife, NWT.

Tree Ring Analysis, Sept. 17
Colin Laroque will review the basics of tree-ring analysis and provide some interesting examples at the Sept. 17 meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society (7:30 pm, Room 103, Physics Building, U of S).

Salt Cedar Survey, Sept. 30 
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan will be searching for invasive salt cedar near Findlater on Sept. 30. Contact NPSS to register for this event.

Field Trips 
Golden Eagles
Sept. 3, 8 am – Cranberry Flats & Beaver Creek
Sept. 10, 8 am – Bradwell Area
Sept. 17, 8 am – Petrofka Orchard & Bridge Area
Sept. 25, 9 am – Fall Migration near Radisson en route to Nature Sask Fall Meet
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate in Golden Eagle field trips.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Sept. 12 – Fall Bird Count
Sept. 20, 1:30-6 pm – Fall Picnic at Blackstrap Lake Park
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details (e.g. some trips require rubber boots, others will be cancelled if the weather is bad).

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar.

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News
Old Man on His Back has been designated as a nocturnal preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and is the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s first nocturnal preserve where the skies can be enjoyed with minimal interference from artificial light.

Are invasive plants really the enemy? “A growing number of scientists purport that invasive plants prepare the conditions for succession. There is scientific evidence that they detoxify the soil, prevent erosion, clean the waters, restore biodiversity, and bring health back to the Earth’s ecosystems. If we take a long-term view, adopt a Gaian perspective, we could find that invasive plants are not the enemy after all, but part of a larger story of healing unfolding on the landscape.”

Cochrane high school students have built more than half a dozen renewable energy projects: “It is strictly a volunteer committee. Nobody gets credits, nobody is being paid for any of this. The beauty of it is that not only are they learning up-to-date, sustainable practices, but they are also meeting some amazing people and having some great experiences”.

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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