EcoSask News, August 29, 2017

Upcoming Events
Solar and Wind Hybrid Technology, Sept. 6 (Saskatoon)
Joel C. Goldblatt, Bluenergy Solarwind Inc. will discuss solar and wind hybrid technology at the Sept. 6 meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Energy Drinks, Sept. 8 (Saskatoon)
GRID is hosting Energy Drinks at Winston’s Pub from 7:30-11:30 pm, Sept. 8, in Saskatoon.

Curbside Swap, Sept. 9 (Saskatoon)
The City of Saskatoon is hosting a city-wide curbside swap on Sept. 9.

Walking Saskatoon, Sept. 10 (Saskatoon)
Walking Saskatoon will meet from 1-2:30 pm, Sept. 10, to prepare for the first Active Transportation Plan advisory group meeting.

Looking Ahead
Rob Dumont Energy Management Awards Dinner, Oct. 4 (Saskatoon)
Tickets are now available for the Rob Dumont Energy Management Awards Dinner on Oct. 4 in Saskatoon.

Nature Retreat, Oct. 13-15 (Ness Creek)
SaskOutdoors is hosting a nature retreat Oct. 13-15 at the Ness Creek site near Big River.

Rubbish Dinner & Movie, Oct. 17 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is hosting a Rubbish Dinner on Oct. 17, creating a gourmet meal and beer from food that is often thrown away. Dinner will be followed by a movie about the food waste revolution.

Nature Regina Field Trips
Sept. 9, 10 am-4 pm – Fall Migration Field Trip
Check Nature Regina’s website for full details and updated information.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists 
Nov. 5, 1-2:30 pm – Bird Feeder Workshop
Dec. 2, 1-3 pm – Paper Making Workshop
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Sept. 4, 9 am-noon – Trip to Stuglin Acreage
Sept. 9 – Fall Bird Count
Sept. 10, 2-4 pm – Birding Trip, Buzz Lake
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

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

Thank you, Greg 
Greg Fenty is stepping down from his position as Education Coordinator for the Saskatoon Zoo Society after working and volunteering with the Society for 27 years. His strong focus on environmental education has been a huge asset to the City of Saskatoon.

As he says, “The role of education at a modern zoo goes beyond just providing the basic scientific information about an animal. Modern zoos have an obligation to challenge visitors to think critically about their role in conserving habitat and biodiversity. Visitors to a modern zoo should leave feeling empowered and inspired to change their lifestyles to benefit wildlife and work towards a healthier environment for all species.”

Thank you, Greg, and all the best with your future initiatives, including continuing involvement with the Saskatoon Young Naturalists.

In the News 
Portland’s commitment to 100% renewable energy is already having an impact: “If you have a strong goal that our choices are going to be clean energy choices, that brings clarity to decision making . . . . It’s important to set these goals today so we are doing the right thing for climate and energy in the future.”

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment has passed a resolution to adopt a Biodiversity Policy. The resolution includes the establishment of five citywide biodiversity goals and objectives, including: (1) biologically rich ecosystems; (2) equitable access, awareness, and experience of nature; (3) community and ecological stewardship; (4) ecological planning and design; and (5) resilience in a living city.

Nickel mining: the hidden environmental cost of electric cars

Build your own bee hotel

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).

Keep Birds Safe by Bird-Proofing Your Windows

Windows kill over 25 million birds a year. However, there are simple, effective steps that we as homeowners can take to help keep birds safe.

Bird-Proof Your Windows
FLAP Canada recommends the following:

Apply visual markers to the outside of windows to break up the surface so that birds don’t see spaces big enough to fly through. Markers should be no more than 10 cm (4 in) apart vertically or 5 cm (2 in) horizontally. For small birds such as hummingbirds the spaces should be no larger than 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 in).

Purchase patterned window films or screens (Wild Birds Unlimited in Saskatoon stocks a number of FLAP Canada approved products).

Hang ribbons or string on the outside of your window 10 cm (4 in) apart.

Draw patterns on the outside of your window with a bar of soap or highlighter pen.

Install vertical blinds and keep them half open.

Install sun shades or awnings to block the reflection of sunlight.

Install window screens on the outside and not the inside of your windows.

Don’t wash your windows – dirty windows create fewer reflections.

Position bird feeders or bird baths half a meter (1.5 ft) or less from your windows. This short distance will prevent birds from building up enough momentum to injure themselves should they hit the window.

Move houseplants away from your windows or install window blinds.

Keep your cat indoors.

What to Do If You Find an Injured Bird
Birds go into shock when they hit a window and are unable to defend themselves from cats or other predators.

Gently place the bird in an unwaxed paper bag or cardboard box firmly secured and place it in a quiet location away from people and pets.

Do not give the bird food or water.

Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for further instructions. In Saskatchewan, you can call the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan’s hotline at 306.242.7177

Additional Information
The following websites contain a wealth of additional useful information:
Homes Safe for Birds brochure, FLAP Canada
All About Birds, Cornell Lab
Keep Cats Safe and Save Bird Lives, Nature Canada

EcoSask News, August 22, 2017

Upcoming Events
AquaVan, Aug. 26 & 27 (Regina) 
Touch live marine invertebrates, learn about Canada’s waterways, and participate in a purple loosestrife clean-up (Aug. 26) when the Aqua Van visits Regina on Aug. 26 and 27.

Carbonless Concert, Aug. 26 (Saskatoon) 
Enjoy the ninth in a series of Carbonless Concerts from 6:30-9 pm, Aug. 26, at d’Lish by Tish, Saskatoon.

All About Coyote, Aug. 30 (Saskatoon) 
Kids can enjoy coyote stories and films and create a coyote mask at 6 pm, Aug. 30, at the Dr. Freda Ahenakew Branch Library in Saskatoon.

Wildlife Society Conservation Expo, Aug. 31 (Regina) 
Wildlife professionals are invited to a networking poster session and mixer organized by the Saskatchewan chapter of The Wildlife Society from 3-6 pm, Aug. 31.

Wascana Junior Naturalist, Sept.-Dec. (Regina) 
The Wascana Junior Naturalist program for kids ages 9-13 will run on some Tuesday evenings from the end of September to the beginning of December. Register by emailing ecologist@wascana.ca

Global Shorebird Count, Sept. 2 & 3 
Join the Global Shorebird Count, Sept. 2 and 3.

Renewable Energy in Remote & Indigenous Communities, Sept. 5 (Saskatoon) 
The University of Saskatchewan is hosting panel presentations focused on Renewable Energy in Remote and Indigenous Communities on Sept. 5. The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP.

Looking Ahead 
Sustainable Gourmet Dinner, Sept. 16 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is hosting the 12th annual Sustainable Gourmet Dinner on Sept. 16. Local food is prepared by local chefs and there will be musical entertainment from Laura Beach of Twin Voices.

Walk21 Calgary, Sept. 19-22 (Calgary) 
Walk21 Calgary, Sept. 19-22, will explore Calgary’s emerging walkability, discuss how walking transforms rapidly growing cities, and share ideas about how walking can connect people and communities.

Youth Astronomy Club, Sept. 25 (Saskatoon) 
Grade 7, 8, and 9 students who are interested in astronomy are invited to join the Youth Astronomy Club hosted by the Saskatoon Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Contact RASC Saskatoon to register in order to attend the first fall meeting on Sept. 25 from 7-9 pm.

Canoe Certification Course, Sept. 30-Oct. 1 (Regina) 
SaskOutdoors is offering a Paddle Canada Canoe Certification Course, Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 near Regina.

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

In the News 
1 in 5 adults in France belongs to BlaBlaCar, a ride-sharing service.

Meet the subterranean community that feeds and protects plants and trees.

Birdsong possesses qualities once ascribed only to human language.

A Canadian company has worked out how to make a profit from recycling styrofoam and hopes to expand into 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. 

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

EcoSask News, August 15, 2017

Upcoming Events
Great Canadian Bumble Bee Count, Aug. 1-Sept. 15 (Canada)
Help Friends of the Earth find out more about Canada’s bees by participating in the Great Canadian Bumble Bee Count from Aug. 1-Sept. 15.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal, Aug. 19 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 9 am–3:30 pm on Aug. 19.

Solar Eclipse, Aug. 21 (Saskatoon)
Wanuskewin Heritage Park will provide interpretation and protective eyewear for the partial solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 10:30 am-1:30 pm.

Last Mountain Lake Tours, Aug. 21 (Saskatoon/Last Mountain Lake)
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is offering hourly guided tours of Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area & Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Aug. 21, 10 am-4 pm.

Digital Planetarium, Aug. 21 (Saskatoon)
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is hosting a drop-in Digital Planetarium from 9 am-2 pm, Aug. 21. The whole family will have an opportunity to learn about the universe from Cree Science Facilitator Wilfred Buck.

Why Nocturnal Preserves are Needed in Canada, Aug. 22 (webinar)
PCAP-SK is hosting a noon-hour webinar on Aug. 22 regarding Engaging Communities in Nocturnal Conservation: Why Nocturnal Preserves are Needed in Canada.

Vermicomposting, Aug. 26 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre is hosting a workshop on vermicomposting from 12:30-2:30 pm, Aug. 26, at the Garden Patch.

Clean Up at Key West, Aug. 26 (Regina)
The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Conservation Volunteers program provides great opportunities to get outside and do your part to protect or repair damage to the environment. Join NCC at Key West from 9 am-3 pm, Aug. 26.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Golden Eagles
Aug. 24, 7:30 am – Porter Lake and St. Denis 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
Aug. 20, 2-4 pm – Bird Walk, Gabriel Dumont Park
Aug. 26, 8-11 am – Warbler Walk, Forestry Farm Zoo
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

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

In the News 
The Canadian Journal of Environmental Education is now open access and available online.

The Canadian Youth Energy Vision Project is looking for 10 Youth Champions from across Canada to host a dialogue in their city to gather the ideas, input and thoughts of youth, and join Canadian Energy Sector leaders for the Generation Energy Summit in Winnipeg from Oct 10-12.

According to the study, Jobs for Tomorrow – Canada’s Building Trades and Net Zero Emissions, a low-carbon economy could create almost four million direct building trades jobs by 2050 – and that’s a conservative estimate. These jobs include boilermakers, electrical workers, insulators, ironworkers, and masons.

NASA lays out a 14-point plan for the best solar eclipse viewing party ever.

Let’s talk irrigation because we’re not managing our water well.

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).

EcoSask News, August 8, 2017

Upcoming Events
Nature Days, Aug. 8 & 10 (Melville) 
The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association will be sharing presentations and games about Saskatchewan wildlife with kids ages 5-15 at the Melville Public Library, Aug. 8 and 10, from 1:30-3:30 pm.

Wildlife Rehab Volunteer Orientation, Aug. 13 (Prince Albert) 
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan is hosting a volunteer orientation session in Prince Albert from 1-2:30 pm, Aug. 13.

Vegetable Storage & Longer Lasting Produce, Aug. 17 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre is hosting a workshop on vegetable storage and longer-lasting produce from 7-9 pm, Aug. 17, at the Garden Patch.

Preserving Your Harvest, Aug. 19 (Regina) 
Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting is hosting a workshop on Preserving Your Harvest from 1-5 pm, Aug. 19.

Looking Ahead
Family Paddle, Aug. 25 (Regina)
SaskOutdoors is organizing a Family Paddle: Learn to Canoe with Kids from 2-5 pm, Aug. 25, in Regina.

Wildlife Society Conservation Expo, Aug. 31 (Regina) 
Wildlife professionals are invited to a networking poster session and mixer organized by the Saskatchewan chapter of The Wildlife Society from 3-6 pm, Aug. 31.

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

In the News
Germany’s transition from coal to renewable energy offers lessons for Saskatchewan.

We need to rethink the whole crazy transport system: “We tell ourselves that we cherish efficiency. Yet we have created a transport system whose design principle is profligacy. Metal carriages (that increase in size every year), each carrying one or two people, travel in parallel to the same destinations. Lorries shifting identical goods in opposite directions pass each other on 2000-mile journeys. Competing parcel companies ply the same routes, in vans that are largely empty. We could, perhaps, reduce our current vehicle movements by 90% with no loss of utility, and a major gain in our quality of life.”

Will wetlands be preserved as the City of Saskatoon develops new neighbourhoods?

Urban green roofs can become bird-roosting and bird-watching havens. 17 species have been spotted on the Javits Convention Center’s roof in New York City.

“many long established notions around nature and wilderness are disturbed by the idea of the Anthropocene. We can’t hope to leave nature alone and ‘untouched’ by human presence if our presence is ubiquitous. Nowhere can be reserved and set aside if the whole planet is changing.”

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).

EcoSask News, August 1, 2017

Upcoming Events
Build a Compost Tumbler, Aug. 12 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre is hosting a workshop on building a compost tumbler from 12:30-2 pm, Aug. 12, at the Garden Patch.

Disruption, Aug. 16 (Regina) 
Cinema Politica is screening the film Disruption at 7 pm, Aug. 16. Disruption explores why we do so little about climate change when we know so much.

Summer Star Party, Aug. 23-27 (Cypress Hills) 
Observe the sun and the stars during the Royal Astronomical Society’s annual Summer Star Party at Cypress Hills Provincial Park’s dark-sky campground and observatory from Aug. 23-27.

Looking Ahead 
Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet, Sept 29-Oct. 1 (Elbow) 
Nature Saskatchewan is holding its Fall Meet in Elbow from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. There will be a tour of the Gardiner Dam and a Sand Dunes Hike.

U of S Sustainability Networking Fair, Oct. 12 (Saskatoon) 
The U of S Office of Sustainability is hosting a networking fair from 4:30-6:30 pm, Oct. 12, so students can meet businesses and organizations involved in sustainability initiatives. The event is being held in conjunction with the UN Sustainable Development Goals Youth Training Workshop.

UN Sustainable Development Goals, Oct. 12 (Saskatoon)
The USSU Sustainability Committee and the Office of Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, are hosting a UN Sustainable Development Goals training seminar from 6:30-9:30 pm, Oct. 12.

Waste Reduction Week, Oct. 16-22 (Canada) 
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council urges individuals and groups to plan a Waste Reduction Week (Oct. 16-22) activity.

Nature Regina Field Trips
Aug. 19, 9 am-12 pm – Wandering Wascana Looking for Warblers
Check Nature Regina’s website for full details and updated information.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Golden Eagles 
Aug. 10, 7:30 am – Shore Birds
Aug. 17, 7:30 am – Ferries on the South Saskatchewan north of Saskatoon
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 
Aug. 10, 6:30-8 pm – Botany Walk, MVA Trail
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

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

In the News
"we are financing growth, in part, by irreversibly liquidating natural resources essential to our own long-term survival"

“If we can’t see the stars, how will we know our place in the universe?” Five tips for stargazing with children.

Canadians need better protection from oilsands cleanup liabilities by accounting for the costs now.

In the Netherlands, kids can borrow skates, skateboards, and bicycles.

“Peer-reviewed research shows Canada’s methane emissions are as much as 250 per cent higher than reported by industry and government,” said David Suzuki Foundation science and policy director Ian Bruce. “The responsible course is to move urgently and enact strong regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.” 

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).