Tuesday 9 July 2019

EcoSask News, July 9, 2019

Bald eagle

Upcoming Events
Grassroots Voices, July 8-11 (Saskatoon)
Join Saskatoon’s climate justice community in Kiwanis Park from Monday to Thursday evening, July 8-11, to let the premiers know that you’re concerned about the climate crisis, the Trans Mountain pipeline, the transition to fossil fuels, and the response to the MMIWG Commission report.

The Natural World, July 11-Aug. 8(Eastend)
Kids can enjoy activities involving the natural world from 10 am-12 pm, every Thursday morning, from July 11 to Aug. 8 at the Eastend Public Library.

The Natural World, July 12-Aug. 16 (Maple Creek)
Kids can enjoy activities involving the natural world from 2-4 pm, every Friday afternoon, from July 11 to Aug. 16 at the Maple Creek Public Library.

Falconry, July 14 (Saskatoon)
Join Wild Birds Unlimited for a visit to Drs. Lynn and Rhonda Oliphant’s 2019 brood of falcons at 6:30 pm, July 14. Carpooling is available.

All About Water, July 17 (Gravelbourg)
Kids can learn about water conservation and watersheds from 3-4 pm, July 17, at Gravelbourg Public Library.

Garden Patch Bioblitz, July 17 (Saskatoon)
Learn about biodiversity and identify plants and insects with members of the Saskatoon Nature Society at the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre’s Garden Patch from 5:30-7:30 pm, July 17.

Butcher Birds, July 18 (Val Marie)
There will be a presentation on butcher birds and the Stewards of Saskatchewan at 7 pm, July 18, in Val Marie.

Going Zero Waste, July 18 (Regina)
Find out how to go zero-waste and minimize your impact on the environment from 7-8 pm, July 18, at the Regent Place Branch Library.

Bald eagle (juvenile)

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists
July 17, 11 am-1 pm – Butterfly Field Trip
Sept. 28 – Sandhill Crane field trip
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Golden Eagles
July 18, 8 am – Stuglin Acreage & Gardens
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
July 13, 8 am-8 pm – Ponass Lake IBA
July 27 – Shorebird Trip
Everyone is welcome. 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
Public Pastures Public Interest has made a video showing the impact of a solution potash mine on the environment. “The well sites cover 14 acres, stripping off the soil and plant cover, leveling the land into a sterile gravel and sand-scape. The pipelines or “flow lines” cut a 100 metre swath of disturbed land connecting well sites to the plant. New roads are built much wider than one would think necessary, introducing noxious weeds. Dust and noise from heavy equipment and trucks fills the air; municipal roads degrade and in spring duck cannons fire off every few minutes to keep waterfowl from lighting on toxic wastewater ponds. The land becomes for all purposes an industrial zone. Is this what the people of Sedley and Vibank want for their land when the Province gives its blessing to Rio Tinto for Project Albany? Will the surface lease income justify the loss of beauty and quiet in the landscape?” 

SaskEnergy has announced a $650 rebate for the purchase and installation of a new high-efficiency furnace between Aug. 1 and November.

Natural gas production is a failing business model and can’t compete with renewables.

Wetlands packed with soaking wet layers of peat can act as a fire break to stop wildfires from spreading.

We walk less, but we die more. Pedestrian deaths increased by 51% in the United States from 2009-2018. In Europe, they declined by 36%.

Take Bugs 101, a free online entomology course, and take away a new appreciation for the diversity and importance of insects to human society.

We've all benefited from China's rare earth minerals in our high-tech products. Should we help pay for clean-up?

Sustainable transport options – stop, share, switch.

The new leftwing economics wants to see the redistribution of economic power so that it is held by everyone – how a network of thinkers is transforming capitalism.

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

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