Ann Coxworth will discuss small model nuclear reactors from 7-8:30 pm, May 11, online, as part of the Sustainability Speakers series.
As part of a growing trend, major tech companies are “teaming with oil giants to use automation, AI, and big data services to enhance oil exploration, extraction, and production.”
Upcoming Events
There will be a noon-hour webinar on greater sage-grouse and grassland songbirds on May 11 as part of the Native Prairie Speaker Series.
Nature Regina is hosting an online Get Outside Kids’ Club from 1:30-2:30 pm, May 12.
Learn how you can create a nature refuge in your own backyard in Gardening with Native Plants, a digital NatureCity Conversation from 7-9 pm, May 12.
The annual RCE Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition event will be held online from 9 am-noon, May 12.
The Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan is holding a virtual annual general meeting at 2 pm, May 16.
Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists
May 26-July – Mary Houston Bluebird Trail
July 14, 1 pm – Mid-week Butterflies
Aug. 11, 1 pm – Mid-week Butterflies
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.
Golden Eagles
May 6, 8 am – Waterfowl at Porter Lake
May 13, 8 am – Clavet Area Birding
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.
Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
May 8, 2:30-3:30 pm, Waterfowl Viewing on the River
May 9, 7-8 am – MVA Trail Birding
May 15, 1:30-4:30 pm – Birding Trip to Proctor Lake
Field trips are currently for members only, so sign up now. Advance registration is required.
Local News
Humboldt Lake cannot support fish as it “has a phosphate concentration that is 6 to 10 times higher than what is considered to be a healthy lake” due to treated wastewater and agriculture and industry.
La Ronge Library is now sharing seeds as well as books.
Environmental Racism
Urban inequality affects wildlife as well as people. “To Schell, the solution is to design cities that work for all people and animals. Coyotes may not be the most welcome neighbors, but Schell says they maintain balance in our ecosystems. Carving out green spaces for both humans and wildlife to enjoy can foster the biodiversity we need to draw down carbon, cool our cities, and keep our air and water clean.”
Many racialized and low-income communities have borne the brunt of polluting industries and other environmental hazards. Federal Bill C-230 is an important first step in addressing who is affected the most by climate change and its impacts.
Shutting down Germany’s lignite coal mines requires citizen engagement – both miners and climate activists.
The steel industry, reliant on coal for centuries, is looking at alternatives. A University of Calgary professor believes “the expansion of metallurgical-coal mining in Alberta is an example of the province ‘chasing the next thing that’s going to die.’”
Urban Biodiversity
Dutch citizens are working hard to protect bees – and so far it’s working. Check out their bee hotels, bee-friendly roof-garden bus stops, and honey highway.
An international roundtable shares ideas for increasing urban biodiversity – from mandating the using of native plants in public landscapes to a manual on conserving biodiversity in urban subdivisions, developing a shared vision among public and private stakeholders, and celebrating Green Capitals of Biodiversity.
Check out EcoFriendly Sask’s Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces
EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).
