EcoSask News, December 15, 2020

Upcoming Events 

Christmas Bird Count for Kids, Jan. 2 (Regina) 

Nature Saskatchewan is hosting a Christmas Bird Count for Kids at 1 pm, Jan. 2, in Regina. 

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 

Dec. 20 – Qu’Appelle Dam (Elbow, Douglas Park) Christmas Bird Count 

Dec. 26, 9 am-5 pm – Saskatoon Boxing Day Bird Count 

Dec. 28 – Borden/Radisson Christmas Bird Count 

Jan. 2, 9 am-4 pm – Pike Lake/Whitecap Christmas Bird Count 

Jan. 10, 2-3:30 pm – Sanatorium Site Bird Walk 

Field trips are currently for members only, so sign up now. 

A full list of upcoming events (online and in person) can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

Local News 

SaskPower/Natural Resources Canada are offering no-cost virtual energy efficiency training for small and medium businesses between now and Mar. 31. 

A look at the missing pieces in Alberta’s Geothermal Resource Development Act reveals issues that may need addressing in Saskatchewan.

From Information to Action 

Part of pandemic preparedness is acknowledging that human, wildlife, and ecological health are inseparable. 

The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources’ Indigenous Climate Change Adaptation Planning Toolkit provides user-friendly tools, resources, and key considerations to support Indigenous individuals and communities interested in undertaking climate change adaptation planning. 

Changing what our clothes are made of can make a big difference in cutting climate pollution. 

Wall Street has begun trading water futures, putting "a basic human right into the hands of financial institutions and investors, a dangerous arrangement as climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases water scarcity.”

 

The benefits and challenges surrounding the adoption of small modular nuclear reactors to meet urban energy needs.

Thin coatings of this material could soak up sun in summer months and provide heat to buildings in winter, all without using fuel or electricity. 

Natural Wonders 

Ferocious chompers, elephant birds, and a spike-covered turtle tail – Lost Animals: Extinct, Endangered, and Rediscovered Species [book review]. 

From snow-tunnelling ptarmigans to cheery robins and jingle shells – celebrating the season with Canadian nature. 

This is the last issue of EcoSask News for 2020, but we’ll be posting holiday specials over the next two weeks to keep you entertained. 

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

Check out EcoFriendly Sask’s Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces

2019 Christmas Bird Counts in Saskatchewan

Join a century-old tradition by participating in one of the 2019 Christmas Bird Counts in Saskatchewan. No experience is necessary and it’s a great way to learn about identifying birds as each count is led by an experienced birder. Organizers ask that you register as soon as possible. 

Christmas bird counts are for all ages! Check out the Christmas Bird Counts for Kids in Regina, Saskatoon, and Yorkton (see below).

Dec. 14 – Clark’s Crossing (Warman, Osler, Martensville, NE Swale), register online or call 647-390-6645

Dec. 14 – Craven & area, contact Chris Harris for details (306-569-5300, chrisgharris2013@gmail.com)

Dec. 14 – Shell Lake, contact Ryan Dudragne for details (306-520-4824, laniusludo@gmail.com)

Dec. 14 – Swift Current, contact Arnie Ens (arnie.ens@gmail.com)

Dec. 15 – Qu’Appelle Dam (Elbow, Douglas Park), register online or call 306-242-5383 or 306-652-5975

Dec. 16 – Gardiner Dam, register online or call 306-249-3280

Dec. 17 – Fort Qu'Appelle, call Keith at 306-332-3070

Dec. 21 – Borden/Radisson, register online or call 306-281-6996

Dec. 21 – Saltcoats & area, call Arden & Donna Bradford at 774-7730 or Gerri & Ron Knudsen at 744-2969, rgknudsen@sasktel.net

Dec. 26 – Saskatoon, register online or call 306-652-5975

Dec. 26 – Moose Jaw, call 306-690-6267 

Dec. 28 – Regina, contact Brett Quiring for details (306-551-8729, bquiring@sasktel.net)

Jan. 4 – Balgonie, contact Brett Quiring for details (306-551-8729, bquiring@sasktel.net)

Jan. 4 – Pike Lake/ Whitecap, register online or call 306-956-3437

Christmas Bird Counts for Kids
Dec. 8, 2 pm – Yorkton – Ages 5-15 accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Tupper Avenue entrance to Logan Green. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress warmly.

Jan. 2, 9:45 am-3 pm – Saskatoon – Saskatoon Nature Society and Saskatoon Zoo Society are hosting a Christmas Bird Count for Kids at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. There will be 20-30 minute bird walks at the top of each hour. Further information available online or call 306-370-8839.

Jan. 4, 1-4 pm – Regina – Nature Saskatchewan is hosting a Christmas Bird Count for Kids at Wascana Centre. There will be a special visit from Loki, the crow, courtesy of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation. Register early as spaces are limited (306-780-9481 or rmagnus@naturesask.ca).

Note: With thanks to Nature Regina, Nature Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Nature Society, Saskatoon Young Naturalists, and Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail for the information they provided.

We’ll  update this list if we receive additional information.

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

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