EcoSask News, September 21, 2021

Upcoming Events 

There will be a School Strike for Climate from 11 am-1 pm, Sept. 24, in Regina. A similar event in Saskatoon has been postponed.

City of Regina residents can dispose of household hazardous waste from 9 am-4 pm, Saturday, Sept. 25. 

There will be an electric vehicle expo in Regina from 9 am-6 pm, Sept. 25 and in Saskatoon from 10 am-5 pm, Sept. 26. 

Looking Ahead 

SaskOutdoors is offering the following virtual workshops:

Growing Up Wild from 7-9 pm, Oct. 14

Flying Wild on Oct. 18 and 25 from 7-8:30 pm 

Getting Little Feet Wet from 7-9 pm, Oct. 28

Project Wet from Nov. 1-8. 

Full details for all events are found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar

SES Wants to Depave Saskatoon 

Saskatoon storm water flows into the South Saskatchewan River without being treated; most of this runs right off roads and sidewalks, picking up road salt, pet waste, litter, and other pollutants along the way. In an effort to help slow down, soak up, and clean storm water while also creating habitats and benefitting our community, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society will be holding a “Depave” event in Saskatoon in May 2022. Depave, a project of Green Communities Canada, aims to improve rain flow in urban centres by “depaving” (removing the asphalt) in a small area (~100 m2) and cultivating the site by planting native plants and trees. If you have an area in your school, or church yard, or at your business where SES can hold a Depave event and build a beautiful greenspace, email them at depave@environmentalsociety.ca or call the SES office at 306.665.1915.

 

Personal Choices 

Is your toilet paper sustainable? Several major brands are still relying on virgin forests for their products’ fibres. [NRDC] 

Community Initiatives 

ECOWATER, a SK startup company providing eco-friendly approaches for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern from water and wastewater, won third prize and $10,000 in seed funding in Water Canada’s Aqua Hacking Challenge, Western Canada. [AquaHacking 2021 Challenge] 

Gabriola Island Recycling Organization receives over 45,000 kg of donated clothing every year. Half of that goes into their thrift store. They plan to sell upcycled products to avoid sending the other half to the landfill. [CBC British Columbia] 

Policy Decisions 

Getting people to drive less is difficult because North American cities are designed for cars, but there are solutions. 1) Make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, 2) End single-family zoning to encourage mixed-use development, and 3) Make drivers pay the cost of driving. [Vox] 

“Connecting provincial grids is essential to make the best use of the clean electricity resources available in each province, allowing renewable energy to be developed in areas with the best conditions and distributed elsewhere.” [ report prepared by Pembina Institute] 

Public Awareness 

Species awareness days (e.g. Bat Appreciation Day, World Rhino Day) boost fundraising and media coverage, especially for lesser-known species. It pays to include specific calls to action (e.g. go to this webpage or share this information). [The Revelator] 

Using quilting to tell a story is “bringing in new audiences to engage and talk about science”. [Smithsonian Magazine]

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 subscribing by email (top right corner).

Nature Regina: Watch Them Grow, Part One

You can grow more than just plants in a garden. Just take a look at Nature Regina where volunteering for the organization’s Native Plant Garden has led to new members, new activities, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. 

Elaine Ehman is the current president of Nature Regina, but she got her start pulling weeds in the garden. “I can’t identify plants, but I wanted to help,” Elaine says. "I hung around people who knew what they were doing and learned from them. I’m surprised at the number of plants I can now identify.” She’s begun using native plants in her own garden and encourages other people to volunteer. “You’re welcome. There’s a space for everyone in the garden.” Elaine then took one of the bird identification classes offered by the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project. “I’m really a novice birder, but in Nature Regina I’m surrounded by people who know them,” she says. 

Nature Regina first started holding meetings in 1933 as the Regina Natural History Society with their first public meeting in March of that year and their first nature hikes in May. Many things have changed over the years, but Nature Regina has never stopped fostering a greater appreciation for nature through field trips, education programs, and environmental advocacy. 

Nature Regina maintains the Native Plant Garden located at the southeast entrance of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. What is in flower changes from week to week, but it is always busy with butterflies, bees, and insects. Volunteers provided the original seeds and cuttings, and the plants spent their first winter in Wascana Centre’s greenhouse before being planted out in the spring. It takes a lot of work to maintain a garden, and it had stagnated for a few years until Gail Fennell moved to Regina from Edmonton and began organizing volunteer activities in the garden. “She’s a changemaker,” Shannon Chernick says. “She has a five-year vision for the garden, and she keeps everybody informed by sending out a weekly email with photographs to let us know what’s flowering and what insects have been spotted. There’s a real sense of community.” 

Nature Regina produced a calendar with members’ photos to celebrate the garden’s 25th anniversary last year, and it proved so popular that they are producing another calendar this year with photos of outdoor favorites. 

Nature Regina owns a half section of land near Lumsden in the Qu’Appelle Valley. The Hidden Valley property was obtained for $1 from the CPR in 1945. It’s retained as a wildlife sanctuary and members maintain the trails and try to keep invasive species out. They also gather seeds here for the native plant garden. It’s open to the public and they encourage people to use it. 

As president, Elaine hoped that Nature Regina could expand its membership. “I joined when I retired, and I noticed that there were a lot of other older members,” Elaine said. A talk at one of Nature Saskatchewan’s annual meetings led Elaine to investigate the possibility of a grant from Nature Canada designed to create public engagement. It’s a small grant of $8,000, but Nature Regina has put it to good use. Nature Canada conducted an audit of Nature Regina’s activities and organized webinars to guide association members through the engagement process. Of the 8 recommendations, 2 stood out. The association needed to create core teams for main functions and it needed to define its constituency. 

Daralyn Sheffield, Ingrid Alesich, and Jim Elliott were responsible for the website, newsletter, and Facebook, but they were working independently. Their goal was to increase their impact by working together as a team. They started using Mail Chimp for the newsletter and redesigned the website. “It was incredible,” Elaine says. “Way above what I expected. The biggest excitement was the look of it, but we could also do so much more. We could track activity, know who would be coming to an event, and obtain email contacts.” The communications team’s efforts were really put to the test when Nature Regina started posting weekly family activities. They came through with flying colours. 

Fine-tuning how the association functioned led Nature Regina to add more online features. Donations are now accepted on Canada Helps and you can sign up for the weekly newsletter or become a member directly from their website. 

With a strong team structure in place, it was time for Nature Regina to consider its constituency. They’d been attending volunteer fairs to interest university students, but it wasn’t producing the desired results. “We got speakers for our meetings, but we didn’t get the engagement we were looking for,” Elaine says. They decided to try a new approach and hired Shannon Chernick, a Native Plant Garden volunteer who just happened to have a degree in education and work experience as a youth engagement coordinator. Success? Oh, yes! Stay tuned for Part Two of our article about Nature Regina. 

Photo credits: Nature Regina Facebook page

See also: Nature Regina: Watch Them Grow, Part Two

EcoSask News, October 15, 2019

Upcoming Events
Repair Café, Oct. 19 (Prince Albert)
Celebrate and share maintenance and repair skills from 1-4 pm, Oct. 19, at Repair Café Prince Albert.

Bat Workshop, Oct. 19 (Saskatoon)
Think bats are spooky? Let Melanie Elliot change your mind from 2-5 pm, Oct. 19. Seating is limited; register by emailing info@wrsos.org.

Hidden Bird Song, Oct. 21 (Regina)
John Patterson will share his interest in recording and analyzing bird song at the 7:30 pm, Oct. 21, meeting of Nature Regina.

Regina CarShare Co-operative, Oct. 22 (Regina)
Find out about the Regina Car Share Co-operative at noon, Oct. 22, at Innovation Place Regina.

Unmasking Recycling, Oct. 22 (Saskatoon)
Explore recycling’s myths, realities, and alternatives at Café Scientifique at 7:30 pm, Oct. 22.

Single-Use Plastics, Oct. 25 (Regina)
Do you live or work in Regina? Be sure to fill out this survey on single-use plastics by Oct. 25.

Growing Up Wild, Oct. 25 (Saskatoon)
SaskOutdoors is offering the Growing Up Wild early childhood education program from 1-4 pm, Oct. 25.

Urban wildlife

Looking Ahead
Project Wet, Nov. 16 & 30 (Saskatoon, Regina)
SaskOutdoors is hosting Project Wet workshops in Saskatoon on Nov. 16 and in Regina on Nov. 30.

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

In the News
“Just 20 fossil fuel companies . . . have produced 35% of the carbon dioxide and methane released by human activities since 1965. This was the year in which the president of the American Petroleum Institute told his members that the carbon dioxide they produced could cause 'marked changes in climate' by the year 2000.”

What if we axed air miles schemes and introduced an escalating levy on frequent flyers?

Low-carbon options for heavy industry like steel and cement are scarce and expensive.

When we plan our cities around great bus service, buses become a first choice.

Broadening the climate conversation: what if the choices we make to fight climate change were framed as things people actually want to do?

Tiny house, smaller footprint: We can be space conservationists and leave more room for other species.

Patagonia’s entrepreneurial vision addresses sustainability genuinely and dynamically.

Meet the world’s 10 coolest bats – there’s one with a wrinkled-face, another is a master angler.

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, July 23, 2019

Upcoming Events
Summertime Social at Radiance Cohousing, July 27 (Saskatoon)
Find out about cohousing, passive houses, solar panels, electric cars, and more at Radiance Cohousing’s Summertime Social from 12-5 pm, July 27.

Nocturnal Animals, July 29 (Prince Albert)
Find out what animals are out at night during drop-in story time at Prince Albert’s John M. Cuelenaere Library at 2 pm, July 29.

For the Birds, July 31 (Gravelbourg)
Kids are invited to learn about birds and build a birdhouse from 3-4 pm, July 31, at Gravelbourg Public Library.

Looking Ahead
Nature Playcare Duo, Sept. 11-Dec. 13 (Saskatoon)
3-5 year olds in Saskatoon can enjoy 2 adventurous afternoons a week with Nature Playcare Duo from 1-3 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, Sept. 11-Dec. 13.

SERWC AGM, Sept. 20-22 (Saskatoon)
The Western Canada chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration will be holding their annual general meeting in Saskatoon from Sept. 20-22.

Lake Winnipeg: Where Waters Meet, Sep. 30-Oct. 2 (Gimli)
Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin will hold their annual conference from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Gimli.

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

In the News
The City of Prince Albert is developing a master plan to guide future management of Little Red River Park and is asking for public feedback in an online survey before Sept. 6.

Wildlife biologists are studying what bats live in Prince Albert National Park and how to better protect them.

Gabriel Housing Corporation, a Métis low-income housing provider in Regina, is going solar to reduce costs to tenants.

Social housing can be attractive, affordable, and built to passive house standards – here’s a great example in Norwich, UK.

Stand up for the environment in the upcoming federal election.

 Zoos: “We still keep animals for our pleasure. In my opinion, it’s a strange thing, and it reflects our position as people that we still don’t care that much about nature and animals.”

Fireworks are beautiful, but are they worth the cost to the environment? 

“Bioplastics are still plastics. Just because some of them are made from plants or have the potential to biodegrade under limited conditions, they can’t be touted as “planet-safe.”

“Making the fossil fuel world strange and negative in our thoughts, speech and labels is part of pursuing the transformation that we need to stave off the worst implications of climate change.”

Clownfish can only hatch in the dark – yet another victim of light pollution.

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, May 28, 2019

Upcoming Events
Seed Exchange, May 31 (Jansen) 
Jansen Public Library is hosting a seed exchange from 4-8 pm, May 31.

Animal Sanctuary Tour, June 2 (Moose Jaw) 
Join Moose Jaw Nature Society for a tour of the Free to be Me Sanctuary from 1-2 pm, June 2.

Household Hazardous Waste, June 2 (Saskatoon) 
You can dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 9 am-3:30 pm, June 2.

Water Conservation, June 4 (Regina) 
Learn about irrigation and water conservation in the garden at 12 noon, June 4, at Innovation Place Regina.

SK Communities and the Coal Phase-out, June 5 (Saskatoon) 
Hayley Carlson and Justin Fisher will discuss communities and the coal phase-out in Saskatchewan at the June 5 breakfast meeting of the Saskatoon Energy Management Task Force.

La Terre Vue du Coeur/ Earth: Scene from the Heart, June 6 (Saskatoon) 
La Terre Vue du Coeur, a documentary about threats to biodiversity, will be shown at the Frances Morrison Library at 6:30 pm, June 6.

Narrative Approaches to Engaging with the Climate Crisis, June 7 (Saskatoon) 
Rachel Malena-Chan will discuss narrative approaches to engaging with the climate crisis at 12:30 pm, June 7, at SERI, College of Education, U of S.

Learn to Camp, June 8 (Saskatoon) 
Learn basic camping and outdoor living skills from 2-4 pm, June 8, at the Round Prairie Branch Library.

Looking Ahead
Beginner Bird Id, June 13 (Rosthern) 
The Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas is offering a 2-hour beginner bird identification workshop in Rosthern from 7-9 pm, June 13.

Native Prairie Pasture Tour, June 22 (Regina) 
Join PCAP-SK for a guided tour of Caledonia-Elmsthorpe Community Pasture from 4-9 pm, June 22, with buses from Regina. Register by June 14.

Botanizing the Badlands, July 6 (Avonlea) 
Join the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan in spotting wildflowers in the Avonlea Badlands on July 6.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Golden Eagles 
June 6, 8 am – Chappell Marsh & St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
June 13, 8 am – Turtles at Pike Lake
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
June 12 & 19 – Invasive Plants Identification Workshop
Everyone is welcome. Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

Birdwatching with Stan (Saskatoon)
Birdwatch with Stan Shadick at Wanuskewin Heritage Park from 7-8:30 am on June 26, July 28, Aug. 18, and Aug. 28. Birdwatch from 7-8:30 pm on June 5, July 14, and Aug. 7 ($20/person). Stan is also offering guided birding tours at Blackstrap and Beaver Creek as a fundraiser for Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation.

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

In the News
Saskatoon is the second Canadian city to join the Urban Wildlife Information Network. The goal is to learn how urbanization affects wildlife in order to preserve urban biodiversity and minimize human-wildlife conflict.

8-80 Cities conducted an active transportation survey in Saskatoon. They learned: people want to cycle but aren’t sure it’s reasonable; sharing the road with drivers and pedestrians is tricky; and fear of bike theft is a barrier for low-income residents.

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubjlana, has a comprehensive waste management program incorporating household repair workshops, zero-waste stores, and recycled toilet paper in municipal facilities.

They may not be cute, but earthworms provide us with fertile soil that retains rainwater. Unfortunately, their numbers are dropping rapidly.

We assume that streetlights make cities safer, but there is no research to back that up.

Textile waste consumes nearly 5% of all landfill space, and 20% of all freshwater pollution is a result of textile treatment and dyeing. Researchers are inventing new ways to turn old clothes into everything from new cotton to fake knees.

70-80 otters live in Singapore. 30,000 people follow their activities on Facebook [video].

If you're in the area, check out the trails at Cannington Lake Resort Hamlet, an EcoFriendlySask Action Grant recipient.

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 7, 2018

Upcoming Events
Wild Wednesdays, Aug. 8 & 15 (Esterhazy)
Kids can learn about different animals and birds at Jean Pask Library, Esterhazy, from 1-2 pm, Aug. 8 and 15.

Nature for Kids, Aug. 9 (Yorkton) 
Kids are invited to come and learn about Saskatchewan’s owls from 2-3 pm, Aug. 9, at the Yorkton Public Library.

Meeting the 1.5 Degree Climate Target, Aug. 14 (Regina)
Regina Public Interest Group is hosting Dr. Charlie Wilson of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research (UK) who will discuss transforming energy demand to meet the 1.5°C climate target and sustainable development goals from 11-noon in ED Building 114, University of Regina.

Family Paddle, Aug. 17 (Regina)
SaskOutdoors and Fresh Air Experience are hosting a family paddle from 2-5 pm, Aug. 17.

U of S Lunch & Learn Series, Aug. 17 (Saskatoon)
Join the U of S Office of Sustainability from 12-1 pm, every third Friday of the month, for presentations and discussions on sustainability.

U of S The Fix, Aug. 17 (Saskatoon)
Join the U of S Office of Sustainability and university sustainability professionals over a pint at 5 pm, every third Friday of the month, to fix some of sustainability’s most complicated issues.

Looking Ahead
Wascana Junior Naturalist, Sept.-Dec. (Regina)
Sign up kids ages 9-13 for the Wascana Junior Naturalist program on Tuesdays 6-8 pm: Sept. 18; Oct. 2, 16, 30; Nov. 13, 27; and Dec. 4.

Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet, Sept. 14-16 (Swift Current)
Nature Saskatchewan is holding their fall meet in Swift Current from Sept. 14-16. There will be a presentation by Graham Saul, Executive Director, Nature Canada, and Branimir Gjetvaj and Trevor Herriot will present their book, Islands of Grass.

Conservation Marketing & Engagement Congress, Oct. 25-27 (Arlington, VA)
This sounds amazing - the first international Conservation Marketing & Engagement Congress.

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

In the News
3 steps towards clean energy in Canada.

Our individual purchasing choices do matter: Stop buying crap and companies will stop making it.

"Traditional economics has forgotten that our economies should have a purpose: they should deliver greater well-being, increasing prosperity, improved security and comfort, without imperiling the things that make life worth living. If all government decisions are made on purely financial terms, then ultimately those decisions will benefit finance and capital at the expense of people and nature."

Can mining social media help conservationists determine areas where wildlife faces extra stress from tourists?

Tracking wildlife with cameras not collars is cheaper and less invasive.

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, February 20, 2018

Upcoming Events 
Climate Crisis Implications & Solutions, Feb. 24 (Fort Qu’Appelle)
Jared Clarke will discuss the climate crisis at 2 pm, Feb. 24, at the Fort Qu’Appelle Senior Centre. 

Engineering Extravaganza, Feb. 24 (Swift Current) 
Kids are invited to make a mini wind turbine from 10 am-12 pm, Feb. 24, at the Swift Current Library.

Mending Meet-Up, Feb. 24 (Saskatoon) 
There will be sewing machines and experienced sewers on hand at a Mending Meet-Up from noon-5 pm, Feb. 24.

Carbonless Concert, Feb. 24 (Saskatoon) 
Enjoy local musicians in a zero-emissions environment at the Carbonless Concert, 6:30-9 pm, Feb. 24.

Middle Lake Seedy Sunday, Feb. 25 (Pilger) 
Enjoy a Seedy Sunday event from 1-5 pm, Feb. 25, at the Middle Lake Multiplex.

Reptile Rescue Fundraiser, Feb. 25 (Saskatoon) 
A Saskatchewan Reptile Rescue Facility Fundraiser is being held from 3-7 pm, Feb. 25, in Saskatoon.

Moose Jaw Nature Society, Feb. 26 (Moose Jaw) 
Jared Clarke will talk about the climate crisis at 6:30 pm, Feb. 26.

Athabasca Sand Dunes, Feb. 27 (Prince Albert) 
Andrea Nelson will share photos and stories of her visit to the Athabasca Sand Dunes at 7 pm, Feb. 27.

Communications Webinars, Feb. 27/Mar. 1 (webinar) 
The Sustainability Network is offering two webinars: Engineering Effective Events, Feb. 27, and Engaging Email Campaigns, Mar. 1.

Meewasin Trail Upgrades, Feb. 28 (Saskatoon) 
Meewasin Valley Authority is holding an open house from 5-7:30 pm, Feb. 28, regarding the Meewasin trail upgrade from Queen Street to the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Results-Based Conservation, Feb. 28 (webinar) 
Find out more about results-based conservation during a Feb. 28 webinar sponsored by SK-PCAP.

Nature Conservancy of Canada, Feb. 28 (Saskatoon) 
Matthew Braun will discuss the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its SK research projects at 3:30 pm, Feb. 28, at the U of S.

The Price of Carbon Book Launch, Feb. 28/Mar. 7 (Regina/Saskatoon) 
Join Dr. David Maenz for the launch of his book, The Price of Carbon, at 7:30 pm, Feb. 28, in Regina, and at 7 pm, Mar. 7, in Saskatoon.

Innovating the Wicked Policy Problem of Climate Change, Mar. 1 (Saskatoon) 
Professor Margot Hurlbert will talk about policy research strategies and methods that address the gap between projected CO2 emissions and mitigation pathways from 3-4 pm, Mar. 1, at the U of S.

Looking Ahead 
2018 High Ground: Communities for All, Mar. 22-24 (Vancouver)
The Centre for Civic Governance’s conference on Mar. 23-24 will cover a variety of topics regarding cities and climate change. On Mar. 22, they will host the first public screening of Women Bending the Curve on Climate Change.

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

Stand Up for Meewasin 
Last year, the province slashed Meewasin Valley Authority’s funding, and more cuts are on the way. Stand Up for Meewasin by posting a 1-minute video or photo story.

In the News
Water management will be high priority as potash mining expands in Saskatchewan.

Fill out a survey to help Indigenous Climate Action develop a toolkit for and by Indigenous communities across Canada about climate change.

An art installation in the U of S Arts building explores the dynamics of throw-away clothing.

Too little attention is being paid to biodiversity loss.

An interesting take on Alberta’s BC wine boycott.

Climate scientists and other academics are experimenting with having satisfying academic careers without all the flying.

Why are we seeing robins in winter?

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, December 12, 2017

Upcoming Events 
CPAWS Saskatchewan Open House, Dec. 14 (Prince Albert)
Meet the CPAWS Saskatchewan staff at an open house from 10 am-4 pm, Dec. 14, in Prince Albert.

Communicating Effectively Online, Dec. 20 (Regina) 
The Regina Public Interest Research Group is offering a workshop on Communicating Effectively Online via Facebook and E-News from 8:30 am-12 noon, Dec. 20, as part of their Toolkit Workshop series.

Looking Ahead 
Learn to Winter Camp, Jan. 13-14 (Lumsden)
SaskOutdoors is offering a winter camping skills workshop Jan. 13-14 in Lumsden.

Snowlandia, Feb. 20-23 (Saskatoon)
Wildernook is offering Snowlandia, an opportunity for young women ages 10-12 to be active outdoors during the winter break from Feb. 20-23.

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, Apr. 13 (Saskatoon) 
Spend an evening watching awe-inspiring short films dedicated to showcasing the natural world when Saskatoon Search and Rescue hosts the Best of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival on Apr. 13.

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

In the News
Have your say on the Saskatchewan government's Captive Wildlife Survey, which includes important questions regarding wildlife rehabilitation. The deadline is December 31, 2017.

Pronghorn Xing needs your help reporting wildlife sightings in SW Saskatchewan. The data will be used to assist in reducing the number of collisions.

The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council has developed a strong set of strategic directions that could take the province a long ways towards zero waste.

Meewasin Valley Authority has received generous funding support from the City of Saskatoon and has begun discussions with the University of Saskatchewan and the Province of Saskatchewan. The proposals are based on the needs of each partner and the efficiencies that can be gained by working together rather than independently. You can support Meewasin’s efforts by contacting your MLA and thanking the City of Saskatoon. 

Everyone in the world should be taxed on their energy footprint.

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, October 31, 2017

Upcoming Events
Skills for Social Change, Nov. 1-30 (Saskatoon) 
Next Up Saskatchewan and community partners are presenting a series of free workshops on Skills for Social Change in November. These include Understanding Social Change (Nov. 1), Organizing Using Social Media (Nov. 8), and Your Message and the Media (Nov. 22).

URSU Sustainability Week, Nov. 6-8 (Regina) 
The University of Regina Students’ Union is hosting the following activities during its Sustainability Week:
Nov. 6, 7 pm – Screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
Nov. 7, 6 pm – Composting Workshop
Nov. 8, 6 pm – Sustainability Seminar & Panel Discussion

Northeast Swale Watchers, Nov. 7 (Saskatoon) 
Renny Grilz will discuss some important wildlife sightings at the Northeast Swale at the Nov. 7 meeting (4-5:30 pm) of the Northeast Swale Watchers. RSVP by Nov. 5.

Stakeholder Engagement in Water Quality Decisions in Qu’Appelle Valley, Nov. 10 (Lumsden)
The Global Institute for Water Security is hosting a meeting with producers and people living along the Qu’Appelle River system to present the water quality model they developed and future plans from 10 am-2:30 pm, Nov. 10, in Lumsden.

Mendel Riverbank & Weir Bird Walk, Nov. 12 (Saskatoon) 
Join the Saskatoon Nature Society on a walk by the river from 9-10:30 am, Nov. 12.

Islands of Grass Book Launch, Nov. 14 & 15 (Regina & Saskatoon)
Trevor Herriot and Branimir Gjetvaj’s new book, Islands of Grass, will be launched in Regina at 7 pm, Nov. 14, at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, and in Saskatoon at 7 pm, Nov. 15, at the Alice Turner Branch Library. Both launches will include an introduction by classical guitarist Ed Rodger and a reading by author David Carpenter.

Renewable Energy Forum, Nov. 15 (Saskatoon)
First Nations Power Authority is hosting the Western Canadian Indigenous Renewable Energy Forum in Saskatoon on Nov. 15.

Household Hazardous Waste Survey, Dec. 15
The Government of Saskatchewan is requesting public feedback on a recycling program for household hazardous waste in Saskatchewan. The online survey is open until Dec. 15.

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

In the News
Nick Saunders' 2018 Saskatchewan Bird Calendar is ready for delivery.

Local residents are looking for more information about the plan to divert water from Quill Lakes into Last Mountain Lake.

A new fire hall near the U of S campus in Saskatoon will cost $8 million - just one of the hidden costs of suburban sprawl.

Bus rapid transit can improve travel times, modal share, and urban development at rates similar to those reported for light rail and metro.

We are breeding a world full of creatures that cannot survive: “Over the centuries, we’ve taken in various animal species as pets, domesticating them and teaching them to be docile — serving humans while establishing that we are the dominant species on Earth.”

Transport accounts for 18% of global emissions and is the single biggest energy user in 40% of countries, and the second biggest in the others (first Global Mobility Report).

Take pictures and notes, gather data, explore with the Science Journal app.

CO2 levels rose at record-breaking rates in 2016.

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, October 17, 2017

Upcoming Events
Demystifying Composting, Oct. 19 (Saskatoon)
Steep Hill Food Co-op is sponsoring a free talk about composting by the SK Waste Reduction Council at 7 pm, Oct. 19.

Saw-whet Owl Banding Trip, Oct. 20 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatchewan Chapter of The Wildlife Society is organizing a saw-whet owl banding trip at 7:30 pm, Oct. 20.

Library of Things Open House, Oct. 21 (Saskatoon)
Library of Things, a volunteer-run library filled with items members can borrow for free, is holding an Open House from 12-5 pm, Oct. 21.

Wildlife Rehab Volunteer Orientation, Oct. 22 (Saskatoon)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan (WRSOS) is holding a volunteer orientation session in Saskatoon from 1:30-3 pm, Oct. 22. Contact WRSOS to register.

Nature Photographs, Oct. 23 (Moose Jaw)
Michael St. Laurent will show his nature photographs at the Nature Moose Jaw meeting at 6:30 pm, Oct. 23.

Compassionate Conservation Webinar Series, Oct. 24-27 (webinar)
The Fur-Bearers are offering a free series of 10 webinars from Oct. 24-27. Topics include co-existence with coyotes, pragmatic compassion & beavers, and content development for advocates.

Starlight at Sunrise, Oct. 25 (Regina)
Learn about telescopes, planets, stars, and galaxies with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada from 7-9 pm, Oct. 25, at the Sunrise Branch, Regina Public Library.

MVA Canada 150 Celebration, Oct. 26 (Saskatoon)
Meewasin Valley Authority is hosting a Canada 150 celebration from 2-3:30 pm, Oct. 26, at Chief Whitecap Park.

Talking ‘bout Citizen Science, Oct. 26 (Regina)
Sam Droege, US Geological Survey wildlife biologist, will share pictures and stories about his career setting up animal monitoring programs from 7-10 pm, Oct. 26, at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory, Oct. 28 (Fort Qu’Appelle)
Find out more about Last Mountain Lake Bird Observatory at the Fort Qu’Appelle Nature Society meeting at the train station from 7-9 pm, Oct. 28.

Dark Skies at the Creek, Oct. 28 (Saskatoon)
Explore the night sky and learn about nocturnal wildlife at Beaver Creek Conservation Area from 6-11 pm, Oct. 28.

Looking Ahead
Waste Reduction Council Fall Workshops, Nov. (SK)
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council will be hosting the following fall workshops:
Nov. 2 – North Battleford
Nov. 9 – Moose Jaw
Nov. 16 – Yorkton

Build Sask Green Conference, Nov. 1-2 (Regina)
The Build Sask Green Conference will be in Regina Nov. 1 and 2.

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

In the News
“Low-tech Magazine refuses to assume that every problem has a high-tech solution. Instead, Low-tech Magazine talks about the potential of past and often forgotten knowledge and technologies when it comes to designing a sustainable society."

Regina’s Northwest YMCA is converting organic waste into biofuel to heat its swimming pool and fuel the building's boiler system.

Creating disruptive and lasting change: energy conservation strategies

A murmuration of budgies in the Australian desert

In the war on cars, only drivers kill

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, July 11, 2017

Upcoming Events
LEED Building Tour & Networking Event, July 13 (Regina) 
Canada Green Building Council is offering a LEED building tour of the Mosaic Tower at Hill Centre III followed by a networking event from 5:15-6:15 pm, July 13.

Blue Gold: World Water Wars, July 19 (Regina) 
Cinema Politica is screening Blue Gold: World Water Wars at 7 pm, July 19, in Regina.

Operation Burrowing Owl 30th Anniversary Dinner, July 20 (Regina)
Join Operation Burrowing Owl as they celebrate their 30th anniversary with a dinner on July 20.

Rainwater Harvesting, July 22 (Regina) 
Learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and use rainwater for all your gardening needs at Edible Landscapes' Rainwater Harvesting workshop from 1-4 pm, July 22, near Regina.

Bokashi Composting, July 22 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre is hosting a workshop on bokashi composting from 12:30-2:30 pm, July 22, at the Garden Patch.

Walking Saskatoon, July 23 (Saskatoon) 
Walking Saskatoon is meeting from 1-2:30 pm, July 23, in the Brainsport Event Room. They’ll be talking with the Active Transportation Plan Coordinator about the state of the Plan.

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

In the News
The Ecological Citizen is an online peer-reviewed journal. It aims to advance ecological knowledge, champion Earth-centred action, and inspire ecocentric citizenship. Articles in the first issue cover Why Ecocentrism? The Ethical and the Practical Imperative and Wild Democracy: A Grassroots Vision to Transcend Capitalism.

"one aspect of urban nature remains underappreciated: wildness. Places where nobody is telling nature what to do. Where it’s not landscaped or improved or turned to human ends"

Where do we draw the line in conservation intervention projects when we are in the midst of an ever-evolving nature? 

Will the next generation of tires be made from dandelions?

This is how climate scepticism becomes climate cynicism: doubts about the evidence are replaced by doubts about the motives of the people using it. [long read but informative]

"advances in technology and battery storage are making the grid ever-more capable of accommodating wind and solar power" 

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, January 19, 2016

Upcoming Events
Meet a Porcupine, Jan. 24 
Meet Georgia, the Saskatoon Zoo Society’s North American porcupine, at Wild Birds Unlimited (2600 8th Street East) from 1-2 pm, Jan. 24.

Predatory Media, Jan. 28 
Predatory Media: How Sensationalism Impacts Public Perception of Predators in Public Media at 1:30 pm EST, Jan. 28, is the first in a Living with Wildlife webinar series. The webinar will look at media sensationalism about coyotes, wolves, bears, and even some dog breeds, and look at the real world consequences of that coverage.

LOVEbirds, Jan. 29-30
LOVEbirds, Jan. 29 and 30, is an independent stage production using a blend of poetry, puppetry, and costuming. As a bird lover, Ryan Bradshaw has woven birds into every segment of the show. $5 from each ticket will be donated to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Jan. 24, 2-3 pm – Birding at President Murray Park
Jan. 30, 8 am – 10:30 pm – Northern Birding Trip
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 

News 
U of R Strategic Plan for Sustainability 
The University of Regina's Strategic Plan for Sustainability encompasses waste, energy, transportation, leadership, communication, and engagement.

Edmonton Leads the Way
Edmonton is hoping to boost to its reputation as a Canadian leader in recycling and composting by adding an anaerobic waste digestion facility to increase the capacity of the existing composting plant and reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Saving Money & Energy 
Pennsylvania finds proof that Passive House standards can be built at affordable housing prices.

Winter Explorations in Saskatchewan 
We’ve updated our list of outdoor winter opportunities to include activities from all parts of the province.

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, December 8, 2015

Upcoming Events
Green Drinks Saskatoon, Dec. 11
Green Drinks Saskatoon will be meeting at 5:30 pm, Dec. 11, at the Capitol Music Club.

Regina Christmas Bird Counts 
Nature Regina will be hosting the following Christmas bird counts:
Dec. 19 – Craven (includes Lumsden)
Dec. 27 – Regina
Jan. 2 – Balgonie (includes White City and Pilot Butte)

Drop-In at the Zoo, Dec. 29-30
The Saskatoon Zoo Society is hosting a drop-in interpretation program for kids from 1-3 pm, Dec. 29 & 30.

Christmas Bird Count for Kids, Jan. 2/3
The Christmas Bird Count for Kids will be held on Jan. 2 in Saskatoon and Jan. 3 in Regina.

Saskatoon Young Naturalists
Jan. 3, 11 am – Snowshoeing
Jan. 23, 1-3 pm – Tracks and Scats
Feb. 6, 1-2:30 pm – Chickadee Pishing
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Wascana Junior Naturalists (Regina) 
Children ages 9-13 are invited to register for the spring session of the Wascana Junior Naturalists. Only 20 spots are available for each session.

Invasive Species Conference, Jan. 30 (Regina)
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan is holding its annual general meeting and conference on Jan. 30, 2016. The theme of the conference is invasive species.

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

News
Wolf Cull 
The Government of Saskatchewan is opening up wolf hunting in selected areas on Dec. 15. Ostensibly, it’s to prevent livestock predation, but many ranchers and scientists believe it’s the wrong approach. Rancher Gord Vaadeland, CPAWS-SK, says,“Wolf culling is more likely to increase predation on livestock than it is to reduce it. The science is pretty clear on this. According to the largest study ever done on wolf culling and its impact on livestock predation rates, for every wolf that is culled through this type of program, predation of livestock rises on average by 5 to 6 percent."

Plastic-Free Campus Manual
The PLAN Plastic-Free Campus Manual is available online and includes tips on conducting a plastic audit, identifying alternatives to single-use plastics, and making plastic-free a positive experience.

Building a Successful Green Energy Plan
In a lengthy article, Chris Turner reviews the successes and failures of Ontario’s green energy plan, pointing to the need for community involvement and corporate support.

Care For and Enjoy 
Stewardship – ripping out weeds, building trails – takes time and investment and builds a closer link to nature than simply participating in outdoor activities 

Eating Our Future 
Every mouthful we eat shapes the world. We’re environmental activists three times a day [16-minute TEDx talk]

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).

Bridging the Gap Between Attitude and Action

“Thinking is easy, acting difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action the most difficult thing in the world.” Goethe 

Community-Based Social Marketing 
One hundred per cent of Canadians think it’s a good idea to donate blood. One hundred per cent know why it’s important to donate blood. But less than 4% of Canadians actually donate blood. Why?

As Ken Donnelly, a practitioner with over 20 years of experience in community-based social marketing, explained at an Oct. 30 workshop sponsored by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan, there is a gap between attitude and awareness and behaviour that is extremely difficult to bridge.

Community-based social marketing (CBSM), as developed by Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr, applies behavioural psychology to environmental program promotion. It focuses on behaviour and emphasizes social contact. The CBSM toolbox incorporates research, small questions, prompts, commitment strategies, norms, and effective communications.

It’s impossible to summarize a full-day presentation in a short article; however, you can find some excellent online resources:

Fostering Sustainable Behavior: Community-Based Social Marketing: Doug McKenzie-More, a psychology professor at St. Thomas University, is the founder of community-based social marketing. His website provides articles, case studies, a discussion forum, and a free online copy of his first book.

Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing, McKenzie-More’s most recent book, is available from libraries in Saskatchewan.

Beyond Attitude: Ken Donnelly has employed CBSM principles in his consulting work to address a wide range of environmental concerns. His online blog/website contains a wealth of useful tips and best practices.

Tools of Change: The Tools of Change website provides a collection of voluntary behaviour change, social marketing, and CBSM case studies.

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard 
As I learned more about community-based social marketing, I was struck by the similarities to a book I’d read a few years ago that had influenced me a great deal.

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath outlines three key ingredients for change. First of all, there is the human component. The Rider is the rational, reflective, deliberative side of human behaviour. His counterpart is the Elephant, the emotional, instinctive side of human behaviour. Finally, there is the Path, the environment or situation surrounding the human players.

I wrote a three-part summary of Switch, which covers the three different approaches to change management:
Directing the Rider: finding the bright spots, scripting the critical moves, pointing to the destination 
Motivating the Elephant: using emotions, shrinking the change, growing your people
Shaping the Path: tweaking the environment, building habits, peer pressure

Additional information is available on the Heath brothers’ website.

Additional Information 
You may also be interested in the following Slideshare presentations:
Don’t Tell Me What To Do: 4 Tools for Creating Effective, Positive Messages
Bringing Numbers to Life

Penny McKinlay

Introductory image: iStock_000024612531