EcoSask News, November 19, 2019

Upcoming Events
Great Blue Heron, Nov. 19 (Prince Albert) 
Sonnet McGuire will share information about Great Blue Heron Provincial Park at the 7 pm, Nov. 19, meeting of Nature Prince Albert.

Multiple Species Management, Nov. 21 (Eastend) 
Attend a multiple species management workshop from 1:30-5:30 pm as well as a conservation appreciation dinner at 6 pm in Eastend, Nov. 21.

Green Infrastructure Strategy, Nov. 21 (Saskatoon) 
The City of Saskatoon is inviting public input into its green infrastructure strategy from 4-7 pm, Nov. 21, with presentations at 4 and 5:30 pm.

Palaeontological Finds, Nov. 22 (Moose Jaw) 
Ryan McKellar will discuss some of the exciting new discoveries made by Royal Saskatchewan Museum palaentologists this summer at the Moose Jaw Nature Society meeting from 6:30-8:30 pm, Nov. 22.

Saskatoon Freeway, Nov. 26 & 27 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Freeway Functional Planning Study team is hosting come-and-go public information sessions from 4-8 pm on Nov. 26 and 27. The decisions made at this stage will affect the crossing through the Northeast Swale.

EnviroCollective, Nov. 27 (Regina) 
EnviroCollective Regina is meeting and celebrating its one-year anniversary at 7 pm, Nov. 27.

Surplus: Terrorized into being Consumers, Nov. 27 (Regina) 
Surplus, a film about consumerism, will be shown at 6:30 pm, Nov. 27, in Regina.

50th Birthday Party, Nov. 27 (Regina) 
Everyone is welcome at SaskOutdoors’ come-and-go 50th birthday party at 5 pm, Nov. 27.

Beginner Bird Id, Nov. 27 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas is hosting a free bird identification workshop from 7-9 pm, Nov. 27.

Conservation Priorities, Nov. 28 (Lumsden) 
The Lumsden Valley Community Association is hosting a talk on Conservation Priorities in Southern Saskatchewan: a Nature Conservancy of Canada Perspective at 7 pm, Nov. 28, in the Lumsden High School band room (adults $2, students free).

Global Climate Strike, Nov. 29 (Regina, Saskatoon) 
There will be global climate strikes in both Regina (10:30 am-1:30 pm) and Saskatoon (12-2 pm) on Nov. 29.

Looking Ahead
Youth Forum, Nov. 30 (Regina) 
EnviroCollective, in conjunction with RPIRG and the David Suzuki Foundation, is hosting a youth community forum on Regina's energy future from 1-4 pm, Nov. 30. Free but register to attend.

Winter Wildlife Tracking, Dec. 1 (Saskatoon) 
Learn to identify animal tracks in the Small Swale from 2-4 pm, Dec. 1.

SaskOutdoors Winter Camp, Dec. 14-15 (PANP) 
Join SaskOutdoors for their annual winter camp, Dec. 14-15.

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

In the News 
Climate Justice Saskatoon is urging Saskatoon residents to contact their City Councillor and Council prior to budget deliberations Nov. 25-27 to show support for funding the City’s Low Emissions Community Plan.

Students and researchers at the University of Regina have mapped 14,958 oil and gas industry spills between 2000 and 2018.

“Opposing ill-advised [infrastructure] projects is not at all ‘anti-development’ but rather pro-smart development. All nations have finite assets available for construction and maintenance of infrastructure.”

The myths surrounding waste reduction – the circular economy, consumer responsibility, market efficiency, technical solutions.

BC leads the way with climate change legislation that could serve as a blueprint for the federal government.

“A good zoo should have an absolute focus on animal welfare, on conservation and be absolutely focusing on their own environmental sustainability practices.”

Opponents of light pollution in the Netherlands are urging government agencies and companies to turn off the lights so people can rediscover the beauty of darkness.

This office building can be dismantled, creating no waste as its components and materials can be reused.

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 8, 2019

Upcoming Events
Give-a-Dam Info Session, Oct. 10 (Moosomin) 
Lower Souris Watershed Committee will be holding an information session about the Moosomin Dam from 2-8 pm, Oct. 10. RSVP as session will be followed by a supper.

Singing for a Better World, Oct. 10 & 22/Nov. 14 & 26 (Saskatoon) 
Learn songs about protecting the earth and building peace and justice at 7 pm, Oct. 10, Oct. 22, Nov. 14, and Nov. 26.

Bats and You, Oct. 12 & 19 (Saskatoon) 
Kids are invited to find out about bats from 2-2:45 pm on Oct. 12 (Rusty Macdonald Branch Library) and Oct. 19 (Alice Turner Branch Library).

EnviroCollective, Oct. 15 (Regina)
EnviroCollective Regina will be meeting from 7-9 pm, Oct. 15.

Sustainable Saskatoon, Oct. 15 (Saskatoon)
Hilary Carlson and Kristin Bruce will speak about the City of Saskatoon’s Climate Action Plan at 7 pm, Oct. 15.

Campus Sustainability Tour, Oct. 15 (Saskatoon) 
Register to explore the hidden aspects of the U of S campus that drive sustainability from 1-2:30 pm, Oct. 15.

Climate Change: Myth vs. Reality, Oct. 16 (Saskatoon) 
The second annual U of S Senate Forum will be held from 4-6 pm, Oct. 16.

Snakes & River Valleys, Oct. 16 & 17 (Eastend, Mankota)
Ray Poulin, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, will explain why large river valleys are essential to rare snakes in Saskatchewan at 7 pm, Oct. 16, in Eastend and at 7 pm, Oct. 17, in Mankota. The presentation will be recorded and uploaded on the PCAP YouTube channel.

Heritage Landscapes, Oct. 17 (Eastend)
Clinton Westman will share his research project on heritage landscapes in southern Saskatchewan, including the reintroduction of bison at Old man on His Back, at 7:30 pm, Oct. 17, at Eastend Public Library.

The Art of Nature, Oct. 17 (Saskatoon)
Cam Forrester will share his love of painting, drawing, and nature at the 7:30 pm, Oct. 17, meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Zero Waste Workshop, Oct. 17 (Saskatoon) 
Learn how to reduce waste and get closer to a zero-waste lifestyle from 12-2 pm, Oct. 17, at the University of Saskatchewan.

Farmland Drainage, Oct. 18 (Regina) 
Jeff Olson, Citizens’ Environmental Alliance, will be discussing Saskatchewan farmland drainage and the environment from 2:30-3:45 pm, Oct. 18, at the University of Regina.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists
Nov. 16, 1-2:30 pm – Bird Feeder Workshop
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Golden Eagles
Oct. 17, 9 am – Birding at Ashworth Holmes Park
Oct. 24, 8:30 am – Watrous County Geological History
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Oct. 14, 9:30-11:30 am – Woodlawn Cemetery Bird Walk
Oct. 27, 1-5 pm – Blackstrap Lake Birding

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
Unplastic Northern Sask focuses on reducing + reusing.

European Union approves right to repair law, including measures for repairability and recyclability.

Enviromenstrualism: Sanitary products are the fifth most common item found on Europe’s beaches, more widespread than single-use coffee cups, cutlery or straws.

“Claiming to fight climate change while subsidizing fossil fuels is as crazy as brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.”

Fish that thrive in toxic water, pigeons eating junk food without becoming hypoglycemic, ants that don’t mind urban heat – what can we learn from wildlife that is evolving rapidly in response to an urban environment?

A free online report outlines the key steps to take in building community power to win campaigns.

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 6, 2019

Upcoming Events
Household Hazardous Waste, Aug. 11 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste at City of Saskatoon’s Civic Operations Centre from 9 am – 3:30 pm, Aug. 11.

Fabulous Feathered Fun, Aug. 12 (Prince Albert)
Visit the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library for stories, rhymes, and craft featuring our feathered friends at 2 pm, Aug. 12.

Permaculture Garden Tour, Aug. 13 (Saskatoon)
Join Permaculture Saskatchewan for a garden tour and potluck at 6 pm, Aug. 13.

Prairie Bats & White Nose Syndrome, Aug. 14 (Eastend)
There will be a discussion on white nose syndrome on the Canadian Prairies at SODCAP’s AGM at 1 pm, Aug. 14.

Owls on the Prowl, Aug. 14 (Gravelbourg)
Kids can meet a burrowing owl from 3-4 pm, Aug. 14, at Gravelbourg Public Library.

Nature Activity, Aug. 14 (Churchbridge)
Churchbridge Public Library is hosting a special guest from the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association for a nature activity from 2-3 pm, Aug. 14.

Meditations on the Prairie, Aug. 14-Sept. 13 (Saskatoon)
John Penner’s photographs of the Canadian prairie landscape will be on display in The Gallery of the Frances Morrison Library from Aug. 14-Sept. 13.

Looking Ahead
Meewasin Eco-Scavenger Hunts, Aug. 17, 24, 31 & Sept. 7 (Saskatoon)
Help document active species in the Small and Northeast Swales, Aug. 17 (9 am-4 pm), Aug. 24 (9 am-4 pm), Aug. 31 (8-10 am), and Sept. 7 (9 am-4 pm). People of all experiences and backgrounds are welcome to join.

Wascana Junior Naturalist, Sept-Nov (Regina)
Kids ages 9-13 can participate in a variety of activities at Wascana Junior Naturalist from 6-8 pm on Sept. 10 & 17, Oct. 1, 22 & 29, and Nov. 19 & 26.

Forest Gardening North of the 29th, Sept. 13-15 (Ness Creek)
Richard Walker will share the key skills of forest gardening from Sept. 13-15 at Ness Creek.

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

In the News
Friends of Wascana Marsh is looking for volunteers to help with pond dipping and marsh hikes during the Harbour Landing Summer Bash from 10 am-6 pm, Aug. 25. Call Ramona at 306.531.9759 if you can help.

Saskatoon residents are encouraged to contact their City Councillor and to show your support for the City’s proposed Low Emissions Community Plan.

Conservation groups in Minnesota are urged to address unregulated agricultural sub-surface drainage tiling. Tiling drains fields rapidly and can lead to loss of wetland wildlife and plants, water pollution, and downstream flooding. A strong response to the article provides additional information both pro and con.

“The current carbon footprint of the fashion industry is over eight per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, larger than all international travel. . . . The average consumer bought 60 per cent more clothing in 2014 than in 2000, but kept each garment half as long. . . . and less than one per cent of all clothing produced globally is recycled.”

“There is no evidence that fracking can operate without threatening public health directly and without imperiling climate stability upon which public health depends.”

Energy development and commercial interests win when pitted against endangered species.

Wales’ Wildlife Trust has developed a short film based on Wind in the Willows to shed light on the problems faced by wildlife today. What if we developed a similar film for Saskatchewan based on Who Has Seen the Wind or Wolf Willow?

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 9, 2019

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.

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. 

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

EcoSask News, April 23, 2019

Upcoming Events
Bullsnakes, Apr. 25 (Maple Creek) 
Find out about the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s new research project on bullsnakes in the Cypress Hills area from 7-9 pm, Apr. 25, in Maple Creek.

History of Tatawaw, Apr. 26 (Moose Jaw)
Tatawaw’s history and plans for a bioblitz and bison fest will be discussed at the 6:30-8:30 pm, Apr. 26, meeting of the Moose Jaw Nature Society.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Apr. 26/27 (Regina) 
City of Regina is holding Household Hazardous Waste Days on Apr. 26 and 27.

Predictive Models for Grassland Songbirds, Apr. 26 (webinar) 
Julie Landry-Deboer is presenting a noon-hour webinar on predictive models for occurrence of grassland birds in Alberta on Apr. 26.

Living Green Expo, Apr. 26-28 (Saskatoon)
The Living Green Expo is being held in Saskatoon Apr. 26-28.

Nature Regina Field Trip, Apr. 27 (Regina) 
Nature Regina is hosting a field trip from 9:30 am-12 pm, Apr. 27.

Diamond Willow Carving Workshop, Apr. 27 (Saskatoon) 
Craft your own walking/hiking stick from 12:30-3:30 pm, Apr. 27, in Saskatoon.

Bat Chat, Apr. 27 (Saskatoon) 
Melanie Elliott will introduce her educational bats at 3 pm, Apr. 27, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Drive Electric Earth Day, Apr. 28 (Saskatoon)
Drive Electric Earth Day from 12-5 pm, Apr. 28, will feature a variety of electric vehicles for visitors to experience.

Geothermal Energy, Apr. 29 (Regina) 
Catherine Hickson, Geothermal Canada, will discuss geothermal energy at 7 pm, Apr. 29.

Permaculture Saskatchewan AGM, Apr. 29 (Saskatoon) 
Permaculture Saskatchewan is holding their annual general meeting on Apr. 29. You are welcome to come only for the film, Living the Change, at 7 pm.

Synchrotron Art, Apr. 30 (Saskatoon) 
A scientist and an artist will share how they collaborated on Sci-Art works using synchrotron imaging techniques at Café Scientifique, 7:30 pm, Apr. 30.

Introduction to Vermicomposting, May 1 (Regina)
Learn the basics of worm composting from 7-8:30 pm, May 1, at the Regent Place branch of the Regina Public Library.

Introduction to Spring Birdwatching, May 1 (Regina)
Learn how to identify the birds in your yard with Jared Clarke from 7-8:30 pm, May 1, at the Sunrise branch of the Regina Public Library.

Bio-energy & Carbon Capture, May 1 (Saskatoon) 
David Maenz will discuss the potential for early adoption of bio-energy with carbon capture and storage in Saskatchewan at the May 1 breakfast meeting of the Saskatoon Energy Management Task Force.

Birding by Ear, May 3 & 10 (Saskatoon) 
Learn to identify the songs and calls of birds at this free two-part workshop on May 3 and 10 from 7-10 pm.

Looking Ahead
Compost Field Day, May 29 (North Battleford) 
SK Waste Reduction Council is hosting an all-day workshop on large-scale composting in North Battleford on May 29.

Nature Saskatchewan Spring Meet, June 14-16 (Eastend)
Nature Saskatchewan is holding it Spring Meet in Eastend from June 14-16.

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

In the News 
Canada broke international rules when it dumped more than 100 shipping containers of garbage disguised as plastics for recycling into the Philippines six years ago.

Urban wastelands may appear to be an eyesore, but they are rich in bees and other wildlife.

Wildlife crossings make animals and people safer – and save money (deer-car collisions cost an average of $8,190).

5G could consume up to 1,000 times as much energy as 4G.

Federal legislation to protect species at risk isn’t working. It requires more public engagement and stricter timelines.

Books 
Walking by Erling Kagge focuses on “how walking has changed lives, what it does to our thoughts and emotions, and the ways it has made us who we are.”

There is No Planet B by Mike Berners-Lee looks at the big topics behind climate change: values, economics, thinking skills.

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).