EcoSask News, August 18, 2020

Upcoming Events
Bird Tours, Aug./Sept. (Saskatoon) 
Stan Shadick is offering physically distanced bird tours with proceeds to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation:
Shorebird driving tour - Aug. 1-Sept. 15
Pelican driving tour - Aug. 15-Sept. 15
Warbler walking tour - Aug. 20-Sept. 15

Let’s Talk Outdoors, Aug. 20 (online)
SaskOutdoors is launching a podcast on Aug. 20 – Let’s Talk Outdoors: Environmental Enjoyment and Education – with new episodes every third Thursday.

Climate Strike, Aug. 21 & ongoing (online) 
The YXE Youth Climate Committee is hosting a digital Fridays for Future Climate Strike on Fridays from 12-1 pm starting Aug. 21.

Flight of the Monarch, Aug. 22 (online)
Join Nature Saskatchewan in celebrating Flight of the Monarch Day on Aug. 22.

Mini Outdoor School Conference, Aug. 24 (online) 
The Early Childhood Education Council is offering a virtual mini outdoor school conference for its members from 1-2 pm, Aug. 24. Register by emailing saskecec@gmail.com.

SOS Trees Coalition AGM, Aug. 27 (Saskatoon) 
SOS Trees Coalition will hold their annual general meeting outdoors in Victoria Park close to the pagoda at 6:30 pm, Aug. 27.

Backyard Bioblitz, Aug. 24-30 (Saskatchewan) 
Nature Conservancy of Canada is inviting the public to contribute to online community science by searching for plants, animals, and insects in your backyard or local green space and tracking your observations with iNaturalist.

Looking Ahead 
Project WILD, Sept. 16, 23, 30 (online) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a Project WILD training online from 7-9 pm, Sept. 16, 23, and 30.

George Genereux Park Clean-Up, Sept. 19 (Saskatoon) 
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are inviting volunteers to join them in removing garbage in George Genereux Urban Regional Park from 9 am-5 pm, Sept. 19. Volunteers with trucks, wheelbarrows, etc. are encouraged to bring it with them. Disposal bins will be on site in August and September if you want to help out at a different time.

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

Local News
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas will deliver your recyclables to SARCAN and provide you with a charitable receipt. Call 306-380-5368 to arrange a pick-up.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan has responded to over 3000 calls to their wildlife hotline this year. Your donations can help support the work of WRSOS and wildlife rehabilitators throughout Saskatchewan (Living Sky in Saskatoon, Salthaven West in Regina, Silverwood in southeast Saskatchewan to name just a few).

Meewasin Valley Authority’s functional study to help minimize the environmental impacts of the proposed Saskatoon Freeway recommends shifting the route by 200-300 metres to the north and a causeway to reduce impact on wetlands. Recent focus groups also expressed concerns and recommendations regarding environmental issues.

Parks Canada has installed EV charging stations in Prince Albert National Park, Batoche and Motherwell Homestead National Historic Sites. Grasslands National Park will have one soon.

From Information to Action
The UK is testing the viability of noise cameras to cut down on noise pollution.

Lower speed limits – on the highway and in town – reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Having an impact: how to practice science that influences environmental policy and management.

Volunteers are plugging abandoned oil wells in Montana and returning the land to its pre-drilling condition.

The environmental footprint of paper vs electronic books – it depends how much you read.

Efforts to protect the nests of Western Painted Turtles have resulted in almost 200 hatchlings at Elizabeth Lake near Cranbrook.

A 22,000 sq. m. green roof on a university campus in Thailand mimics local rice terrace landscapes, collects rainwater, and grows up to 135,000 rice meals and vegetables each year.

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).

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

EcoSask News, August 20, 2019

Upcoming Events
Avonlea Badlands Tour, Aug. 24 (Moose Jaw) 
Members and would-be members of the Moose Jaw Nature Society will be hiking the Avonlea badlands on Aug. 24.

Low Emissions Community, Aug. 26 (Saskatoon) 
Join Climate Justice Saskatoon for a discussion about the City’s low emissions plan from 12-1 pm, Aug. 26, in front of City Hall.

Saving Wildflower Seeds, Aug. 28 (Saskatoon)
Renny Grilz, Blazing Star Wildflowers, will share how to find and harvest wildflower seeds from 5:30-7 pm, Aug. 28.

Looking Ahead
Curbside Swap, Sept. 7 (Saskatoon) 
Put out swappable items as part of the city-wide Curbside Swap on Sept. 7.

Damsels in Wilderness, Sept. 12-Dec. 12 (Saskatoon) 
Young women ages 10-12 who crave more time exploring outdoors and connecting with nature are invited to participate in Damsels in Wilderness, on Thursdays from 4-5:45 pm from Sept. 12 to Dec. 12.

Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet, Sept. 13-15 (Greenwater) 
Nature Saskatchewan is holding its Fall Meet from Sept. 13-15 in Greenwater Lake Provincial Park.

Swap in the Park, Sept. 22 (Saskatoon) 
Bring what you want, take what you want at a reduce-reuse-recycle event from 9 am-4 pm, Sept. 22.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Golden Eagles 
Aug. 29, 8 am – Lakewood & Heritage Parks
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Aug. 24, 8-11 am – Warbler Walk at Forestry Farm
Aug. 31, 8-11 am – Warbler Walk to Green Ash Forest
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
A recent survey shows that Canadians care about climate change, many view it as an urgent emergency, and the majority believe legally-binding emissions targets must play a role in addressing this crisis.

Current global warming can be directly linked to the Industrial Revolution, clearing of forests, population growth, and use of fossil fuels.

The federal government is proposing building conduits from Lake Diefenbaker to Pasqua Lake and the Qu’Appelle Valley to irrigate as much as 100,000 new acres of land.

The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is planning to host a repair café in each Saskatchewan city on Oct. 26. Volunteers are needed who are handy at fixing things.

“There’s a critical need for long-term—years to decades—monitoring for potential contamination of drinking water resources not only from fracking, but also from conventional oil and gas production.”

The “Swiss Army Knife” of New York: A rooftop garden is providing food to residents, shelter for migratory birds, absorbing storm water and air pollution, and lessening noise pollution.

Green chemistry labs teach university students a sustainable and innovative mindset.

A handy guide to some of the most popular Canadian butterflies.

Denmark’s waste-to-energy plant: a global model of sustainable design.

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 17, 2018

Upcoming Events
Native Species Plant Garden, Thursdays (Regina)
A group of Nature Regina members are renewing the Native Species Plant Garden at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and would appreciate help any Thursday morning between 8:30 am and noon until the end of September.

Metamorphosis, July 13-19 (Regina/Saskatoon) 
Metamorphosis, a film about how humanity is being transformed in new ways by the environmental crises we have created, is showing in Regina and Saskatoon from July 13-19.

SK Parks Virtual Bioblitz, July 15-21 
If you’re visiting a Saskatchewan park between July 15 and 21, be sure to take part in the virtual bioblitz.

The Amazing World of Falconry, July 22 (Saskatoon) 
Meet Lynn Oliphant’s peregrine falcons on July 22. Meet at Wild Birds Unlimited at 6:30 pm.

Amazing Facts about Animals, July 25 (Saskatoon) 
Sally Meadows will launch her new book, When Sleeping Birds Fly: 365 Amazing Facts about the Animal Kingdom at a come-and-go event at Wild Birds Unlimited from 6-8 pm, July 25. There will be hands-on activities for kids.

Looking Ahead
Boreal Forest Eco Kids Camp, Aug. 6-10 (Ness Creek) 
Camp at Ness Creek from Aug. 6-10 and your kids can take part in a boreal forest eco camp.

Summer Star Party, Aug. 8-13 (Cypress Hills Inter-Provincial Park) 
The Regina and Saskatoon Centres of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada present their annual Summer Star Party in Cypress Hills Inter-Provincial Park, Aug. 8-13.

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

In the News
The Last Mountain Lake Stewardship Group and SAWS have prepared a series of information sheets regarding the Quill Lakes drainage issue

A University of Saskatchewan professor has received a grant to test green roofs designed for cold regions

Help shape the future of Canada’s forests by responding to the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ survey. CPAWS is urging the ministers to adopt a bolder vision that recognizes the health of the ecosystem as a priority above all else

Nature Canada is offering to help nature/conservation groups with their public engagement

Research shows that predator removal is an ineffective and costly approach to conflict prevention and resolution [podcast]

The Norwegian government places an environmental tax on all producers of plastic bottles. The more they recycle, the more that tax is reduced

A single cigarette filter can contaminate hundreds of litres of water because of the chemical substances it contains and can take more than a decade to decompose

People are so annoying that animals are becoming more nocturnal

Bird diversity has already doubled as Madrid launches a strategic plan for biodiversity

Recycling plastic is to saving the Earth what hammering a nail is to halting a falling skyscraper

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 13, 2018

Upcoming Events
Nature Saskatchewan Bird Walks, Feb. 17 & 18 (Regina)
Nature Saskatchewan is hosting two bird walks during the Great Backyard Bird Count: 2-4 pm, Feb. 17, Wascana Park; 1-3 pm, Feb. 18, First Nations University. Contact lweekes@naturesask.ca or 306-780-9481 to register.

Family Day Walk in the Park, Feb. 19 (Saskatoon)
SCOA Globe Walk is hosting a Family Day walk at the Forestry Farm from 1-3 pm, Feb. 19.

Nature Travels in Iceland, Feb. 19 (Regina)
Ed Rodger will provide background on the natural history and culture of Iceland at the Nature Regina meeting, 7:30-9 pm, Feb. 19.

Landscape Photography, Feb. 20 (Regina)
There will be a presentation on landscape photography at the 7 pm, Feb. 20, meeting of the Regina Photo Club.

Cinema Politica, Feb. 21 (Regina)
Cinema Politica will be showing Our Nationhood about the Listuguj Mi'gmaq people and their efforts to maintain control over the natural resources of their land at 7 pm, Feb. 21.

Saskatoon’s Sustainability Initiatives, Feb. 21 (Saskatoon)
Share in a Lunch and Learn at Saskatoon’s Innovation Place on Feb. 21 to find out about the City of Saskatoon’s sustainability initiatives.

Bike Regina AGM, Feb. 22 (Regina)
Bike Regina is holding its annual general meeting from 7-9 pm, Feb. 22.

Conservation Awareness & Appreciation Supper, Feb. 22 (Maple Creek)
Nature Saskatchewan is hosting a conservation awareness and appreciation supper, Feb. 22, in Maple Creek.

Biodiversity Conservation, Feb. 22 (e-Dialogue)
Join Nature Canada for an online conversation about drivers and barriers to biodiversity conservation on Feb. 22.

Looking Ahead
Canadian Bumble Bee Course, Mar. 14-16 (Regina)
The Canadian Bumble Bee Course, Mar. 14-16, at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, will provide participants with the skills required to accurately identify bumble bees found in Canada.

Songs 4 Nature, May 24-27 (Last Mountain Lake Regional Park)
Experienced adult songwriters are invited to create music in a natural setting and contribute to research about creativity and sense of place from May 24-27 at Last Mountain Lake Regional Park.

Great Sand Hills Photography Workshop, June 1-3 (Leader)
Join Branimir Gjetvaj from June 1-3 for a Great Sand Hills Photography Workshop.

The Urban Forest of Tomorrow, June 14-15 (Toronto)
Experts from 3 continents will guide participants through the challenges and opportunities that environmental changes pose for our urban forests, while focusing on preparing for the future, at The Urban Forest of Tomorrow conference in Toronto, June 14-15.

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

In the News
In defence of biodiversity: Carl Safina says mass extinction of species implies carelessness not necessity

11 tools for measuring urban walkability from safe, continuous walkway networks to limiting the amount of space given to motorized forms of transportation

Staying on the trail is bad for nature. Look but don't touch stops kids (and adults) from "being out there as a participating member of this beautiful, awesome, still wild world"

Green roofs and porous pavements are important tools in limiting flooding due to heavy rainfall

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 8, 2017

Upcoming Events
Nature Days, Aug. 8 & 10 (Melville) 
The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association will be sharing presentations and games about Saskatchewan wildlife with kids ages 5-15 at the Melville Public Library, Aug. 8 and 10, from 1:30-3:30 pm.

Wildlife Rehab Volunteer Orientation, Aug. 13 (Prince Albert) 
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan is hosting a volunteer orientation session in Prince Albert from 1-2:30 pm, Aug. 13.

Vegetable Storage & Longer Lasting Produce, Aug. 17 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre is hosting a workshop on vegetable storage and longer-lasting produce from 7-9 pm, Aug. 17, at the Garden Patch.

Preserving Your Harvest, Aug. 19 (Regina) 
Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting is hosting a workshop on Preserving Your Harvest from 1-5 pm, Aug. 19.

Looking Ahead
Family Paddle, Aug. 25 (Regina)
SaskOutdoors is organizing a Family Paddle: Learn to Canoe with Kids from 2-5 pm, Aug. 25, in Regina.

Wildlife Society Conservation Expo, Aug. 31 (Regina) 
Wildlife professionals are invited to a networking poster session and mixer organized by the Saskatchewan chapter of The Wildlife Society from 3-6 pm, Aug. 31.

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

In the News
Germany’s transition from coal to renewable energy offers lessons for Saskatchewan.

We need to rethink the whole crazy transport system: “We tell ourselves that we cherish efficiency. Yet we have created a transport system whose design principle is profligacy. Metal carriages (that increase in size every year), each carrying one or two people, travel in parallel to the same destinations. Lorries shifting identical goods in opposite directions pass each other on 2000-mile journeys. Competing parcel companies ply the same routes, in vans that are largely empty. We could, perhaps, reduce our current vehicle movements by 90% with no loss of utility, and a major gain in our quality of life.”

Will wetlands be preserved as the City of Saskatoon develops new neighbourhoods?

Urban green roofs can become bird-roosting and bird-watching havens. 17 species have been spotted on the Javits Convention Center’s roof in New York City.

“many long established notions around nature and wilderness are disturbed by the idea of the Anthropocene. We can’t hope to leave nature alone and ‘untouched’ by human presence if our presence is ubiquitous. Nowhere can be reserved and set aside if the whole planet is changing.”

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 12, 2016

Upcoming Events
Volunteer Opportunities at Northeast Swale
Check out the volunteer opportunities at Saskatoon’s Northeast Swale in the Northeast Swale Watchers' April 6 post.

Dark Skies at the Creek, Apr. 16
Explore nature at night at the Beaver Creek Conservation Area starting at 6:30 pm, Apr. 16.

Meet a Red-Tailed Hawk, Apr. 17
Meet Talon, a red-tailed hawk, and learn more about the species at 1 pm, Apr. 17, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Residential Green Roofs, Apr. 19
Julie Barnes and Josh Remai will explain why they built a green roof on their garage and how they did it at 7 pm, Apr. 19, at the Frances Morrison Library as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series.

Growing Native Plants in Saskatchewan, Apr. 20 (webinar)
Fidgi Gendron and Malin Hansen will discuss Urban Natural Landscapes: Growing Native Plants in Saskatchewan at the Native Prairie Speaker Series webinar at noon on Apr. 20.

Dreamland, Apr. 20 (Regina)
Cinema Politica Regina will be showing the film Dreamland, about the fight over Iceland’s resources, at 7 pm, Apr. 20, at the Artful Dodger.

Sustainability Slam, Apr. 21
Students from the School of Environment and Sustainability are hosting an Earth Day Sustainability Slam at 7 pm, Apr. 21, at The Woods Alehouse.

SK Breeding Bird Atlas, Apr. 21
Kiel Drake will discuss the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas, a volunteer-based project set to start in 2017, at the Apr. 21 meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Rainwater Collection & Utilization, Apr. 22 (Regina)
Join Nature Saskatchewan for dinner at Eat Healthy Foods followed by a presentation on Rainwater Collection & Utilization on Apr. 22.

YFBTA Nature Symposium, Apr. 23
Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association will be holding a nature symposium at 1 pm, Apr. 23, in Saltcoats. Presentation topics will include intermediate birding, dragonflies, and tree rings.

Household Hazardous Waste Day (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste (e.g. light bulbs, aerosols, fuels) in Saskatoon at the SaskTel Centre from 9 am – 3:30 pm, April 23

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

In the News
Green energy provides job opportunities for tradespeople

Publications
When the Ice Goes Out on Doré Lake, Thijs Kuiken, an account of three summers spent studying a breeding colony of cormorants and pelicans (available from Nature Saskatchewan)

Unseen City: The Majesty of Pigeons, the Discreet Charm of Snails & Other Wonders of the Urban Wilderness, Nathanael Johnson

Close to Home: The Benefits of Compact, Walkable, Transit-Friendly Neighbourhoods, Pembina Institute (free download online)

You'll find more books about Saskatchewan nature on our website.

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, March 1, 2016

Upcoming Events
Abundant Access – Public Transit as an Instrument of Freedom, Mar. 12
Great Places Saskatoon is hosting a talk and book signing by public transit planner, Dr. Jarret Walker, from 7-9:30 pm, Mar. 12. Walker is the author of Human Transit: How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives and will share insights from his public transit network design and policy projects undertaken throughout North America, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries around the world.

Rooftop Gardens 101, Mar. 12, 26 & 27
Michael Molaro will be discussing the benefits and challenges of green roofs and the opportunities for edible green roof gardening at the Glen at Crossmount on Mar. 12, 26 & 27.

Growth Plan Summit, Mar. 14 
The City of Saskatoon will be presenting its key findings from its Growth Plan to Half a Million at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Mar. 14. This will include a presentation by Jarrett Walker, author of Human Transit. You’re encouraged to put in a written request to comment on the plan.

Zoo Run, Apr. 24
Sign up for Zoo Run on April 24 and help the Saskatoon Zoo Society raise funds for their environmental education programs.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Mar. 13, 1:30-3:30 pm – Forestry Farm Birding
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
The Prairie Naturalist (Regina) 
Join Jared Clarke for a live, bi-weekly radio show, The Prairie Naturalist, on CJTR 91.3 FM, Regina, Thursdays from 6-6:30 pm. The show will also be available as a podcast.

Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy
Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy Saskatchewan Chapter (ELSE SK) is an organization for young professionals and students founded by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). Its purpose is to engage young Canadians from industry, government, non-profit, and academia in shaping a brighter energy future for Canada.

The ELSE SK chapter will focus on engaging Saskatchewan’s students and young professionals in public education, networking, training, and advocacy relevant to the solar industry in Saskatchewan. They'll be meeting at 5:30 pm, Mar. 1.

Commercial Kitchens 
Natural Resources Canada has prepared an Energy Star Guide for Commercial Kitchens.

Leading by Example - BC
BC’s Ministry of Environment has recently published Leading By Example: The First Five Years of Carbon Neutral Government in British Columbia – 2010-2014. There are interesting case studies from school divisions, health authorities, and government departments.

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, June 30, 2015

Events 
Sheep at the Creek, July 4 & 5 
Visit Beaver Creek on July 4 and 5 for a sheep herding display and to learn about Meewasin’s sheep grazing program.

Planning Ahead
Here are a couple of events to keep in mind as you plan your summer.

Pasture Ride, Aug. 15 & 16
Walk, ride a horse, or bike through the Caledonia-Elmsthorpe Community Pasture on August 15 and/or 16 with the Saskatchewan Trails Association. Registration is required; register early for the horse corrals.

SaskOutdoors Nature Retreat, Oct. 2-4
SaskOutdoors is planning a weekend nature retreat at Ness Creek, Oct. 2-4. Along with lots of free time, there will be opportunities for a guided walk, nature art-making, campfire chats, and music.

Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists
Aug. 14, 2-4 pm - Grasslands Hike Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Other Nature Society Field Trips
July 8, 7-9 pm – SWF Pfeiffer Protected Area
July 11, 8:45 am - ? – North American Butterfly Count
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details (e.g. some trips require rubber boots, others will be cancelled if the weather is bad).

Photo credit: Michael Molaro

Even the Roof is Green
The Garden Patch, Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, with help from Michael Molaro, Higher Groundworks HortiCulture, has installed a green roof on a shipping container. They now have solar panels, rainwater catchment, and a garden – all on their roofs.

No More Bottled Water
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is eliminating commercially bottled water from its cafeterias and vending machines.

EcoFriendly Action Grants – June 2015 (2 grants - $700)
St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Eparchial Camp - $500 to support nature programs at camp (bat houses, light pollution and star gazing, composting, trip to Pike Lake)

PCAP – SK - $200 for prizes for the Native Prairie Appreciation Week youth poster contest

News
Renewable energy has just had its best year ever. Globally, 23 countries are producing over 10% of their total energy from renewables.

Tesla’s commercial batteries have changed the future … for winemakers!

The less food in your yard - from scattered bird seed, to uncovered compost piles, to greasy barbecue grills - the less likely it is that wildlife will become habituated to humans and turn into problem individuals.

You’re probably recycling the wrong way - here’s how to do it smarter.

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).

Saskatoon's First Residential Green Roof

Congratulations to Julie and Josh who have installed Saskatoon’s first residential green roof with help from Michael Molaro, Higher Groundwork HortiCulture (green roof consultant).

Julie’s blog, juba life, has photos and explanations showing how they prepared the roof and laid out the plants. It’s a great resource if you are thinking about adding a green roof to your home.

Michael Molaro selected the plants based on his experience in installing the green roof at the U of S College of Law. Over 700 individual sedums, June grasses, pasture sage, and allium were planted on the garage roof, with taller plants at the far end so that every variety can be seen from the house.

Green roofs capture and control storm water runoff, reduce urban heat, and add to a city's biodiversity. Toronto is the first city in North America to have a bylaw requiring and governing the construction of green roofs on new development. France has recently decreed that new roofs must have either solar panels or plants.

For more information about green roofs, take a look at our 2014 interview with Michael Molaro.

Addendum: Michael Molaro has pointed out that there are a few small residential green roofs already in place in Saskatoon, but this roof is the first one of a significant size.

Photo credit: Julie, juba life

The Year in Review - 2014

Our top articles for 2014 cover a wide range of topics – passive house construction, permaculture, light pollution, books about Saskatchewan, and more. Enjoy!

 

EcoFriendly Sask: The Year in Review - 2014 from EcoFriendly Sask

Notes from the Field: New Construction on Queen Street

Two new buildings are going up on Queen Street, west of City Hospital, and both of them are advertising some environmentally friendly features. Let’s hope that they are part of a trend of providing alternatives to urban sprawl and a greater consciousness of environmental concerns.

Timber Pointe on Queen
Timber Pointe on Queen is a commercial property with strata title offices to own or lease.

Of particular interest is the underground parking, which will have a green roof, a rarity in Saskatoon. 

As Michael Molaro explained when we talked to him, green roofs can play an important role in storm water drainage and run off and can lower the temperature of urban heat islands.

Shangri-La on 4th
Shangri-La on 4th emphasizes the benefits of living in the downtown core.

They stress walkability – two blocks to Kinsmen Park, Earls next door, etc.

They also list a number of green initiatives: car share program, bicycle storage, reduced water flow shower heads, LED fixtures in common areas, etc.

See also:
Passive House: Comfortable, Energy-Efficient Homes

Saskatoon: Becoming a Leader in Cold Climate Energy Efficiency

Innovation Place’s Sustainability Culture 

University of Saskatchewan Sustainability Issues

Confederation Inn, Saskatoon: Going Green and Saving Money