Visiting Grey Owl's Cabin

Grey Owl was born Archibald Stansfeld Belaney in Britain. He disguised himself as a Native American and became well known as a writer and lecturer on conservation. Despite his exposure as a fraud after his death, he is still a famous character in Saskatchewan. The cabin in Prince Albert National Park where he lived till his death in 1938 is maintained as a historical landmark and his grave is nearby. There are no roads to the cabin, but it can be reached by a 20 km trail or a 16 km boat trip. 

From the town of Waskesiu it is a 30 km drive to the end of the road. The last part of the road is unpaved and can be muddy if there has been rain. 

On Foot 

The trail follows the east shore of Kingsmere Lake. There are several wet, swampy sections. Usually you can get around them, but you may get your feet wet. There are also some small hills along the trail. From the end of Kingsmere Lake, it’s another 3 km to the cabin, which is on Ajawaan Lake. The trail is open to hiking and mountain biking. If you are an experienced trail runner, it's also possible to visit the cabin as a day trip (40 km round trip.) There are several campgrounds along the way. Typically, you might hike or paddle to the Northend Campground one day and then return the next day. If you arrive at the trailhead late, you can stay at the nearby Southend campground.

 

By Boat 

Travelling by water requires a 1 km portage to get to Kingsmere Lake. There is a rail line with carts to help with the portage. Motorized boats of less than 40 hp are allowed on Kingsmere Lake but must still be taken over the portage. It is safest to stay close to shore rather than cut across the lake as it’s a big lake and the waves can build quickly. Although you can portage from Kingsmere Lake to Ajawaan Lake, it's probably just as easy to walk the last few kilometers. 

If you are canoeing or kayaking you can extend your trip by following the shore all the way around Kingsmere Lake or by combining it with the Bagwa Loop. 

Note: Overnight visitors must register at the Information Centre in Waskesiu before their trip. 

Warning: There are black bears in the area. Consult Parks staff if you're not sure how to handle this. 

Depending on the time of year, mosquitoes and flies can also be a problem. It's a good idea to have insect repellent. 

See Also 

Canoe the Bagwa Loop 

Four Generations to Grey Owl’s Cabin 

Paddling Into Autumn

Watching Wildlife in Prince Albert National Park by J. David Henry

EcoSask News, July 6, 2021

Upcoming Events 

Sierra Club – Prairie Chapter is organizing a series of hikes in Saskatchewan this summer: 

7 pm, July 6 – Cranberry Flats Conservation Area, Saskatoon (1.8 mile loop, easy) 

7 pm, July 9 – Northeast Swale, Saskatoon (5 km, easy) 

1:30 pm, July 15 – Anglin Lake Loop, Prince Albert (9 km, moderate) 

noon, July 20 – Fairy Hill Trail, Regina (5.6 km, moderate) 

11 am, July 21 – Wascana Trail Loop, Regina (4.8 km, easy) 

There will be a Train the Trainer: Orienteering workshop in Regina from 10 am-noon, July 10. 

City of Saskatoon residents can dispose of household hazardous waste from 9 am to 3:30 pm on July 11. 

Forests 

Miniature urban forests, from 6 to 250 square metres, may not solve climate change but “can have positive impacts on things like urban cooling, water regulation, and biodiversity.” [National Geographic] 

Canadian government and industry representatives are lobbying against a California proposal that would protect intact boreal forests and respect Indigenous rights. [The Narwahl] 

Protecting endangered species is never easy and often conflicts with industry. Take, for example, the marbled murrelet in BC: “The marbled murrelet may be small, but its nesting habitat requirements are vast and specific. Just a moss covered branch that’s high in the canopy of a centuries-old tree, close— but not too close—to the sea.” [Capital Daily] 

Urban Opportunities 

What a wealth of natural resources and biodiversity in the area currently under consideration for the new University Heights neighbourhood in Saskatoon! Rare plants and birds, wetlands, native grasses, a sharp-tailed grouse lek, and more are all at risk from construction, roads, and houses. [City of Saskatoon] 

Cities can help solve the biodiversity crisis with wildlife creating niches in unexpected places - from golf courses and cemeteries to community gardens, backyards, and vacant lots. [Yale Environment 360] 

Green roofs have an important role in climate action and sustainable, energy-efficient and biodiversity-integrated design and development. [National Environmental Treasure] 

Energy 

A water treatment plant in Halifax will supply renewable energy to six mixed-use buildings. [Water Canada] 

Diesel subsidies to remote communities impede transition to clean energy systems. [Pembina Institute]

 

What a Great Idea! 

A decommissioned bridge across the Mississippi River could be turned into a national park and wildlife bridge. [Inhabitat] 

Alex Honnold’s Sustainability Tick List outlines small steps leading to big change in lowering our environmental impact. [Honnold Foundation] 

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 subscribe by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, June 2, 2020

Upcoming Events
Fridays for Future, June 5 (online) 
The Saskatoon Youth Climate Committee is hosting a digital climate strike from 12-1 pm on Fridays.

Just Recovery for Saskatchewan, June 4 (online) 
Find out how you can be part of the change for a Just Recovery at a 350.org teach-in event from 2-4 pm, June 4.

Virtual Trail Day, June 6 (online) 
Meewasin Valley Authority is hosting a virtual trail day on June 6 with activities to include a mindfulness nature walk and a photo challenge.

Permaculture Sask AGM, June 11 (online) 
Permaculture Saskatchewan will be holding an online annual general meeting at 5 pm, June 11.

Home Composting, June 13 (online) 
Regina Public Interest Research Group’s Green Patch is hosting an online home composting workshop from 3-5 pm, June 13.

Looking Ahead
Field Leader (Hiking) Course, July 9-10 (Saskatoon) 
The Outdoor Council of Canada is offering an outdoor hiking course in Saskatoon on July 9-10.

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

Local News
The Saskatoon Youth Climate Committee provides Saskatoon’s youth with a platform to make a difference and take action on the climate crisis.

A ban on plastic bags received unanimous approval by Regina City Council and will come into effect in July 2021.

Does Saskatoon City Council want to protect wildlife and the Northeast Swale? It doesn’t look like it.

Starting in 2021, small teams of high school students from Saskatchewan and Manitoba will measure permafrost and track caribou around Churchill, MB, as part of a USask research project led by Ryan Brook.

From Information to Action
Fertilizer and farmland drainage are damaging coastal ecosystems on a world-wide scale.

6 easy ways to stop light pollution from harming wildlife.

The world’s forests are getting younger and shorter leading to decreased biodiversity and less carbon storage.

Beavers keep things green: preventing beaver/human conflicts through proactive, non-lethal measures.

There’s room for conservation on every farm and ranch in the country – working with landowners to rebuild insect populations.

Heat pumps can play an important role in driving down carbon pollution and energy consumption in our homes and buildings.

Cities around the world are increasing pedestrian/cyclist opportunities. Will this post-pandemic trend affect Saskatchewan?

Good News & Natural Wonders
The Willowherb Review is a digital platform for nature writing by emerging and established writers of colour.

Sweden's first fleet of electric trucks will roll out in October.

Urban weeds transformed in black and white photographs.

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).

Leave No Trace Upon the Earth but Footprints and Echoes

“Leave no trace upon the earth but the footprints of your compassion and the echoes of your laughter.” Ann Oshiro-Kauwe 

Whether we’re hiking in the woods or along a river, it seems harmless to stick a pine cone in our pocket or throw an apple core into the bushes. And yet it’s not because if each and every person did the same thing, it would have a significant impact on our natural surroundings. Over 300,000 people visited Saskatchewan’s national parks in 2015/16. To ensure that our neighbours can also enjoy our wilderness areas, each of us needs to do our part to walk gently on the land and leave no trace.

Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to building awareness, appreciation, and respect for our wildlands, and EcoFriendly Sask is one of their partners.

Leave No Trace Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare (plan meals that reduce waste, hike in small groups, avoid wilderness travel during spring snow melt)

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces (stick to the trails, use established campsites when available)

Dispose of Waste Properly (bury or pack out human waste)

Leave What You Find (don’t tie tent guy lines to trees or turn over lichen-covered rocks)

Minimize Campfire Impacts (use a camp stove or a fire pan)

Respect Wildlife (observe wildlife from afar, keep food and garbage away from animals)

Be Considerate of Others (keep noise down, choose earth-toned clothing and gear to lessen visual impact)

Leave No Trace Skills
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has some additional ideas that you may not have thought of – from sleeping under the stars to cleaning your bicycle.

Even Biodegradable Camp Soap Can Pollute

Hammock Camping

Feminine Hygiene

Invasive Species and Cleaning Gear

Are You a Considerate Mountain Biker?

There Are Birds on Those Cliffs

Additional Resources
Outdoor Explorations in Saskatchewan

Adventure Smart

Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers

SaskOutdoors

Spring/Summer Outdoor Explorations in Saskatchewan

Spring and summer are the perfect time to get outside and explore Saskatchewan.

We’ve put together a sampling of outdoor activities from around the province. From admiring the view from a lookout tower in Prince Albert National Park to looking for cacti, learning to paddleboard, or ensuring your kids will be safe on their next outdoor adventure – there’s something for everyone in our list of Spring/Summer Outdoor Explorations in Saskatchewan.

Spring/Summer Outdoor Explorations in Saskatchewan

See also: Winter Outdoor Explorations in Saskatchewan

Summer Explorations in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan

There are so many ways to have fun outdoors. Here are some suggestions.

In the City
Look for songbirds or learn to identify butterflies (Saskatoon Nature Society)

Visit the College of Education’s Prairie Habitat Garden

Admire the cougars, wolves, and deer; take a walk around the 100-year-old former forest nursery station; or smell the roses at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

Rent a bicycle and head out on the trails along the river

Admire the pelicans at the weir

Help pull weeds every Wednesday evening at the Garden Patch

Participate in a riverbank clean-up with Plastic Smart Saskatoon

On the Water
Explore the history of Saskatoon’s river on a day-long canoe trip and corn roast (CanoeSki Discovery Company)

Take an overnight canoe trip on the City’s doorstep (CanoeSki Discovery Company)

Explore Chappell Marsh, a 148-acre wetland conservation area (Ducks Unlimited Canada)

Look for medicinal plants or explore Redberry Lake by canoe (Clearwater Canoeing)

On the Prairies
Visit one of our few remaining patches of native prairie at Saskatoon Natural Grasslands. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks and blanket flowers (gaillardia)

Take a walk at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and keep a look out for one of the 184 species of birds or 37 different animals you may see as you walk along the creek or the cliffs

Enjoy the sun on the beaches at Cranberry Flats Conservation Area or take advantage of the wheelchair accessible boardwalk overlooking the river

Go for a walk at Beaver Creek Conservation Area. If you’re lucky, you may see a beaver or a sheep grazing demonstration

Grasslands National Park

Further Afield
Take a walk around the Kerrobert Reservoir

Walk or cycle the Trans Canada Trail as it winds its way up a hill, through a tunnel, and across the river at North Battleford

Visit the Crooked Trees whose branches twist and loop and reach out in all directions

Take a walk on the largest set of active sand dunes in Canada

Study the passive solar design, straw bale walls, and other green building techniques at the Craik Eco-Centre

Take a hike or pick berries at Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve – you’ll find Buffaloberries, Hawthorn, and Rosehips at summer’s end

Participate in one of the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association’s workshops or camps

Provincial and National Parks
Plan a backpacking adventure in Grasslands National Park

Visit Grey Owl’s Cabin in Prince Albert National Park

Check for cacti as you walk among the active sand dunes in Douglas Provincial Park

Admire the stars at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Rent a canoe at Pike Lake Provincial Park

Additional Resources
Nature Viewing Sites in and around Saskatoon, Saskatoon Nature Society (available from the Saskatoon Public Library)

Saskatchewan’s Best Hikes & Nature Walks and Saskatchewan Scenic Drives, Robin & Arlene Karpan (available from the Saskatoon Public Library and McNally Robinson Booksellers)

Nature in our Backyard: Saskatoon’s Naturalized Parks

The Northeast Swale: Ancient River Valley, Urban Nature Reserve

Heading out on the Water: Saskatoon Kayak/Canoe Training and Tours 2013

Pine Cree Regional Park

Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary

Come Out and Play: Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures

Canoe the Bagwa Loop

Saskatchewan Tourism: Our Natural Heritage

Pine Cree Regional Park

In the Cypress Hills, just 13 kilometres from Eastend, lies Pine Cree Regional Park. It’s a small, natural park featuring “old time quiet starry nights, watchable wildlife, wildflowers galore, fishing, and hiking.” Swift Current Creek runs through the site, providing clear, cold running water all year long.

The park was initially developed by Everett Baker, a Saskatchewan naturalist, historian, and photographer. In 1970, Pine Cree became a regional park, commemorating the memory of Everett Baker and John Macoun, a member of the Canadian Geological Survey who camped in the area in the 1880s.

There are three self-guided trails through the park that can be booked through the park officer. One trail takes you up to the highest point in the park where you will discover teepee rings, while another leads you up above the Hermit’s Cave. All three trails are described in Robin and Arlene Karpan’s book, Saskatchewan’s Best Hikes and Nature Walks.

EcoFriendly Action Grant
In June, the park applied for an EcoFriendly Action Grant to help clean up a portion of the creek. A 1980s fish enhancement project had used long spikes and stems of rebar to attach treated timber and long planks to the banks of the creek. Over time, the timber and planks had worked loose, causing jamming and bank destruction and exposing pointed segments of rebar.

Thanks to a $500 grant from EcoFriendly Sask, the park hired Darcy French to remove the timber. Joan Hodgins, the Parks Officer, says, “The work was arduous manual labour, requiring the use of a chain saw, bow saw, crowbars, sledge hammers, axes and hours of work in the cold waters of the spring-fed creek. The portion that was the focus this year was at the north end of the campground, where the fishing is popular, and had no access to the road, so everything had to be carried out to the truck to be disposed.”

Darcy spent 40 hours on the project and was helped on his last day by Riley, a volunteer, and Ashley, a staff person.

Joan goes on to say, “Thank you so much for allotting us the grant money. The Pine Cree Regional Park Authority truly appreciated it and put it to very good use. This project would not have been done without your contribution. The campers and the wildlife have a safer environment.”

Swift Current Creek
Brittney Hoemsen, TRoutreach Saskatchewan’s Project Coordinator, is very familiar with the park. She says, “It's an amazing park. We started sampling it only because it was so pretty there but what we found kept us coming back! It's a small creek with cold (around 4 degrees average all year), clear running water, which is fairly rare in Saskatchewan. It therefore supports many insects that aren't found anywhere else! We found a new species of midge (Odontomesa fulva) that isn't found anywhere else in Saskatchewan. We also found a caddisfly family, Neophylax splendens, which is new to Saskatchewan.

"These organisms are very sensitive to human pollution so they can only be found in places with excellent water quality and healthy stream banks, such as Pine Cree Creek. It's important that we maintain the pristine areas when we can so I really appreciate you supporting this project!!”

Additional information:
Pine Cree Regional Park website
TRoutreach Saskatchewan’s Facebook page
Friends of Pine Cree Park Facebook page
Everett Baker’s Saskatchewan: Portraits of an Era by Bill Waiser (a compilation of Baker’s photographs of Saskatchewan in the mid-twentieth century)
Eastend Hiking & Driving Tours (Auto Tour #2 takes you through the park)

Photo Credits: First photo provided by TRoutreach Saskatchewan; other photos provided by Pine Cree Regional Park

EcoSask News, August 6, 2013

Film Night, Aug. 7
Is there too much plastic in your life? Join the Saskatchewan Eco Network and Plastic Smart Saskatoon for a screening of the movie Bag It and a panel discussion on Wednesday, August 7, at 7 pm, at the Frances Morrison Library.

Volunteer at the Fringe, Aug. 5-10
We Are Many Saskatoon is looking for volunteers for their Hydration Station from August 5 to 10 at the Fringe Festival.

Young Naturalists’ Grasslands Hike, Aug. 23
Join Saskatoon’s Young Naturalists for a hike around the Northeast Swale on August 23. Registration is limited, so sign up early.

Upcoming trips for 5-11 year olds include a Sandhill Crane field trip on September 28, a Northern Saw-whet Owl trip on October 4, and a Whooping Crane field trip on October 5.

Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet, Sept. 20-21
Nature Saskatchewan will be holding its Fall Meet on September 20 and 21 in Meadow Lake. The event is hosted by the Meadow Lake branch of the Junior Forest Wardens.

Sustainable Gourmet, Sept. 21
We’re looking forward to attending the Sustainable Gourmet dinner hosted by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society on September 21. Local food prepared by local chefs – delicious!

Next Up Saskatchewan
Applications are now being accepted for Next Up Saskatchewan, a leadership program for young people committed to social and environmental justice. The application deadline is September 13. Application forms and more information can be found at http://www.nextup.ca/how-to-apply/

Feral, George Monbiot
Have you read Feral by George Monbiot? What do you think of his statement on CBC's Sunday Edition: “One of our tendencies,” Monbiot told Sunday Edition guest host Laura Lynch, “is to try to manage and control and see ourselves as stewards of the land, and to take an Old Testament view of dominion that we’re responsible for all the animals and plants. Well, nature did pretty well for the three billion years before we turned up, and it could do pretty well again if we learned to interfere less.”

Interesting Reading
Photos of beautiful and amazing spiders

5 tips for a more sustainable home

15 seed saving initiatives around the globe

Rising temperatures signal a coming food crisis – Gary Nabhan suggests solutions

Biofuel expansion in the US Midwest is destroying wildlife habitat

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

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

Summer Volunteer Events with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (Saskatchewan)

Photo credit: Nature Conservancy of Saskatchewan

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Would you like to help protect some of Saskatchewan’s natural places? If so, why not participate in one of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) volunteer events this summer? 

This is your chance to explore unique habitats, observe rare species, and experience conservation firsthand.

Edenwold Up Close, July 13
When: 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, July 13, 2013

Meeting Location: Bus leaves from Victoria Park, Regina, at 8 am (on location at 8:30)

Task: Help identify plant and animal species on the Edenwold 1 and 2 properties while experiencing native grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and viewing many wildlife species.

Caring for Reed Lake, July 20
When: 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, July 20, 2013

Meeting Location: Details will be provided prior to event

Task: Identify common and rare species, control invasive plants, and remove garbage at Reed Lake, an Important Bird Area and a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site. The native rangelands and saline lake are ideal stopovers for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. You may even catch a glimpse of the endangered piping plover.

Photo credit: Adam Crosby

A World of Grasslands at Old Man on His Back 
When: 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2013

Meeting Location: Details will be provided prior to event

Task: Help count bison calves, identify and manage significant weed infestations, repair infrastructure, and map wildlife corridors at Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, a 13,000 acre ranch in southwestern Saskatchewan that is home to a domestic bison herd and numerous wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope.

You will be working around livestock and open grassland, so expect to encounter mosquitoes and deer flies.

Photo credit: Karol & Don Dabbs

Walk the Wild Side, Thursday, August 22
When: 10 am – 4 pm, Thursday, August 22, 2013

Meeting Location: Details will be provided prior to event

Task: Moderately skilled birders and botanists who are in good physical condition are invited to help NCC create an inventory of plants and animals as you hike through grasslands, aspen stands, and along the sandy river bank.

You’ll be helping to create a long-term management plant to protect Maymont 5 nature reserve in the West Parklands Natural Area, NCC Saskatchewan’s newest protected area along the North Saskatchewan River.

Additional Information for All Events
RSVP: To attend an event, RSVP online at www.conservationvolunteers.ca or contact Sara Burns at sara.burns@natureconservancy.ca or 306.347.0447.

Transportation: Transportation will be provided from the nearest large urban centre in order to encourage more people to participate. Anyone who wants to drive their own vehicle can request a map of the area.

You Need to Know: You may be hiking considerable distances, so be sure to wear good hiking boots and a hat. Eat a hearty breakfast, and bring a bottle of drinking water. NCC will provide lunch and additional water.

What to Bring: You’re encouraged to bring reference books, binoculars, or other field equipment for data collection. GPS units would also be helpful and appreciated. Tools and gloves will be provided.

Acknowledgements: The information for this article was provided by Sara Burns, Nature Conservancy of Canada (Saskatchewan). Financial support for the Conservation Volunteers events has been provided by the Imperial Oil Foundation and the Community Initiatives Fund.

Additional upcoming events are listed on EcoFriendly Sask's Calendar.

EcoSask News, June 4, 2013

Congratulations!
Over 70 organizations participated in Wild About Saskatoon’s NatureCity Festival, putting on a wide variety of different activities that were enjoyed by many, many residents of Saskatoon. Congratulations to all the organizers – and we hope there will be a festival again next year!

Regina Benefit Concert, June 21
A benefit concert for Public Pastures-Public Interests is being held on June 21 at the Artesian in Regina. Tickets can be purchased in Regina at Fresh Air Experience and Mysteria Gallery.

Native Seeds and Seedlings, June
Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company will be selling native prairie seeds and seedlings at the River Landing Market around the corner from the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market until the end of June.

Student Video Contest, July 31
K-12 students are invited to create a short video showing why they think Canada has the best ‘backyard’ in the world. Prizes are from Mountain Equipment Co-op and finalists will have their video screened at the 2013 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. Deadline is July 31.

Saskatchewan Park Trails
Our provincial parks offer a multitude of different trails and paths. There’s the Marean Lake Birding Interpretive Trail in Greenwater Provincial Park, sand dunes in Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park, and barrier-free trails for people with limited mobility in Duck Mountain and Pike Lake Provincial Parks. The Boreal Trail stretches for 120 km.

Interesting Reading
Adventures in sustainability – the biggest collective challenge we’ve ever faced

Don’t overestimate the potential of energy efficiency; we need to move towards cleaner sources of energy

Health care is one of the top consumers of energy in the US, but that picture is beginning to change

There are some surprising sources of BPA, including thermal paper receipts and plastic kettles

Humane approaches to co-existing with urban wildlife

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

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

EcoSask News, November 6, 2012

Burrowing Owl Stewardship Project, Nov. 7
Joseph Kotlar, Nature Conservancy of Canada, will discuss the Burrowing Owl Stewardship Project at 12:10 pm on November 7 at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum auditorium in Regina. You can also watch the PCAP-SK presentation live at www.ustream.tv/channel/native-prairie-speaker-series.

Moose on the Prairies, Nov. 14 
Rob Tethers, SK Ministry of Environment, will be speaking in Saskatoon on November 14 about Moose Adapting to the Prairies. The talk begins at 12:10 pm in Room 232 of the Physical Activity Complex on campus.

Chilkoot Trail, Nov. 15
The Saskatoon Nature Society has invited Bill Waiser to their November 15 meeting to discuss the Chilkoot Trail. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm in Room 106 of the Biology Building on campus. The Chilkoot Trail was the gateway to the Klondike during the Gold Rush.

Public Art & Creating Great Places, Nov. 15
Cameron Cartiere, editor of The Practice of Public Art, will discuss how public art builds great city spaces and vibrant communities at 7 pm on November 15 at the Frances Morrison Library.

Climate Change & Other Depressing Topics, Nov. 16 & 17
The Sierra Youth Coalition and TruthFool Communications will be on campus November 16 and 17 for a two-day movement building program entitled Climate Change and other depressing topics nobody wants to talk about. There will be a Serious Issues Party on November 16 followed by a workshop on November 17 that is designed to help students unleash their creative spirits while remaining rooted in sound strategy.

Project Wild, Nov. 17 
A half-day Project Wild workshop is being offered at the University of Regina on November 17. Full details are available on the SOEEA website.

Young Professional Stewardship Grant
Young and aspiring conservationists between the ages of 18-30 who live and/or work in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba are encouraged to submit proposals that will advance the engagement of people in conservation in Grassland and Parkland Natural Regions of the Prairie Provinces.

SK Carbon Offsets
The Meewasin Valley Authority is a member of the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks & Conservation Agencies (ASUPCA). ASUPCA offers a voluntary carbon offset program for individuals and organizations. The revenue is used to reforest and naturalize ASUPCA’s urban parks and conservation zones.

What’s New at the Zoo
Have you been out to the Saskatoon Zoo recently? If not, you may have missed some of the latest additions to the family. There are Bobcats, Helmeted Guineafowl, Muscovy Ducks, and even a Zebra Tarantula. Check out the photographs on the Saskatoon Zoo Society’s Facebook page.

New Meewasin CEO
Lloyd Isaak takes over as CEO of Meewasin Valley Authority effective January 1, 2013. Isaak, who is currently Meewasin’s manager of design and development, has 25 years’ experience as a landscape architect.

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. Additional upcoming events can be found on our Calendar.

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