EcoSask News, February 18, 2020

Upcoming Events
Permaculture AGM, Feb. 22 (Regina)
Permaculture Regina is holding its annual general meeting from 1-3 pm, Feb. 22.

Winter Fun Day, Feb. 23 (Elbow) 
Enjoy snowshoe treks and sleigh rides at Douglas Provincial Park from 1-4 pm, Feb. 23.

EnviroCollective, Feb. 24 (Regina)
There will be a presentation on RCE Saskatchewan at the 7-9 pm, Feb. 24, meeting of EnviroCollective.

Cultures of Sustainability, Feb. 25 (Regina)
There will be a talk on fostering cultures of sustainability at noon, Feb. 25, at Innovation Place Regina.

Learn to Camp, Feb. 25 (Saskatoon)
Parks Canada will provide an introduction to basic camping skills from 6:30-8:30 pm, Feb. 25.

Sharing Circle on EcoDistress, Feb. 26 (North Battleford)
Battlefords Climate Action is hosting a sharing circle on eco distress, eco anxiety, and eco grief from 6-8 pm, Feb. 26.

The Plastics Puzzle, Feb. 26 (Saskatoon)
The College of Engineering, U of S, is hosting a conversation about the plastics challenge, the impact on the environment, and where we go from here from 4:30-6 pm, Feb. 26.

Freeway Update, Feb. 26 (Saskatoon)
Learn about updates to the Saskatoon Freeway plan from 4-8 pm, Feb. 26.

Renewable City, Feb. 27 (Regina)
Emily Eaton will discuss how Regina’s renewable city motion can benefit diverse communities from 7-9 pm, Feb. 27.

Beginner Bird Id, Feb. 28 (Lloydminster)
The Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas is offering a beginner bird Id workshop in Lloydminster from 7-9 pm, Feb. 28.

Alternative Grazing, Feb. 28 (webinar)
There will be a webinar on how alternative grazing practices affect the diversity and abundance of grassland birds at noon, Feb. 28.

Looking Ahead
Compost Matters, Mar. 12 & 13 (Saskatoon)
A compost facility operator workshop hosted by the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council on Mar. 12 is a useful overview for those currently managing or interested in managing organics recycling facilities.

A 3-hour intensive workshop on Mar. 13 will uncover the fundamentals of soil productivity, covering soil structure, compost, and climate change.

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

In the News
A new company with Saskatoon links aims to replace plastic with natural materials that will quickly decompose in a backyard compost. Cogomelo’s “products are made from mycelium-based composites, where we use a substrate – in our case, agricultural waste – that is partially replaced as the fungal biomass grows and consumes it.” Their first product is a lint roller. You can help by participating in the company’s crowdfunding campaign.

Light pollution from oil and gas production, warehouse hubs, and greenhouses is threatening the rural night sky.

Hunters exert a disproportionate influence on wildlife management policy, especially when “more than a third of all Americans now participate in activities like bird watching, wildlife photography, or visiting parks for the purpose of observing animals.”

Ontario Nature’s Best Practices Guide to Natural Heritage Systems Planning is designed to assist with policy development as municipalities review and update their official community plans. While based on Ontario best practices, the principles can be applied universally.

The Delta Naturalists’ Society motivated their municipality to develop a birds and biodiversity conservation strategy and continue to work with the municipality on implementation.

Port O’Bristol’s organic, biodynamic wine is produced in Portugal. The wine barrels are shipped to the UK on sail-driven cargo ships where the wine is bottled in reclaimed bottles. Waste cooking oil fuels the delivery vehicles and the company uses and buys no plastic.

A bibliography of articles about “trash animals” (gulls, pigeons, rats).

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, September 24, 2019

Upcoming Events
Singing for a Better World, Sept. 24 (Saskatoon)
There will be a choir practice at 7 pm, Sept. 24.

Recycling Workshop, Sept. 25 (Lloydminster)
Find out what can and can’t be recycled at a workshop in Lloydminster from 10-11:30 am, Sept. 25.

Restoring Arctic/Alpine Ecosystems, Sept. 25 (Saskatoon)
Katherine Stewart, U of S, will discuss Letting Nature Lead the Way: Restoring Arctic and Alpine Ecosystems at 7 pm, Sept. 25.

Climate Strike Prince Albert, Sept. 27 (Prince Albert)
Prince Albert will be joining the global climate strike at noon, Sept. 27.

Astronomy Night Open House, Sept. 28 (Saskatoon)
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Saskatoon Centre is hosting an open house from 7:30-11 pm, Sept. 28.

Fall Walk & Picnic, Sept. 29 (Moose Jaw)
Join the Moose Jaw Nature Society for a fall walk and picnic on Sept. 29.

Science in the Park, Sept. 30 (Regina)
Science in the Park will be at Crosbie Park from 6-8 pm, Sept. 30.

Wanted - Research Participants, Sept. 30 (Saskatoon)
Participants are needed for a university research project into attitudes towards options for reduction of GHG emissions. An information meeting will be held from 7-8:30 pm, Sept. 30.

Keep Bees Buzzing, Oct. 1 (Regina)
Find out what to plant in your garden to provide native bees with food and nesting material at 6:30 pm, Oct. 1.

Energy Management Opportunities, Oct. 2 (Saskatoon)
Yi Liu will discuss energy management opportunities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities at the Oct. 2 breakfast meeting of the SK Energy Management Task Force.

Looking Ahead
Passive House Trades Course, Oct. 22-24 (Saskatoon)
Passive House Canada is offering a 3-day course teaching the skills and knowledge required for the Certified Passive House Tradesperson - Building Envelope Specialization exam from Oct. 22-24 in Saskatoon.

Meewasin 40th Anniversary Gala, Oct. 22 (Saskatoon)
Meewasin Valley Authority is hosting a fundraising 40th anniversary gala at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon from 5:30-8:30 pm, Oct. 22.

Rob Dumont Energy Management Awards Dinner, Oct. 23 (Saskatoon)
The 2019 Rob Dumont Energy Management Awards Dinner will be held from 5-9 pm, Oct. 23.

Agricultural Drainage & the Environment, Nov. 6 (Regina)
The Nov. 6 Agricultural Drainage & the Environment conference will cover a wide range of topics including water quality, habitat loss, hydrology, and carbon losses presented by well-known researchers and experts.

Passive House Design & Construction, Nov. 7-10 (Saskatoon)
Passive House Canada is offering a 4-day course in passive house design and construction in Saskatoon from Nov. 7-10.

Saskatoon Nature Society
Golden Eagles
Sept. 26, 8:30 am – Beland Acreage
Oct. 3, 8:30 am – Ponds & Prairie
Oct. 10, 9 am – Whooping Cranes
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

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

In the News
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. is now incorporated and seeking new members to help protect the Richard St. Barbe Baker and George Genereux Afforestation Areas.

The nitrogen crisis: “It’s fertilizer, not diesel fuel, that’s the largest emissions source on many farms.”

Saskatoon airport receives level one sustainability accreditation. Regina airport received level one accreditation in 2018.

“Before mass electrification of cars and decarbonizing the grid, Americans will need to reckon with two big facts: The population is growing and people are driving more.”

Raincoast Conservation Foundation has published Reform Proposals for Managing Human-Wildlife Conflict in British Columbia, many of which are also relevant in Saskatchewan. “British Columbia should take the lead to proactively prevent the unnecessary killing of wildlife by adopting a more restrained approach to the use of lethal force.”

Fairphone 3 – longer lasting, responsible material sourcing, less waste, easier repairs.

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, September 17, 2019

Upcoming Events
National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 14-22 (Davidson, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon) 
National Drive Electric Week events are happening in Davidson on Sept. 17; North Battleford, Sept. 19; Prince Albert, Sept. 21; and Saskatoon, Sept. 22.

Random Acts of Green, Sept. 17 & 18 (Regina, Saskatoon) 
Random Acts of Green, emphasizing solutions to climate change, will be at the University of Regina from 2:30-3:30 pm, Sept. 17, and at the University of Saskatchewan from 11 am-12 pm, Sept. 18. Register and download the app before attending.

Avian Migration, Sept. 18 (Saskatoon) 
Stuart Bearhop will discuss Moving Together: Social Decision-Making in Avian Migration at 3:30 pm, Sept. 18, as part of the WildEcol seminar series.

Global Climate Strike for Future, Sept. 20-27 (Regina) 
Groups in Regina are holding Global Climate Strikes for Future Sept. 20-27 inclusive and on Dec. 6.

Repair Café, Sept. 21 (Prince Albert) 
Celebrate and share maintenance and repair skills from 1-4 pm, Sept. 21, at Repair Café Prince Albert.

World Rivers Day, Sept. 22 (Saskatoon) 
Celebrate World Rivers Day at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market with demonstrations and a river walk from 10 am-5 pm, Sept. 22.

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.

Nature Immersion Walk, Sept. 22 (Saskatoon) 
Reconnect with nature on a slow, mindful walk from 9:30 am-noon, Sept. 22.

Unearthing our History, Sept. 24 (Saskatoon) 
Café Sci YXE is hosting a talk at 7:30 pm, Sept. 24, by Melissa Arcand about understanding our soil and her work with the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy program, training students to work in resource management and land governance.

Wildlife Rehabilitation, Sept. 27 (Moose Jaw) 
Jan Shadick, Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, is the guest speaker at the 7 pm, Sept. 27, meeting of the Moose Jaw Nature Society.

Global Climate Strike, Sept. 27 (Saskatoon) 
Saskatoon will participate in the Global Climate Strike at noon, Sept. 27.

Festival for Future, Sept. 27 (Regina) 
Regina Festival for Future, a performing arts show and displays, will be held from 7-10 pm, Sept. 27. 

Science Fam Jam, Sept. 27 (Saskatoon) 
Families can enjoy hands-on science activities with author Sally Meadows from 6-7 pm, Sept. 27.

Looking Ahead
Waste Reduction Workshops, Oct./Nov. (Melville, Swift Current, Melfort, Lloydminster) 
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is holding fall workshops in Melville (Oct. 17), Swift Current (Oct. 29), Melfort (Nov. 14), and Lloydminster (Nov. 21).

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

In the News 
How do we solve fashion’s waste problem when the industry creates 150 billion pieces of clothing for 7 billion humans each year? Thoughts on creating a circular economy.

“Compostable plastics have been introduced without the right infrastructure or consumer understanding to manage compostable waste.”

Songbirds exposed to pesticides lose weight and migration is delayed. “Migration is a critical period for birds, and timing matters. Any delays can seriously hinder their success in finding mates and nesting, so this may help explain, in part, why migrant and farmland bird species are declining so dramatically worldwide,” said [Christy] Morrissey, University of Saskatchewan.

3 ways insecticides can be counter-productive in agriculture.

“The tadada Scientific Lab is working to re-envision the science classroom” through music, art, and a comic book exam.

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 30, 2019

Upcoming Events
National School Climate Strike, May 3 (Regina)
Join Regina’s climate strike rally from 11 am-12 pm, May 3.

Fridays for Future Canada Strike, May 3 (Saskatoon) 
A Fridays for Future Canada Strike is being held in Saskatoon from 9 am-3 pm, May 3.

Yellowgrass Sloughs & Marshland, May 4 (Regina)
Nature Regina is hosting a field trip to the Yellowgrass area from 8 am-3 pm, May 4.

Household Hazardous Waste, May 4 (Lloydminster) 
Lloydminster’s 2019 household hazardous waste round-up is scheduled for May 4.

Repair Cafe, May 4 (Saskatoon)
There will be a Repair Café from 10 am-4 pm, May 4, in Saskatoon.

WRSOS AGM, May 4 (Saskatoon) 
The public is invited to attend the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan‘s annual general meeting at 2 pm, May 4, including a talk on the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project.

Wildlife Rescue, May 5 (Regina) 
Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan is hosting a volunteer orientation from 1-2:30 pm, May 5, in Regina. Email volunteer@wrsos.org to save your seat.

Household Hazardous Waste, (Saskatoon) 
Dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 9 am-3:30 pm, May 5.

Project Wet, May 6 (Gronlid) 
SaskOutdoors is offering a Project Wet workshop in Gronlid on May 6.

Advancing Sustainable/Responsible Consumption & Production, May 6 & 7 (Regina)
A conference on Advancing Sustainable/Responsible Consumption and Production in Higher Education is being held in Regina on May 6 & 7.

After-School Gardening, May 6-27 (Regina) 
Kids ages 8-13 can help plan and plant the Regina Prince of Wales Library garden from 3:30-5 pm, May 6-27.

Smarter Science, Better Buildings, May 6-24 (North Battleford) 
Grade 7 students and the general public are invited to view the Smarter Science, Better Buildings exhibit at North Battleford Western Development Museum from May 6 to 24.

Call of the Forest, May 7 (Moose Jaw) 
Watch the film Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees at 7 pm, May 7, at the Moose Jaw Public Library.

Education for Sustainable Development Awards, May 8 (Candle Lake) 
RCE Saskatchewan’s Sustainable Development Awards ceremony will be held on May 8 at Candle Lake.

Civilization Critical Book Launch, May 9 (Saskatoon)
Darrin Qualmann is hosting the launch of his book, Civilization Critical, at 7 pm, May 9.

World Migratory Bird Day Celebration, May 11 (Regina) 
Nature Regina is hosting a field trip to Buffalo Pound Park from 8 am-2:30 pm, May 11.

World Migratory Bird Day, May 11 (Last Mountain) 
Celebrate the return of migratory birds with family-friendly activities organized by Nature Saskatchewan from 8 am-4 pm, May 11, at Last Mountain Regional Park.

SaskOutdoors Birthday Party, May 11 (Saskatoon)
SaskOutdoors is hosting a 50th birthday party from 6:30-10:30 pm, May 11.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists 
May 4 – Pike Lake field trip
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Golden Eagles 
May 2, 8 am – Porter Lake, water and marsh birds
May 9, 8 am – Spring shorebirds at Perdue
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
May 4, 9 am-2 pm – Waterfowl viewing trip to Porter Lake
May 5/12/19/26, 7-9:30 am – MVA trail bird walk (register in advance)
May 11, 9 am-3 pm – Waterfowl viewing trip to Brightwater Marsh and Blackstrap Lake
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
Qu’Appelle River Basin Land Use and Water Quality Report

Briarpatch magazine devoted its most recent issue to the concept of a just transition. Articles include:
Both residents of coal-producing communities and climate justice activists in Saskatchewan are fearful for the future and feel ignored by politicians and government representatives.

Confronting economic barriers to sustainability, including a reliance on non-renewable resources, will be deeply disruptive to Canada’s political and economic order.

The degrowth movement in Quebec is “a call to liberate ourselves from the capitalist growth imperative and build more sustainable, just, and democratic societies.”

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 24, 2017

Upcoming Events
Carbonless Concert Series III, Jan. 28 (Saskatoon) 
The third instalment of a series of Carbonless Concerts to promote local live music and renewable energy will be held at D’lish from 6:30-9 pm, Jan. 28.

Aboriginal & Northern Engagement in Environmental Remediation Projects, Jan. 31 (video conference) 
Dr. Joe Muldoon, SRC, and Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie, Prince Albert Grand Council, will discuss mine remediation best practice from 10:30-12, Jan. 31, in a video conference based in Regina and Saskatoon.

Food & Sustainability, Feb. 1 (Saskatoon)
Join Grant Wood, Dr. Phil Loring, Dr. Michael Schwandt for a panel discussion on sustainability and food from 5-6:30 pm, Feb. 1, at Louis’ at the University of Saskatchewan. Complimentary food featuring local ingredients will be provided. RSVP online.

Carbon Pricing in SK, Feb. 1 (Regina) 
Panelists will discuss carbon pricing in Saskatchewan from 7-8:30 pm, Feb. 1, at the University of Regina.

Integrating Environment & Sustainability at U of S, Feb. 1 (Saskatoon) 
Margret Asmuss, Sustainability Coordinator, University of Saskatchewan, will discuss integrating environment and sustainability into education and research at the U of S at the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force meeting on Feb. 1.

Nature of Cities, Feb. 2 (Saskatoon) 
Watch a film about how our urban environments can be integrated with nature at 2 pm, Feb. 2, at the Mayfair Library.

Sustainability & Education, Feb. 3 (Saskatoon) 
Dr. Philip Loring will discuss Sustainability Issues as Education Issues or Education Issues as Sustainability Issues? Lessons from Rural Alaska from 3-4 pm, Feb. 3, at the U of S.

Waste Reduction Workshop, Feb. 4 (Saskatoon) 
The founders of Waste Not YXE will share what, why, and how they are reducing waste from 2-4 pm, Feb. 4.

Bidder 70, Feb. 6 (Prince Albert) 
Join the Council of Canadians - Prince Albert chapter to view Bidder 70, civil disobedience that held government and industry accountable.

Looking Ahead
Beekeeping Seminars (Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Yorkton)
Peavey Mart is offering free beekeeping seminars as follows:
Feb. 28 - Lloydminster
Mar. 1 - Saskatoon
Mar. 2 - Yorkton

Co-Create: Waste ReForum, May 17-19 (Saskatoon) 
Registration is now open for the 2017 Waste ReForum. The conference will examine the role of waste reduction and waste management in a circular economy and look at ways we all can contribute to arriving at solutions.

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

In the News
Congratulations to The Green Builder and Chain Reaction Urban Farm, SABEX award finalists.

What Works in Conservation 2017, a free online book, evaluates the outcomes of specific conservation practices reported in more than 150 scientific journals as well as in unpublished reports and other literature from around the world.

Wind and solar are making progress - but not as much as headlines would imply: how renewable energy advocates are hurting the climate cause.

The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Passive House will provide 25 affordable suites for youth, elders and families of the local aboriginal community.

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).