EcoSask News, October 23, 2018

Upcoming Events
Take Me Outside Day, Oct. 24
Teachers are encouraged to take their students outside for at least an hour on Oct. 24, Take Me Outside Day.

Art & Science in Wildlife Management, Oct. 26 (Saskatoon)
The WildEcol seminar series is held at 3:30 pm, every other Friday, on the U of S campus:
Oct. 26 – Bridging the gap between art and science in wildlife management

Anthropocene, Oct. 26 (Saskatoon)
Anthropocene, a cinematic overview of humanity’s reengineering of the planet, is being screened at the Roxy Theatre on Oct. 26. Check for the book, with photographs by Edward Burtynsky, in your local library or bookstore.

Travels South of the Equator, Oct. 27 (Fort Qu’Appelle)
Jean and Peter Ascroft will share their travels south of the equator on two continents at the 7 pm, Oct. 27, meeting of the Fort Qu’Appelle Nature Society (at the Fort Qu’Appelle Train Station).

NE Swale: More than an Urban Park, Oct. 30 (Saskatoon)
Join the Northeast Swale Watchers from 7-9 pm, Oct. 30, to learn about the Northeast Swale, progress to date, and ongoing challenges.

There will be 5 short presentations: Renny Grilz, Meewasin, What's in the Swale: The Unique Wildlife and Plants of the Northeast Swale; Dr. Ryan Brook, University of Saskatchewan, Monitoring and Mitigating the Impacts of Roads on Wildlife; Rick Huziak, Sask Light Pollution Abatement Group, Reducing Night Lighting for a Healthy Swale; Brenda Wallace, City of Saskatoon, Protecting What Matters - Policy Perspectives; Candace Savage, The Last Refuge: Why Protecting the Swale Matters.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Oct. 28 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 8 am-2:30 pm, Oct. 28.

Lakeridge Park Field Trip, Nov. 3 (Regina)
Join Nature Regina from 10 am to noon, Nov. 3, on a birding field trip at Lakeridge Park.

Library of Things Volunteer Orientation, Nov. 3 (Saskatoon)
Saskatoon’s Library of Things is hosting a volunteer orientation from 12-1 pm, Nov. 3.

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

In the News
Two articles raise serious concerns for Saskatchewan residents:
     Air quality readings are off the chart in southeast Saskatchewan
     The government needs to allow regulators to enforce the regulations

Turtles survived the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, but will they survive the Anthropocene? Where have all the turtles gone and why does it matter?

Coyotes can help build back biodiversity in rural and urban areas

5 ways cities could dramatically cut carbon emissions

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 25, 2018

Upcoming Events
Climate Change, Sept. 27 (Prince Albert)
Dave Stevenson will give a presentation on climate change at 7 pm, Sept. 27, as part of National Forest Week activities in Prince Albert.

Wild Ecol Seminar Series, Sept. 28 (Saskatoon)
The WildEcol seminar series is held at 3:30 pm, every other Friday, on the U of S campus:
Sept. 28 – Large mammal distribution and conservation in Brazil

Epic, Sept. 29 (Prince Albert)
Enjoy the film Epic at 2:30 pm, Sept. 29, as part of National Forest Week activities in Prince Albert.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Sept. 29 (Regina)
City of Regina is holding a Household Hazardous Waste Day from 9 am-3:45 pm, Sept. 29.

Regina Beach/Last Mountain Lake Migration, Sept. 29 (Regina)
Join Nature Regina for a field trip to Regina Beach and Last Mountain Lake from 9 am-1:30 pm, Sept. 29.

Waste & Recycling Town Hall, Oct. 2 (Regina)
Councillor Andrew Stevens will be holding a town hall to discuss waste and recycling programs at 7 pm, Oct. 2 in the Cathedral Community Centre.

Nature Play Workshop, Oct. 2 (Saskatoon)
SaskOutdoors is offering a nature play workshop for early years educators in Saskatoon from 1-3 pm, Oct. 2.

Pathway to PACE in Alberta, Oct. 3 (Saskatoon)
Brian Scott will discuss PACE Alberta at the Oct. 3 breakfast meeting of SK Energy Management Task Force.

NatureCity Festival Celebration & Planning Kick-off, Oct. 4 (Saskatoon)
Join Wild About Saskatoon from 7-9 pm, Oct. 4, as they begin planning the 2019 NatureCity Festival.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Golden Eagles
Oct. 4, 9 am – Whooping Cranes
Oct. 11, 9 am – Fall Migration
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.
Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Oct. 6, 8 am-5 pm – Whooping Crane Field Trip
Oct. 8, 9:30-11:30 am – Woodlawn Cemetery Bird Walk
Oct. 13, 1:30-3:30 pm – Invasive Shrub Removal from Saskatoon Natural Grasslands
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
The Waste Reduction Council of Saskatchewan is holding a pilot car seat recycling project in Regina and Saskatoon from mid-October to mid-November. Sign up to participate.

Congratulations, Wild About Saskatoon, on receiving a Tourism Saskatoon leadership award for your ongoing success with the NatureCity Festival. 3,000 people participated in events hosted by 50 organizations during the 2018 Festival.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is calling on municipalities to reduce flood risk through conservation and restoration of natural infrastructure (ponds, wetlands).

Audio tours invite New Yorkers to explore the nighttime lives of the animals whose habitat they share.

A great city needs great facilities for pedestrians. What would a truly walkable city look like?

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 18, 2018

Upcoming Events
Renewable Power, the Intelligent Choice AGM, Sept. 18 (Prince Albert)
There will be a presentation about the upcoming Smarter Science, Better Buildings exhibit at the Sept. 18 annual general meeting of Renewable Power, the Intelligent Choice.

Sustainability on Campus, Sept. 21 (Saskatoon)
Join the U of S Office of Sustainability from 12-1 pm or over a pint at 5 pm, every third Friday of the month.

Fall Hike, Sept. 22 (Moose Jaw) 
Join the Moose Jaw Nature Society on a fall hike starting at 10 am, Sept. 22.

Science Experiments for Kids, Sept. 22 (Regina)
Kids ages 7-12 can participate in some fun science experiments from 1-2 pm, Sept. 22, at the Albert Branch, Regina Public Library.

Carbonless Concert, Sept. 22 (Saskatoon)
Enjoy solar-powered live music from 6:30-9 pm at the Sept. 22 Carbonless Concert.

Fall Composting for Beginners, Sept. 23 (Regina)
Learn about composting in winter from 2-3 pm, Sept. 23, at the Sunrise Branch, Regina Public Library.

Autumn Plant Walk, Sept. 23 (Regina)
Join Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design on Sept. 23 to learn about edible and medicinal plants in the Regina area.

World Rivers Day, Sept. 23 (Saskatoon) 
Celebrate World Rivers Day from 12-5 pm, Sept. 23, at Beaver Creek Conservation Area - from tiger salamanders to oceans.

Beaver Creek Riparian Tour, Sept. 23 (Saskatoon)
Find out how to protect streams and creeks from 3:30-4:30 pm, Sept. 23.

Man of the Trees, Sept. 25 (North Battleford)
Paul Hanley will read from Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Environmentalist from 7-8 pm, Sept. 25, in North Battleford.

Is NAFTA Locking in a High-Carbon Future? Sept. 25 (Prince Albert)
Find out how the North American Free Trade Agreement regulates oil and gas exports and how it could impact transitioning to a low-carbon future at 7 pm, Sept. 25.

Grassland Songbirds in Qu’Appelle Valley, Sept. 25 (webinar)
A noon-hour webinar on Sept. 25 will discuss songbird conservation efforts and the Qu’Appelle Valley as a focal area for conservation.

Discover the “Sci” in “Sci-Fi”, Sept. 25 (Saskatoon)
Learn the factual basis for fictional aliens and predatory horrors of the insect world at Café Scientifique Saskatoon, 7:30 pm, Sept. 25.

To the Ends of the Earth, Sept. 26 (Regina)
Cinema Politica Regina is screening To the Ends of the Earth about the extreme frontiers of oil and gas exploration at 6:30 pm, Sept. 26.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Presentation, Sept. 26 (Saskatoon)
Celebrate National Tree Day at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area with a reading by Paul Hanley from his latest book, Man of the Trees, at 6 pm, Sept. 26.

Nature Grandparenting Autumn Meetup, Sept. 26
Grandpairs are invited to attend the following autumn meetups: Sept. 26, 10 am & 1:30 pm – the Northeast Swale (Evergreen)

U of S Riverbank Clean-Up, Sept. 26 (Saskatoon)
Join the U of S Office of Sustainability, USSU, and Environment and Bioresources Students Association in a clean-up along the Meewasin River Valley from 12-4 pm, Sept. 26.

Man of the Trees, Sept. 27 (Biggar)
Paul Hanley will read from Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Environmentalist from 7-8 pm, Sept. 27, in Biggar.

Invasive Species, Sept. 27 (Regina)
Tara Sample will discuss invasive species at the 7 pm, Sept. 27, meeting of the Regina Horticultural Society.

Going Zero Waste, Sept. 27 (Regina)
Learn about going zero waste from 7-8:30 pm, Sept. 27, at the George Bothwell Branch, Regina Public Library.

Nature & Waste Reduction Art, Sept. 27/30 (Saskatoon)
Join Medha Bhatt Ganguly for a talk on nature and waste reduction art at Mayfair Library from 2-3 pm, Sept. 27, or visit her art exhibit from 1-5 pm, Sept. 30, at Confederation Mall.

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

In the News
70% of Americans think environmental protection is more important than economic growth - the problem is getting governments and businesses to act on what people want.

China's ban on imported recyclables is forcing Canada to confront uncomfortable truths about where and how we manage our waste.

Edmonton has ordered 25 electric buses.

PEI farmers are being paid to delay their first cut of hay to protect birds.

These award-winning comedy wildlife photographs are sure to make you laugh! 

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 28, 2018

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

Guided Nature Immersion Walks, Sept. 3/5/8 (Saskatoon)
Participate in a nature immersion walk with Dolores Burkhart from 8:30-10 am, Sept. 3, 5, or 8.

Climate Change Update, Sept. 5 (Saskatoon)
Peter Prebble will offer a climate change update at the Sept. 5 breakfast meeting of SK Energy Management Task Force.

Rise for Climate, Sept. 8 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatoon chapter of Council of Canadians and Climate Justice Saskatoon are holding a rally from 12-2 pm, Sept. 8, in honour of Rise for Climate day of action.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Sept. 8 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 8 am-2:30 pm, Sept. 8.

Looking Ahead
Green Economics, Sept. 20-21 (Calgary)
The Sustainability Network is offering an intensive training in green economics for non-economists Sept. 20-21 in Calgary.

Nature Grandparenting Autumn Meetups, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 24 (Saskatoon)
Grandpairs are invited to attend the following autumn meetups:
Sept. 26, 10 am & 1:30 pm – the Northeast Swale (Evergreen)
Oct. 10, 10 am & 1:30 pm – Meewasin Park (Lawson Heights)
Oct. 24, 10 am & 1:30 pm – Gabriel Dumont Park (Buena Vista)

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Golden Eagles 
Sept. 13, 9 am – MVA Trail Walk
Sept. 27, 9 am – Cranberry Flats Trails
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Sept. 22, 1-9 pm – Goose & Crane Trip and Picnic
Sept. 29, 9 am-noon – Gabriel Dumont Park Bird Walk
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
Alberta is hosting a 2-day workshop to promote citizen science in the province. Wouldn't it be interesting to hold a similar event in Saskatchewan?

Why isn’t Canada taking Volkswagen to court? We could be using billions of dollars to improve air quality.

There are huge business opportunities in e-waste recycling - if we do it right. And if we’re smart, we’ll plan ahead and avoid toxic chemical contamination from solar panels.

Western University is now a designated bee city. 

In Case You Missed It
Traffic calming measures to protect wildlife in the Swale 

Let’s watch a movie: nature & environmental films

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 17, 2018

Upcoming Events
Mad Scientists, Apr. 21 (Moose Jaw) 
Kids are invited to experiment with food, electricity, building supplies, and more at the Moose Jaw Public Library, 10:30-11:30 am, Apr. 21.

A E Wilson Park Walk, Apr. 21 (Regina) 
Nature Regina is hosting a bird walk at A E Wilson Park from 9 am – 12 pm, Apr. 21.

Earth Day @ Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Apr. 22 (Regina) 
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is hosting Earth Day celebrations on Apr. 22.

Red Squirrels, Apr. 22 (Preeceville) 
Andrea Wishart will talk about red squirrels at the Kelsey Ecological Society meeting at 2 pm, Apr. 22, Club 60, Preeceville.

A Waste-Conscious Life, Apr. 22 (Saskatoon) 
Find out how to lead a waste-conscious life at 11 am, Apr. 22, at Bulk Basket in Saskatoon.

Prairie Falcon, Apr. 23 (Moose Jaw) 
Larry Going will bring his Prairie Falcon to the Apr. 23 meeting of the Moose Jaw Nature Society.

Intro Bicycle Tune-Up Workshop, Apr. 23 (Saskatoon) 
Bridge City Bicycle Co-op is offering an introductory workshop on how to fix your bike from 6:30-8:30 pm, Apr. 23.

Trans Am Bike Race Talk, Apr. 23 (Saskatoon) 
Meaghan Hackinen will talk about her experiences as the first Canadian woman to complete the Trans Am Bike Race at 7 pm, Apr. 23.

Disruption, Apr. 25 (Regina) 
Join Cinema Politica Regina for a screening of Disruption about why we do so little when we know so much about climate change at 7 pm, Apr. 25.

Waste Reduction & Composting, Apr. 25 (Regina) 
Celebrate Earth Day by learning how to reduce waste and compost from 7-8:30 pm, Apr. 25, Central Adult Library.

Indian Elephant Conservation, Apr. 25 (Saskatoon)
Find out about Indian elephant wildlife conservation efforts at 1:30 pm, Apr. 25. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Help Find Hawks, Apr. 30 (Avonlea) 
Join Nature Conservancy of Canada on a ferruginous hawk survey the week of Apr. 30-May 4. Previous experience isn’t necessary.

International Dark Sky Week, April 15-21

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Apr. 20, 7-9 pm – members-only Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Evening Visit
Apr. 26, 8 am – Meacham Artists & Sloughs (Golden Eagles)
May 3, 8:30 am – Chorney Acreage (Golden Eagles)
May 5, 9 am-12 pm – Waterfowl trip to Porter Lake
May 6, 7-9:30 am – MVA Trail Bird Walk
May 10, 7:30 am – Goose Lake (Golden Eagles)
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
City of Saskatoon's 2018 environmental grants support some great projects, including NatureCity Festival, waste reduction and composting, clean water, and bats

Wellington, NZ, hopes to become the first predator-free capital city in the world. But how can that be? We are all both predator and prey; altering the food chain is sure to have unintended consequences.

Restoration ecology - let nature do its work and don’t rely on biodiversity offset programs - they don’t work

What will we do with all those solar panels when their useful life is over?

Wildlife is adapting rapidly to an urban environment raising questions about the value of wildlife corridors and the use of native plants

Books on urban wildlife - New York Public Library recommendations

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 30, 2018

Upcoming Events
Wildlife Rehabilitation, Jan. 31 (Saskatoon) 
Jan Shadick will discuss wildlife rehabilitation at 3:30 pm, Jan. 31, as part of the U of S Wild Ecol Seminar series.

Decoys Book Launch, Feb. 1 (Prince Albert) 
Bill Robertson will launch his book of poetry, Decoys, at 7 pm, Feb. 1, at the John M. Cuelenaere Library. His poems explore how his roles as father and grandfather allow him to share his love of the natural world and passion for birds.

Nature in Winter Workshops, Feb. 3 & 11 (Saskatoon) 
Lichen Nature is offering winter walks from 1-4 pm, Feb. 3 and 11, when she will answer questions about plants and animals in winter.

Between Earth and Sky, Feb. 6 (Saskatoon) 
U of S Environmental Programs is screening Between Earth and Sky: Climate Change on the Last Frontier at 5:30 pm, Feb. 6, to be followed by a reception and discussion.

Climate Change, Feb. 7 (Edenwold) 
Jared Clarke is giving a presentation on climate change at 7 pm, Feb. 7, in Edenwold.

Bus Rapid Transit, Feb. 7 (Saskatoon)
City of Saskatoon is holding a come-and-go event from 5:30-8 pm, Feb. 7, to discuss the City's re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit.

Air Source Heat Pumps, Feb. 7 (Saskatoon) 
Mike Nemeth, Radiance Cohousing, will discuss Air Source Heat Pumps at the Feb. 7 meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Family Fun Cross-Country Ski Event, Feb. 10 (Regina) 
Join SaskOutdoors for a family-friendly cross-country ski event from 2-4 pm, Feb. 10, at the White Butte Ski Trails near Regina.

Meet a Burrowing Owl, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Meet a burrowing owl at Wild Birds Unlimited at 12:30 pm, Feb. 10.

Meet a Red-tailed Hawk, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon)
Meet Jadis, a red-tailed hawk, at 3 pm, Feb. 10, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Kȏna Wanuskewin Winter Festival, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Lots of outdoor activities on Feb. 10 at Wanuskewin’s Kȏna Festival.

Wildlife Rehab Fundraiser, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation is holding a fundraising dinner on Feb. 10.

Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden, Feb. 11 (Saskatoon) 
Lyndon Penner will share his passion for plants and hummingbirds at 2:30 pm, Feb. 11, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Looking Ahead
Education for Sustainable Development Award Applications, Mar. 31 
Application forms are now available for RCE SK’s Education for Sustainable Development awards. Return completed applications by Mar. 31.

Wilderness First Aid, Apr. 13-15 (Saskatoon) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a Wilderness & Remote First Aid course, Apr. 13-15, close to Saskatoon.

Waste Reforum 2018, Apr. 18-20 (Regina) 
The annual Waste Reforum will be held from Apr. 18-20 in Regina.

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

In the News 
A group in Prince Albert is setting up a monthly Repair Café.

Animals need to move in order to find food, shelter, and a mate. A global study shows animals are moving distances two to three times shorter in areas disturbed by humans than in the wilderness.

Wild Words - posters designed by local teenagers and young people to promote the importance of protecting urban wildlife and greenspaces.

The health care system is responsible for 10% of US greenhouse gas emissions. The culprit? Anaesthetics.

Toledo’s mayor has pledged to commute by bus one day a week.

Food for Thought 
"we continue to sign up to the very Victorian and out-dated view that nature is something to be controlled and tamed, we've simply lost our natural tolerance. Repeatedly I'm bombarded with examples of our disconnection and intolerance of things which to me are part of the holistic beauty of a world we should be part of, not fighting against. Whether it's worm casts on the lawn, wasps in the attic, birds or bats with the audacity to dare nest on our own homes or a family of slow-worms killed because they were misidentified as Adders" [ReWild: The Art of Returning to Nature, Nick Baker]

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).

Nature's Boxing Day Specials

Graybar Grunts produce a grunting sound by grinding their teeth

“The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place himself under the influence of earth, sea, and sky, and their amazing life.” (Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder)

Explore, Admire, Learn
Books 
Papiliones, Jonathan Bradley – “butterflies are part of the poetry of nature” – 33 poems about butterflies

Urban Biodiversity: From Research to Practice, Alessandro Ossola & Jari Niemela (eds.) – Interdisciplinary science-based information for urban biodiversity management – rewilding, urban agriculture, engaging the public

Movies
Klamath – “Ancient forests of the Klamath Mountains survive as a vivid living window into life’s long history on earth. They are one of a few remaining in the world home to great troves of the ideas life has conjured over 3.8 billion years of evolution.” Watch online (55 minutes): KS Film or Vimeo

River Blue – exploring the impact the fashion industry has on the world’s major rivers and calling for change from top fashion brands – now available on iTunes and dotstudiopro

Forest Man – “Majuli islander Jadav Payeng has been planting trees in order to save his island. To date he has single handedly planted a forest larger than Central Park NYC. His forest has transformed what was once a barren wasteland into a lush oasis.” Watch online (16 minutes) on YouTube

Christmas tree worms filter out tiny plants and animals by pumping water up and over their crowns

Changing the World - Through Science, Art, and Conversation
Citizen Science
Submit a photograph and iNaturalist can now help you identify over 20,000 species. Got one that stumps the computer? That’s great as it will help increase the system’s capacity.

London’s Natural History Museum has been collecting specimens for over 250 years and has about 35 million insects in its collection. They’ve developed Inselect, software that rapidly catalogues and categorizes images digitally. It’s open source and available for anyone to use.



Disruptive Artists
Faviana Rodriguez: “Artists help us imagine how things can look different and they can help tell a story of the future. . . . Problems are often a consequence of habit and of systemic ways of working. Artists can disrupt those habits or those systemic ways by showing complexity and by actually shining a light on what’s really happening, which helps people change focus.”

Hold a Party
Climate for Change is an Australian not-for-profit helping “people who care about climate change have better discussions about why they care with the people they care about.” Hosts invite friends to a conversation with a trained facilitator and guests are invited to take action against climate change. One conversation leads to another.

You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner). A full list of upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar

EcoSask News, August 29, 2017

Upcoming Events
Solar and Wind Hybrid Technology, Sept. 6 (Saskatoon)
Joel C. Goldblatt, Bluenergy Solarwind Inc. will discuss solar and wind hybrid technology at the Sept. 6 meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Energy Drinks, Sept. 8 (Saskatoon)
GRID is hosting Energy Drinks at Winston’s Pub from 7:30-11:30 pm, Sept. 8, in Saskatoon.

Curbside Swap, Sept. 9 (Saskatoon)
The City of Saskatoon is hosting a city-wide curbside swap on Sept. 9.

Walking Saskatoon, Sept. 10 (Saskatoon)
Walking Saskatoon will meet from 1-2:30 pm, Sept. 10, to prepare for the first Active Transportation Plan advisory group meeting.

Looking Ahead
Rob Dumont Energy Management Awards Dinner, Oct. 4 (Saskatoon)
Tickets are now available for the Rob Dumont Energy Management Awards Dinner on Oct. 4 in Saskatoon.

Nature Retreat, Oct. 13-15 (Ness Creek)
SaskOutdoors is hosting a nature retreat Oct. 13-15 at the Ness Creek site near Big River.

Rubbish Dinner & Movie, Oct. 17 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is hosting a Rubbish Dinner on Oct. 17, creating a gourmet meal and beer from food that is often thrown away. Dinner will be followed by a movie about the food waste revolution.

Nature Regina Field Trips
Sept. 9, 10 am-4 pm – Fall Migration Field Trip
Check Nature Regina’s website for full details and updated information.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists 
Nov. 5, 1-2:30 pm – Bird Feeder Workshop
Dec. 2, 1-3 pm – Paper Making Workshop
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Sept. 4, 9 am-noon – Trip to Stuglin Acreage
Sept. 9 – Fall Bird Count
Sept. 10, 2-4 pm – Birding Trip, Buzz Lake
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

Thank you, Greg 
Greg Fenty is stepping down from his position as Education Coordinator for the Saskatoon Zoo Society after working and volunteering with the Society for 27 years. His strong focus on environmental education has been a huge asset to the City of Saskatoon.

As he says, “The role of education at a modern zoo goes beyond just providing the basic scientific information about an animal. Modern zoos have an obligation to challenge visitors to think critically about their role in conserving habitat and biodiversity. Visitors to a modern zoo should leave feeling empowered and inspired to change their lifestyles to benefit wildlife and work towards a healthier environment for all species.”

Thank you, Greg, and all the best with your future initiatives, including continuing involvement with the Saskatoon Young Naturalists.

In the News 
Portland’s commitment to 100% renewable energy is already having an impact: “If you have a strong goal that our choices are going to be clean energy choices, that brings clarity to decision making . . . . It’s important to set these goals today so we are doing the right thing for climate and energy in the future.”

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment has passed a resolution to adopt a Biodiversity Policy. The resolution includes the establishment of five citywide biodiversity goals and objectives, including: (1) biologically rich ecosystems; (2) equitable access, awareness, and experience of nature; (3) community and ecological stewardship; (4) ecological planning and design; and (5) resilience in a living city.

Nickel mining: the hidden environmental cost of electric cars

Build your own bee hotel

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).

EcoSaskNews, January 17, 2017

Upcoming Events
The Messenger, Jan. 18 (Moose Jaw)
The award-winning film The Messenger is being shown in Moose Jaw from 7-8:30 pm, Jan. 18.

Bike Regina AGM, Jan. 23 (Regina) 
Bike Regina is holding its AGM from 7-10 pm, Jan. 23.

Land Cover & Species-Habitat Modelling Initiatives, Jan. 23 (webinar) 
Ryan Fisher will talk about SK Ministry of Environment’s land cover and species-habitat modelling initiatives in a PCAP-SK webinar on Jan. 23.

Wildlife Rescue Animals, Jan. 24 (Saskatoon) 
Learn about wildlife rescue animals from Jan Shadick, Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, from 1-3 pm, Jan. 24, at the Cliff Wright Library.

Pipelines, Enviro Assessment, Risk Perception, Jan. 24 (Saskatoon)
Dr. Jean-Michel DeVink will lead a discussion on pipelines, environmental assessment, and risk perception at the Jan. 24 meeting of Tox on Tap.

Regional Land Use Plan, Jan. 24 (Saskatoon)
Partnership for Growth is looking for feedback on their draft regional land use plan on Jan. 24 from 1-4 and 5-8 pm at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

EnviroConnect Trivia Night, Jan. 25 (Saskatoon)
EnviroConnect is hosting a Trivia Night at 5 pm, Jan. 25, in Room 5C61 of the Agriculture Building for students in environmental programs at the U of S.

National Energy Board Expert Panel Visitation, Jan. 25/26 (Saskatoon)
The National Energy Board Expert Panel will be in Saskatoon on Jan. 25/26 to discuss how to modernize the NEB. Sessions on both days are open to anyone with an interest.

Beekeeping & Garden Sustainability, Jan. 26 (Regina) 
The Regina Horticultural Society is hosting a presentation on beekeeping and garden sustainability at 7 pm, Jan. 26, in Regina.

Master Naturalist Workshop, Jan. 27 (Saskatoon) 
The Citizen Science module of the Saskatchewan Master Naturalists program is being offered on Jan. 27 in conjunction with the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan’s annual conference.

Looking Ahead
Edible Plant Walk, June 24 (Regina) 
Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting is offering an Edible Plant Walk near Regina from 1-4 pm, June 24. Last year’s workshop filled up fast so register early.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Jan. 15, 3-4 pm – Living Sky Wildlife Rehab Facility Tour
Jan. 21 or 28 – Overnight trip to Beauval area to search for possible Northern Pygmy Owl
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

Nature Regina Field Trips
Jan. 22, 8:30 am – A. E. Wilson Park
Check Nature Regina’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
Droughts on the prairies could become more frequent, more severe, and last longer in the years ahead according to a new book, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Drought on the Canadian Prairies, edited by U of R faculty members.

Data from two SK bird banders shows that Snowy Owls that head south aren't starving.

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).

Post-Boxing Day Specials

“People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.” (Iris Murdoch) 

We’re mixing things up a bit for the holidays. Here are 6 items (and a bonus) to stir your imagination.

Ginkgo: The Tree that Time Forgot
“Common on city streets from Beijing to London and Tokyo to New York, ginkgo is an increasingly common backdrop to the bustle of modern city life. It is hard to imagine that these trees, now towering above cars and commuters, grew up with the dinosaurs and have come down to us almost unchanged for 200 million years….This book, an abridged global biography, sets out to tell ginkgo’s evolutionary and cultural life history.”

Ginkgo by Peter Crane is available on Kindle.

Your Own Plastic Workshop
Dave Hakken has a plan that will allow people anywhere in the world to transform plastic waste into valuable things. Precious Plastic is offering open-source blueprints so you can build your own plastic recycling machine. The machine chews it up, spits out plastic filaments that you can then turn into hats, lamps, dishes, toys, and more.

The Naturalist Lens
Naturalist and photographer Evan Barrientos shares his passion for nature on his blog, The Naturalist Lens.

“Every once in a while when I am out in nature, I come across something incredible. Sometimes it’s a rare glimpse of amazing animal behavior or a closeup look at a bizarre species. Whenever I have these experiences, my first reaction is to share them with other people. Why? Because it’s too easy to under-appreciate nature, even for us outdoor enthusiasts. How often on your hike do you stop and sit for twenty minutes, noticing the endlessly amazing insects around you? But if you don’t realize what extraordinary things are out there, you’re less likely to take the time looking closely for them. The purpose of this blog is to share my favorite natural experiences with other people in the hopes of inspiring them to appreciate that natural world and explore it slowly and carefully themselves. Currently, this blog focuses on nature in and around Bozeman, Montana.” 

Endangered Animals and Extraordinary Images
If you’re looking for something different to watch, check out these two features on Netlix:

Last Chance to See: “Nearly 20 years after he and famed author Douglas Adams searched for the world’s most endangered species, zoologist Mark Carwardine teams up with funnyman Stephen Fry to revisit those same animals.”

Tales by Light “follows renowned photographers as they explore far-flung locales, capturing extraordinary images that present nature and culture in a new light.”

Socialter
If you read French, you'll enjoy Socialter magazine, “un magazine 100 % dédié à l'économie nouvelle génération et aux créateurs de solutions innovantes. Ce media est le porte-voix d'une nouvelle génération tournée vers la création de solutions efficaces et innovantes pour le plus grand nombre.”

Recent issues have covered combatting planned obsolescence, permaculture, cities without cars, the sharing economy, and energy co-ops.

Socialter is on Facebook with links to a wide variety of articles.

Elva’s Field Notes
Elva Paulson describes her online musings as “an artist watching nature and nature watching an artist.” You're sure to enjoy Elva's Field Notes; her pen-and-ink sketches are a delight.

Wildlife Photography Award Winners
And a bonus item: This year’s award-winning international wildlife photographs.

EcoSask News, May 10, 2016

Upcoming Events
Green Drinks Saskatoon, May 13 (Saskatoon) 
Join Green Drinks Saskatoon at 5:30 pm, May 13, at the Saskatoon Brewery (NE corner of the building).

Household Hazardous Waste Day, May 14 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste (e.g. light bulbs, aerosols, fuels) at the SaskTel Centre from 9 am – 3:30 pm, May 14.

Wildlife Rehab. Volunteer Orientation, May 14 (Moosomin)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan is holding a volunteer orientation session in Moosomin from 1-3 pm, May 14. More are being planned for other communities. Check the WRSOS website for information.

Newcomers Bird Day Celebration, May 14 (Regina)
Nature Saskatchewan and the Regina Open Door Society are holding a day-long Bird Day Celebration on May 14 at Last Mountain Lake. The event gives newcomers a chance to learn about Saskatchewan birds and participate in a variety of different activities.

Permaculture Book Club, May 15 & June 19 (Regina)
Regina’s Permaculture Book Club will be discussing The One Straw Revolution at their meetings from 1-3 pm, May 15 and June 19, at the Atlantis Coffee House.

Chaplin Lake Presentation, May 16 (Regina)
The annual general meeting of Nature Regina will include a talk about the Chaplin Lake Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve.

Renewable Energy Co-ops, May 17 (Saskatoon)
Roger Peters will discuss how community ownership has been a key factor in the success of renewable energy developments in several jurisdictions at 7 pm, May 17, as part of the Sustainable Speaker series at the Frances Morrison Library.

CANCELLED Bidder 70, May 18 (Regina)
Cinema Politica Regina will be showing the film Bidder 70, about climate activist Tim DeChristopher, at 7 pm, May 18, at the Artful Dodger.

Saskatoon Nature Viewing Sites, May 18 (Saskatoon)
There will be a book launch at 7 pm, May 18, at McNally Robinson Booksellers for the Saskatoon Nature Society’s updated edition of Nature Viewing Sites In and Around Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Nature Society received a $1,000 EcoFriendly Action Grant to ensure that the publication was affordable.

Congratulations to the authors and editor: Donna Bruce, Joan Feather, and Anna Leighton.

Passive House & Net Zero Meetup, May 19 (Saskatoon)
Passive house and net zero builders and designers are invited to attend a meetup at 5 pm, May 19, at the Congress Beer House.

Grasslands Star Night, May 28 (Grasslands National Park)
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be hosting a public star night in the East Block of Grasslands National Park on May 28.

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

Did You Know?
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is now offering a waste assessment service to help businesses divert waste from the landfill

Think twice about buying new, buying virgin, buying something you don't need

Beyond Recycling is a solutions-focused sustainability education program in southwest British Columbia

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).

Seedy Saturday: Saving, Sharing & Protecting our Seedy Heritage

Saving Seeds
Our grocery stores are jam-packed with food. And yet, when you look around, you realize that there isn’t all that much variety. In fact, 75% of our food comes from 17 plant and 5 animal species.

There are some absolutely gorgeous varieties of heritage tomatoes (Pink Boar, Spudakee, Absinthe), but you won’t find them in any supermarket. If you want to try growing them yourself, you’ll have to hunt for seeds because 10 corporations control more than 73% of the global seed market and they’re selecting varieties for yield, uniformity, and performance – not flavour or beauty.

Saskatoon Seed Library 
Across North America, gardeners are realizing that if we want to protect the biodiversity of our fruits and vegetables, we’ll have to start saving and sharing the seeds ourselves. Saskatoon became part of this movement with the establishment of the Saskatoon Seed Library in 2015.

Seed libraries are designed to share regionally adapted, heritage seeds. You’re given some seeds, grow them, save seeds at harvest time, and pass them along. In the process, you expand the varieties of seed that are available, increase plant resilience, and build a local gardening community.

In its first year, the Saskatoon Seed Library grew 5 heritage vegetable varieties that are adapted to our local growing environment. They dried and saved the seeds and will be offering them to new gardeners and seed savers at Saskatoon’s Seedy Saturday on February 27 at Station 20 West.

For more information, take a look at the Saskatoon Seed Library’s Facebook page. To join the Library, email them at farmerinsaskatoon@icloud.com

Seedy Saturday: Coming Soon to a Community Near You 
Seedy Saturday/Sunday is a great opportunity to support local producers and pick up seeds to grow in your garden this summer. Here’s the lineup for Saskatchewan:

Churchbridge – Feb. 20
Estevan – Mar. 13
Humboldt – Feb. 28
Indian Head – Feb. 27
Moose Jaw – Mar. 6
North Battleford – Apr. 2
Prince Albert – Apr. 23
Regina – Mar. 5
Saskatoon Seedy Saturday – Feb. 27 (Station 20 West)
Saskatoon Seedy Sunday – Mar. 20 (Saskatoon Farmers’ Market)
Yorkton – Mar. 12

Seedy Saturday Presentations
In addition to choosing seeds, Seedy Saturday/Sunday is a chance to connect with community groups and pick up useful information. Don’t miss the following presentations:

Regina (Mar. 5)
Planning Your Garden
Choosing Your Seed
Improving Your Soil

Saskatoon (Feb. 27 at Station 20 West) 
11 am – Karen Farmer, Saskatoon Seed Library: How You Can Get Involved
12 pm – Michael Molaro, Rooftop and Container Gardening
1 pm – Brit MacDonald, Community Greenhouse Project
2 pm – Glenda Abbott, Wanuskewin Indigenous Agriculture
3 pm – Andrea Desroches, 10 Reasons You Should Go WWOOF'ing

Seeds of Time, Feb. 25 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Food Council will be showing the film, Seeds of Time, at 7 pm, Feb. 25, at Station 20 West. The film tells the story of Cary Fowler’s efforts to protect biodiversity and food security. Fowler was the Executive Director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust from 2005-2012 and was instrumental in establishing the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Photo Credit: Initial photo is from the Saskatoon Seed Library's Facebook page