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).

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, August 13, 2019

Upcoming Events
Enviro Collective, Aug. 13 (Regina) 
Enviro Collective Regina is meeting at 7 pm, Aug. 13.

Learn to Hike, Aug. 14 (Saskatoon)
Outter Limits is hosting a learn to hike info night from 7-8:30 pm, Aug. 14. It’s free but you need to register in advance.

From Seed to Seed, Aug. 16 (Regina) 
The film From Seed to Seed about a farming family blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge science will be shown at 7 pm, Aug. 16, as part of the Regina International Film Festival.

Go Science, Aug. 16 (Lipton)
Join the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Lipton for a nature/science program for kids from 1-4 pm, Aug. 16.

Help our Bees, Aug. 18 (Moose Jaw) 
Join the Moose Jaw Nature Society to learn about bees and make your own bee bath from 4-6 pm, Aug. 18.

Nature Activity, Aug. 20 (Springside) 
Springside Public Library is hosting a special guest from the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association for a nature activity from 1:30-2:30 pm, Aug. 20.

Singing for a Better World, Aug. 20 (Saskatoon) 
Learn some songs about protecting the earth and building peace and justice from 7-9 pm, Aug. 20.

AB Mammal Monitoring, Aug. 20 (webinar) 
Find out about wildlife monitoring in Alberta in a noon-hour webinar on Aug. 20 presented by PCAP-SK.

Intro to Permaculture, Aug. 21 (Regina) 
Learn about the design principles of permaculture from 7-8:30 pm, Aug. 21, at the Connaught Branch Library.

Hot Composting, Aug. 21 (Saskatoon)
Saskatoon Compost Coaches are offering a hot composting workshop on Aug. 21 from 5:30-7 pm.

Nature Activity, Aug. 22 (Springside)
Springside Public Library is hosting a guest from the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association from 1:30-2:30 pm, Aug. 22.

Hug a Tree & Survive, Aug. 22 (Prince Albert)
Join Prince Albert North Search and Rescue for a program teaching lost kids how to survive in the woods at 7 pm, Aug. 22.

Family Paddle, Aug. 23 (Regina) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a learn to paddle with kids event from 1-3 pm, Aug. 23. Canoe rental will be provided.

Looking Ahead
Tiny House Workshop, Sept. 20-22 (Regina) 
Learn how to build your own tiny house from Sept. 20-22 in Regina.

Permaculture Design Course, Oct.-Apr. (Regina) 
Edible Landscapes is offering a permaculture design certificate course over 6 weekends from October to April in Regina. Register in advance and save money.

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

In the News
Fill out a short survey to let Saskatoon's Meewasin Valley Authority know where you would like to see an extension of the trail between the Circle Drive North Bridge and the Chief Mistawasis Bridge. 

Banding ruby-throated hummingbirds takes “a delicate touch, infinite patience and steadfast devotion.” Ron Jensen’s “data-gathering is important work, here in the far reaches of the Ruby-throated hummingbirds’ breeding range, where sightings are less common than in places such as Illinois.”

Saskatchewan has a high risk of water shortages. The study reports the main causes as being agricultural (especially raising livestock), wetland drainage, mining, and oil and gas extraction. Residential and industrial water usage is often inefficient, and climate change could bring prolonged hot or dry spells.

“Coexistence implies simply ‘tolerating the other’ whomever or whatever that is. May I suggest that it is time to co-flourish? Time to find solutions and table policy that genuinely embraces and considers the life and happiness of all parties. Every person, creature, habitat and resource holds a necessary vital part in this world. Some may well be way beyond our present understanding.”

San Francisco international airport says “each airport guest creates a half pound of trash. In an effort to reduce the waste, the airport is limiting single-use food accessories such as napkins, coffee cups and chopsticks. In addition to plastic, SFO is banning items with ‘unsubstantiated claims’ about their sustainability.”

Sand “is an essential component of modern life as we know it, yet, strangely enough, we are starting to run out.”

Using electricity at different times of day (load flexibility) “is a win-win-win. It saves money on utilities, it reduces consumer energy bills, and it helps clean up the grid.”

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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

EcoSask News, August 6, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EcoSask News is a weekly round-up of local news and events. Email us if you have items you would like us to include. 

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

EcoSask News, June 11, 2019

Upcoming Events
Live Animal Show, June 15 (Saskatoon) 
Lisa Wrangler will bring some of her reptiles to Wild Birds Unlimited at 4 pm, June 15.

Repair Café, June 15 (Prince Albert) 
There will be a Repair Café in Prince Albert from 1-4 pm, June 15.

Native Prairie Appreciation Week, June 16-22 (Saskatchewan) 
Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan has organized a variety of activities online and in Moose Jaw, Regina, and Swift Current to celebrate Native Prairie Appreciation Week.

EnviroCollective, June 17 (Regina) 
Regina EnviroCollective is meeting from 7-9 pm, June 17.

Intro to Permaculture, June 19 (Regina) 
Learn about the design principles of permaculture from 7-8:30 pm, June 19, at the Prince of Wales Branch Library.

Bokashi & Vermicomposting, June 19 (Saskatoon) 
Join Saskatoon Compost Coaches for a workshop on bokashi and vermicomposting from 5:30-7 pm, June 19.

Camping Basics for Newcomers, June 20 (Regina) 
Newcomers to Canada are invited to learn the basics of camping from 7-8 pm, June 20, at the George Bothwell Branch Library.

Bat Stewardship & Citizen Science, June 20 (webinar) 
James Page will discuss bat stewardship and citizen science in a noon-hour webinar on June 20.

Coyote Walk, June 21-23 (Regina) 
Artist Jay White will hide from other humans as he walks and camps around Regina from June 21-23. The walk ends prematurely if White is spotted by a human at close range. Members of the public are invited to participate as trackers.

Wildlife Rehab Volunteers, June 22 (Swift Current) 
WRSOS is looking for wildlife rehabilitation volunteers throughout Saskatchewan. They’ll be in Swift Current at 2:30 pm, June 23. Email volunteer@wrsos.org to save your spot.

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

In the News
Put your dollars to work preventing illegal uncontrolled agricultural drainage in Saskatchewan.

WUQWATR is looking for lake enthusiasts in central and southern Saskatchewan to participate in a water sampling project. For more information, contact Melissa Bramham at 306-946-6533 or melissa@wuqwatr.ca.

Endangered Grasslands Alliance, a new Saskatoon-based group, wants to save native grasslands - starting with Saskatoon's Northeast Swale.

Professor Cherie Westbrook is compiling information about Saskatoon’s beavers. Let her know, with GPS coordinates and photograph if possible, if you spot a beaver or a new lodge along the river.

100 all-candidate debates on the environment are being planned across Canada on October 7.

“A one-way flight from Ottawa to Toronto generates roughly 4,718 kg of carbon dioxide, which is about as much pollution as a car emits in an entire year.”

Reusable coffee cups and a package-free supermarket are on trial in the UK.

A municipality is sowing 27 wildflower meadows in its parks and open spaces to create a 7-mile bee corridor.

The Climate Change Toolkit for Health Professionals provides educational and advocacy resources.

“The pigeon is not a glamorous bird,” but Jon Day, author of Homing, “comes to admire their resilience, the ‘cocky, parasitic chanciness’ that allows them to thrive cheek-by-jowl with us.” [book review]

A praise song for unloved animals – even the most maligned creatures of backyards and roadsides have a potent purpose in the world.

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/Sunday & Other Green Thumb Activities in Saskatchewan

It’s never too soon to start planning ahead for spring planting. Below are upcoming Seedy Saturday and Sunday events across Saskatchewan as well as a list of organizations hosting garden-related events.

Seedy Saturday/Sunday 
Yorkton, February 23 
Yorkton Seedy Saturday will be held from 11 am-4:30 pm, Feb. 23, at SIGN on Broadway. Buy or swap seeds, local crafters/homesteading/canning, and more.

Prince Albert, February 24 
Prince Albert Seedy Sunday will be held from 1-5 pm, Feb. 24, at the John M. Cuelenaere Library. Exchange seeds, buy heirloom seeds, learn about the importance of healthy soil, and kids can make seed bombs.

Lanigan, February 28 
Lanigan Seedy Thursday will be held from 5:30-8:30 pm, Feb. 28, at the Lanigan Branch Library. There will be a small garden talk and question and answer at 6:30 pm.

Regina, March 2
Regina Seedy Saturday will be held from 10 am-3 pm, Mar. 2, at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral (1861 McIntyre Street). Talk gardening, buy seeds, enjoy the kids’ area, and get advice on how to plan your garden.

Moose Jaw, March 3
Moose Jaw Seedy Sunday will be held from 10 am-2 pm, Mar. 3, at the Moose Jaw Public Library.

Saskatoon, March 9 
Saskatoon Seedy Saturday will be held from 10 am-3 pm, Mar. 9 at Station 20 West.

Indian Head, March 10
Indian Head Seedy Sunday will be held from 1-4 pm, Mar. 10 at the Indian Head Heritage Club (505 Otterloo Street).

North Battleford, March 23
North Battleford Seedy Saturday will be held from 12-4 pm, Mar. 23, in the Don Ross Centre Craft Room.

Meadow Lake, March 24
Meadow Lake Seedy Sunday will be held the afternoon of Mar. 24 at the Meadow Lake Senior Citizens Activity Centre.

For information about Seedy Saturday events across Canada, check the Seeds of Diversity website.

Additional Green Thumb Activities/Organizations 
Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company 
Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company supplies native wildflower and heirloom vegetable seeds and plants for gardens and restoration projects.

Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is offering a two-day training for individuals interested in joining Saskatoon’s team of compost coaches on March 2 and 3. Email compost@swrc.ca for more details.

Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting (Regina) 
Over the next few months, Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting will be offering urban/edible perennial plant walks and foraging tours, an 18-hour course on edible and medicinal plants, and an introduction to permaculture.

Immersed in Nature (Saskatoon) 
Immersed in Nature Photography will be offering nature immersion walks this spring and summer. Check their Facebook page for details.

Permaculture (Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon)
Join your local permaculture association:
Permaculture Regina
Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon)
Prince Albert Parkland Permaculture Guild

Regina Horticultural Society (Regina) 
The Regina Horticultural Society holds monthly educational events.

Seed Libraries (Prince Albert, Saskatoon) 
Seed libraries provide free access to viable native open-pollinated seeds.
Prince Albert Seed Library
Saskatoon Seed Library

The Garden Patch (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre’s Garden Patch offers a wide variety of workshops throughout the gardening season. Check their Facebook page for details.

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, January 8, 2019

Happy New Year! There's lots to look forward to.

Upcoming Events 
Rob Dumont Principles in Action, Jan. 9 (Saskatoon) 
Dave Palibroda will discuss putting Rob Dumont’s principles into action at the Jan. 9 breakfast meeting of EMTF Saskatchewan.

Carbonless Concert, Jan. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Enjoy a free carbonless concert at Louis’ Loft on campus from 6:30-9:30 pm, Jan. 10.

Regina Beach Enviro Collective, Jan. 12 (Regina Beach) 
The Regina Beach Enviro Collective is meeting at 3 pm, Jan. 12.

Soil & Permaculture, Jan. 12 (Regina) 
Join Permaculture Regina at 1:30 pm, Jan. 12, at the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre for a brief AGM and to share knowledge about soil and upcoming permaculture projects.

Year-round Composting, Jan. 12 (Regina)
Learn how to compost year-round from 2-3 pm, Jan. 12, at the Central Library.

Zero Waste 101, Jan. 15 (Saskatoon) 
Meg Dorwart will share how she’s lived waste-free for the past 2 years from 7-8:30 pm, Jan. 15, as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series organized by the Saskatoon Public Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.

Smarter Science, Better Buildings, Jan. 15 - Feb. 15 (Saskatoon) 
Grade 7 students and the general public are invited to view the Smarter Science, Better Buildings exhibit at Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum, Jan. 15-Feb. 15.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Jan. 13, 9-11 am – Chorney acreage bird feeders
Jan. 20, 2:15-3:15 pm – Visit to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation facility
Jan. 27, 9 am-4 pm – Snowy Owl census
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 
Changes are afoot at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. But is the City paying attention to the important issues of animal welfare, environmental conservation, and education?

Michelle Brass is offering climate change workshops to Saskatchewan First Nations to discuss and develop solutions rooted in Indigenous values.

City Councillor Andrew Stevens discusses the evolution of Renewable Regina: “Even in the heartland of oil and gas there is excitement about the potential of increasing our reliance on renewable energy and in moving away from fossil fuels as a source of electricity.”

Oil Fall - how clean energy, electric cars, and grid technology will profoundly impact the oil market [book review]

Spain is making sure displaced workers are taken care of when they shut 26 coal mines.

Walkable cities are good for the economy - and for people!

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, November 27, 2018

Upcoming Events
Permaculture Regina, Nov. 27 (Regina)
The Permaculture Regina board is meeting tonight at 6 pm at 2138 McIntyre Street (use side door). Everyone welcome - bring your ideas and enthusiasm.

Gardiner Dam Birding, Dec. 1 (Saskatoon)
Join Saskatoon Nature Society on a birding trip to Gardiner Dam from 9 am-5 pm, Dec. 1.

Storytime at the Zoo, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 (Saskatoon)
Enjoy a story in the company of an animal at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo from 1:30-2:30 pm, Dec. 4, 5, 11, & 12.

Lakeview Community Climate Conversation, Dec. 4 (Regina)
Jared Clarke’s grade 6-7 class is hosting the second Lakeview Community Climate Conversation at 6:30 pm, Dec. 4, in the Lakeview School gymnasium. They’ll be showing An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power.

Check out this video where the students share the importance of solar power to Saskatchewan.



Enviro Collective Regina, Dec. 5 (Regina)
The Regina Enviro Collective will be meeting at 7 pm, Dec. 5, at the Artesian.

Outdoor Educator Social, Dec. 5 (Saskatoon)
SaskOutdoors invites all outdoor educators to a social from 3:30-7 pm, Dec. 5, in Saskatoon.

Energy Efficiency Alberta, Dec. 5 (Saskatoon)
Peter Love will discuss Energy Efficiency Alberta at the Dec. 5 breakfast meeting of SK Energy Management Task Force.

Winter Commuter Cycling Workshop, Dec. 6 (Regina)
Bike Regina is hosting a winter cycling discussion at 7 pm, Dec. 6.

Climate Alarm March, Dec. 8
Citizens for Climate are inviting communities around the world to join with people in France in holding a climate alarm march on Dec. 8 to to encourage COP24 world representatives to adopt important measures limiting global warming.

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

Art & Nature
Artist Gerald Beaulieu's road-killed crows are too large to ignore - they say what most roadkill never get the chance to say - notice me.

An exhibit of 3 centuries of American art at Princeton University uncovers relationships between art, nature, politics, slavery, national parks, and more.

In the News
Saskatchewan lakes and dugouts act as carbon sinks - one more reason to stop draining our farmlands

Birds of Saskatchewan is available for pre-order. Order your copy now.

 

A useful overview of the history of Alberta's oil industry. If it's in trouble now, it's because of past choices. Should government intervene now when companies rejected intervention in the past?

Pedestrianized streets are kid-friendly - and everyone benefits.

What makes a transit system great? An excerpt from Trains, Buses, People: An Opinionated Atlas of US Transit by Christof Spieler.

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 10, 2018

Wild child adventures, a Fairy Hill marsh walk, and poplar potions - spring magic!

Upcoming Events
Poplar Potion, Apr. 12 (Saskatoon)
Walk through Poplar Bluffs and learn about the harvest and preparation of poplar buds from 5:30-7:30 pm, Apr. 12.

Leave No Trace, Apr. 12 (Saskatoon) 
Andrea Nelson, SaskOutdoors, will talk about how to care for the wildlands at 11:45 am, Apr. 12, Innovation Place Saskatoon.

Islands of Grass, Apr. 13 (Saskatoon)
Branimir Gjetvaj will present Islands of Grass at 2 pm, Apr. 13, at the Frances Morrison Library.

Saskatchewan Living Green Expo, Apr. 13-15 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatchewan Living Green Expo festival and trade-show is Apr. 13-15 in Saskatoon.

Birding Field Trip, Apr. 14 (Regina)
Join Nature Regina to look for mountain bluebirds and waterfowl on Apr. 14 along Route 99 and at Fairy Hills Marsh.

March for Science, Apr. 14 (Saskatoon)
March for Science Saskatoon is hosting March for Science on Apr. 14.

Climate Crisis Implications & Solutions, Apr. 16 (Regina)
Jared Clarke will discuss the climate crisis: implications and solutions for Saskatchewan at the 7:30 pm, Apr. 16 meeting of Nature Regina.

Environmental Society AGM, Apr. 18 (Saskatoon)
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society will hold their annual general meeting on Apr. 18 starting with a wine and cheese at 6:30 pm and a presentation by Christopher Spence, Global Institute for Water Security, at 7 pm.

Life in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Apr. 19 (Saskatoon)
Dr. Patricia Thomas will discuss Life in the Exclusion Zone: Chernobyl, Swallows, Wild Horses, Fungi, and Cesium-137 at the Apr. 19 meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Permaculture Saskatchewan AGM, Apr. 19 (Saskatoon)
Permaculture Saskatchewan will be holding their annual general meeting and showing the permaculture film Inhabit on Apr. 19.

SK Breeding Bird Atlas Workshop, Apr. 21 (Saskatoon)
The SK Breeding Bird Atlas is offering an introductory workshop on bird identification and using your birding skills to contribute sightings to the Atlas from 9 am-noon, Apr. 21.

Looking Ahead
Chaplin & Reed Lake Shorebird Survey, May 1-June 14 (Chaplin Lake)
The 4th annual Chaplin & Reed Lake Shorebird Survey is looking for volunteers to help them track the migratory shorebirds that travel through Chaplin Lake.

Nature Grandparenting, May 1-June 18 (Saskatoon)
Witness seasonal changes in nature with your grandchild during the spring session of Nature Grandparenting hosted by Wildernook Fresh Air Learning and SaskOutdoors on Tuesdays (2 sessions/day) from May 1-June 18 in Saskatoon.

Would You Like an Upcycled Art Workshop?, Sept. 23-30 (Saskatoon)
Medha Batt, an artist from India, will be travelling through Saskatoon from Sept. 23-30 and is interested in offering workshops or presentations emphasizing local environmental issues and using household discards to create art. Medha can be reached on her professional Facebook page.

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

Reading & Listening
Take a look at the new, Saskatchewan-based SLIP Channel, Canada’s weekly green living news magazine.

Happiness by Aminatta Forna is about the unseen residents of our cities: the foxes, coyotes, and parakeets but also the street sweepers, doormen, and dishwashers. Do we welcome these immigrants to our cities or do we reject them? Who is part of our community? (highly recommended by Penny)

Listen to a Defender Radio webinar on protecting coyotes and other wildlife and keeping human park users safe.

In the News
A Wild Child Adventure School for 3-12 year olds is being set up at Wild Spirit Prairie Sanctuary. The school will offer mini adventures for 3-5 year olds, after-school adventures for 5-12 year olds, and homeschooling Fridays.

The Lower Qu’Appelle Watershed has issued a Quality and Quantity Review providing a useful overview of the factors affecting our water supply.

"There’s a stark choice to be made: stick with GDP growth as our Prime Directive and continue to unpick the web of life, or evolve beyond it and create new possibilities for human and planetary flourishing."

The gigantic data centers that power the internet consume vast amounts of electricity and emit as much CO2 as the airline industry.

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).

2018 Seedy Saturday/Sunday in Saskatchewan

Seedy Saturday (Sunday)
Yorkton, February 24
12:30-4 pm, Saturday, Feb. 24 – Yorkton Victory Church

Pilger, February 25
1-5 pm, Sunday, Feb. 25 - Middle Lake Multiplex

Regina, March 3
10 am-3 pm, Saturday, Mar. 3 – St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral (1861 McIntyre Street). Advice from seasoned gardeners on choosing seeds, adapting to climate, harvesting, and more

Moose Jaw, March 4
10 am-3 pm, Sunday, March 4 – Moose Jaw Public Library.  Seed library, film screening, bee conservation (and honey)

Saskatoon, March 10 
10 am-3 pm, Saturday, March 10 – Station 20 West. Vendors, exhibits, workshops, and storytelling for kids

Indian Head, March 11 
1-4 pm, Sunday, March 11 – Indian Head Heritage Club (505 Otterloo Street)

Saskatoon, March 18 
10 am-3 pm, Sunday, March 18 – Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

North Battleford, March 24 
12-4 pm, Saturday, March 24 – Don Ross Centre Craft Room (891 – 99th Street)

Meadow Lake, March 25
10 am-3 pm, Sunday, March 25 – location not yet determined

Prince Albert, April 21 
9 am-5 pm, Saturday, April 21 – John M. Cuelenaere Public Library

For information about Seedy Saturday events across Canada, check the Seeds of Diversity website.

Additional Events
Plant Walks (Regina)
Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting offers seasonal walks to identify local wild edible and medicinal plants:
Spring Plant Walk, May 26
Summer Plant Walk, July 14
Autumn Plant Walk, Sept. 23

Lichen Nature (Saskatoon)
Lichen Nature offers a variety of nature walks to identify plants and observe wildlife.

Compost Coach Training (Saskatoon)
Take a two-day training on Mar. 3 & 4 and join Saskatoon’s team of compost coaches.

Permaculture
Join your local permaculture association:
Permaculture Regina
Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon)
Prince Albert Parkland Permaculture Guild

EcoSask News, January 23, 2018

Upcoming Events
Starting Your Zero-Waste Journey, Jan. 24 (Saskatoon)
Cassandra Stinn will share her insights on going zero waste from 7-8:30 pm, Jan. 24, at Soul Foods Conscious Grocer.

Climate Change Initiatives in Saskatoon, Jan. 25/27 & Survey (Saskatoon)
Residents, organizations, and businesses are invited to complete online surveys (Jan. 16-Feb. 15) to help the City of Saskatoon identify climate action opportunities, priorities, and areas of interest. They’ll be hosting a pop-up conversation at the University of Saskatchewan from 11 am-2 pm, Jan. 25 and at Wintershines from 12-3 pm, Jan. 27.

Wintershines, Jan. 27-Feb. 4 (Saskatoon)
Head outdoors during Wintershines from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4 in Saskatoon.

Going Zero Waste, Jan. 28 (Regina)
Find ways to minimize your impact on the environment from 2-3:30 pm, Jan. 28, at the Sunrise Branch Library, Regina.

Renewable Power – the Intelligent Choice, Jan. 29 (Prince Albert) 
Renewable Power – the Intelligent Choice Prince Albert is meeting at 7 pm, Jan. 29, at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library.

Permaculture Regina AGM, Jan. 29 (Regina)
Permaculture Regina will hold their annual general meeting on Jan. 29. For further information, email permacultureregina@gmail.com

Greater Sage-Grouse Recovery from a Landowner Perspective, Jan. 31 (Mankota)
Miles Anderson will discuss Greater Sage-grouse Recovery from a Landowner Perspective at 7 pm, Jan. 31, in Mankota as part of PCAP-SK’s Native Prairie Speaker series.

Campus Master Plan Community Open House, Jan. 31 (Saskatoon)
See the work to date and share your ideas on the Preliminary Concept Plan for the Campus Master Plan from 5-8 pm, Jan. 31.

Looking Ahead
Transboundary Grasslands Workshop, Feb. 13-15 (Montana)
The Transboundary Grasslands Workshop, featuring presentations on challenges facing wildlife and human communities in the grasslands of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana, will be held Feb. 13-15 in Glasgow, Montana.

Snowlandia, Feb. 20-23 (Saskatoon)
Wildernook is offering Snowlandia, an opportunity for young women ages 10-12 to be active outdoors during the winter break from Feb. 20-23.

Passive House Planning Package, Mar. 8-10 (Saskatoon)
Passive House Canada is offering instruction in using the Passive House Planning Package modelling software to design a passive house Mar. 8-10 in Saskatoon.

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

In the News
The Co-op is awarding $2 million in Western Canada to projects enhancing community recreation spaces, preserving natural places, and small-scale urban agriculture initiatives. Apply between Feb. 1 and Mar. 1, 2018.

Trevor Herriot is celebrating the Year of the Bird with a Facebook page entitled Sparrows for a Penny and will be posting photographs and anecdotes celebrating birds’ intrinsic value.

Angie Bugg, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, shares tips on how to keep your home cozy and save energy by checking for drafts.

Some birding groups are refusing to post photos of nesting and snowy owls out of respect for the birds.

Bales of clothes – some worn out, others barely worn – are recycled in India. The workers wonder why they were discarded: Maybe white people don't like washing them? Maybe water is more expensive than clothes? [short video]

“We may be living longer, but we are doing it in a way that will rob our children of their health, well-being and long lives”

The impacts of diminishing snow cover on ecosystems, animals, and plants can be highly disruptive. 

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 16, 2018

Upcoming Events
Winterruption Outdoor Activities, Jan. 18-21 (Saskatoon)
Broadway District is hosting a range of outdoor activities from Jan. 18-21.

Climate Crisis: Implications & Solutions for SK, Jan. 20 (Indian Head)
Jared Clarke will present the most recent climate change data and their implications at a 2 pm, Jan. 20, meeting hosted by the Indian Head Natural History Society.

Permaculture Book Club, Jan. 21 (Regina)
The Permaculture Book Club usually meets from 1-3 pm on the third Sunday of every month. Their next meeting is on Jan. 21 at Atlantis Coffeehouse to discuss The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben.

Walking Saskatoon, Jan. 21 (Saskatoon)
Everyone is invited to attend the Walking Saskatoon meeting from 1-3 pm, Jan. 21.

Moose Jaw Nature Society, Jan. 22 (Moose Jaw)
Learn about owls with the Moose Jaw Nature Society from 6:30-8:30 pm, Jan. 22.

Regina Solar Coop, Jan. 22 (Regina)
Regina Solar Coop is meeting from 7-9 pm, Jan. 22, at the Bushwakker Pub.

Introduction to Permaculture, Jan. 23 (Regina)
Learn about the principles of permaculture from 7-8:30 pm, Jan. 23, at the Connaught Branch Library, Regina.

Nighthawks and Nightjars, Jan. 23 (webinar)
Elly Knight is offering a webinar on nighthawks and nightjars at noon, Jan. 23, as part of the PCAP-SK Prairie Speaker series.

Experiment in Citizen Conservation, Jan. 25 (Saskatoon)
Dale Parker will chronicle efforts to create a nature sanctuary at Ruddy Duck Lodge and document its biodiversity at 7 pm, Jan. 25, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Islands of Grass, Jan. 27 (Regina)
Branimir Gjetvaj and Trevor Herriot will present Islands of Grass at 1 pm, Jan. 27, at the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan’s AGM.

Wascana Walk & Imax Pandas, Jan. 27 (Regina)
Join Nature Regina for a walk in Wascana Park followed by the film, Pandas – The Journey Home, at the Kramer Imax Theatre from 9:30 am-12 pm, Jan. 27.

Gone Wild for Wildlife, Jan. 27 (Saskatoon)
Gone Wild for Wildlife, a wildlife and nature educational event, will be held from 10 am-5 pm, January 27, at the Saskatoon German Cultural Center.

Wascana Unstructured Play Day, Jan. 27 (Regina)
Join SaskOutdoors at Wascana Marsh from 2-4 pm, Jan. 27, for an afternoon of family fun.

Carbonless Concert, Jan. 27 (Saskatoon)
Round two of a series of carbonless concerts begins on Jan. 27 from 6:30-9 pm at D’Lish by Tish.

Looking Ahead
AB/SK Renewable Energy Finance Summit, Feb. 5/6 (Calgary)
The Alberta and Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Finance Summit, Feb. 5 & 6 in Calgary, will focus on financing and delivering successful projects in Western Canada.

Sustainability Slam, Feb. 15 (Saskatoon)
The U of S Graduate Students’ Association’s Sustainability Slam on Feb. 15 is a chance for students to share their opinions of what the university should and could be doing for sustainability, to take care of the land, protect our environment, and our people and cultures.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Jan. 28, 2:15-3:15 pm – Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Visit
Feb. 3, 1-4 pm – Beaver Creek Winter Botany
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
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation offers educational programming with Cheesie and Crackers, 13-Lined Ground Squirrels.

Saskatoon Young Naturalists celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. What an accomplishment! Take a look at their newsletter.

The Saskatchewan Alliance for Water Sustainability is petitioning the federal government to stop water from Quill Lakes entering Last Mountain Lake.

Guidelines for building housing in a nature-friendly way from the UK’s Wildlife Trusts. And a housing development by the Thames maintains bird, fish, and plant habitat.

Light pollution may promote the spread of West Nile virus.

Urban forests are under threat from climate change.

What do we really measure when we discuss energy efficiency? Why doesn't it result in energy savings? How about a new approach - energy sufficiency?

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, November 28, 2017

Upcoming Events
Islands of Grass, Nov. 30 (Saskatoon) 
Branimir Gjetvaj will share his thoughts on Canadian grasslands and show images from Islands of Grass at 2 pm, Nov. 30, at Mayfair Library.
 
Prince Albert Parkland Permaculture Guild Christmas Party, Dec. 1 (Prince Albert) 
Prince Albert Parkland Permaculture Guild is holding their annual Christmas party on Dec. 1.

Lakeview Community Climate Conversation, Dec. 5 (Regina) 
Jared Clarke’s Grade 6/7 class at Lakeview School is hosting a community climate conversation at 7 pm, Dec. 6. Call 306-791-8513 for further information.

Resource-based Economies & Sustainability, Dec. 6 (Regina) 
A panel discussion on Resource-based Economies & Sustainability: the case of Saskatchewan will be presented at 7 pm, Dec. 6, as part of the University of Regina’s Faculty of Arts’ series.

Wild Species Data Sharing, Dec. 6 (webinar) 
Jeff Keith, SK Conservation Data Centre, will present a webinar on the value and tools available for sharing data on Saskatchewan’s wild species at noon, Dec. 6.

Carbon Tax in Saskatchewan, Dec. 6 (Saskatoon)
Dr. Brett Dolter and Ecofiscal Com, University of Ottawa, will discuss carbon tax in Saskatchewan at the Dec. 6 meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

SaskOutdoors Winter Networking Event, Dec. 7 (Regina) 
Join SaskOutdoors for a winter networking event of outdoor and environmental educators from 7-9 pm, Dec. 7.

Fetch your own Christmas Tree, Dec. 9 (near Alvena) 
A former owner of the Nature Conservancy’s Messier property planted spruce trees, but they’re not native to this area and their presence could have a negative impact on the native habitat. You’re invited to come and chop down your own Christmas tree from 1-3 pm, Dec. 9.

Nature Regina Christmas Social, Dec. 11 (Regina) 
Nature Regina is holding a Christmas Social with members’ photos at 7 pm, Dec. 11.

Wascana Family Play Day, Dec. 16 (Regina) 
Bring the family to Wascana Marsh from 2-4 pm, Dec. 16, for a Family Play Day organized by SaskOutdoors.

Looking Ahead
Building Operator Training, Feb. 2 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is offering a one-day workshop on Feb. 2 in Saskatoon for small businesses that would like to make their buildings more energy-efficient.

Native Prairie Restoration & Reclamation Workshop, Feb. 7 & 8 (Saskatoon) 
The theme of this year’s Native Prairie Restoration & Reclamation Workshop, Feb. 7 & 8 in Saskatoon, is Look to the Future: Learn from the Past.

Transboundary Grasslands Workshop, Feb. 13-15 (Montana) 
The Transboundary Grasslands Workshop, featuring presentations on challenges facing wildlife and human communities in the grasslands of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana, will be held Feb. 13-15 in Glasgow, Montana.

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

Kids in Nature Grant (Saskatoon)
The Saskatoon Nature Society is now taking applications for their Kids in Nature Grant. The grant was established to strengthen existing programs and encourage new initiatives that connect youth in the Saskatoon area with nature. The application deadline is December 31, 2017. Information and applications are available on the Saskatoon Nature Society website.

In the News
Glitter has a devastating impact on human and non-human animals alike.

50M tonnes of e-waste! We need better systems for recycling electronics.

The challenge of EnergieSprong is to retrofit ordinary homes to the standard of a zero-carbon eco-home, but at a fraction of the cost.

Canmore community members are passionate about protecting the space and habitat wildlife require.

What if we banned cars in cities? “It’s not just about banning cars. Cities also have to help their citizens live without a car. This means they must approve taller buildings, get rid of parking minimums, and expand public transit options. Build rail instead of roads. Turn gas stations into bike kiosks. Convert parking lots to sidewalks. Provide a fleet of low-speed zero-emission vehicles (like golf carts!) to make deliveries and help residents get around. And introduce better technology solutions to help everyone navigate the city more efficiently.” 

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).