EcoSask News, May 11, 2021

This Week’s Highlights 

The Provincial Association of Resort Communities of Saskatchewan is hosting a series of webinars on water, including one on the rights of nature at 7 pm, May 19. 

Natures Wild Neighbours Society invites you to upload your nature-inspired art, photography, writing, video, or music entry before June 1, 2021, for a chance to win some wild prizes (full contest details). 

Upcoming Events 

Permaculture Saskatchewan is holding its annual general meeting online at 7 pm, May 17. 

Join Nature Regina from 7-8:30 pm, May 17, for a presentation on the Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project. Several Nature Regina members have been selected to be Butterflyway rangers. 

There will be a virtual panel discussion on climate risk disclosure and Saskatchewan business from 12-1:30 pm, May 18. Register early to avoid disappointment. 

For Our Kids Saskatchewan will share information and ideas for climate action from 7-8:30 pm, May 20, online. 

SaskOutdoors is offering a Paddle Canada Lake Canoe course in Saskatoon from May 22-24. 

Looking Ahead 

The Society for Range Management – Prairie Parkland Chapter is holding a hands-on/virtual learning workshop on May 26-27 entitled Back to the Field: Discovering the Dunes in Dundurn: Range Health and Rare Plants. 

SaskOutdoors is hosting a remote first aid workshop near Saskatoon on June 5-6. 

Local News 

The public is invited to complete an online survey between May 12 and June 2 on the City of Saskatoon's proposed Renewable Energy Strategy that will inventory, analyze, and prioritize renewable energy options in Saskatoon based on their financial, environmental, and social impacts.

A grade 7 class from Lac La Ronge Indian Band has collected over 20,000 signatures calling on the government to reject a proposal to mine peat moss near La Ronge. 

Urban Transit 

Take a close look at all the different modes of urban transit and there’s one that stands head and shoulders above all the others in terms of environmental impact – cycling. “We need more bikes generally and more e-bikes specifically on the road, which means your city needs to invest in bike-lane infrastructure to make people safe and comfortable on two wheels.” 

The City of Orlando is rewarding its citizens for walking, cycling, and taking public transit. 

Energy 

An Alberta farmer is taking abandoned oil well sites and transforming them into solar farms. “Farmers get new lease revenues, counties get taxes lost from abandoned wells and presto energy transition.” 

“Anyone doing home renovations or a new build should take time to ensure their electrical grid is equipped to handle an electric-vehicle charging station.” 

“Creepy Crawlies” 

Pesticides are killing the earthworms, beetles, ants, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates that are critical to maintaining healthy soils. 

“Spiders need our help, and we may need to overcome our biases and fears to make that happen.” Spiders have “enormous ecological value as food for birds and other animals. They’re also important to people, both as predators of pest species and as inspiration for medicines and engineering.” 

Did you know? Grass Spider are also called Funnel Weaver Spider as they construct a flat, horizontal web across the grass or around buildings with a funnel on one side where they hide. The web isn't sticky, but it slows down any insects (usually flying ones) that try to cross it. The spider then rushes out from where it is hiding to grab its prey. (Nature Companion)

EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner). 

Community Highlight: One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project

Elizabeth Bekolay shares the story behind the One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project. 

1. How and when did you form your group? 

The idea came in August of 2018. I was in a ceremony with some family and friends and I was praying for guidance on how to help the land and future generations. The phrase came fully formed - one school one farm. All the connections were there in an instant: the need for more biodiversity, the need for more diverse shelterbelts that provide more ecological and economic services, the need to sequester carbon, the need to care for the water cycle, the need to bridge the ever-growing rural-urban divide of community and understanding, the need to get kids' hands in the dirt and give them purpose, and the need to address nature deficit issues and to teach ecological literacy. 

Our board came together through gatherings the following winter and we were registered as a federal non-profit in July of 2019. 

2. What are your principal activities and why do you believe they’re important? 

We connect a teacher with a land steward and facilitate the relationship that will culminate in the planting of an eco-buffer, prairie strip, or whatever design adds to the biodiversity and carbon sequestration potential of the land. So far this has included consulting on design, species selection, and ecological functions. 

3. What were your successes (big or small) in 2020? 

In 2020 we planned our pilot project and, even though it was cancelled because of Covid, this gave our group and participants time to settle into the process and build further on the relationships. Many students in the class involved last year are still involved this year, so that is positive. 

4. What would you like to achieve in 2021? 

We plan to have a wildly successful pilot project season with 3 different land stewards and 4 different classes planting an ecobuffer, a prairie restoration, and a food forest. We have students growing out plants for these projects right now (photos attached of the Walter Murray Outdoor School prairie plant nursery set up). 

GROVICTORIA: Groveland Regenerative Farm and Ecole Victoria School, Saskatoon (Ben Oaken's grade 6/7 class) 

Goal: To design and plant an eco-buffer shelterbelt 

The students have been researching eco-buffer design and all of the species they hope to incorporate. They are using Minecraft to lay out the design with specific symbols and legenda to indicate the species they are adding. Grovenland has 500 trees coming in early May. 

WALTERESTORATION: Restoring 71 and Walter Murray School, Saskatoon (Outdoor School and Brian Thorstad's Grade 9 class) 

Goal: Prairie restoration 

The students have been growing prairie plants for the Restoring 71 site. With the support of the South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards, each student will also have a shrub to plant. The group is learning about soil health from a PhD student in soil science. 

5. If you could have 3 wishes for improving your community, what would they be? 

1. One more board member who also wants to be the treasurer 

2. Enough money to hire an executive director to keep us and all the projects organized 

3. A membership in all related organizations so that we can support good work being done around the province and country

6. Are there volunteer opportunities with your organization? If so, please describe them and indicate how people can contact you. 

Yes! Here is a list. We can offer guidance on all of these as well. Just email oneschoolonefarm@gmail.com 

- Grow native trees, shrubs, flowers, or grasses for donating to the projects 

- Grow fruit-bearing trees and shrubs for donating 

- Create lesson plans for teachers around active engagement in ecological restoration, ecological literacy, nutrient cycling, soil health, biodiversity etc. 

- Help with our online presence (we are severely lacking in this area) 

- Become a board member (we need one with mad skills in fundraising, setting up charities, etc.) 

- And, always, fundraising! 

See Also 

It’s Okay to Go Wild! The Restoring 71 Project 

From Ranches to Classrooms: The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan 

Shelterbelt DSS: Database, Resources, Planner

Local, Provincial, and National Environmental Organizations

We’re planning to highlight the work of volunteer organizations in our communities on a regular basis over the next year. Do email us if you would like your organization to be profiled on EcoFriendly Sask. 

EcoFriendly Sask supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives through an online publication, an events calendar, small grants, and the Nature Companion website/app. You can follow EcoFriendly Sask by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by email (top right corner).

EcoSask News, September 22, 2020

Upcoming Events 

Sustainable YXE, Sept. 24 (online) 

The Saskatoon Public Library is hosting a program to help teens engage with others who share an interest in environmental sustainability. The first session is at 6 pm, Sept. 24. 

International Climate Strike, Sept. 25 (Saskatoon) 

YXE Youth Climate Committee is hosting a socially distanced (masks mandatory) climate strike from 1-2:30 pm, Sept. 25. 

Birds for Beginners, Sept. 25 (online) 

LeeAnn Latremouille, Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator, will host a Zoom presentation on beginner bird identification at 2 pm, Sept. 25, for the Saskatoon Public Library. 

Wildlife Rehab AGM, Sept. 26 (online) 

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan is holding a virtual annual general meeting at 2 pm, Sept. 26. Register in advance. 

Household Hazardous Waste Days, Sept. 26 & 27 (Regina) 

City of Regina is holding Household Hazardous Waste Days on Sept. 26 (9 am-4 pm) and Sept. 27 (9 am-4 pm). 

Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency, Sept. 30 (online) 

Join Seth Klein, author of A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency, for an evening of music, a reading, author Q&A, and a panel discussion with local climate emergency activists from 7-8:30 pm, Sept. 30.  

Climate Action Networking, Oct. 1 (online)

Are you working on climate change issues in Saskatoon? Register for an evening of networking and presentations on key climate policies from 7-8:30 pm, Oct. 1.

Saskatoon Nature Society 

Golden Eagles 

Sept. 24, 9 am – Petrofka Orchard & Trails 

Oct. 1, 9 am – Radisson Lake 

Oct. 8, 9 am – Whooping Cranes (members only) 

Oct. 15, 9 am – Blackstrap & area 

Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate. 

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 

Sept. 26, 1:45-9:30 pm – Goose & Crane Trip 

Oct. 10, 8 am-5 pm – Whooping Crane Field Trip 

Oct. 12, 9:30-11:30 am – Woodlawn Cemetery Bird Walk 

Field trips are currently for members only, so sign up now.

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

Local News 

Regina citizens have responded to a motion by Regina City Council to go 100% renewable with community meetings and a report emphasizing the need to include equity in the plan. 

Northern Saskatchewan residents can make a valuable scientific contribution by monitoring bird species and letting people know about species decline. 

Northeast Swale Watchers have updated their website – find out why speed kills. 

From Information to Action 

The less you rake, the more you help fight climate change and save biodiversity. 

A new report demonstrates how countries can tap into the undervalued potential of their wetland systems to fight climate change. 

Reclaiming golf courses and waterways – how volunteer rewilders are building a new harmony with nature. 

That’s Amazing! 

From emergency first aid to spy games and booby traps – how plants defend themselves from insects. 

It pays to have a beak! Why birds survived and dinosaurs went extinct. 

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

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

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

Introducing Nature Companion: An Entry-Level Nature App for Canada's Four Western Provinces

“Be an explorer of your own streams and oceans . . . . It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Henry David Thoreau 

You’re walking in a park or by a river and you spot a small frog, an orange butterfly, a bird pecking on a tree, or a shrub with red berries. What is it? Is the animal you spotted from a distance a coyote or a cougar? What is the tall yellow flower growing beside the road?

Four years ago, Andrew McKinlay was hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas and was frustrated. He was seeing all sorts of interesting plants, insects, trees, and other wildlife but was struggling to identify them. “What I need is one app that lists the most common plants, trees, animals, insects, reptiles, and birds that I’ll find in a particular area,” he said. “There are lots of specific bird, flower, or insect guides, but nothing together in one convenient package that I can download on my phone for easy access.”

 And so began a new EcoFriendly Sask project. Developed for curious observers, people who are interested in nature, the Nature Companion website/app will help you identify plants and animals in your community or as you travel in Canada’s four western provinces. In just one app, you’ll find basic information about over 300 common plants, trees, birds, animals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Scroll through the colourful photographs and short descriptions to find out more about nature in your community and enjoy the unexpected details in the Did you know? section at the end of each description.

Nature Companion is free (no ads or sign up). It can be accessed either on or off line and can be installed on your phone or tablet.

Whether you’re travelling in another province, an expert on birds but not on reptiles, young or old, or a newcomer to Canada, we hope you will find Nature Companion a useful guide as you explore the natural world.

If you know someone - or many someones - who might be interested in Nature Companion, please share it with them.

A huge vote of thanks to our early reviewers who provided so many helpful suggestions that we've done our best to incorporate into Nature Companion. Please email us your feedback - we'd love to hear from you.

PS Check the Help (the ? at the top right) for assistance in installing the app. The initial download may be slow, but the app should be faster after that.

"The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place themselves under the influence of earth, sea and sky and their amazing life." Rachel Carson

EcoSask News, June 30, 2020

Upcoming Events
Youth Activities, Fridays - July & August (Yorkton & area - online) 
The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association’s summer student is posting activity sheets for ages 4-12 every Friday over the summer months on YFBTA’s Facebook page and blog.

Nature Exploration Activities, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Yorkton & area - online) 
Talia from Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association will be sharing her favorite activities for ages 3-10 to get outside and explore nature every Friday in July. Sessions are pre-recorded and sent by email so you can participate at your leisure.

Household Hazardous Waste, July 5 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste at City of Saskatoon’s Civic Operations Centre from 9 am-3:30 pm, July 5.

Identifying the Big Weeds, July 7 (webinar)
Melanie Toppi will discuss some of the main species of weeds that can be found in Saskatchewan in a noon-hour webinar sponsored by PCAP-SK on July 7.

Pause with Nature, July 9 (online) 
Find out how you can reduce stress and increase well-being with a dose of nature in a Nature Conservancy of Canada webinar at 11:30 am (SK time), July 9.

Hidden Valley Picnic & Wildflowers, July 12 (Regina) 
Join Nature Regina for a picnic and wildflower field trip at Hidden Valley from 4-8 pm, July 12.

Looking Ahead
Nature Exploration Camp, Aug. 4-7 (Yorkton - online) 
Yorkton Family Resource Centre is hosting a virtual nature exploration camp for ages 3-12 at 3 pm, Aug. 4-7, with Talia from Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association.

Generating Momentum, Aug. 6-7 (online) 
Registration is now open for Generating Momentum, an activist leadership training camp, to be held online on Aug. 6-7.

Bird Count, Sept. 12 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Nature Society is looking for volunteers to help with the Sept. 12 Fall Bird Count. If you would like to help, phone Stan Shadick at 306 652-5975 or email trips@saskatoonnature.org and provide your contact information and times that you are available to count birds.

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

Local News
A new technology being piloted in Saskatchewan aims to extract hydrogen from beneath the earth and has the potential to repurpose abandoned oil wells

Saskatchewan uranium mine tailings could become a source of rare earth minerals

Global warming, urban growth and spring run-off from farm fertilizers have increased pollution levels in southern Saskatchewan lakes, leading to a build-up of blue-green algae that produce a cancer-causing toxin

From Information to Action
Tackling inequality could be a primary tactic for effectively fighting climate change

In 2015, Wales passed the Future Generations Act, making it the first country in the world to write responsibility for future generations into law [book review]

“Simply protecting more land will not necessarily preserve more biodiversity in the future—but protecting currently underrepresented types of land might”

Indigenous land guardian programs are an “expression of Indigenous governance over land”

10 storage options for renewable energy

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 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, April 14, 2020

Online Events & Resources
Beavers as a Natural Infrastructure Solution, Apr. 20 (online) 
Find out how to harness beavers’ ability to assist with water storage, flood/drought risk reduction, and quality of life in a one-hour webinar from Cows & Fish and the Miistakis Institute at 11 am, Apr. 20. The webinar targets municipal planners, engineers, and related professionals and practitioners.

Earth Day Songs, Apr. 22 (online) 
Join Glen Sutter for a Facebook Live evening of original tunes and writing on Earth Day, Apr. 22, at 7 pm, and raise money for local environmental action.

One Ocean Connects Us 
Ocean School’s website uses storytelling, technology, and interactive media to help kids and adults understand our influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on us.

Local News
A new U of S smartphone app will help identify freshwater hotspots of nutrient contamination and encourage remedial action to reduce pollution.

The City of Saskatoon has partnered with the University of Saskatchewan to evaluate what contaminants may be entering the local river systems through stormwater.

From Information to Action
“The major impact of coronavirus on the trajectory of climate change . . . must be a collective recognition that rapid and significant voluntary changes in our behavior are possible.”

“The complete decarbonization of the global energy supply will be an extremely challenging undertaking of an unprecedented scale and complexity that will not be accomplished . . . in a matter of a few decades.” (Vaclav Smil, international authority on energy transitions)

The coronavirus crisis highlights three gaps in parks equity: accessibility, funding, and space.

That’s Amazing!
Birds practise social distancing – here’s why.

Research into plant cognition is once again achieving legitimacy within the scientific community.

David Bamberger: “My objective was to take the worst piece of land I could possibly find in the hill country of Texas and begin a process of restoration that would turn it back to one of the best. And that has happened."



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 Saskatchewan 2020

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 plant-related events. Do let us know if we have missed any events or organizations.

Seedy Saturday/Sunday
Yorkton, February 22 
Yorkton Seedy Saturday will be held from 11 am-4 pm, Feb. 22, at 345 Broadway Street. Buy or swap seeds, chat with local vendors, and more.

Prince Albert, February 23 
Prince Albert Seedy Sunday will be held from 1-5 pm, Feb. 23, at the John M. Cuelenaere Library

Regina, March 7
The theme for Regina’s Seedy Saturday on March 7 from 10 am-3 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church is Sustainability in the Home, Garden, and Yard and will include a garden tool exchange.

Moose Jaw, March 8 
Moose Jaw Seedy Sunday will be held from 10 am-2 pm, Mar. 8, at the Moose Jaw Public Library.

Saskatoon, March 14
Celebrate Seedy Saturday seed exchange and eco-fair from 10 am-3 pm, Mar. 14, at Station 20 West.

Indian Head, March 15 
Indian Head Seedy Sunday will be held from 1-4 pm, Mar. 15, at the Heritage Club (505 Otterloo Street).

Battlefords, March 28
Battlefords Seedy Saturday will be held from 12-4 pm, Mar. 23, in the Don Ross Centre Craft Room.

Meadow Lake, March 29
Meadow Lake Seedy Sunday will be held from 12-4 pm, Mar. 29, at the Meadow Lake Senior Citizens Activity Centre. This year’s theme is Grow Your Own with seminars starting at 1 pm on topics such as starting your own bedding plants, garden planning, and crop rotation.

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

Green Thumb 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.

Compost Coach Training (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council offers a two-day training in late February/early March for individuals interested in joining Saskatoon’s team of compost coaches. Email compost@swrc.ca for more details.

Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design and Consulting (Regina) 
Edible Landscapes is offering a course on edible and medicinal plants from July 17-19. The registration deadline is June 15.

Horticultural Societies (Regina, Saskatoon) 
The Regina Horticultural Society holds monthly educational events.
The Saskatoon Horticultural Society offers a quarterly newsletter as well as various events.

Lichen Nature (Saskatoon) 
Lichen Nature offers ecological garden services as well as ecological literacy walks and workshops.

Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan 
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan offers workshops, tours, conferences, and other learning events throughout the year as well as a wide variety of educational resources.

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

Prairie Habitat Garden (Saskatoon) 
The Prairie Habitat Garden is located beside the College of Education, University of Saskatchewan.

Prairie Garden Seeds 
Prairie Garden Seeds has been encouraging home gardening and seed saving since 1986.

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, October 1, 2019

Upcoming Events
Protect Our Boreal Forest, Oct. 2 (Prince Albert) 
Join the Council of Canadians in asking for a moratorium on logging in the boreal forest at 6:30 pm, Oct. 2.

100 Debates on the Environment, Oct. 3 (Saskatoon) 
Saskatoon University is hosting a debate on the environment at 7 pm, Oct. 3, during the federal election campaign.

90 Years of Conservation, Oct. 3 (Moose Jaw) 
Learn about the history and purpose of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation at 2:30 pm, Oct. 3.

Library of Things Fall Meeting, Oct. 3 (Saskatoon) 
Learn what’s happening at the Library of Things at 6 pm, Oct. 3.

100 Debates on the Environment, Oct. 4 (Fort Qu’Appelle) 
Regina Qu’Appelle is hosting a debate on the environment from 7-9 pm, Oct. 4, during the federal election campaign.

SaskOutdoors 50th Birthday Party, Oct. 4 (Echo Lake) 
Join SaskOutdoors in celebrating their 50th anniversary with outdoor activities from 5-10 pm, Oct. 4.

EcoHack, Oct. 4 & 5 (Saskatoon) 
EcoHack will bring together students from across the U of S campus to solve locally sourced environmental/sustainability-related problems.

Traditional Plant Walk, Oct. 6 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society is hosting a traditional plant walk from 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Oct. 6.

Household Hazardous Waste, Oct. 6 (Saskatoon) 
You can dispose of household hazardous waste at City of Saskatoon’s Civic Operations Centre from 9 am – 3:30 pm, Oct. 6.

Wildlife Friendly Fencing, Oct. 6 & 8 (Saskatoon) 
Help Meewasin install wildlife friendly fencing around the Northeast Swale at 2 pm, Oct. 6, and 4 pm, Oct. 8. There will be more opportunities in October; register to stay informed.

The Importance of Grasslands, Oct. 7 (Saskatoon) 
Renny Grilz will discuss the importance of grasslands and show a film about Grasslands National Park at 7:30 pm, Oct. 7, at Grace-Westminster United Church.

Starlight at Sunrise, Oct. 8 (Regina) 
Explore the universe with the Royal Astronomical Society from 7-8:30 pm, Oct. 8.

Organic Waste Diversion, Oct. 9 (Saskatoon) 
Find out about the City of Saskatoon’s plans for organic waste diversion at noon, Oct. 9, at Innovation Place.

Hug a Tree and Survive, Oct. 10 (Prince Albert) 
Find out how children can stay safe in the woods at 7 pm, Oct. 10.

Looking Ahead
Putting Beavers to Work, Oct. 23 & 24 (Calgary) 
A two-day seminar in Calgary on Oct. 23 & 24 will look at beavers’ role in watershed resiliency and restoration through both talks and a coexistence tools demonstration.

Project Wet, Nov. 16 & 30 (Saskatoon, Regina) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting Project Wet workshops in Saskatoon on Nov. 16 and in Regina on Nov. 30.

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

In the News
Be sure to sign the petition to save Saskatoon’s Northeast Swale, which is currently under threat from the Saskatoon Freeway.

“Now is the time for climate change frames that question whether a finite planet can sustain eternal growth.”

Scenarios for a zero-waste future.

“If you see how cars, streetcars, bikes, and pedestrians use this street in Zürich, you can better understand what’s wrong with so many other urban thoroughfares.”

The 3 best eco-friendly toilet papers.

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

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

EcoSask News, July 2, 2019

E. O. Wilson’s most fervent dream: “That somehow we have as a value, a human value, that we not destroy but we protect and study and understand and love the environment that was our birthplace.”

Upcoming Events
Seeds & Plants, July 3 (Churchbridge) 
Learn how to plant seeds plus reading and activities from 2-3 pm, July 3, at Churchbridge Public Library.

Pasqua Nature Conservancy Hike, July 4 (Fort Qu’Appelle) 
The Fort Qu’Appelle Nature Society is planning a nature hike in the Nature Conservancy Pasqua land on July 4. Meet at the train station at 7:30 am to car pool. The hike will last from 8-11 am.

The Natural World, July 6 (Prince Albert) 
Join the Saskatchewan Science Centre for a nature/science program for kids from 9 am-12 pm, July 6.

Hidden Valley Wildflowers, July 6 (Regina) 
Join Nature Regina in looking for wildflowers from 8 am-12 pm, July 6, as they hike their Hidden Valley sanctuary.

Household Hazardous Waste, July 7 (Saskatoon) 
You can dispose of household hazardous waste at City of Saskatoon’s Civic Operations Centre from 9 am–3:30 pm, July 7.

AB Greater Sage-grouse Recovery Program, July 9 (webinar) 
Joel Nicholson, Senior Wildlife Biologist with AB Environment and Parks, will discuss Alberta’s greater sage-grouse recovery program in a noon-hour webinar on July 9.

Composting Workshop, July 11 (Saskatoon) 
Join Saskatoon’s compost coaches for a workshop on composting and low-waste strategies from 7-9 pm, July 11.

Looking Ahead
Wanted – Volunteers, Aug. 25 (Regina) 
Friends of Wascana Marsh are looking for volunteers with a nature/biology background to help them set up a booth, host activities such as pond dipping, and offer guided tours at Harbour Landing’s Summer Bash on Aug. 25. Email friendsofwascanamarsh@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Putting Beavers to Work, Oct. 23 & 24 (Calgary) 
A two-day seminar in Calgary on Oct. 23 & 24 will look at beavers’ role in watershed resiliency and restoration through both talks and a coexistence tools demonstration.

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

In the News
The Endangered Grasslands Alliance has made it easy to express your concerns about the perimeter highway running through the Northeast Swale by emailing your letter to local and provincial politicians directly from their website.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities will be working with First Nations Power Authority and the U of S School of Environment and Sustainability to develop better wind and solar power systems for rural communities.

Federal and provincial government funding will support transition away from coal in Saskatchewan’s mining communities.

Local theatre group tries to promote hope and change in all-ages play about climate change.

Take your car to a self-service car wash – you’ll save water and avoid runoff pollution.

Raymond, AB plans to go solar for all its municipal energy needs – from heating buildings to streetlights.

Growth is pointless in a mature economy. We should be looking for “qualitative improvement rather than economic enlargement.”

A female Arctic fox travelled more than 3500 km from Norway to Canada in just 76 days.

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 18, 2019

Upcoming Events
Household Hazardous Waste Days, June 21/22 (Regina)
City of Regina is holding household hazardous waste days on June 21 and 22.

Green Initiatives, June 22/23 (Gravelbourg)
Gravelbourg Green Vert Initiatives will be at Gravelbourg’s Summer Solstice Festival, June 22-23, with information on recycling, waste reduction, and helping the environment.

Butterfly Count, June 23 (Fort Qu’Appelle) 
The Fort Qu’Appelle Nature Society is holding its annual butterfly count on June 23, weather permitting. Contact Keith at 306.334.2862 if you would like to participate.

Ask-Me Cart Volunteers, June 24 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Zoo Society is holding a training session for summer weekend interpreters for their biological artefact carts from 6-8 pm, June 24. Email info@saskatoonzoosociety.ca to register.

Rural Communities & Climate Change, June 25 (webinar) 
The Sustainability Network and the National Farmers Union – Ontario are offering a webinar on how to engage rural communities on climate change at 11 am CST, June 25.

Looking Ahead 
Prairie Wind Art Exhibits, June 27 (Val Marie) 
Meet the artists of Prairie Wind & Silver Sage’s current art exhibits – The Living Grasslands, photographs by James R. Page, and Small Works from a Big Land with artwork from across the province – from 7:30-9 pm, June 27.

Wilderness First Aid, Sept. 13-15 (Lumsden) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a wilderness first aid training course Sept. 13-15 at Lumsden.

Saskatoon Nature Society
Golden Eagles 
June 20, 7:30 am – NCC property near Maymont
July 11, 8 am – Birds, Gardens & Art
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
June 26, 7:15-8:30 pm - May Haga Memorial Bird Walk
July 1, 9:15 am-2 pm – Wild Orchids Field Trip
July 6, 8:45 am-? – North American Butterfly Count
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 
Saskatoon’s swales are under threat says a recent report by a U of S graduate student. We can have “a functioning native prairie landscape with its biodiversity and wetlands intact, or some more roads and buildings,” but we can’t have both.

Why construct artificial wetlands and stormwater retention ponds if natural wetlands such as Saskatoon’s Northeast Swale are already available?

Canada’s clean energy sector is growing faster than the rest of the country’s economy.

The province of Manitoba has established a $52 million fund to pay farmers for preserving and protecting wetlands on their farms.

The number of plants that have disappeared from the wild is more than twice the number of extinct birds, mammals, and amphibians combined.

Why are highway expansion projects approved with little debate or criticism, while more cost effective and beneficial bikeway and bus service improvements controversial and unfunded?

Victoria, BC, hopes to create life-long transit users by offering free transit to youth under 18.

Canada’s hospitals couldn’t function without single-use plastics.

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 12, 2019

Upcoming Events
Waterfowl & Wetland Conservation, Feb. 15 (Saskatoon)
Howie Harshaw will share insights from waterfowl hunter and birdwatcher surveys into the human dimensions of waterfowl and wetland conservation at 3:30 pm, Feb. 15, as part of the WildEcol seminar series at the U of S.

Repair Café Prince Albert, Feb. 16 (Prince Albert)
Share and learn skills to repair things at Repair Café Prince Albert from 1-4 pm, Feb. 16.

Wascana Solar Co-op Group Buy, Feb. 16 (Regina)
Wascana Solar Co-op’s next group buy will be opening on Feb. 16 and will close Mar. 31. Contact groupbuy@wascanasolarco-op.com to apply and for additional information.

South American Birds, Feb. 18 (Regina) 
Ed Rodger will give an overview of the South American pampas and birds from 7:30-9:30 pm, at the Feb. 18 meeting of Nature Regina.

Urban, Native & Invasive Plant Species, Feb. 19 (Regina) 
Join WUQWATR from 1-4 pm, Feb. 19, at the Sunrise Library for an information session about urban, native, and invasive plant species. There will be family-friendly activities such as seed planting. Contact WUQWATR at 306-529-5125 or Courtney@wuqwatr.ca to reserve your free spot!

Bridging the Gap, Feb. 19 (Saskatoon) 
Climate Justice Saskatoon will share their experience talking to people in the coal-producing communities of Estevan and Coronach from 7-8:30 pm, Feb. 19, as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series organized by the Saskatoon Public Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.

Composting at Innovation Place, Feb. 19 (Saskatoon)
Saskatoon’s Innovation Place has launched a pilot organic waste management program. Tenants can find out more about this program at lunchtime on Feb. 19.

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

In the News
The Electronic Recycling Association's Saskatoon depot collects unwanted/malfunctioning computers and electronic devices and donates the refurbished items to Canadian charities.

Premier Scott Moe has likely already won big by taking on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the carbon tax.

It's not enough to simply establish an urban nature reserve. It will require ongoing monitoring and community education. A bronze statue of a beaver wouldn't hurt either.

Gathering customer feedback is vital for non-profits as well as businesses.

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).

Boxing Day Specials 2018

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."  Rachel Carson 

Books, games, videos, and more to enjoy during the holidays.

Play 
There’s an award-winning video game based on Thoreau’s Walden: “It opens in the summer and for a virtual year, the player, Thoreau, can build a cabin, plant and harvest beans, jot down thoughts in a journal, collect arrowheads, go fishing, and, should the mood strike, stroll over to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s place for a bit of conversation.”

Try your hand at growing a forest with sunlight as your currency in the Photosynthesis board game.

Watch 
Geckos are known for their acrobatic feats. But did you know they can actually race on water?

These microscopic images of seeds are extraordinary.

Discover 
From a purple-flowering yam to a 24-metre tall rainforest tree, Kew Gardens’ scientists identified 172 plants new to science in 2018.

Read 
Fox 8 by George Saunders is the story of a fox who learns to talk Yunan by listening to children’s bedtime stories, goes shopping at the mall, and tries to save his pack when their food supply runs out.

"I come home with a chicken or a rabbit and sit up singing all night with my friends. It’s baroque, my life, and I tell it on the mountain. I wouldn’t trade it for yours."  Coyote, William Stafford

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, December 4, 2018

Upcoming Events
Pesticides in the Prairie Pothole Region, Dec. 7 (Saskatoon)
There will be a discussion of ecological risk assessment of pesticides in the prairie pothole region at 3:30 pm, Dec. 7, as part of the WildEcol Seminar Series.

Winter Wonder, Dec. 9 (Great Blue Heron Provincial Park)
Join SaskOutdoors at Sundogs Excursions from 10 am-3 pm, Dec. 9, for a wildlife scavenger hunt, snowshoeing, and more.

Community Climate Conversation, Dec. 9 (Regina)
There will be group discussions following the short presentations at the Community Climate Conversation in Cathedral, Dec. 9, 6:30-9:30 pm.

Hogs on the Lam, Dec. 13 (Saskatoon)
Professor Ryan Brook will discuss wild pigs and the rapid rise in their numbers at the 7:30 pm, Dec. 13, meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Looking Ahead
Outdoor Education (Regina, Saskatoon)
If you’re interested in outdoor education, take a look at the workshops being planned for the new year by SaskOutdoors: Project Wet (Regina & Saskatoon), Project Wild (Regina & Saskatoon), Below Zero (Regina & Saskatoon), NaturePlay (Saskatoon), and Flying Wild (Regina & Saskatoon).

Edible Foraging Tours (Regina)
Edible Landscapes Permaculture Design & Consulting will be offering two series of seasonal foraging tours (one urban) in 2019.

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

Energy Transitions
This week brought a number of excellent articles about the future of coal and the transition to a coal-free future.

Climate Justice Saskatoon published a report entitled Bridging the Gap: Building bridges between urban environmental groups and coal-producing communities in Saskatchewan based on their conversations with local residents in Coronach and Estevan.

Life after Coal looks at the situation in Alberta. A parallel article looks at why oil communities in Alberta need a transition plan, not new pipelines.

The World Needs to Quit Coal. Why is it so hard? looks at the situation globally.

In the News
Germany’s plan to fight plastic waste includes eliminating unnecessary packaging and replacing existing packaging with environmentally friendly alternatives.

What is the best way to save nature – to cordon off areas for parks and open space or to integrate conservation measures on working lands? Or should we do both?

Denmark is considering food labels that indicate environmental impact.

The Netherlands is pioneering a new approach to generating and sharing energy through neighbourhood microgrids.

Spanish people support banning cars in the centre of any town over 50,00 residents.

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).