EcoSask News, March 17, 2020

“We need to turn to Mama Nature for shelter and peace. . . . What can we find there? Look to the sky...it is spring after all. Look for newly arrived birds. Look for new budding plants. Look for the tiny insect life. . . . Feel the breeze, sniff the air, feel the smooth bark of a sapling, the rough bark of mature trees.” (Dr. Joseph Conrad via Elva’s Field Notes)

Upcoming Events
Due to Covid-19, many events are being cancelled. To avoid confusion, we have removed all events from our Calendar for March and will continue to monitor the situation. Check directly with organizations to see what events they’re continuing to hold.

A great resource at this time are the nature/environmental radio programs in Regina and Saskatoon. You can catch past episodes of The Prairie Naturalist or listen to From the Ground Up (6:30-7 pm, Thursdays).

Another excellent resource is the Native Prairie Speaker Series. You can find past episodes on SK PCAP’s YouTube channel.

In Saskatchewan
Youth in Regina have just released a report: Youth Perspectives on Regina’s Energy Future. You can lend your support to the youth’s sustainability recommendations by writing to Regina City Council.

Plans are underway for the SES Solar Co-op’s seventh and largest project. The Solar Co-op has partnered with CNH Industrial for the installation of approximately 375 kilowatts or 1200 solar panels on their property in Saskatoon. A limited number of shares are now available.

From Information to Action
“Yard lists remain an understated and unsung birding pleasure” – and they’re perfect for a period of social distancing.

“The recovery of bald eagles is one of the most incredible conservation success stories ever told . . . . Solving that issue – far more complex than it first appears – can still provide a map to dealing with our biggest crises.”

Miistakis Institute, in collaboration with the City of Edmonton, has published a series of resources and case studies on using ecoroofs in cities to improve stormwater management, regulate building temperatures, reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and increase urban wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

“Stone,” says architect Amin Taha, “is the great forgotten material of our time. In 99% of cases, it’s cheaper and greener to use stone in a structural way, as opposed to concrete or steel.”

If you are planning to start a Library of Things, using the existing infrastructure of a local library can help you save time and money.

Keystone species fill a critical role in their environment that cannot be occupied by any other species.

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, October 4, 2016

Upcoming Events
From the Ground Up, Wednesdays (Saskatoon) 
Climate Justice Saskatoon is hosting a weekly spot on CFCR Radio on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.

Continuous, Oct. 7 – Nov. 19 (Saskatoon)
Take a walk through a giant paper beehive filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of an active hive during Monique Martin’s exhibit at the Saskatchewan Craft Council from Oct. 7-Nov. 19. A public reception will be held at 7 pm, Oct. 21.

Starlight at Sunrise, Oct. 11 (Regina)
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Regina Centre will describe the basics of astronomy at 7:30 pm, Oct. 11, at the Sunrise Branch, Regina Public Library. If skies are clear, participants will have a chance to use the club’s telescopes.

Campus Sustainability Week, Oct. 11-14 (Saskatoon)
The University of Saskatchewan is holding a wide variety of events during Campus Sustainability Week:
Oct. 11 - Climate Friendly Zone Local Action Workshop
Oct. 12 - Dr. Danny Blair, University of Winnipeg, will talk about climate change’s upcoming impacts on Saskatchewan and how we can best adapt to our new climate from 1:30-2:30 pm. At 3:30 pm, Dr. Doerthe Tetzlaff, Chair in Hydrology and Landscape Ecology at the University of Aberdeen, will speak about how water interacts with the landscape around it and what that means for ecosystems.
Oct. 13 - Loraas Materials Recovery Facility Tour (advance registration is required)

Nature Moose Jaw, Oct. 14 (Moose Jaw)
Allan Smith, a naturalist who has done extensive work in southern Saskatchewan, will be speaking at 7 pm, Oct. 14, at Nature Moose Jaw’s meeting in the Eaton Building (Moose Jaw & District Seniors Citizens’ Association).

Looking Ahead
Indigenous Water Forum, Oct. 27-28 (Saskatoon)
Indigenous Water Forum: Strategies for Community Drinking Water is being held on Oct. 27 and 28 at the Dakota Dunes Casino. The purpose of the forum is to make recommendations for action-oriented strategies to achieve safe drinking water in First Nations communities.

FNPA Energy Forum, Nov. 16 (Saskatoon)
First Nations Power Authority is hosting a one-day First Nation Renewable Energy in Saskatchewan Forum on Nov. 16 in Saskatoon. The Forum will focus on renewable energy power development opportunities in Saskatchewan, successful First Nation partnerships, and funding options for power projects.

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

In the News
Cities have begun installing high-intensity blue LED street lights, but the American Medical Association says they disturb sleep rhythms and can increase the risk of serious health problems. Let’s hope that Saskatoon follows the example of other municipalities that are choosing lower-intensity LED lights that cause less problems for humans and wildlife.

Sweden has proposed an incentive program that will reward citizens who choose to repair their consumer goods rather than throw them out.

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, May 31, 2016

Upcoming Events
Book Launch, June 2 (Saskatoon)
Robin & Arlene Karpan will be launching their latest publication, Photographer's Guide to Saskatchewan, at 8 pm, June 2, at McNally Robinson Booksellers.

NE Swale Art Project, June 5 & 12 (Saskatoon)
Join Finding City Community Arts Inc. for a two-day participatory art project in Saskatoon’s Northeast Swale. June 5 will be spent collecting materials and taking photographs at the Swale. On June 12, participants will learn how to make relief prints using the materials they’ve collected.

Rain Barrel Workshop, June 8 (Saskatoon)
Shannon Dyck, City of Saskatoon, will show you how to make your own low-cost rain barrel at 6 pm, June 8, at the Garden Patch. You’ll have soft water for your plants, save money, and protect the river.

Victory Gardens for Bees, June 8 (Saskatoon)
Lori Weidenhammer, author of Victory Gardens for Bees: A DIY Guide to Saving the Bees will highlight key plants and community projects that can help save our ailing bees from 7-9 pm, June 8, at the Frances Morrison Library.

Piping Plover Census, June 10 & 11 (SK)
Help the Nature Conservancy of Canada conduct a piping plover census at Mather Lake on June 10 and at Shoe Lake on June 11.

Urban Beekeeping, June 11 (Saskatoon)
Learn how to keep bees in an urban setting at a one-day workshop with Barry Brown on June 11.

Saskatchewan Solar Tour, June 18 (Regina)
The 7th annual Saskatchewan Solar Tour is on Saturday, June 18. They’ll be touring sites in and around Regina, including micro and macro wind generators, passive photovoltaic tracker, solar thermal/geothermal hybrid, and multi dwelling solar thermal.

Urban Canoe Camping for Beginners, June/Jul/Aug (Saskatoon)
CanoeSki Discovery offers an urban canoe camping program close to Saskatoon providing beginners with instruction on managing a self-supported, wilderness-style canoe trip close to home. Dates are June 18-19, July 30-31, Aug 27-28.

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

Did You Know?

Saskatoon Pride Festival is going GREEN! There will be water bottle refill and waste recycling stations and all power will be supplied by Bullfrog Power/Biofuel. They're banning individual-serve condiments and styrofoam containers and reducing printing.

You can help by volunteering at a recycling station.

Saskatoon Cycles’ Bike Valet will be set up on June 10 & 11 for the community fair, parade, and mainstage entertainment (supported by a $550 EcoFriendly Action Grant).

CFCR Radio is looking for hosts for an environmental program. For more information, contact Jay Allan, Program Director, CFCR 90.5 FM.

Meewasin Valley Authority is planning upgrades to the trails from River Landing to the Weir. They will be starting with the heavily used section from the Mendel Art Gallery to the Weir. The Concept Plan and comments form are available online.

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, March 1, 2016

Upcoming Events
Abundant Access – Public Transit as an Instrument of Freedom, Mar. 12
Great Places Saskatoon is hosting a talk and book signing by public transit planner, Dr. Jarret Walker, from 7-9:30 pm, Mar. 12. Walker is the author of Human Transit: How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives and will share insights from his public transit network design and policy projects undertaken throughout North America, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries around the world.

Rooftop Gardens 101, Mar. 12, 26 & 27
Michael Molaro will be discussing the benefits and challenges of green roofs and the opportunities for edible green roof gardening at the Glen at Crossmount on Mar. 12, 26 & 27.

Growth Plan Summit, Mar. 14 
The City of Saskatoon will be presenting its key findings from its Growth Plan to Half a Million at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Mar. 14. This will include a presentation by Jarrett Walker, author of Human Transit. You’re encouraged to put in a written request to comment on the plan.

Zoo Run, Apr. 24
Sign up for Zoo Run on April 24 and help the Saskatoon Zoo Society raise funds for their environmental education programs.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Mar. 13, 1:30-3:30 pm – Forestry Farm Birding
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 

News
The Prairie Naturalist (Regina) 
Join Jared Clarke for a live, bi-weekly radio show, The Prairie Naturalist, on CJTR 91.3 FM, Regina, Thursdays from 6-6:30 pm. The show will also be available as a podcast.

Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy
Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy Saskatchewan Chapter (ELSE SK) is an organization for young professionals and students founded by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). Its purpose is to engage young Canadians from industry, government, non-profit, and academia in shaping a brighter energy future for Canada.

The ELSE SK chapter will focus on engaging Saskatchewan’s students and young professionals in public education, networking, training, and advocacy relevant to the solar industry in Saskatchewan. They'll be meeting at 5:30 pm, Mar. 1.

Commercial Kitchens 
Natural Resources Canada has prepared an Energy Star Guide for Commercial Kitchens.

Leading by Example - BC
BC’s Ministry of Environment has recently published Leading By Example: The First Five Years of Carbon Neutral Government in British Columbia – 2010-2014. There are interesting case studies from school divisions, health authorities, and government departments.

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).