2020 EcoFriendly Action Grants

EcoFriendly Sask provided over $24,000 in EcoFriendly Sask Action Grants to 35 individuals and organizations in 2020. It was a difficult year and some organizations were unable to use their grant due to Covid-19, but many others were successful. 

Meeting the Challenge 

The Saskatoon Zoo Society met the Covid challenge by taking their school programming online. An EcoFriendly Action Grant ensured that 5 classes that could not otherwise have afforded the program were able to participate. 128 students took a virtual tour of the zoo and loved seeing the live animals in addition to an online presentation. 

Spring clean-ups were harder to organize this year as it was so important to maintain social distancing and proper hygiene. Wildernook Fresh Air Learning didn’t let that stop them from organizing two clean-up events. 132 people took part in the Rubbish Roundup, collecting 104 bags of garbage in 40 different areas. Students in 6 Saskatoon classes participated in an Earth Day Challenge to see who could collect the most garbage. 

Waste Reduction 

Three organizations were keen to reduce waste in 2020. UCan YQR received funding to help them get off the ground. Their goal is to use traditional preserving techniques to help keep food out of landfills and get it into the hands of those that need it most. 

Coronach EDY Community Development Co-operative and SK Eco Solutions asked for help in setting up plastic recycling and conversion projects. The Coronach group used open-source blueprints from Precious Plastic to build shredder, extrusion, and press machines. Sophia and Kai, two high school students in Saskatoon, are behind SK Eco Solutions. They purchased a PetBot to turn plastic bottles into filament and are looking forward to getting their project out of the testing phase in 2021. 

Nature 

Troutreach Saskatchewan is studying winter activity in Northern Leopard Frogs after noticing groups overwintering under the ice in the Qu’Appelle River. They want to discover if frog distribution under the ice is uniform or dependent on specific habitats (e.g. riffles or pools) and whether the frogs are foraging for food below the ice. This information will help manage instream flow and protect critical frog habitats. 

The Whitewood Recreation Association received a grant to help them establish a nature trail and clean up the current ecosystem. 

Youth 

Langenburg & District Daycare Co-operative continues to improve its outdoor space for children and wildlife. This year they added native plants as well as bird and bat boxes. St. Michael’s School, Weyburn, is developing a traditional medicine garden in the schoolyard, while the Boreal Rangers Outdoor Adventure 4-H Club families cleaned up rubbish and received a grant to purchase reusable camping equipment and are looking forward to the day when they can go camping together again. 

The Grade 10 English Language Arts teacher at Delisle Composite School believes her students are thirsty for knowledge and was eager to provide them with additional resources centring on the environment and our ecosystems. She used an EcoFriendly Action Grant to purchase novels, non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry, and anthologies for students to read and discuss. 

EcoFriendly Action Grants are small grants (usually $500) to support projects that protect, preserve, or repair the natural environment.

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

Article updated: SK Eco Solutions are turning plastic bottles into filament

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

EcoSask News, September 8, 2020

Upcoming Events
Going Outside, Sept. 10 & 17 (online) 
SaskOutdoors is offering an introductory webinar for teachers on taking classes outdoors at either 8 pm, Sept. 10, or 4:30 pm, Sept. 17.

Nature Society AGM, Sept. 13 (Moose Jaw) 
The Moose Jaw Nature Society will be holding its annual general meeting at 2 pm, Sept. 13, in Wakamow Park.

Household Hazardous Waste, Sept. 13 (Saskatoon) 
You can dispose of household hazardous waste at City of Saskatoon’s Civic Operations Centre from 9 am-3:30 pm, Sept. 13.

Member Photos, Sept. 17 (online) 
Saskatoon Nature Society has moved online (Zoom) with their first fall meeting presenting members’ photographs at 7:30 pm, Sept. 17. Meetings are currently for members only, so sign up now.

Looking Ahead
Biodiversity Family Camp-In, Sept. 25 (online)
The Saskatchewan Science Centre is hosting a virtual family camp-in from 6:30-10 pm, Sept. 25, with special guest, Ripley’s Aquarium of Toronto.

Wildlife Rehab Orientation, Oct. 3 (online) 
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan is hosting an online volunteer orientation at 3 pm, Oct. 3. To apply, fill out an application.

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

Local News
Hundreds of people participated in a slow roll on Sept. 7 to honour Cathy Watts’ many contributions to making Saskatoon a great place to live. We interviewed her in 2018 about her efforts to get the whole city moving.

Saskatoon’s Library of Things is reopening on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 1-4 pm. Reserve a pick-up time on their website.

Why are provincial and federal governments endorsing the Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project before doing the studies and calculating the costs?

The Big River Recreation and Conservation Association wants to use a 1-year moratorium on logging around Nesslin Lake to study alternative activities.

Birds respond quickly to environmental stressors and habitat change – hence the importance of the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project.

Future Majority aims to organize and unite youth voices across Canada and elect leaders who will stand up for young Canadians’ well-being.

From Information to Action
Environmental racism in Canada: what is it, what are the impacts, and what can we do about it?

The Arctic waters are loaded with little bits of jeans: “Special filters attached to washing machines can stop 90 percent of microfibers from flowing out to wastewater treatment plants. Those need to be standard on every new washing machine sold.”

Just one in 10 energy suppliers globally are prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuel development, according to a new study of 3,000 power companies.

A pilot project to produce carbon-free steel got underway last week in Sweden. 7-9% of the world’s greenhouse-gas emissions currently come from the production of steel.

Good News
A small study in Norway showed that painting one blade of a wind turbine black reduced bird mortality by over 70%.

An affordable DIY option to prevent birds from hitting windows.

Orange peels could help recycle old lithium batteries, “a low-cost, sustainable approach to recycling the growing heaps of batteries that end up in landfills every year.”

There are fun activities for kids of all ages on the Nature’s Wild Neighbors Society website.

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

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

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

EcoSask News, August 18, 2020

Upcoming Events
Bird Tours, Aug./Sept. (Saskatoon) 
Stan Shadick is offering physically distanced bird tours with proceeds to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation:
Shorebird driving tour - Aug. 1-Sept. 15
Pelican driving tour - Aug. 15-Sept. 15
Warbler walking tour - Aug. 20-Sept. 15

Let’s Talk Outdoors, Aug. 20 (online)
SaskOutdoors is launching a podcast on Aug. 20 – Let’s Talk Outdoors: Environmental Enjoyment and Education – with new episodes every third Thursday.

Climate Strike, Aug. 21 & ongoing (online) 
The YXE Youth Climate Committee is hosting a digital Fridays for Future Climate Strike on Fridays from 12-1 pm starting Aug. 21.

Flight of the Monarch, Aug. 22 (online)
Join Nature Saskatchewan in celebrating Flight of the Monarch Day on Aug. 22.

Mini Outdoor School Conference, Aug. 24 (online) 
The Early Childhood Education Council is offering a virtual mini outdoor school conference for its members from 1-2 pm, Aug. 24. Register by emailing saskecec@gmail.com.

SOS Trees Coalition AGM, Aug. 27 (Saskatoon) 
SOS Trees Coalition will hold their annual general meeting outdoors in Victoria Park close to the pagoda at 6:30 pm, Aug. 27.

Backyard Bioblitz, Aug. 24-30 (Saskatchewan) 
Nature Conservancy of Canada is inviting the public to contribute to online community science by searching for plants, animals, and insects in your backyard or local green space and tracking your observations with iNaturalist.

Looking Ahead 
Project WILD, Sept. 16, 23, 30 (online) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a Project WILD training online from 7-9 pm, Sept. 16, 23, and 30.

George Genereux Park Clean-Up, Sept. 19 (Saskatoon) 
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are inviting volunteers to join them in removing garbage in George Genereux Urban Regional Park from 9 am-5 pm, Sept. 19. Volunteers with trucks, wheelbarrows, etc. are encouraged to bring it with them. Disposal bins will be on site in August and September if you want to help out at a different time.

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

Local News
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas will deliver your recyclables to SARCAN and provide you with a charitable receipt. Call 306-380-5368 to arrange a pick-up.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan has responded to over 3000 calls to their wildlife hotline this year. Your donations can help support the work of WRSOS and wildlife rehabilitators throughout Saskatchewan (Living Sky in Saskatoon, Salthaven West in Regina, Silverwood in southeast Saskatchewan to name just a few).

Meewasin Valley Authority’s functional study to help minimize the environmental impacts of the proposed Saskatoon Freeway recommends shifting the route by 200-300 metres to the north and a causeway to reduce impact on wetlands. Recent focus groups also expressed concerns and recommendations regarding environmental issues.

Parks Canada has installed EV charging stations in Prince Albert National Park, Batoche and Motherwell Homestead National Historic Sites. Grasslands National Park will have one soon.

From Information to Action
The UK is testing the viability of noise cameras to cut down on noise pollution.

Lower speed limits – on the highway and in town – reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Having an impact: how to practice science that influences environmental policy and management.

Volunteers are plugging abandoned oil wells in Montana and returning the land to its pre-drilling condition.

The environmental footprint of paper vs electronic books – it depends how much you read.

Efforts to protect the nests of Western Painted Turtles have resulted in almost 200 hatchlings at Elizabeth Lake near Cranbrook.

A 22,000 sq. m. green roof on a university campus in Thailand mimics local rice terrace landscapes, collects rainwater, and grows up to 135,000 rice meals and vegetables each year.

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.

Nature & Environmental Programs for Saskatchewan Kids

We’ve pulled together a list of nature and environmental programs for kids from pre-school to high school throughout Saskatchewan, both as part of the school program and as extracurricular activities. 

Nature & Environmental Programs for Children and Youth 

Programming for many of these programs has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some have had to postpone or rearrange programs, others have added additional resources. Check with organizers for further information.

If you know of other nature programs for kids, email us and we'll add them to the list.

EcoSask News, March 24, 2020

Local News
The Restoring 71 Project near Saskatoon is keeping its trails open for private or semi-private self-guided wanders. Book on Facebook.

Wascana Centre will be posting a nature-based activity every Monday on Facebook.

Online Resources 
Six ways to protect and enjoy nature without leaving the house.

Passive House Canada has speeded up development of its online courses. Understanding and Working with the Passive House Planning Package will start March 27 with further online courses in April.

Between the Covers 
14 community-minded books: from Building Collective Resilience in the Wake of Disasters to A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities that Arise in Disaster.

Emergence Magazine, a quarterly online publication with an annual print edition, explores the timeless connections between ecology, culture, and spirituality through the radical act of sharing stories during dark times.

From Information to Action
Coronavirus stimulus plans are an opportunity for bold climate action.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic is past, societies may adopt some important measures that would lower emissions, from more teleconferencing to shortening global supply chains. But the most lasting lesson may be what the coronavirus teaches us about the urgency of taking swift action.”

“School districts are one of the biggest land managers in the country, and yet they often don’t see land management as their role,” says Sharon Danks, CEO and founder of Green Schoolyards America. “If we want to make sure that every child has a chance to grow up in touch with the natural world, we can democratize access to nature by bringing it to the places where it is most needed and will be used and enjoyed on a daily basis.” Find out more about the organization’s work in a two-part interview with Sharon (Part 1, Part 2).

“The science has caught up with beavers and the consensus is clear: these animals are a powerful partner in protecting ecosystem and human health. We can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to all that we destroy when we kill beavers. Where there are fewer beavers, there is less resilience, less diversity and most notably, less water.”

A volunteer army led by a local taxi driver scours the streets of Kaikoura, New Zealand, in the middle of the night to save endangered birds.

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, November 6, 2018

Upcoming Events 
Wildlife Disease Ecology, Nov. 9 (Saskatoon) 
The WildEcol seminar series is held at 3:30 pm, every other Friday, on the U of S campus:
Nov. 9 – Wildlife disease ecology

Decorate a Tree, Nov. 14 (Moose Jaw) 
Decorate a tree for birds and wildlife at the 6:30 pm, Nov. 14, meeting of the Moose Jaw Nature Society.

Regina Beach Enviro Collective, Nov. 14 (Regina Beach) 
The Regina Beach Enviro Collective will be holding their first meeting at 7:30 pm, Nov. 14, at Regina Beach.

Bat Migration, Nov. 15 (webinar) 
Erin Swerdfeger will discuss bat landscape use during migration in Saskatchewan in a noon-hour webinar hosted by SK PCAP on Nov. 15.

SK Breeding Bird Atlas, Nov. 15 (Saskatoon) 
Kiel Drake will update the Saskatoon Nature Society on the SK Breeding Bird Atlas at 7:30 pm, Nov. 15.

Sustainability on Campus, Nov. 16 (Saskatoon) 
Join the U of S Office of Sustainability from 12-1 pm or over a pint at 5 pm, every third Friday of the month.

Repair Café Prince Albert, Nov. 17 (Prince Albert) 
Share and learn skills to repair things at Repair Café Prince Albert from 1-4 pm, Nov. 17.

Household Hazardous Waste Day (Saskatoon) 
You can dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 8 am – 2:30 pm, Nov. 17.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Nov. 11, 1-5 pm, Pike Lake Birding
Nov. 25, 2-3 pm, Pre-Grey Cup Birding, President Murray Park
Everyone is welcome. Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

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

In the News
The Saskatoon Nature Society is accepting applications by December 31, 2018, for the Kids in Nature grant. Additional information is available online.

Join an Enviro Collective group in Saskatchewan. “It’s a group of people who meet. Like a 'book' club, we’ll eat, drink and socialize but while we are hanging out, we’ll also be engaging in meaningful discussions about how we can take individual and collective steps to live more environmentally friendly lives. What’s potentially different about this environmental initiative is that we’re going to make it fun. And by getting together as a collective, we might feel more inspired than by simply acting on our own.”

The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication is inviting proposals for presentations, workshops, or posters on Action on Climate Change through Education for the May 10-12 conference in Saskatoon. The deadline is January 15.

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area advises drivers to slow down and look out for deer on Valley Road and Cedar Villa Road.

Churchill Community High School hosted the 2nd Northern Saskatchewan Eco Conference Oct. 26-27.

“The loss of biodiversity is a silent killer” - stop biodiversity loss or we could face our own extinction.

11 wildly coloured moths to brighten your day.

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 23, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coyotes can help build back biodiversity in rural and urban areas

5 ways cities could dramatically cut carbon emissions

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

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

EcoSask News, May 29, 2018

Upcoming Events
Repair Café, June 2 (Prince Albert) 
Work together to repair household items and on bicycle maintenance at Repair Café Prince Albert from 1-4 pm, June 2.

Low-Water Gardening Workshop, June 2 (Saskatoon) 
Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre’s Garden Patch is hosting over 30 workshops this summer. They’ll be discussing low-water gardening from 1-2:30 pm, June 2.

SaskOil Revisited, June 3 (Saskatoon)
Join Briarpatch Magazine and Climate Justice Saskatoon from 3-5 pm, June 3, to discuss whether Saskatchewan could resurrect the idea of a Crown-owned oil company to combat climate change and colonialism.

SES Fun Run, June 3 (Saskatoon) 
Support the Saskatchewan Environmental Society by participating in a trail fun run from 9 am-12 pm, June 3.

Birding Blitz, June 5 (Yorkton) 
Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail is hosting a birding blitz on June 5 to contribute to the SK Breeding Bird Atlas. All birders of all expertise welcome. Contact Paula (306 782-7287) or phmaier@imagewireless.ca or Akusib (SKatlasRegion12@gmail.com)

Wood Products & Building Systems, June 6 (Saskatoon) 
Adam Robertson, Canadian Wood Council, will discuss Wood Products and Building Systems: Climate Change Benefits at the June 6 meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Wascana Solar Co-operative, June 7 (Regina) 
Wascana Solar Co-operative is meeting from 8-9:30 pm, June 7, to gauge members’ interest in purchasing shares in a large-scale solar installation. Contact the Co-op if you are interested in becoming a member and attending the meeting.

Blue, June 7 (Saskatoon) 
Celebrate World Oceans Day at a screening of Blue at 7 pm, June 7, in Saskatoon.

Birds of a Feather, June 7 (Saskatoon) 
Meewasin Valley Authority is hosting a grassland bird survey at Cranberry Flats from 4-8 am, June 12.

Project Wet, June 9 (Regina) 
Project Wet, to be offered in Regina on June 9, offers K-12 classroom teachers resources and activities about water.

Looking Ahead
Prairie Dog Ecosystem Research, June/July/Sept (Grasslands National Park) 
Help Calgary Zoo with their Prairie Dog ecosystem research project on one of the following dates: June 10-15, June 24-29, July 15-20, or Sept. 2-7.

Photography Workshop, June 15-16 (Grasslands National Park) 
Practise taking night-sky photographs at a workshop in Grasslands National Park, June 15-16.

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

In the News
The human impact on the natural world is immense. 96% of mammals are livestock and humans. Poultry make up 70% of all birds. We've destroyed 83% of wild mammals.

Should we fight for public lands because they provide us with recreation opportunities or because they support biodiversity? Should we only protect those plants and animals that directly benefit us or that we find beautiful — or should we fight for the entire community of life?

The City of Vaughan’s urban design guidelines are worth imitating. They cover dark sky lighting, bird-friendly design, wildlife corridors, pedestrian amenities, urban forest, green stormwater management, and climate change mitigation.

The City of Prince Albert is offering free public transit on National Clean Air Day, June 6. Are any other cities doing this?

For many municipalities in SK oil-producing regions, the costs of servicing the oil boom can outweigh the benefits and they’re relying on oil industry philanthropy for essential services.

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 2, 2018

“Natural treasures, in roots, wood and leaves, for beauty, for use, the air that we breathe. Imagine: a wood starts with one small seed. We’re stronger together – people and trees.” Harriet Fraser

Upcoming Events
Science Time for Tots, Jan. 9-30 (Regina)
The Saskatchewan Science Centre hosts Science Time for Tots from 10:30-11 am, Tuesdays.

Learn to Winter Camp, Jan. 13-14 (Lumsden)
SaskOutdoors is offering a winter camping skills workshop Jan. 13-14 in Lumsden. The last day to register is Jan. 5.

Islands of Grass, Jan. 15 (Regina)
Branimir Gjetvaj will present Islands of Grass at the 7:30 pm, Jan. 15, meeting of Nature Regina.

Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, Jan. 16 (Prince Albert)
Jillian Kusch will talk about stress responses and social interactions of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs at the Jan. 16 meeting of Nature Prince Albert.

Looking Ahead
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. There will be presentations, interactive booths, and live animals.

Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Conference, Jan. 27 & 28 (Regina)
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan will hold their annual general meeting and conference in Regina, Jan. 27 & 28. The Prairie Ecosystems learning module of the Saskatchewan Master Naturalist program is scheduled for Jan. 28.

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.

School Garden Summit, Mar. 2-3 (Saskatoon)
Learn and share innovative approaches to garden-based, food-literacy, inquiry-based, environmental and agriculture education at the School Garden Summit from Mar. 2-3 in Saskatoon.

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

In Celebration of Trees
The Woodland Trust’s Charter for Trees, Woods and People sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together.

“When we have learned how to listen to trees, then the brevity and the quickness and the childlike hastiness of our thoughts achieve an incomparable joy.” - Herman Hesse on what trees teach us about belonging and life.

In the News
Congratulations to Harold Orr, one of the original engineers of the Saskatchewan Conservation House, on receiving the Order of Canada.

View the world through the eyes of octopuses and cuttlefish - alien intelligence close to home (short video).

Conditions are brewing for a major irruption of Red Crossbills this winter.

There are at least 4 alternatives to using productive farmland for utility-scale solar installations.

Flowers emit heat signals to attract insects.

Films
The Philippine Eagle is the world’s largest and rarest eagle. Watch Bird of Prey and find out what it will take to save it from extinction.

Project Coyote has released a film on wildlife killing contests where wild animals become living targets. It will be shown at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

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).

Taking Steps to Reduce Waste in Saskatchewan

A school, a youth club, and a community are doing their best to reduce waste in Saskatchewan, with a little help from an EcoFriendly Action Grant.

Boys & Girls Club of Yorkton 
The staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Yorkton are passionate about making a difference and in fostering that passion in children and youth as they grow. With over 15,000 visits to the club each year, Program Manager Erin Roussin saw an opportunity to incorporate environmental education into their summer program, which includes week-long day camps for 5-12 year olds and drop-in evening programs for middle-years youth and teens.

The Club received a $500 EcoFriendly Action Grant to educate the children and youth on reducing, re-using, and recycling and the difference this will make to the environment. In addition to immediate efforts at waste reduction, Erin believes the project will have a long-term impact: “Children and youth being educated on important topics will carry on with them through life as they will have the knowledge and tools needed to make a difference.”

The program ran for 9 weeks over the summer and included:

• The purchase of 3 sets of stacking recycle bins to encourage recycling of a variety of materials; 
• The purchase of recycle bags for bagging up items for pick-up; 
• Entries into a draw for prizes every time a student brought a litterless lunch (no waste/Ziploc bags); 
• Crafts using only recycled items; 
• An outdoor garbage clean-up; and 
• Talks about topics such as reducing water usage, recycling, and the impact we can all have on our environment. 

There's no waste in this lunch bag!

Blaine Lake Composite School 
Blaine Lake Composite School is initiating a daily full breakfast program. In order to reduce waste, they received a $500 EcoFriendly Action Grant to purchase non-disposable cutlery and an environmentally friendly dishwasher.

They plan to minimize food waste and environmental impact through careful meal planning with the students in their Commercial Cooking classes, by sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, and by only using reusable dishes and utensils. They will recycle all applicable materials.

Odessa Recreation Association 
Odessa is a small community of 250 people southeast of Regina. They were already recycling paper, but their active volunteer base identified a need for additional recycling bins so that they could recycle cans and plastic as well.

The Odessa Recreation Association received a $500 EcoFriendly Action grant to purchase recycling bins. They’ll be located at the rink during the winter and will be moved to the community centre in the summer. They’ll also be made available at the annual truck and tractor pull, which is a community fundraiser.

Photos: Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton

Dundurn School Heads Outdoors

Dundurn Elementary School has added an outdoor learning space to their playground to help students connect with nature and protect and respect the environment.

Over time, their plans grew to include a timber pergola, pockets of wilderness with trees and shrubs, a rock landscape, stepping stones, camp out benches, and a biking hill.

We’re delighted to have been able to support this project with a $500 EcoFriendly Action Grant. As Evergreen states on its website, “Taking kids outdoors is a great way to support their natural curiosity in the world around them and helps to develop their respect for nature.”

Outdoor learning is a chance to touch, see, and do; practise team problem-solving; recognize one’s place as part of a community with a responsibility for the natural environment; understand scientific concepts; and develop critical thinking skills (5 Benefits of Outdoor Learning).

Distance Learning Students Go Winter Camping

EcoFriendly Sask was pleased to provide Sun West School Division’s Distance Learning Centre with an EcoFriendly Action Grant to help their Outdoor Education Club have a more sustainable winter camping trip. 

"At the Sun West Distance Learning Centre, we started up an Outdoor Ed Club for the first time ever. The first event we planned was a Winter Camping Trip that took place March 14-15 at Elk Ridge Resort. The purpose for this trip was to allow our Distance Ed students the chance to connect and build relationships with other DLC students and their teachers while also letting them discover a variety of outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. The weather for outdoor activities could not have been better!

"Our students arrived via their own transportation and we spent two days outside participating in winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nature photography, curling, ice skating, a scavenger hunt, tobogganing, and roasting our lunch over the fire. We also had two presenters from Sundogs come up and give a presentation on dog sledding! They even brought one of their sled dogs, Aster, and their dog sled for us to try out. At the end of the day we took advantage of the waterslide, hot tub, and pool inside at the Elk Ridge Resort to relax before hitting the sack.

"We had many activities planned and had a hard time getting students to move onto the next activity because they were so engaged. We all tried something new during the trip! We shared many laughs together especially over our attempts at curling on the pond, falling down while cross-country skiing on the trails, and tobogganing down the hill in tractor tire tubes.

"When we needed a break from the outdoor elements we came inside the cabin and baked bannock, made jam, and whipped butter ourselves. We also did a relaxing ‘soap stone carving’ activity where we warmed up and carved our soaps into little figurines. All activities were intended to celebrate outdoor education and bond together as a group.

"With the grant money that was provided to us by EcoFriendly Sask we were able to buy reusable camping equipment to completely eliminate the need for paper cups, plates, and utensils. This was an investment that we will use year to year as we plan to do more winter camping excursions and plan a spring canoe trip as well. We also purchased a few outdoor-related clothing from a local thrift shop as some students were not able to bring the clothing they needed to be outdoors. This has helped us to make a sustainable club for years and years to come.

"Thank you so much for providing us with this grant money. The students and teachers had a phenomenal experience and we are already counting down the days to our next big adventure together!"

Nicole Freeden, SunWest Distance Learning Centre

EcoFriendly Action Grant Ideas for Gardeners and Teachers

Gardens are fabulous: fresh air, exercise, healthy food, and colourful flowers. And children learn so much better when they’re out of doors, experiencing the real world, not just reading about it in a textbook.

We’re delighted that so many people are planting community gardens or planning outdoor classrooms. Unfortunately, when people come to EcoFriendly Sask for financial assistance, their proposals don’t always meet our grant criteria.

EcoFriendly Action Grants are intended to prevent, reduce, or repair damage to the environment. That may not be one of your top priorities when you are planning a community garden or an outdoor classroom, but it can certainly be one of the positive outcomes of your project if you think it through from that angle.

Here are a few ideas (in no particular order) to get you started - and they are all activities that EcoFriendly Sask would consider supporting financially.

Build and erect birdhouses and/or bat boxes

Construct insect hotels

Plant butterfly-friendly plants or a pollinator garden

Plan a pesticide-free garden

Set up a composting system

Collect rainwater

Save and use your own seeds (get help from groups such as the Prince Albert Seed Library)

Host a community demonstration project (Saskatoon’s Garden Patch has installed a solar panel, a rainwater catchment system, and a green roof)

Organize community workshops (e.g., bird identification, co-existing with coyotes, beneficial insects, native plants)

EcoSask News, January 3, 2017

Upcoming Events
SK Energy Management Task Force, Jan. 11 (Saskatoon)
Megan Patterson & Dallas Munro, SaskPower, will discuss the corporation’s challenges and review their demand-side management & industrial programs. Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force meetings are held at 7 am at the Confederation Inn, 3330 Fairlight Drive.

EcoFemme, Jan. 11 (Regina)
Learn how to create eco-friendly sanitary pads from 6:30-8:30 pm, Jan. 11, at the Regina Central Library.

Towards a Prairie Atonement, Jan. 11 (Saskatoon) 
Trevor Herriot will read from his new book, Towards a Prairie Atonement, at 7 pm, Jan. 11, at the Frances Morrison Library.

Green Goddess, Jan. 12/15 (Regina) 
Learn how to make homemade beauty products with natural ingredients from your kitchen from 7-8 pm, Jan. 12, at the Glen Elm Library, and from 2-3 pm, Jan. 15, at the George Bothwell Library, Regina. Teens welcome. Supplies provided.

SaskOutdoors AGM, Jan. 14 (Saskatoon)
SaskOutdoors is holding its AGM on Jan. 14 at Beaver Creek Camp. Paul Stinson will talk about the Global RCE Conference in Indonesia and its implications for education for sustainability in Saskatchewan.

Looking Ahead
School Gardening Conference, Feb. 3 & 4 (Saskatoon) 
Agriculture in the Classroom is hosting a School Gardening Conference on Feb. 3 & 4 at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Register at programs@aitc.sk.ca by Jan. 16.

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

In the News 
Green Burials - Lynn Oliphant has set up a private cemetery for green burials.

The Post-Coal Economy - “In the heart of Appalachia, in places like West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, life has long been built around coal, figuratively and literally. . . . But coal—and the traditional idea of coal country with it—is dying. . . . But this is less a story about coal’s decline than it is about what the people left in the wake of that descent can do after to quickly strengthen economic muscles that atrophied while coal grew more and more powerful. . . . When citizens are given the resources they need to open a business or retrain for a new job, Bollinger says, "People making decisions about the economic conditions around them generally make good decisions."

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 11, 2016

Upcoming Events
Liveable YXE Mayoral Forum, Oct. 12 (Saskatoon)
Liveable YXE is hosting a mayoral forum on Oct. 12 at the Frances Morrison Library. Council candidates will be available prior to the forum to answer questions.

Liveable YXE has released a Candidates’ Report Card outlining their responses to a wide variety of questions, including climate change, environment, active and public transportation.

Northeast Swale Watchers, Oct. 13 (Saskatoon)
Kenton Lysak, Meewasin Valley Authority, will speak on light pollution in Saskatoon and its effect on wildlife at the Northeast Swale Watchers’ meeting from 5-6:30 pm, Oct. 13.

Meet Batrick & Elizabat, Oct. 15 (Saskatoon)
Melanie Elliot will introduce two of her educational bats, Batrick and Elizabat, at 11 am, Oct. 15, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Oct. 15 (Saskatoon)
You can dispose of household hazardous waste (e.g. light bulbs, aerosols, fuels) at the SaskTel Centre from 9 am – 3:30 pm, Oct. 15.

Insects We Meet, Oct. 17 (Regina)
Nature Regina members Fran Kerbs and Kim Mann will describe their experiences photographing and identifying bugs and provide useful resources at Nature Regina’s meeting at 7:30 pm, Oct. 17.

Save Energy - at Home and at Work, Oct. 18 (Saskatoon)
Angie Bugg, SES Energy Conservation Coordinator, will offer numerous actions you can take to save energy, water, and greenhouse gas emissions, both at home and at work, at 7 pm, Oct. 18, at the Frances Morrison Library.

Striking Balance Film Premiere, Oct. 19 (SK)
Striking Balance, a documentary TV series exploring Canada’s biosphere reserves will premiere in Hafford at 7 pm, Oct. 19.

Minimalism, Oct. 20 (Saskatoon)
Watch Minimalism: A Documentary about the Important Things at the Roxy Theatre, Oct. 20, as part of Waste Reduction Week, and meet people who are striving to live meaningful lives with less.

Snowy Owl Wintering Ecology, Oct. 20
Alexander Chang will talk about snowy owl wintering ecology at the Oct. 20 meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Reflection of Nature Art Show and Sale, Oct. 21-23 (Saskatoon)
The Reflections of Nature Art Show & Sale will showcase over 500 pieces of art from around 200 North American artists, carvers, sculptors and photographers (primarily from Western Canada) at Prairieland Park, Oct. 21-23.

Fault Lines Book Launch, Oct. 24 (Saskatoon)
Turning the Tide Bookstore is hosting a book launch for Fault Lines: Life and Landscape in Saskatchewan’s Oil Economy by Valerie Zink and Emily Eaton at 7 pm, Oct. 24. Fault Lines captures the complexities of engagement, ambivalence, and resistance in communities living amid oil.

For more book suggestions, check our list of Saskatchewan nature and environment books.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Oct. 22, 1-5 pm – Glenburn Park, Radisson Lake & Fall Supper
Oct. 30, 9-10:30 am – Sanatorium Site Bird Walk
Nov. 5, 9 am-4 pm – Blackstrap Lake Birding
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

Nature Regina Field Trips
Oct. 15, 9 am-3:30 pm – Lakeside Trail, Regina Beach
Check Nature Regina’s website for full details and updated information.

Outdoor Education (Saskatoon)
Lichen Nature is now offering consultations and workshops for teachers who would like to bring their students outside more often. The consultation includes mapping out all potential destinations for outdoor experiential education in your neighbourhood, lesson plan outlines, personal support so that the class can be split into smaller groups for a deeper (and quieter) experience, and long-term planning for integrating seasonal ecological literacy.

The EcoFriendly Sask family is going on holidays so we'll be publishing on a reduced schedule over the next few weeks. The next issue of EcoSask News will be published on October 25.

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