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, May 28, 2019

Upcoming Events
Seed Exchange, May 31 (Jansen) 
Jansen Public Library is hosting a seed exchange from 4-8 pm, May 31.

Animal Sanctuary Tour, June 2 (Moose Jaw) 
Join Moose Jaw Nature Society for a tour of the Free to be Me Sanctuary from 1-2 pm, June 2.

Household Hazardous Waste, June 2 (Saskatoon) 
You can dispose of household hazardous waste in Saskatoon from 9 am-3:30 pm, June 2.

Water Conservation, June 4 (Regina) 
Learn about irrigation and water conservation in the garden at 12 noon, June 4, at Innovation Place Regina.

SK Communities and the Coal Phase-out, June 5 (Saskatoon) 
Hayley Carlson and Justin Fisher will discuss communities and the coal phase-out in Saskatchewan at the June 5 breakfast meeting of the Saskatoon Energy Management Task Force.

La Terre Vue du Coeur/ Earth: Scene from the Heart, June 6 (Saskatoon) 
La Terre Vue du Coeur, a documentary about threats to biodiversity, will be shown at the Frances Morrison Library at 6:30 pm, June 6.

Narrative Approaches to Engaging with the Climate Crisis, June 7 (Saskatoon) 
Rachel Malena-Chan will discuss narrative approaches to engaging with the climate crisis at 12:30 pm, June 7, at SERI, College of Education, U of S.

Learn to Camp, June 8 (Saskatoon) 
Learn basic camping and outdoor living skills from 2-4 pm, June 8, at the Round Prairie Branch Library.

Looking Ahead
Beginner Bird Id, June 13 (Rosthern) 
The Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas is offering a 2-hour beginner bird identification workshop in Rosthern from 7-9 pm, June 13.

Native Prairie Pasture Tour, June 22 (Regina) 
Join PCAP-SK for a guided tour of Caledonia-Elmsthorpe Community Pasture from 4-9 pm, June 22, with buses from Regina. Register by June 14.

Botanizing the Badlands, July 6 (Avonlea) 
Join the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan in spotting wildflowers in the Avonlea Badlands on July 6.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Golden Eagles 
June 6, 8 am – Chappell Marsh & St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
June 13, 8 am – Turtles at Pike Lake
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
June 12 & 19 – Invasive Plants Identification Workshop
Everyone is welcome. Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

Birdwatching with Stan (Saskatoon)
Birdwatch with Stan Shadick at Wanuskewin Heritage Park from 7-8:30 am on June 26, July 28, Aug. 18, and Aug. 28. Birdwatch from 7-8:30 pm on June 5, July 14, and Aug. 7 ($20/person). Stan is also offering guided birding tours at Blackstrap and Beaver Creek as a fundraiser for Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation.

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

In the News
Saskatoon is the second Canadian city to join the Urban Wildlife Information Network. The goal is to learn how urbanization affects wildlife in order to preserve urban biodiversity and minimize human-wildlife conflict.

8-80 Cities conducted an active transportation survey in Saskatoon. They learned: people want to cycle but aren’t sure it’s reasonable; sharing the road with drivers and pedestrians is tricky; and fear of bike theft is a barrier for low-income residents.

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubjlana, has a comprehensive waste management program incorporating household repair workshops, zero-waste stores, and recycled toilet paper in municipal facilities.

They may not be cute, but earthworms provide us with fertile soil that retains rainwater. Unfortunately, their numbers are dropping rapidly.

We assume that streetlights make cities safer, but there is no research to back that up.

Textile waste consumes nearly 5% of all landfill space, and 20% of all freshwater pollution is a result of textile treatment and dyeing. Researchers are inventing new ways to turn old clothes into everything from new cotton to fake knees.

70-80 otters live in Singapore. 30,000 people follow their activities on Facebook [video].

If you're in the area, check out the trails at Cannington Lake Resort Hamlet, an EcoFriendlySask Action Grant recipient.

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

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

Seedy Saturday/Sunday & Other Green Thumb Activities in Saskatchewan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EcoSask News, January 15, 2019

Upcoming Events
Bike Regina AGM, Jan. 16 (Regina)
Bike Regina is holding its annual general meeting at 6:30 pm, Jan. 16.

Prairie Resilience, Jan. 17 (Regina)
Learn more about the provincial government’s climate change strategy at a lunch and learn on Jan. 17 at Innovation Place Regina.

Ecology & Conservation of Whooping Cranes, Jan. 17 (Saskatoon)
Join the Saskatoon Nature Society at 7:30 pm, Jan. 17, for a talk by Mark Bidwell on the ecology and conservation of whooping cranes. The Society is meeting in a new location – Room 1130, Health Sciences E-Wing, University of Saskatchewan.

Repair Café, Jan. 19 (Prince Albert)
Share and learn skills to repair things at Repair Café Prince Albert from 1-4 pm, Jan. 19.

Ice Cycle & Bike Art Show, Jan. 19 (Saskatoon)
Join Saskatoon Cycles for a group ride and a repurposed bicycle art exhibit by SCYAP from 6:45-8:45 pm, Jan. 19.

Breeding Bird Atlas, Jan. 21 (Regina)
Kiel Drake will provide an update on the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project from 7:30-9:30 pm, at the Jan. 21 meeting of Nature Regina.

Owl about Owls, Jan. 22 (Moose Jaw)
Join Moose Jaw Nature Society at 6:30 pm, Jan. 22, for a talk about owls in Saskatchewan.

Hidden Dangers of Agricultural Pesticides, Jan. 22 (Saskatoon)
Dr. Christy Morrissey will share the latest research on agricultural pesticides at Café Scientifique, 7:30 pm, Jan. 22.

Toxic Trespass, Jan. 23 (Regina)
The film Toxic Trespass, an investigation into toxic chemicals in industrial centres such as Windsor and Sarnia, will be shown in Regina at 6:30 pm, Jan. 23.

Secrets of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Jan. 24 (Regina)
Jared Clarke will uncover the secrets of ruby-throated hummingbirds at Friends of Wascana Marsh’s annual general meeting on Jan. 24.

Passive House Design & Construction, Jan. 24-27 (Saskatoon)
Passive House Canada is offering a 4-day course on passive house design and construction in Saskatoon from Jan. 24-27.

Apathy into Action, Jan. 25 (Regina)
Winning the Renewable Regina campaign will be one of the topics discussed on Jan. 25 at the Apathy into Action conference.

Looking Ahead
Snowlandia, Feb. 19-22 (Saskatoon) 
Wildernook Fresh Air Learning invites young women ages 10-11 to participate in 4 days of outdoor activities from Feb. 19-22.

Wascana Junior Naturalist, Mar-May (Regina)
Young people ages 9-13 are invited to participate in Wascana Junior Naturalists from 6-8 pm, Mar. 5, 12, 26; April 2, 16, 30; and May 7. Activities will include prairie flora, soil ecology, and outdoor animal CSI.

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

In the News
A recent study found that only 41% of existing “natural” areas in the US are sufficiently connected to enable species to follow the environmental conditions they need.

Soil supports 98% of biodiversity, 99% of human food, filters 100% of rainfall for drinking water, and stores more active carbon than air, forest, and seas combined.

“An end to growth is inevitable. . . . If we plan for and manage it, we could well wind up with greater well-being."

Four corporations control over 60% of global seed sales. 

Cities not individuals should be responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks.

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 20, 2018

Upcoming Events 
Climate Crisis Implications & Solutions, Feb. 24 (Fort Qu’Appelle)
Jared Clarke will discuss the climate crisis at 2 pm, Feb. 24, at the Fort Qu’Appelle Senior Centre. 

Engineering Extravaganza, Feb. 24 (Swift Current) 
Kids are invited to make a mini wind turbine from 10 am-12 pm, Feb. 24, at the Swift Current Library.

Mending Meet-Up, Feb. 24 (Saskatoon) 
There will be sewing machines and experienced sewers on hand at a Mending Meet-Up from noon-5 pm, Feb. 24.

Carbonless Concert, Feb. 24 (Saskatoon) 
Enjoy local musicians in a zero-emissions environment at the Carbonless Concert, 6:30-9 pm, Feb. 24.

Middle Lake Seedy Sunday, Feb. 25 (Pilger) 
Enjoy a Seedy Sunday event from 1-5 pm, Feb. 25, at the Middle Lake Multiplex.

Reptile Rescue Fundraiser, Feb. 25 (Saskatoon) 
A Saskatchewan Reptile Rescue Facility Fundraiser is being held from 3-7 pm, Feb. 25, in Saskatoon.

Moose Jaw Nature Society, Feb. 26 (Moose Jaw) 
Jared Clarke will talk about the climate crisis at 6:30 pm, Feb. 26.

Athabasca Sand Dunes, Feb. 27 (Prince Albert) 
Andrea Nelson will share photos and stories of her visit to the Athabasca Sand Dunes at 7 pm, Feb. 27.

Communications Webinars, Feb. 27/Mar. 1 (webinar) 
The Sustainability Network is offering two webinars: Engineering Effective Events, Feb. 27, and Engaging Email Campaigns, Mar. 1.

Meewasin Trail Upgrades, Feb. 28 (Saskatoon) 
Meewasin Valley Authority is holding an open house from 5-7:30 pm, Feb. 28, regarding the Meewasin trail upgrade from Queen Street to the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Results-Based Conservation, Feb. 28 (webinar) 
Find out more about results-based conservation during a Feb. 28 webinar sponsored by SK-PCAP.

Nature Conservancy of Canada, Feb. 28 (Saskatoon) 
Matthew Braun will discuss the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its SK research projects at 3:30 pm, Feb. 28, at the U of S.

The Price of Carbon Book Launch, Feb. 28/Mar. 7 (Regina/Saskatoon) 
Join Dr. David Maenz for the launch of his book, The Price of Carbon, at 7:30 pm, Feb. 28, in Regina, and at 7 pm, Mar. 7, in Saskatoon.

Innovating the Wicked Policy Problem of Climate Change, Mar. 1 (Saskatoon) 
Professor Margot Hurlbert will talk about policy research strategies and methods that address the gap between projected CO2 emissions and mitigation pathways from 3-4 pm, Mar. 1, at the U of S.

Looking Ahead 
2018 High Ground: Communities for All, Mar. 22-24 (Vancouver)
The Centre for Civic Governance’s conference on Mar. 23-24 will cover a variety of topics regarding cities and climate change. On Mar. 22, they will host the first public screening of Women Bending the Curve on Climate Change.

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

Stand Up for Meewasin 
Last year, the province slashed Meewasin Valley Authority’s funding, and more cuts are on the way. Stand Up for Meewasin by posting a 1-minute video or photo story.

In the News
Water management will be high priority as potash mining expands in Saskatchewan.

Fill out a survey to help Indigenous Climate Action develop a toolkit for and by Indigenous communities across Canada about climate change.

An art installation in the U of S Arts building explores the dynamics of throw-away clothing.

Too little attention is being paid to biodiversity loss.

An interesting take on Alberta’s BC wine boycott.

Climate scientists and other academics are experimenting with having satisfying academic careers without all the flying.

Why are we seeing robins in winter?

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

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

2018 Seedy Saturday/Sunday in Saskatchewan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EcoSask News, May 16, 2017

Upcoming Events
Queen of the Sun, May 17 (Regina) 
Watch Queen of the Sun: What are the bees telling us? at Cinema Politica, 7 pm, May 17.

Tree ID, May 23 (Moose Jaw)
Take a walk through Crescent Park at 5:30 pm, May 23, and learn how to identify and understand the importance of the most common trees (Moose Jaw Public Library).

NatureCity Festival, May 23-28 (Saskatoon) 
EcoFriendly Sask is a proud sponsor of Wild about Saskatoon’s NatureCity Festival. You’ll find a full list of over 50 activities on the Festival Events Calendar.

Seed Starting Party, May 24 (Saskatoon)
Kids are invited to a seed starting party at 6 pm, May 24, at the Dr. Freda Ahenakew Branch Library.

Looking Ahead
Petroglyphs Lifeways & Land Festival, June 2/3 (St. Victor)
There will be tours of the petroglyphs and Missouri Couteau Escarpment, a Monarch butterfly release, speakers, displays, and a supper at the Petroglyphs Lifeways and Land Festival, June 2-3, in St. Victor.

Wilderness Navigation & Orienteering Course, June 4 (Saskatoon) 
CanoeSki is offering a one-day wilderness navigation and orienteering course on June 4.

Compost Day, June 8 (Saskatoon) 
Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is holding a compost field day on June 8 in Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Nature Society
Golden Eagles 
May 18, 7:30 am – Warblers in the Borden Area
May 25, 7:30 am – Shorebirds in Perdue Area
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate in Golden Eagle field trips.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
May 18, 5-7 pm – Spring Picnic at Meewasin Park
May 23, 12:15-1:15 pm – Mendel Riverbank Bird Walk
May 23 & 30, 7-9:15 pm – Birdwatching for Beginners
May 26 & June 15, 7-9:15 pm – Wildflower Identification 101
May 28, 10 am- 4 pm – Shorebird Driving Trip to Radisson Lake
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

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

Urban Forestry
SOS Elms Coalition is supporting Ifeanyi Chiedo, a Master’s Student in the School of Environment and Sustainability, who is studying how the City of Saskatoon can better protect its urban forest.

If you’re interested in urban trees, you may want to follow Urban Forestry & Urban Greening on Facebook. And take a look at the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forest Strategy with its goal of planting 150,000 trees by 2020. The City of Coquitlam’s tree management bylaw covers residential trees and takes into consideration the size of the tree, where it’s located (e.g. slope or protected riparian area), and replacement trees. We published an article about Saskatoon's urban forest in 2016.

In the News 
Bears and coyotes are now our neighbours. They're adapting to their new environment - so must humans.

When trees die, so do people.

When did birds start migrating? How have their routes evolved? The evolution of bird migration.

Surface parking lots represent an extraordinary opportunity - to lower the heat, encourage families to live downtown, and increase real estate values. 

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 9, 2017

Upcoming Events
Bike to Work Week, May 15-19 (Saskatoon) 
This year’s first Bike to Work Week, May 15-19, offers daily commuter stations, a bicycle scavenger hunt, bicycling north send-out, and a bike rave.

Watching Wildlife in PA National Park, May 16 (Saskatoon) 
David Henry will talk about his book Watching Wildlife in Prince Albert National Park (book review), at 7 pm, May 16, at the Frances Morrison Library as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series.

Textile Waste and Recycling, May 17 (Saskatoon) 
What happens to unused clothing and how can we keep textiles out of our landfills? Find out more about textile waste and recycling from 2-4 pm, May 17, in Saskatoon.

Permaculture Saskatchewan AGM, May 17 (Saskatoon) 
Permaculture Saskatchewan is holding its annual general meeting at 7 pm, May 17. Guest speaker Steven Wiig will talk about the Oltumo Maasai Project.

Saskatoon Seed Library, May 17 (Saskatoon) 
Learn about seed harvesting, seed insecurity, and the Saskatoon Seed Library at 7 pm, May 17, at the Cliff Wright Branch Library.

Spring Bird Count, May 20 (Regina) 
Naturalists are relaunching Regina’s Spring Bird Count. Meet at 7:30 am, May 20, in front of the Legislature. All skill levels are welcome; each group will be led by a knowledgeable birder.

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

We are delighted to be an ongoing sponsor of Saskatoon’s NatureCity Festival. This year’s Festival Calendar of Events is amazing! 

In the News 
"we humans have created near immortality, not for ourselves, but for our supermarket food wrappings"

A neighbourhood flyways program and an urban bird treaty - great ideas from Seattle, Washington 

Vancouver is currently reaping the benefits of a green building policy. Let’s hope Saskatchewan cities follow their lead.

Here are some ideas for getting people to stop using disposable coffee mugs.

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 11, 2017

Upcoming Events
Bird Impact Reduction Day, Apr. 11
Windows – in our homes, offices, stores – can be a death sentence for birds. Here are 10 things we can do to save birds’ lives.

Easter Week at the Creek, Apr. 17-21 (Saskatoon)
Visit Beaver Creek during Easter break, Apr. 17-21. You can hike a nature trail, feed the chickadees, or explore the interpretive centre.

Sask Breeding Bird Atlas, Apr. 18 (Nature Prince Albert)
Nature Prince Albert is looking for people to help with the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas. Additional information will be provided at their Apr. 18 meeting from 7:30-9 pm.

Visit the Zoo, Apr. 18, 19, 20 (Saskatoon)
Visit the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo from 1-3 pm, Apr. 18, 19, and 20, and Saskatoon Zoo Society interpreters will introduce you to some of the socialized animals.

Sustainable Landscapes, Apr. 18 (Saskatoon)
Patricia Hanbidge will provide tips on how to design, grow, and maintain a sustainable landscape and garden at 7 pm, Apr. 18, at the Frances Morrison Library as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series.

Saskatoon Seed Library, Apr. 18 (Saskatoon) 
Karen Farmer, Saskatoon Seed Library, will talk about how to get seeds, Canadian seed insecurity, and the work being done around Saskatoon at the Cliff Wright Library from 1-2:30 pm, Apr. 18.

Bugs on the Menu, Apr. 19 (Regina)
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is screening Bugs on the Menu at 6:30 pm, Apr. 19, as part of Canada Film Day 150.

Bidder 70, Apr. 19 (Regina) 
Cinema Politica will be screening Bidder 70 about climate activist Tim DeChristopher at 7 pm, Apr. 19, in Regina.

Overlapping Human & Animal Behaviour, Apr. 20 (Saskatoon) 
Dr. Joe Stookey will discuss the similarities between animal and human behaviour at the Apr. 20 meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Wildernook Launch Party, Apr. 21 (Saskatoon) 
Celebrate the launch of Wildernook Fresh Air Learning from 7:30-9:30 pm, Apr. 21, at Drift Café.

Zoo Run, Apr. 23 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Zoo Society is hosting its annual Zoo Run from 9-11 am, Apr. 23.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists
Apr. 18, 6:30-8 pm – Crocus Hike
May 31-June 30 – Bluebird Trail
July 14, 1-3 pm – Butterfly Field Trip
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.
Golden Eagles
Apr. 20, 8 am – Brightwater Marsh
Apr. 27, 8 am – Osler area, including Neuhorst Sloughs
Retirees and partners who are interested in birds and the natural world are invited to participate in Golden Eagle field trips.
Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Apr. 15, 2-4 pm – Crocus Hike to Cranberry Flats
Apr. 22, 4:45-8 am – Short-tailed Grouse Dance to NE Swale
Check the Saskatoon Nature Society’s website for full details and updated information.

Nature Regina Field Trips
Apr. 15, 8:30 am-4 pm – Spring Discoveries on Route 99
Check Nature Regina’s website for full details and updated information.

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

In the News
The Prince Albert Seed Library is a collaborative effort between Prince Albert Parkland Permaculture Guild and John M. Cuelenaere Public Library

The Prairie Climate Centre has launched a new series of publications on building climate-resilient cities - from ecosystems to food and water to economics

Dressing to impress has an environmental cost - 1 kg of denim generates 23 kg of greenhouse gases

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

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Seedy Saturday in Saskatchewan 2017

Seedy Saturday 2017
Churchbridge – Feb. 18
Regina – March 4
Swift Current - March 4 (Little Sprouts and Introduction to Seed Saving)
Moose Jaw – Mar. 5
Yorkton – March 11
Indian Head – Mar. 12
North Battleford – March 25
Saskatoon – April 1
Prince Albert – April 22
Additional information is available on the Seeds of Diversity website.

You may also be interested in the following events:

Compost Coach Training Camp, Mar. 4-5 (Saskatoon)
Learn advanced composting techniques and help more people get involved in composting by taking the two-day compost coach training camp offered by the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

Cultivating Food Security, Mar. 3 (Regina)
Cultivating Food Security: How to Save Seeds & Grow Microgreens will take place from 6:30-9 pm, Mar. 3, at the Regina Floral Conservatory.

Healthy Yards for Prairie Gardeners, Mar. 21 (Saskatoon)
Adrian Werner, Lisa Howse, and Shannon Dyck will discuss how to create a beautiful, sustainable and productive garden, from home composting and water conservation to native plants and pesticide reduction at 7 pm, Mar. 21, at the Frances Morrison Library as part of the Sustainable Speaker Series.

Introduction to Permaculture, Mar. 26 (Saskatoon)
Permaculture Saskatchewan is offering a one-day Introduction to Permaculture course on Mar. 26. Email info@permasask.ca if you would like to attend.

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

Seedy Saturday: Saving, Sharing & Protecting our Seedy Heritage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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