EcoSask News, December 21, 2021

Ocean-dwelling Christmas tree worms use their festive crowns to catch dinner as it floats by. [Oceana]

Upcoming Events 

Participate in iNaturalist’s Winter Bug Project from now until March 1, 2022. Photograph any arthropod (insect, spider, sowbug, etc.) found active indoors or out – in Alberta or Saskatchewan – on land or in water (but not including pets or pet food) and post it online. Experts will help you identify it and it will be added to the count.

Gardening at USask is offering the following online classes, beginning at 7 pm: 

Jan. 3 – Winter Compost Tips 

Feb. 7 – Wasps 

Details about all upcoming events can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar 

Construction 

Climate Caucus, a group of locally-elected climate leaders, has asked the federal government to adopt an energy-efficient, zero-carbon, outcomes-based building code that will set a high standard for local governments. [LinkedIn] 

“If buildings are to make meaningful contributions to keeping global temperature rise to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, limiting emissions from building materials is crucial.” [The Conversation]

 

Transportation 

“Instead of funding new and wider roads, we should build places where people want to slow down and get out of their cars.” [Undark] 

A cartoon lampoons the growing size of trucks and SUVs – Share the road? No way! [The Nib via Planetizen] 

Toronto has amended its bylaws to allow pedal-assisted cargo e-bikes for personal and commercial delivery purposes, but “emerging issues regarding vehicle and pedestrian safety highlight a need to examine how best to regulate cargo e-bikes.” [Pembina Institute] 

Consumption 

The sale of peat to gardeners in England and Wales will be banned by 2024. The government hopes to end use of peat in the professional horticulture sector by 2028. [The Guardian] 

Le Printemps, an iconic Parisian department store, has transformed its top floor into an haute couture and vintage thrift store that also showcases sustainable brands. [Sortir à Paris] 

“The Day the World Stops Shopping offers a thought experiment: what if, overnight, we reduced shopping by 25%? What would happen? … What would it mean for fashion brands? What about the people who make those clothes in low income countries? How would it affect the advertising industry, or traffic rates? What would happen to the global economy, and to carbon emissions? Nature gets a look in too, with a chapter investigating the impact on wildlife.” [book review, The Earthbound Report] 

Water 

Proposed coal mining in southern Alberta could lead to contamination of the South Saskatchewan River from metals such as arsenic, selenium, and cadmium. “If you’re going to look at mining development of the headwaters, you have to look at the whole river basin, the whole watershed, and follow the impacts downstream … And that hasn’t been done.” [The StarPhoenix] 

Shifting Priorities 

“Genuinely sustainable investing could help shift trillions of dollars toward renewable energy and other clean technologies, but only with strong parameters. So far, however, there are no stringent requirements in Canada for climate disclosures, nor is there a single set of standards for what counts as a sustainable investment—regulatory gaps that can make it hard for climate-conscious investors to know how to make the right choices.” [The Walrus] 

Wishing you a very happy Christmas from Andrew and Penny at EcoFriendly Sask. We’ll be back next Tuesday with a Boxing Day Book Special and EcoSask News will resume on January 4. 

Snowshoe Hare snort when they’re annoyed. Find out more on EcoFriendly Sask’s free nature website/app for Canada’s 4 western provinces. [Nature Companion]

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

Berries: Wildlife's Winter Pantry

Nature provides year-round food for many birds and animals. While insects may be plentiful in spring, it’s persistent berries that are an important food source in winter. Unlike raspberries or blueberries, persistent berries ripen later in the year and remain on the bushes and trees even after the leaves have fallen. The berries on native trees and plants such as buffaloberry and red osier dogwood are high in fat and carbohydrates, offering birds plentiful energy for their migratory journey or to weather the cold. 

Bunchberry 

Bunchberry is a low-lying plant found in the cool coniferous forests of Canada’s northern and mountainous regions. The red berries, which ripen in late summer, are a tasty snack for bears, hares, and songbirds. They contain two hard, crunchy seeds, hence the plant’s name of kawiscowimin in Cree, which can be translated as “gravel inside.” It’s also known as dwarf dogwood with similar leaves and flowers to the Pacific dogwood tree.

Common Juniper 

Common juniper is a spreading shrub that often forms a low-lying mat but can grow to 3-4 ft tall. What appear to be blue berries are actually cones with very tightly packed miniature scales. The fleshy covering on the cones is popular with robins, black-capped chickadees, cedar and Bohemian waxwings. American robins often devour large quantities in spring and fall.

 

Mountain Ash 

A highlight of a Prairie winter’s day is when a flock of cedar waxwings swoops in to feast on mountain ash berries. Despite its name, mountain ash belongs to the rose family and its closest relatives are apples and hawthorns. Humans find the berries bitter and unpleasant, but they are very high in vitamin C and birds love them. 

Wild apple and crabapple trees are also popular with wildlife – from deer and bears to birds and squirrels.

Oregon Grape 

Oregon grape can be found in mountainous areas of the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia and eastern Alberta to northern California. The dark blue berries grow in clusters and bear some resemblance to grapes. Wildlife benefit from Oregon grape in all seasons of the year as the bright yellow flowers attract pollinators, the fruit is enjoyed by robins and waxwings as well as some mammals, and some butterfly and moth species rely on Oregon grape plants to host their larvae.

Red Osier Dogwood 

Red osier dogwood is a many-branched shrub about 6 ft tall. Its red stems and branches are particularly noticeable in winter. The white, waxy berries are high in fat and popular with migrating birds, bears, and grouse. The stems and winter buds provide valuable forage for deer, moose, and snowshoe hare, and the plants often suffer from overbrowsing. 

Silver Buffaloberry 

Silver buffaloberry (shepherdia argentea) is a thorny shrub often found growing along rivers and streams, especially on the northern Great Plains. It's slow to lose its leaves in autumn. The clusters of red berries ripen in late summer and are a favorite food of many songbirds and sharp-tailed grouse. 

Snowberry 

Snowberry, a native shrub found across western Canada, has white, waxy berries that persist into winter. The berries are toxic to humans as they contain saponin, a foaming compound used to make soap. They are, however, appreciated by over-wintering birds such as robins and thrushes, as well as chipmunks.

Springtime Follies 

As the weather warms up in the spring, overwintered berries can ferment and birds, particularly cedar waxwings and robins, that eat a lot of fruit can become intoxicated.

 

See Also 

Conifers of Western Canada 

Early Flowering Trees and Shrubs on the Canadian Prairies 

Dead Trees Full of Life 

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

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

EcoSask News, January 19, 2021

Upcoming Events 

Sustainable YXE, Jan. 21 (online) 

Saskatoon Public Library is hosting an online discussion for teens about making our community more sustainable from 6-7 pm, Jan. 21. 

Vacationing in the Tropics, Jan. 22 (online) 

Nicholas Bayly will discuss the ecology and conservation of Canadian-breeding migratory birds in Colombia in the WildEcol Seminar Series at 3:30 pm, Jan. 22. 

Wildlife Rehab Orientation, Jan. 23 (online) 

WRSOS is holding a virtual wildlife rehabilitation orientation at 1 pm, Jan. 23. 

Eco-Scavenger Hunt, Jan. 23 & 30 (Saskatoon) 

Meewasin Valley Authority is hosting self-directed eco-scavenger hunts to help track wildlife at Beaver Creek Conservation Area on Jan. 23 & 30; Feb. 13, 18, 19, & 27; and Mar. 13 & 27. 

Where & How People Live, Jan. 26 (online) 

There will be an online discussion of how climate change is contributing to human migration as well as an update on local climate action at 7 pm, Jan. 26, as part of the Sustainability Speaker Series organized by the Saskatoon Public Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. 

A Landscape Ethic, Jan. 28 (online) 

Dr. Hamilton Greenwood will share his photographic adventures and reflections on the beauty of Western Canada online at 7 pm, Jan. 28 (John M. Cuelenaere Library, Prince Albert). 

At Risk: Mormon Metalmark Butterflies, Jan. 28 (online) 

Shelley Pruss, Parks Canada, will discuss Mormon Metalmark butterflies, an uncommon species found in the Prairie Badlands at noon, Jan. 28, as part of the Native Prairie Speaker Series. 

Winter Readiness, Jan. 28 (online) 

Regina Public Library and Parks Canada are offering a program on animals that are masters at adapting to winter conditions at 7 pm, Jan. 28. 

Looking Ahead

Speed Networking, Jan. 29 (online) 

The Canadian Environmental Network is hosting a speed networking hour at 3 pm, Jan. 29, to help environmental organization leaders meet and find ways to collaborate. 

Repair Café, Jan. 30 (online) 

The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council is hosting a virtual repair café 11 am-2 pm, Jan. 30. 

Winter Walk, Jan. 30 (Regina) 

The public is invited to join Nature Regina for a bird watching walk and to find out what happens under the snow and ice in winter at 10, 10:30, or 11 am, Jan. 30. 

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 

Jan. 30, 11 am-7 pm – Great Gray Owl Excursion 

Feb. 6, 2-3:30 pm – Forestry Farm Bird Walk 

Field trips are currently for members only, so sign up now. Advance registration is required. 

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

Local News 

The Athabasca Nuhenéné community has set up a Facebook page to share their connection to their land and culture and the need to preserve it. 

Agricultural drainage standards need to be in place and enforced to protect the environment and people. 

New! Responding to Climate Change: A Primer for K-12 Education, Sustainability and Education Policy Network 

The University of Saskatchewan and FCL continue to support research into cleaning up and managing contaminated sites. 

A growing chorus of experts says carbon capture isn’t all that effective and could even add to greenhouse gas emissions. 

How will Saskatchewan’s water supply be affected by Alberta's decisions regarding coal mining? Although a few coal leases were cancelled (January 18, 2021), most remain and would affect the water source for the Canadian Prairies.

 

From Information to Action 

Hydrogen is a lifeline for the oil and gas industry and a distraction from proven technologies – wind, solar, battery storage. 

The textile industry creates 10% of global CO2 emissions. “With production projected to increase 81% by 2030, we are sleepwalking into an environmental disaster.” 

“By 2040, forests will take up only half as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they do now, if global temperatures keep rising at the present pace.” 

Good News 

Two 17-year-olds are on a mission – to rewild Britain by restoring reptile and amphibian species that are either virtually extinct or have been extinct for centuries. 

The Harmony Project offers teaching resources to develop learning based on a deep understanding of, and connection to, the natural world. 

Thank you for reading EcoSask News. If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone – or many someones! 

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

Did you know? Great Gray Owl have very good hearing and can detect prey under 2 ft of snow thanks to the facial disc feathers that channel sound to the ears (Nature Companion, a free nature app for Western Canada)

Have Fun Outdoors This Winter

Winter is on its way, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We’ve updated our list of outdoor winter activities in Saskatchewan with everything from downhill skiing to pishing. We’ve tried to keep in mind current Covid-19 restrictions, but do check with local organizers for the most up-to-date information. 

Winter Explorations in Saskatchewan 

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we’ll be happy to add it to the list. 

PS SaskOutdoors is hosting a Winter Camp, December 5 and 6. A great way to start off the season 

Take EcoFriendly Sask’s Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces, with you when you head outdoors

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

Upcoming events (online and in person) can be found on the EcoFriendly Sask Calendar

EcoSask News, February 11, 2020

Upcoming Events
Repair Café, Feb. 15 (Prince Albert)
Celebrate and share maintenance and repair skills from 1-4 pm, Jan. 18, at Repair Café Prince Albert.

Cold Blooded, Feb. 15 (Saskatoon)
Find out more about our cold-blooded neighbours on a nature walk offered by Lichen Nature from 1-3:30 pm, Feb. 15.

Saskatchewan’s Largest Snake, Feb. 17 (Regina) 
Find out about bull snakes at the 7:30 pm, Feb. 17, meeting of Nature Regina.

Grassland Restoration, Feb. 18 (Prince Albert) 
Join Nature Prince Albert for a talk on grassland restoration from 7-9 pm, Feb. 18.

Accelerating Adoption of Solar Power, Feb. 18 (Saskatoon) 
Peter Prebble and Michael Nemeth, SES Solar Co-op, will talk about the lessons learned from numerous solar installations and how adoption of solar power in the Saskatoon region can be accelerated at 7 pm, Feb. 18.

What People Believe, Feb. 19 (Regina) 
Gordon Pennycook will discuss why people believe what they believe about climate change from 7-9 pm, Feb. 19.

SK Conservation 101, Feb. 20 (Moose Jaw)
Find out what a day in the life of a Saskatchewan Conservation Officer entails at 2:30 pm, Feb. 20.

Breeding Bird Atlas, Feb. 20 (Saskatoon) 
Birds Canada staff will review the first 3 years of the SK Breeding Bird Atlas at the 7:30 pm, Feb. 20, meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Looking Ahead
Winterful Adventures for Little Learners, Feb. 29 (Saskatoon) 
Join SaskOutdoors at 1 pm, Feb. 29, for a workshop on overcoming barriers to winter outdoor activities for young children.

Project Wild/Below Zero, Mar. 7 (Saskatoon) 
SaskOutdoors is offering a Project Wild/Below Zero workshop from 9:30 am-4 pm, Mar. 7, in Saskatoon.

Wilderness Safety & Survival, Mar. 7-8 (Moose Mountain) 
The Saskatchewan chapter of The Wildlife Society is helping to coordinate a wilderness safety and survival training course in Moose Mountain Provincial Park Mar. 7-8.

Compost Coach Training, Mar. 7 & 8 (Saskatoon) 
Compost coach training is a free, 2-day workshop on Mar. 7 & 8 to learn all about composting and join Saskatoon’s team of volunteer compost coaches.

Projet Wet, Mar. 14 (Regina)
SaskOutdoors offre un atelier sur Projet Wet en français de 13 à 16 heures, le 14 mars, à Régina.

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

Saskatchewan News
Saskatoon’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, outlining 15 actions that are intended to provide a sustainable habitat for people and nature, was presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services on Feb. 10. The Committee’s agenda package includes an executive summary of the strategy, a presentation from the Meewasin Valley Authority, as well as letters of support from Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, Joanne Blythe, and Branimir Gjetvaj.

The City of Saskatoon will be testing an electric bus as part of its public transit fleet.

Government of Saskatchewan will consider investing in pipeline projects: “The reality is that unless governments are involved in energy infrastructure projects, they’re not going to get built.”

That’s Interesting!
Bristol, UK, has declared an ecological emergency over loss of wildlife. The mayor says, “It is not too late to start the recovery of our wildlife. We must work together to grasp this last chance and put things right for nature and wildlife in our city.”

Can we have prosperity without growth? “Reversing consumerism’s financial and cultural dominance in public and private life is set to be one of the twenty-first century’s most gripping psychological dramas.”

Climate change, pollution, and urbanization threaten water in Canada.

“A carbon-offset project developed specifically to fund the protection of the Great Bear Rainforest is struggling to find buyers.”

Wasps are fascinatingly complex. [comic]

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 21, 2020

Upcoming Events
Shoe Repair, Jan. 22 (Saskatoon) 
Find out how to make your shoes last longer at a winter shoe/boot maintenance and repair workshop from 6:30-8 pm, Jan. 22.

Fish Hatchery, Jan. 24 (Moose Jaw) 
There will be a presentation about the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation’s mobile fish hatchery at the 6:30 pm, Jan. 24, meeting of the Moose Jaw Nature Society.

Sharp-tailed Grouse, Jan. 25 (Fort Qu’Appelle) 
Brandon Burda will discuss sharp-tailed grouse habitat selection and population trends at the 7 pm, Jan. 25, meeting of the Fort Qu’Appelle Nature Society at the Fort Qu’Appelle Train Station.

Richard St. Barbe Baker, Jan. 25 (Saskatoon) 
Paul Hanley and Richard White will introduce Richard St. Barbe Baker, founder of the international Men of the Trees organisation, from 7-9 pm, Jan. 25.

Bike Regina AGM, Jan. 28 (Regina) 
Bike Regina is holding its annual general meeting at 6:30 pm, Jan. 28.

Energy & Material Flows, Jan. 28 (Saskatoon) 
Darrin Qualman will discuss sustainability: energy & material flows in human & natural systems at the 7:30 pm, Jan. 28, Café Scientifique YXE.

Beavers & Natural Infrastructure, Jan. 28 (webinar)
Miistakis Institute and the Candian Wildlife Service will be presenting a webinar on beavers and other natural infrastructure solutions from 12-1:30 pm CST, Jan. 28. Register by Jan. 24.

Looking Ahead
Repair Café, Feb. 1 (Gravelbourg) 
Gravelbourg Green Initiatives is hosting their second repair café from 9 am-noon, Feb. 1.

Art & Craft Supply Swap, Feb. 1 (Gravelbourg)
Swap and shop for art and craft supplies from 9 am-noon, Feb. 1, in Gravelbourg.

Winter by the Lake, Feb. 1 (Anglin Lake) 
Enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Anglin Lake from 1-4 pm, Feb. 1.

Winter Power-up Workshops, Feb. 1 (Regina) 
Join the Regina Public Interest Research Group for issue sessions and skill-building workshops for social and environmental justice on Feb. 1.

Gone Wild for Wildlife, Feb. 1 (Saskatoon) 
Take the whole family to Gone Wild for Wildlife from 10 am-5 pm, Feb. 1, for nature activities, science experiments, lectures, and live wildlife.

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

In the News
Regina’s EnviroCollective invites people under 30 to complete a short survey to keep the conversation going around renewable energy in Regina following last year’s youth community forum. Deadline is Jan. 30, 2020.

Canadian Institute for Climate Choices is a network of researchers who hope to produce rigorous and independent research, analysis and insight to bring clarity to the climate challenges and transformative policy choices ahead for Canada.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s very difficult to break down compostable plastics and they are only effective where the appropriate composting facilities are available.

“Coyotes test what decisions we make when we cross paths with those who are different” and are “a bellwether of our ability to live in community.”

Bobcats will live in cities, but they keep their distance from people, avoiding areas that are more than 20% developed.

Conservation policies based on the native-alien dichotomy could threaten biodiversity.

Success! After many years of legal and political battles, Jumbo Glacier will remain wild. Rather than a resort, the area will become an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area and will provide a valuable wildlife corridor for grizzly bears travelling north-south between Canada and the United States.

Electric cars work great – even in extreme cold.

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 7, 2020

Upcoming Events
50th Anniversary Celebrations (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020 with a series of fundraising events to ensure their ongoing sustainability. Events include a music series, a picnic, a spin class, and a trivia night.

Implementing Regulatory Commitments, Jan. 8 (Saskatoon) 
David Stevenson, Government of Saskatchewan, will present an update on the implementation of regulatory commitments made in Prairie Resilience at noon, Jan. 8, at the U of S.

Microscopic Organisms, Jan. 16 (Saskatoon)
Find out about the microscopic organisms below the surface in your backyard at the 7:30 pm, Jan. 16, meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Electronic Recycling, Jan. 16 (Saskatoon)
Find out how the Electronic Recycling Association is reducing electronic waste and reusing unwanted equipment at noon, Jan. 16, at Innovation Place.

Repair Café, Jan. 18 (Prince Albert) 
Celebrate and share maintenance and repair skills from 1-4 pm, Jan. 18, at Repair Café Prince Albert.

Snowshoe & Skate, Jan. 18 (Echo Valley)
Check out the new skating trail and participate in a guided snowshoe hike at Echo Valley Provincial Park from 11 am-4 pm, Jan. 18.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists 
Mar. 7, 1-3 pm – Owl Pellets
Mar. 28, 1-2:30 pm – Birdhouses
Apr. 19, 7-8:30 pm – Crocus Hike
May 2, 1-3 pm – Pike Lake Field Trip
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Feb. 1, 1-3 pm – Beaver Creek Twigs & Bark
Feb. 8, 2-3:30 pm – Forestry Farm Bird Walk
Feb. 23, 2-3:30 pm – City Park Bird Walk
Feb. 29, 9-4:30 pm – The Leap to Gardiner Dam

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
A 12-year-old says cigarette butts should be part of a federal single-use plastic ban expected in 2021.

The fracking industry has to stop flaring and venting so much methane.

Major oil companies, facing the prospect of reduced demand for their fuels, are ramping up their plastics output.

From domination to fellow beings - a tidal shift in how Americans view wildlife.

“Over the years, clothes have been my comfort blanket and confidence boost. They’ve been a recreational hobby, a competitive sport and a way to bond with people in pub toilets”: her New Year’s resolution - and she stuck to it - no new clothes for a year. Here are some tips for following her example.

Shifting baseline syndrome, collective amnesia about past natural abundance, is a curse for conservation.

Turning contaminated land into a solar park.

Icarus Complex, a European biannual magazine, is an in-depth look at the issues surrounding climate change. The first issue included articles about ClientEarth, a charity using the power of the law to protect the planet, and about the American Conservative Coalition, which is seeking “to activate the conservative movement . . . . through the promotion of free-market and pro-business environmentalism.”

Food in the nude: “a group of supermarkets have abandoned the use of plastic wrapping for virtually all of their fruit and vegetables.”

The City of Vancouver is slowly eliminating single-use plastics.

Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter looks at what happens to our stuff when we no longer want it - from “thrift stores in the American Southwest to vintage shops in Tokyo, flea markets in Southeast Asia to used-goods enterprises in Ghana.”

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, December 17, 2019

Upcoming Events
Zero-Waste Gift Wrapping, Dec. 21 (Saskatoon) 
Wrap your gifts with used gift wrap or cloth from 10 am-5:30 pm, Dec. 21.

Science Experiments, Dec. 27 (North Battleford) 
Children ages 5-12 are invited to play with science from 2-3 pm, Dec. 27, in North Battleford.

Mindfulness Cross-Country Ski, Dec. 28 (Macdowall) 
Enjoy a cross-country ski with the 306 Outdoor Tribe at Eb’s Trails from 1-4 pm, Dec. 28.

Promoting Energy Efficiency, Jan. 8 (Saskatoon) 
Dave Stevenson, Ministry of Environment, will discuss energy efficiency promotion in Saskatchewan at the Jan. 8 breakfast meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Meadow Lake Tracks & Crafts, Jan. 11 (Meadow Lake) 
Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike and craft from 1-3:30 pm, Jan. 11, at Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Saskatoon Young Naturalists 
Jan. 18, 1-3 pm – Tracks & Scats
Feb. 8, 1-2:30 pm – Chickadee Pishing
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Jan. 12, 2-3:30 pm – Sanatorium Site Birding
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
Wetland / Waste Land: A Conservation of Change is a 25-minute documentary looking at the emerging conflicts in the Canadian prairies over the apparently conflicting needs of wetlands and agriculture.

Researchers have found toxic chemicals used in smartphones, televisions, computer displays, and solar panels in nearly half of dozens of samples of household dust. “These chemicals are semi-liquid and can get into the environment at any time during manufacturing and recycling, and they are vaporized during burning. Now we also know that these chemicals are being released by products just by using them,” said Giesy, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology, University of Saskatchewan.

The National Farmers Union’s report on Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis: A Transformative Strategy for Canadian Farmers and Food Systems examines the impacts of climate change on agriculture in Canada as well as the opportunities that agriculture provides to become part of the solution.

The City of New York has passed a bill “that will update the building code with design and construction requirements aimed at making buildings safer for migratory birds. It will require exteriors on the lowest 75 feet of new buildings, and on any structure above a green roof, to have avian-friendly materials such as patterned glass that make transparent surfaces more visible to birds flying at full speed. The bill doesn’t include a mandate to retrofit existing buildings, but requires any future renovations to comply with the standards, which are set to take effect in December 2020.”

Alberta is building a wildlife overpass east of Canmore, the first outside Banff National Park, and adding an underpass in the Crowsnest Pass. The locations were chosen as being hot spots for collisions.

Boston plans to build a bridge that will ban single-occupancy cars and favour pedestrians and cyclists.

“Wildlife biologist and science communicator David Steen has taken the most common snake myths, tall tales and snake safety rules and applied real science to them in his wildly entertaining Secrets of Snakes: The Science Beyond the Myths.” [book review]

This is the last issue of EcoSask News for 2019. We’ll be in holiday mode for the next two weeks with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Specials - interesting and unexpected items for you to enjoy over the holidays. 

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 19, 2019

Upcoming Events
Wildlife Photographs, Feb. 21 (Saskatoon) 
Kosala Rajapaksha will share his Saskatchewan and Sri Lankan wildlife photographs at the 7:30 pm, Feb. 21, meeting of the Saskatoon Nature Society.

Climate Change: The Facts, Feb. 22 (Moose Jaw) 
Jim Elliott, Council of Canadians, will discuss provincial action on climate change at the 7 pm, Feb. 22, meeting of the Moose Jaw Nature Society.

Wascana Cross-Country Ski Family Weekend, Feb. 23, 24 (Regina)
Enjoy a weekend of cross-country skiing at Wascana Centre with rented equipment from 11 am-3:30 pm, Feb. 23 & 24.

Birds of Saskatchewan Book Launch, Feb. 26 (Regina) 
Nature Saskatchewan will celebrate the launch of Birds of Saskatchewan at 7 pm, Feb. 26, at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

Jewelry Swap, Feb. 26 (Regina) 
Swap jewelry or accessories from 7-8 pm, Feb. 26, at the Connaught Branch Library.

Saskatchewan Adventures, Feb. 27 (Saskatoon) 
Kit and Julene will share their cross-country skiing adventures in Saskatchewan and there will be help with boot fitting at an event sponsored by SaskOutdoors at 7 pm, Feb. 27.

Looking Ahead
Building Operator Training, Regina – Mar. 1, Saskatoon – Mar. 29 
Find out how to reduce energy costs and have a more comfortable building at a building operator training course offered by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society in Regina on Mar. 1 and Saskatoon on Mar. 29.

LEED Green Associate Training, Mar. 2 & 3 (Regina, Saskatoon) 
University of Regina students can obtain LEED Green Associate Training demonstrating certified knowledge in the field from 12-5 pm, Mar. 3. University of Saskatchewan students can receive the training from 1-5:30 pm, Mar. 2, in Saskatoon.

Winter Camp, Mar. 16-17 (Great Blue Heron Provincial Camp) 
Learn to winter camp successfully and comfortably on Mar. 16-17 at SaskOutdoor’s annual winter camp in Great Blue Heron Provincial Park.

Bird ID for Novice Birders, Mar. 18 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Nature Society and the SK Breeding Bird Atlas are offering a free two-hour workshop on the basics of bird identification from 7-9 pm, Mar. 18.

Bird ID Workshop for Intermediate Birders, Mar. 22-Apr. 12 (Saskatoon) 
The Saskatoon Nature Society and the SK Breeding Bird Atlas are offering 4 two-hour workshops on using your bird book and birding app to identify common breeding birds found in the Saskatoon area from 7-9 pm, Mar. 22, Mar. 29, Apr. 5, and Apr. 12. Space is limited so register as soon as possible.

Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips
Saskatoon Young Naturalists 
Mar. 16, 1-3 pm – Owl Pellets
Apr. 6, 1-3 pm – Birdhouse Workshop
Space is limited; register early to avoid disappointment.

Other Saskatoon Nature Society Field Trips 
Feb. 24, 1:30-3:30 pm – Forestry Farm Park birding
Mar. 3, 2-3:30 pm – Montgomery Place birding
Mar. 9, 9 am-5 pm – Gardiner Dam field trip
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 Council of Canadians, Regina Chapter, is calling for a just transition to renewable energy in Saskatchewan.

Pond leveller devices are a cost-effective, low-maintenance tool in a landowner’s tool box, and they allow for a happy co-existence with beavers.

Mid-block crosswalks make cities safer for pedestrians.

Listen for the coyotes - January to March is breeding season.

 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 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, December 4, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Denmark is considering food labels that indicate environmental impact.

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

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

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

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

EcoSask News, January 30, 2018

Upcoming Events
Wildlife Rehabilitation, Jan. 31 (Saskatoon) 
Jan Shadick will discuss wildlife rehabilitation at 3:30 pm, Jan. 31, as part of the U of S Wild Ecol Seminar series.

Decoys Book Launch, Feb. 1 (Prince Albert) 
Bill Robertson will launch his book of poetry, Decoys, at 7 pm, Feb. 1, at the John M. Cuelenaere Library. His poems explore how his roles as father and grandfather allow him to share his love of the natural world and passion for birds.

Nature in Winter Workshops, Feb. 3 & 11 (Saskatoon) 
Lichen Nature is offering winter walks from 1-4 pm, Feb. 3 and 11, when she will answer questions about plants and animals in winter.

Between Earth and Sky, Feb. 6 (Saskatoon) 
U of S Environmental Programs is screening Between Earth and Sky: Climate Change on the Last Frontier at 5:30 pm, Feb. 6, to be followed by a reception and discussion.

Climate Change, Feb. 7 (Edenwold) 
Jared Clarke is giving a presentation on climate change at 7 pm, Feb. 7, in Edenwold.

Bus Rapid Transit, Feb. 7 (Saskatoon)
City of Saskatoon is holding a come-and-go event from 5:30-8 pm, Feb. 7, to discuss the City's re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit.

Air Source Heat Pumps, Feb. 7 (Saskatoon) 
Mike Nemeth, Radiance Cohousing, will discuss Air Source Heat Pumps at the Feb. 7 meeting of the Saskatchewan Energy Management Task Force.

Family Fun Cross-Country Ski Event, Feb. 10 (Regina) 
Join SaskOutdoors for a family-friendly cross-country ski event from 2-4 pm, Feb. 10, at the White Butte Ski Trails near Regina.

Meet a Burrowing Owl, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Meet a burrowing owl at Wild Birds Unlimited at 12:30 pm, Feb. 10.

Meet a Red-tailed Hawk, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon)
Meet Jadis, a red-tailed hawk, at 3 pm, Feb. 10, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Kȏna Wanuskewin Winter Festival, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Lots of outdoor activities on Feb. 10 at Wanuskewin’s Kȏna Festival.

Wildlife Rehab Fundraiser, Feb. 10 (Saskatoon) 
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation is holding a fundraising dinner on Feb. 10.

Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden, Feb. 11 (Saskatoon) 
Lyndon Penner will share his passion for plants and hummingbirds at 2:30 pm, Feb. 11, at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Looking Ahead
Education for Sustainable Development Award Applications, Mar. 31 
Application forms are now available for RCE SK’s Education for Sustainable Development awards. Return completed applications by Mar. 31.

Wilderness First Aid, Apr. 13-15 (Saskatoon) 
SaskOutdoors is hosting a Wilderness & Remote First Aid course, Apr. 13-15, close to Saskatoon.

Waste Reforum 2018, Apr. 18-20 (Regina) 
The annual Waste Reforum will be held from Apr. 18-20 in Regina.

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

In the News 
A group in Prince Albert is setting up a monthly Repair Café.

Animals need to move in order to find food, shelter, and a mate. A global study shows animals are moving distances two to three times shorter in areas disturbed by humans than in the wilderness.

Wild Words - posters designed by local teenagers and young people to promote the importance of protecting urban wildlife and greenspaces.

The health care system is responsible for 10% of US greenhouse gas emissions. The culprit? Anaesthetics.

Toledo’s mayor has pledged to commute by bus one day a week.

Food for Thought 
"we continue to sign up to the very Victorian and out-dated view that nature is something to be controlled and tamed, we've simply lost our natural tolerance. Repeatedly I'm bombarded with examples of our disconnection and intolerance of things which to me are part of the holistic beauty of a world we should be part of, not fighting against. Whether it's worm casts on the lawn, wasps in the attic, birds or bats with the audacity to dare nest on our own homes or a family of slow-worms killed because they were misidentified as Adders" [ReWild: The Art of Returning to Nature, Nick Baker]

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).