SEN Info Bulletin

Saskatchewan Forest Centre, Canadian Green Fuels and University of Regina Partner for New Biofuel Technology Development

Prince Albert, July 10, 2008 - The Saskatchewan Forest Centre (SFC) announced today the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Regina and Canadian Green Fuels. Along with these partners, the SFC will explore new product development and technologies for biofuels and bioenergy.

“The partnership opens up new opportunities for the SFC in supporting “green” initiatives of government and industry” said Sherry Michalyca, Chair of the SFC. “It also is a huge step in the new direction of the SFC: that of expanding and growing new and competitive businesses in the forest sector.”

The partnership will see a variety of technologies and resources applied to development of viable biofuel industry in Saskatchewan using biomass gasification to produce a clean fuel. The fuel will be developed in part using wood fibre from the forests of the province.

Full story: http://www.saskforestcentre.ca/index.php?f=news&item=49&from=.

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Fuelled By Sunshine: North American Solar Challenge

CALGARY, Alberta, July 22, 2008 (ENS) - Fifteen solar cars Tuesday raced to the finish line of the 2008 North American Solar Challenge as an estimated 10,000 spectators lined the streets at the University of Calgary to greet the sleek, low-slung vehicles.

The University of Michigan Solar Car Team crossed the finish line first after traveling nearly 2,400 miles, (4,000 kilometers) from Plano, Texas to Calgary, earning Michigan's fifth national championship in nine races. All drivers of the 15 solar cars that left Plano, Texas on July 13 pushed their vehicles as close to highway speed as possible since there was no need to conserve power for another day of racing.

The first-place vehicle, University of Michigan's Continuum, crossed the finish line at 1:19 this afternoon. The car averaged around 45 miles per hour and led the race from the first day. Official standings from the race are available on the North American Solar Challenge website at: http://www.americansolarchallenge.org

Full story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2008/2008-07-22-093.asp.

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Your Bath Water Could Help Save the Earth

Canada boasts the third-greatest supply of renewable fresh water on earth, but only half of one per cent of the world's population. The notion that such a small number of people could ever exhaust this vast liquid wealth seems impossible — which may account for Canadians' distinction as the second most wasteful water users on the planet.

LEcohabitation, the Montreal home of environmental consultant Emmanuel Cosgrove, is the only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum-level certified home in Quebec. Cosgrove is among those who support conservation through better use of recycled household "grey water." Cosgrove's home, also known as L'Ecohabitation, is a three-level row house that looks much like any other in Montreal's trendy Plateau Mont-Royal district - except that it happens to be one of the most eco-friendly dwellings in North America.

Concerned about reducing his environmental footprint, Cosgrove has outfitted the two-family dwelling with numerous water-conserving features, including rain catchers to irrigate a rooftop garden and dual-flush toilets. Still, Montreal's rainfall often isn't sufficient to keep the garden watered throughout the growing season, and he considers "using fresh, potable drinking water to flush toilets - typically 30 per cent of all household consumption - as completely nonsensical."

Full article: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/07/14/f-lagiorgia-greywater.html.

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The Green is in the Cards

Saskatoon is now home to an earth friendly greeting card shop by the name of Corby Cards. The shop focuses on post-consumer recycled greeting cards from various independent companies across North America. The owner, Ryan Bradshaw, began wholesaling his own line of greeting cards two years ago, and recognized the need for earth friendly products in Saskatoon. Besides earth friendly greetings, Corby Cards also sells a wide range of organic fair trade coffee, Saskatchewan made pure beeswax candles, and elephant poo paper products. You can find Corby Cards in the lower level of the Regent Plaza at 12-115 3rd Avenue South.

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Public Consultation on the Requirement for Comprehensive Studies of Municipal Drinking Water Projects

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is launching a 45-day consultation on a proposal to amend the Comprehensive Study List Regulations (CSLR) to remove municipal/community drinking water (MDW) projects from the comprehensive study list. The outcome of this amendment would be that municipal/community drinking water projects that require a federal environmental assessment would be subject to a screening instead of a comprehensive study.

The Agency would like to invite you to review and provide comments on the proposal. A consultation document containing the details of this initiative is available on the Agency’s website at http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/013/pn080612_e.htm.

Please submit your comments, questions and/or suggestions in the official language of your choice by July 28, 2008, to John Smith Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 160 Elgin Street, 22nd floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3. Tel.: 1-866-582-1884 Fax: 613-957-0897 E-mail: John.Smith@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.

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Waterfront Challenge: A Competition to Improve Your Local Waterfront

The Waterfront Challenge is a competition to encourage people who care about their local waterfront - including rivers, lakes, streams and oceans - to improve their local environment so that they may continue to enjoy water activities. Prizes of $5000 each will be awarded to 7 lucky groups and $25,000 to the first place group. The contest runs now through November 1, 2008 and is open to adults and children. Any group may consist of 3 or more people who want to spend a minimum of two days improving their local waterfront and encouraging others to do the same. For more information, please visit http://wfchallenge.com.

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Rare Plant Identification Workshop

This is a workshop for anyone who wishes to be able to identify rare plants. The content of the course ranges from general botany for those not familiar with plant identification to basic surveying techniques and rare plant identification. The goal of these workshops is to get anyone interested in rare plants, regardless of skill level, to go out and look for them. The cost of this course is $25 which is fully refunded upon the completion of a rare plant survey form. Contact Chet at 668-3940 to register. Hosted by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan.

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Missing Indigenous Women Conference

An International Conference on "Missing Women: Decolonization, Third Wave Feminisms, and Indigenous People of Canada and Mexico" will be held August 14-17, 2008 in Regina, Saskatchewan, presented by Luther College in conjunction with the Women's Studies Department and the University of Regina.

For more information, visit their website at: http://www.missingwomenregina.com.

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Native Plant Society Workshop: Alien Plant Species

The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan (NPSS) is inviting you to attend one of its free workshops on Invasive Alien Plants.

Please pre-register ASAP to save your seat as space is limited. You can register by calling (306) 668-3940. Details at: http://www.npss.sk.ca/events.php#rare_plant.

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Critical Mass

Do you love biking, roller-blading, or boarding? Come join other Saskatoonians as we celebrate together in a group ride through the streets. Meet at Vimy Memorial Bandstand.

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Enviro 911 Art Show Reception

We are a non profit group called Enviro 911 operating under guidance of the Sierra Club. We are a volunteer research group that answers questions via email at enviro911@gmail.com. We answer questions ranging from where to recycle mattresses to how to stop chemical spraying or create a petition. More at the website: http://www.sierraclub.ca/prairie/enviro911/.

We are having a launch of the group to get the word out in the form of an art show closing reception July 25th. The show runs from July 14th-25th at the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery on campus. More than 30 local artists are showing their works and will be in attendance. Some of the artists include Don Kossick, Alicia Popoff, Leslie Potter, Jan Jonnson, Richard Popoff and many more.

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Saskatoon Women's Community Coalition AGM

You are invited to attend the Saskatoon Women's Community Coalition Annual General Meeting. SWCC has organized, supported and empowered the women's movement in Saskatoon for over 15 years. We look forward to seeing you on the 28th of July to celebrate another fabulous year making change and empowering the women in our community. Memberships have always been on a sliding scale basis: Individual - $5, Organization/community group - $20, Under/unemployed - Free.

If you are interested in joining the SWCC board of directors, or individual committees of the SWCC, please come along to our AGM and sign up! Some of the committees include: Take Back the Night, December 6th, International Women's Day, to name just a few.

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Rare Plant Survey Techniques

This two and a half day short course is for environmental consultants who wish to learn about the new rare plant survey methodologies and guidelines developed by Environment Canada. It will cover planning for and designing field surveys (taught in the lab) as well as conducting surveys (done in the field on a federally-listed rare plant population). The cost is $200 per person. Contact Chet at 668-3940 to register. Details at http://www.npss.sk.ca.

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Youth Action Gathering

The Sierra Youth Coalition (SYC) is pleased to announce Saskatoon’s first ever Youth Action Gathering (YAG), happening August 8-11, 2008. Youth from around Saskatoon ages 14-18 are invited to attend this day camp, which will feature workshops, speakers, and activities centered around issues of environmental sustainability and social justice.

The purpose of this gathering is to inform and educate youth on environmentalism, international development, and social justice issues and give them tools to create positive, proactive change in their communities. By training participants in leadership, organization, fundraising, and public relations, we can empower youth to organize their own initiatives, creating a force for long-term change in Saskatoon. This program will bring together a diverse and committed group of young people, to make lasting connections, friendships, and peer support to draw from when launching their own projects.

Topics we will cover include racism, sexism, homophobia, fair trade, war and conflict, water conservation, biking and bike repair, waste reduction, and more. We will also advise participants on ways they can become involved in local movements and projects, involving them in existing activism in Saskatoon. This YAG is organized by youth for youth, with the belief that when youth are armed with awareness, knowledge, and motivation, they can create positive change in our schools, city, country, and our world.

If you are interested, please contact saskatoonyag@gmail.com to request a registration form or an information package, or join our facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22702302494 to receive updates and further information.

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We Are Many Festival

From August 22nd to 24th, Saskatoon will be the site of We Are Many: A Festival, which presents a model of sustainability for mid-sized cities throughout North America. We Are Many (WAM) will use the energy and community spirit of the arts—music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual art—in taking a dramatic step toward becoming an environmentally friendly community. The festival will feature arts exhibits and performances as well as hands-on workshops and symposia on the whats, hows, and whys of sustainability.

More information at http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.

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Straw Bale Building Workshop

During this workshop you will have hands-on experience building a straw bale structure from the ground up. Instructor is Dave Dale, and cost is $250 per person. Registration is on a first come basis. Space is limited so if interested register early.

Sponsored by Craik Sustainable Living Project. For information or registration, phone 306-734-2605 or email: eade@sasktel.net.

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Summer Workshops at Last Mountain Bird Observatory

In August, 2008, Nature Saskatchewan is offering 1-day workshops at Last Mountain Bird Observatory – at new initiative for LMBO! The Last Mountain Bird Observatory is located at Last Mountain Regional Park, about 10 km west of Govan, SK. Both workshops will provide an opportunity to see how birds are caught in mist nets, handled as they are weighed, measured and banded, and then released. Alan Smith, Manager at LMBO, will demonstrate and speak about banding and the monitoring programs at LMBO.

Workshops are: Young Birder Workshop (ages 8-13) on August 9th and Teen & Adult Birding Workshop (ages 13+) on August 16th. To Register: contact the Nature Saskatchewan office at (306) 780-9273 or 1-800-667-4668 (SK only), or email: info@naturesask.ca. Please provide your name(s), phone number, mailing address and email address. There is NO COST to attend, but please register. Details at http://www.naturesask.ca/

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Return to the Tar Sands Bike Trip

What are you doing for environmental justice this summer? The Sierra Youth Coalition (SYC) is organizing a political activism bike trip. Full details at: http://tothetarsands.ca/about/.

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First Annual Zero Waste Convention & Inventors Week

From August 15 to 21, 2008 both university and high school interns will culminate their time with HELP by understudying professional engineers participating in HELP’s first annual Zero Waste Convention. HELP’s CERT (Center for Ecology Research and Training) is hosting volunteer engineers from several sponsoring firms who will be working in tandem with student interns to work on developing simple low cost technology for waste recycling and silviculture for home and community based industry.

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Building with Clay/Straw Workshop

Our homes should be healthy, life-giving buildings. Indoor air quality, natural materials and beauty all contribute to our sense of well-being. This workshop, led by a natural builder with more than 20 years experience, will be a hands-on learning adventure, working with clay/straw, creating beautiful walls that insulate and breathe.

Robert Laporte, EcoNest Building Co., will be the workshop leader. Originally from northern Ontario, he has been building timber frame, clay/straw homes for more than twenty years. He is co-author with his wife, architect Paula Baker Laporte, of EcoNest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Straw, Clay and Timber. See http://www.econest.com for more info.

Cost: $550 single/$1000 couple. We are open to discussing reduced rates for students and low income folks. We could also arrange payments, or you could work on our project in exchange for partial fee payment. Contact Tim and Janet Kroeker 204 346 0978 or email woolkroe@mts.net.

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SOEEA's Boreal Forest Ecotour

Come along with the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association as they explore and experience this unique and beautiful ecosystem. They are working with the Boreal Forest Learning Centre to offer an exciting program including local culture, music, storytelling, history, wildlife viewing and ecology.

There will be camping at picturesque Ness Creek; tenting at the Ness Creek site and the use of a communal kitchen is included in the registration. (you may upgrade to cabin accommodations at your own expense). All ages welcome. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience a Northern Saskatchewan adventure!

Prices: $70 SOEEA members ($85 non-members, which includes a one year membership). Family and student rates available. To receive a registration form, please send an email to Tina Krupski at soeea.sk@gmail.com.

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Greenhouse Workshop Series

Do you want to increase your growing season or learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and/or trees organically? Each workshop cost $50 and includes lunches for two days. For registration and more details please call Bridget & Crystal at 306-734-5160.

August 25 - 26 - Design & Build Workshop with Dr. Lynn Oliphant. Design your own greenhouse and receive hands-on experience while constructing a simple low-cost greenhouse.

September 20 - 21 Organic Residential Greenhouse Management Workshop with Patricia Hanbidge. Learn the best ways to extend the growing season to feed your family healthy food.

October 18 - 19 Organic Commercial Greenhouse Management Workshop with Patricia Hanbidge. Learn how to create a commercial greenhouse business without the use of chemicals.

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Upcoming Ecological Tours: Polar Bear Ecology

Oct. 21 - 27 with Melanie Elliott

Oct. 28 - Nov.3 with Leslie Tuchek

Nov. 4 - 10 with Leslie Tuchek

For more information call 966-5484 at the University of Saskatchewan, Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, or to register call 966-5539. These trips will fill up fast so avoid disappointment by registering early.

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2008 Lake Louise Symposium: Lake Management in a Changing Environment

The North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) and the Alberta Lake Management Society invite you to join us for NALMS 2008 at Château Lake Louise, in beautiful Lake Louise, Alberta. Our symposium theme concerns lake management during unprecedented development, water scarcity, and climate change. Expect an excellent and wide-ranging technical program. More than 30 special sessions and several pre-conference workshops are proposed.

Early bird registration ends on September 19, 2008. Registration and information at http://www.nalms.org/Conferences/2008LakeLouise/.

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Volunteers Needed for the We Are Many Festival

The Office of Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan is helping out the We Are Many Festival to recruit recycling and waste diversion volunteers. These volunteers will help to direct people attending the Festival on how to properly dispose of recyclables, compostables and waste. Volunteering at this Festival will be a great way to have, hear great music and get to know like-minded folks from across Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

We Are Many (WAM) is an arts and environmental festival emphasizing visible, practical, and permanent environmental outcomes. To learn more about the Festival, take a look at the festival website http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.

If you are interested in helping out this great community-based environmental initiative, fill out the on line form at http://www.wearemanyfestival.com/volunteers, or join us on Thursday, June 26th at 5:00 at Meewasin for our weekly WAM meeting - All welcome! Alternately, phone Margaress Asmuss, Sustainability Coordinator at University of Saskatchewan at (306) 966-1236 and she will pass on your contact information.

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Urban Garden Volunteer Opportunity

The Core Neighbourhood Youth Cooperative (CNYC) and Communities 4 Children with the support of Habitat for Humanity and the University of Saskatchewan are working to start an urban garden program with the young people that they serve in the Riversdale area. The specific help that they will need includes advice regarding the layout of the lot (they plan to use raised beds which will be built by the CNYC), training and help planting seeds, tending the garden and expertise with regards to specific plants and gardening techniques along with any other helpful gardening tips. We have a core group of volunteers but this project will be ongoing into the fall so if anyone was interested in volunteering, even on a casual basis, their help would be greatly appreciated. The goal is really transfer of knowledge so you would be there helping the kids learn about gardening and how to be successful gardeners. There will always be staff from one of the community volunteer organizations - either the CNYC present. In the future, if this project is successful, CNYC hopes to also use the garden in a Garden Therapy program, and to expand to more than one garden lot. If you are interested in being involved in this project or have any questions, please contact the U. of S. Master Gardener Program office at bev.shober@usask.ca or 966-5749.

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Environmental Assessment Working Group (EAWG) on Substances in Products Regulated under the Foods and Drugs Act: Natural Health Products Subcommittee

The EAWG is in the process of establishing a new Subcommittee on Natural Health Products and has invited the RCEN to select three ENGO nominees. It is anticipated that members of the Natural Health Products Sub-Committee will meet quarterly for one to two years. The EAWG is a multi-stakeholder working group that provides advice to Health Canada and Environment Canada regarding the development of appropriate regulations for the assessment of new substances contained in products regulated under the Food & Drugs Act. The deadline for applications is July 30, 2008.

Read the full Call for Delegates at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/delegate_calls/0807_nathealth.html.

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Executive Director, Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op

CNYC is seeking a dynamic and skilled Executive Director, to fill a one year Maternity Leave position. CNYC requires a strong, energetic leader who believes in the youth of the core neighbourhoods and has the skills and abilities to work with, support and inspire them. The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization including operational management, program delivery, human resource management, fundraising, and community relations. The position receives direction and support from the CNYC Board of Directors.

Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC) strives to empower at-risk youth by providing them with innovative skill training, part time employment, and cultural and recreational opportunities. Youth work towards completing their high school education as well as learning skills such as woodworking that they can use towards gaining employment in the community.

Please send cover letter and resume to the CYNC Hiring Committee via email to hr@cnyc.ca by August 8, 2008.

Full job description at http://cnyc.ca/news.html#job.

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Drinking Water Quality Research Scientist Position

The Safe Drinking Water Foundation is hiring a Research Scientist to work in the national office in Saskatoon, SK. The position requires working on complex issues relating to water quality in which analysis of water samples and analysis of existing data are compared to evaluate effectiveness of water treatment processes. An ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills to enable positive communication with community leaders and Water Treatment Operators, plus excellent writing skills to prepare simple easy to understand articles for publication in industry related publications. Publication in scientific journals is also encouraged.

This is a two year term position, with excellent potential growth in the future for the successful candidate. The workplace provides both challenges and rewards which will inspire quality and creativity. Qualifications: Minimum Masters prefer Ph.D. in related Sciences. Salary: negotiable relative to qualifications.

Details here: http://www.safewater.org/employment.php.

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Call for Letters of Proposals for Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund

The Government of Canada has committed $3.6 million over four years to this Fund to provide support for solution-oriented projects aimed at reducing nutrient loads, and improving the ecological sustainability of the lake and watershed. The first deadline for proposals is September 1, 2008. A second deadline is scheduled for January 5, 2009.

This call for proposals is directed at funding collaborative projects with the goal of improving water quality for ecological and recreational uses of Lake Winnipeg and its basin.

If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact Rick Slasor, Manager of Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund at (204) 984-5694, toll free at 1-800-567-1570, or by e-mail at LW.info@ec.gc.ca. Details at: http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/water/lw/index.en.html.

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U of S $50,000 BioVenture Challenge Business Plan Competition Launched

The University of Saskatchewan Industry Liaison Office (ILO) and Saskatchewan Agriculture are sponsoring the 2008 BioVenture Business Plan Challenge to assist youth with launching their bio-based business ideas. This year’s contestants will be vying for the ultimate prize—$50,000 in startup capital. To be eligible, entrepreneurs must be U. of S. students or graduates less than 35 years of age.

Five finalists will be chosen from eligible applicants who submit an application letter explaining their idea. These finalists will receive in-depth training and guidance in preparing their business plans, including a business planning workshop featuring academic and private-sector guest lecturers who specialize in business planning and the bio-economy.

The BioVenture Business Plan Challenge was launched last year to showcase new entries into Saskatchewan’s growing bio-economy. Brother and sister team Rachel and Chris Buhler won the inaugural competition with their plan for Floating Gardens, an aquaponic system that combines fish farming and hydroponics greenhouse techniques. Their goal is to produce live fish for sale to the local Asian community, fresh fish for sale to a broader market, and fresh strawberries year round.

Interested entrepreneurs can visit http://www.usask.ca/research/ilo/bioventure.php or phone the Industry Liaison Office at 306-966-7338 to obtain an application. Initial proposals are due Friday, August 29th.

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