SEN Info Bulletin

SEN Seeks Environmental Activist Award Nominees

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their work on behalf of the environment?

The Saskatchewan Eco-Network invites you to nominate an outstanding individual or group for the Annual Environmental Activist Awards. Please submit your nomination(s) indicating the name of the individual or group you are nominating, plus a short bio on their achievements.

Nominations should be received by November 30th, 2008 at the SEN Office at 203 115 2nd Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 2B1 or by email at sen@link.ca. For more information please call 652-1275.

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Lieutenant Governor Presents Wetland Conservation Award

Regina - The Wings Over Wascana Nature Festival took flight, when His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award to the Friends of Wascana Marsh for their efforts in developing and for their dedication to conservation and wetlands education in the City of Regina and surrounding area.

Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated leadership in a project or activity that has contributed significantly to the public awareness of the values of wetland ecosystems and their benefits to waterfowl, wildlife and people.

The Friends of Wascana Marsh were recognized along with two other nominees from the province, including the Saskatchewan Forestry Association and the South East Upper Souris River Agri-Environmental Group Plan.

“Saskatchewan is home to vital wetlands habitat; it is crucial that we conserve this foundational aspect of our ecosystem,” said Lieutenant Governor Barnhart. “DUC has created a remarkable legacy over the past seven decades thanks to the outstanding contributions of visionary organizations like the Friends of Wascana Marsh.”

Full article: http://www.ducks.ca/aboutduc/news/archives/prov2008/081029.html.

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Rainforest Fungus Makes Diesel Compounds From Cellulose

BOZEMAN, Montana, November 4, 2008 (ENS) - A unique fungus that makes diesel compounds directly from cellulose has been discovered living in trees in the Patagonian rainforest.

"These are the first organisms that have been found that make many of the ingredients of diesel," said Professor Gary Strobel from Montana State University. "This is a major discovery."

The discovery may offer an alternative to fossil fuels, said Strobel, MSU professor of plant sciences and plant pathology, who travels the world looking for exotic plants that may contain beneficial microbes. The find is even bigger, he said, than his 1993 discovery of fungus that contained the anticancer drug taxol.

Full story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/nov2008/2008-11-04-02.asp.

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Input on Designing a Process for Selecting Nuclear Waste Storage Site

Over the next few months the Nuclear Waste Management Organization wants to hear from interested Canadians about their expectations and preferences for an appropriate and fair siting process. It is important that this process be designed, from the beginning, not only to address technical considerations required to ensure the safety of any site, but also to address the objectives and concerns of Canadians.

Details here: http://www.nwmo.ca/designingasitingprocess

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Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study: Comments Invited

"The Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study: Final Report" (May 2007) examines the implications of development within the Great Sand Hills and proposes a strategic land development and management plan focused on the long-term sustainability of this region of Saskatchewan. It seeks to provide insight into the social, cultural, economic and biophysical constraints for future development and suggests ways in which development could occur without adversely impacting the ecological integrity of this "globally significant regional ecosystem".

Public comments are due by December 16th, 2008. Details on the Environmental Assessment Branch web site at: http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=154ece89-5388-4ab0-8aab-d2a9ac509b02.

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Social Movement Survey

We are trying to reach representatives of U.S. and Canada-based grassroots social justice organizations to complete a short online survey about globalization and the Internet. We are academic researchers from the State University of New York-New Paltz (a cultural anthropology professor and student), with no political or religious affiliation. We are interested in the perspectives of groups and networks working on social justice issues, including but not limited to such issues as race, ethnicity, gender, poverty, sexuality, the environment, healthcare, homelessness, immigration, and natural disaster.

If you represent a social movement, civil society organization, grassroots group or network, we hope you will take a moment to complete the survey by November 30th. Your honest input will help us better understand how groups in the U.S. and Canada use the Internet to connect to groups elsewhere in the world, and how they view the causes of social inequality around the globe. We plan to present our findings at the World Social Forum in Belém, Brazil in January 2009.

Our survey is entirely anonymous and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Respondents who complete the survey by November 30th will be entered into a draw for a gift certificate for Amazon.com. You can find the survey online at: http://www.newpaltz.edu/anthropology/survey.html. Please forward this site to an official representative of your organization (one survey per organization).

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Green Life: Learning to Live with the World

Green Life: Learning to Live With The World is an exciting new series that showcases Saskatchewan environmental pioneers and offers a glimpse into some of the innovative ways we can minimize our environmental impact and live in harmony with the world. Episodes explore many facets of sustainable living include: Off-grid living, sustainable communities (highlighting Craik), Good Food, Where the world stands, and the future.

For more information on the series, including episode descriptions and air dates visit http://www.saskesd.ca and click on the "click to discover Green Life" banner.

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After the Elections: Saskatchewan Energy Policy in a North American Context

Panelists have been invited to turn their considerable experience and expertise on the subject of energy policy and the environment into a discussion of what to expect from the new Harper government and the Obama presidency. In particular this symposium will examine the challenges and opportunities that they pose for Saskatchewan. This will be an informal event, in which we hope to explore possible policy options and future direction of our provincial energy strategy.

Registration is required. To register online, please visit http://www.uregina.ca/jsoutreach/SKEnergyPolicy.php . For more information contact 306.585.5869 or js_outreach@uregina.ca There is no cost for this event but seating is limited.

This symposium is organized by the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and sponsored by the Sustainable Forest Management Network.

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Lecture: Joel Salatin, from Polyface Organic Farm

Joel Salatin, is a full-time farmer in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. A third generation alternative farmer, he returned to the farm full-time in 1982 and continued refining and adding to his parents' ideas. The farm services more than 1,500 families, 10 retail outlets, and 30 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs.

A sought-after conference speaker, he addresses a wide range of issues, from "creating the farm your children will want" to "making a white collar salary from a pleasant life in the country." A wordsmith, he describes his occupation as "mob-stocking hervbivorous solar conversion lignified carbon sequestration fertilization." His humorous and conviction-based speeches are akin to theatrical performances, often receiving standing ovations.

Lecture followed by book signing. Tickets: $10.

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Unravel the Injustice

The event will shed light on the ugly side of the clothing industry and promote equitable alternatives. There will be keynote speakers and a 'sweat-free' fashion show.

Admission $5 or $2 with a donation of clothing or non-perishable food item. Sponsored by WUSC Regina.

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Rising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility?

Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents: The first in a series: Lighting and Electrical Equipment. Ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel.

$100 per session (includes an 80 page manual for use at work and at home). For details, see http://www.environmentalsociety.ca . Registration deadline: November 24th, 2008.

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Speaker: Does North America Exist? Governing the Continent After NAFTA and 9/11

Stephen Clarkson will be speaking on behalf of the CIC (Canadian International Council) Reception to follow - no charge.

Dr. Stephen Clarkson, a renowned intellectual and scholar, guides us on insights - derived from his rigorous investigations of the institutions created by NAFTA and the security policies imposed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 - to determine whether North America 'exists' in the sense that the European Union has made Europe exist.

St. Thomas More College is located at 1437 College Drive. Paid parking is available at meters along Campus Drive, and in Lot 1, accessed from the Wiggins Road entrance to the University of Saskatchewan.

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Giving Green: Pre-Holiday Inspiration

Don’t we all have more stuff than we need? Judy Montgomery, who has done a great deal of work with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, gives us ideas for gift giving that doesn’t burden the wallet or the Earth. Presentation sponsored by Saskatoon Public Library.

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Green Drinks

The Green Drinks will be hosted by Roadmap 2020, who will give a very brief 5 minute presentation on some of their initiatives. The presentation will be around 6 pm.

If anyone would like to be the host a future Green Drinks or has a place they would like to go, please contact Dave at greendrinkssaskatoon@gmail.com. If you didn't get a chance to attend the Build Saskatchewan Green Conference and Green Building Expo, we had bloggers at each session taking notes of the presentations. Check them out at http://www.buildsaskgreen.ca/blog-stream3.php (Just click on the photo's of each blogger to see the different streams).

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Station 20 West Fundraiser Dinner and Dance

EE Burritos and Friends of Station 20 West are hosting a dinner with Mexican and El Salvadoran food followed by dancing to live Latin music. All proceeds will benefit Station 20 West. Doors open at 6:30pm and dinner will be served at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $25 per person (children under 6 are free) and they can be purchased at: Quint (2nd floor, 230 Ave. R South), Turning the Tide (525 11th St. East) and EE Burritos (corner of 22nd and Avenue P). Tickets will sell out fast so please go buy yours today so you are not disappointed. This event will be lots of fun for all ages.

Your ticket includes your entry and meal. Drinks are extra. If you are a vegetarian please indicate that at the time of your ticket purchase so your needs can be met. A 50/50 draw will also be held to benefit Station 20 West.

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Pike Lake Birding

Join the Saskatoon Nature Society as they go looking for winter visitors to the park. Wear warm clothing and bring a snack. The chickadees will gratefully accept donations of sunflower seeds. For more information, contact Hilda Noton 374-0674. Meet at the intersection of Crerar Drive and Caen Street in Montgomery Place.

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Organic Connections Conference

This is Western Canada’s largest organic agriculture conference and tradeshow. The line up includes workshops on farming organically, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, tradeshow floor area, and organic incubator. Details at http://www.organicconnections.ca/.

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39th Annual Convention of the National Farmers Union

“Food and Community: Local to International” is the theme of the National Farmers Union (NFU) 39th annual national convention, which takes place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, November 20-22, 2008. The convention will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Saskatoon. Full details of the convention agenda are available at http://www.nfu.ca.

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Life Cycles in Nature

Just as we humans move from birth through childhood and adolescence into adulthood, there are parallels in nature. Later, the reproductive cycle completed, we contemplate retirement, “the golden years,” and the inevitable movement toward completion. Using natural subjects, Frank Roy will remind us that the pattern is the same for all living things.

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Rising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility?

Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents: The first in a series: Lighting and Electrical Equipment. Ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel.

$100 per session (includes an 80 page manual for use at work and at home). For details, see http://www.environmentalsociety.ca . Registration deadline: November 24th, 2008.

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Saskatchewan’s Great Sand Hills

Formed by the wind and packed with thousands of years of fascinating history, Saskatchewan’s Great Sand Hills are a treasure chest of native prairie plants and animals. Rebecca L. Grambo, author of The Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis, presents stories of the area’s past and present, accompanied by stunning images.

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A Provincial Women's Symposium

The newly-formed Prairie Lily Feminist Society is hosting its first provincial event, A Women's Symposium, December 6 and 7 in Saskatoon. Details and brochure at http://prairielilies.wordpress.com/symposium/. You can also reach the Lilies at prairielilies@gmail.com.

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SES Project Coordinator

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society seeks someone to develop and manage a program to encourage recycling of older vehicles. Project management skills and a demonstrated ability to organize marketing, public outreach and media are needed. This is a full-time position is located in Saskatoon. This full-time position is based in Saskatoon. For a full-job description, see: http://www.environmentalsociety.ca To apply: e-mail resumes to: allysonb@environmentalsociety by November 16, 2008.

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Call for Submissions: Alternatives Journal

Alternatives is looking for articles that describe how our approach to ecology has changed over time, and how these changes are translating into new and exciting ecological understanding, practices and approaches. We're interested in science, but also its implications. We are seeking the ecological stories that are taking place below the radar screen.

Queries should explain, in less than 300 words, the content and scope of your article, and should convey your intended approach, tone and style.

Details at http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/index.php. Send submissions electronically to Nicola Ross, Executive Editor (editor @ alternativesjournal.ca) by November 18, 2008.

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Water Matters: Associate Director

Water Matters Society of Alberta, a new charitable organization focused on the protection of watersheds in Alberta, is looking for someone who will join them in promoting strong water policy and practices for the protection of Alberta’s watersheds. This team member will conceive and manage projects or campaigns from the grant application to the final deliverables within budget. As ‘second in command’ for the organization, the Associate Director will represent Water Matters to the public including government, funders, and the media. Finally, this person will co-lead to develop and implement the fund development plan for Water Matters. For the complete job description, please visit http://www.water-matters.org/docs/job-associate-director.pdf. The start date for the position is December 2008/ January 2009.

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TD Canada Trust $100,000 Go Green Challenge

TD Canada Trust $100,000 Go Green Challenge provides university students with a fantastic opportunity to win 1 of 4 $25,000 cash prizes for submitting a proposal for positive environmental change in their communities.

All you need is a team of two or more students (both undergrads and graduate)and a faculty sponsor (someone to sign off on your proposal). Then complete and submit an entry form and submit an essay of no more than 4,000 words or 20 pages outlining your idea.

The proposals should be focused on making your community more sustainable. Some examples: public transit, water quality, energy conservation, waste reduction,and naturalizing urban spaces. The homepage for the contest is at http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/gogreen. The deadline for proposal submissions is January 16, 2009.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the contest please contact Dave at daveespeseth@gmail.com.

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Toyota Earth Day Scholarship for Young Environmental Leaders

Every day, in communities across Canada, young people are actively demonstrating their passion for the environment through the important work they accomplish. These dedicated young Canadians are emerging as tomorrow's environmental leaders and advocates.

Toyota Canada Inc. and Earth Day Canada established the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program to help cultivate and nurture this environmental leadership. The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program encourages and rewards graduating Canadian high school students who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2009. Details at http://www.earthday.ca/scholarship/ or phone 1.888.283.2784 ext. 108.

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