Alberta Wilderness Association, Calgary

Albertans are invited to participate in a Green Wave! Leading up to May 22nd, the Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) is promoting the importance of cultivating native species to protect our natural biodiversity and to support sustainable development. Through this initiative, families will collect seeds and/or seedlings from their local nursery, plant them on May 22nd and then register their participation on the Alberta Wilderness Association Green Wave site. The three native plants recommended are: the Saskatoon, Potentilla and Wild Blue Flax.

Biodiversity is important to both our health and our wealth, and protecting native plants is crucial for sustainable development.

Visit http://albertawilderness.ca/ for more information.

Other Events

May 30: A hike in Whaleback
The Alberta Wilderness Association is organizing a hike through the classic montane landscape, the largest remaining example in Alberta.

May 30: Spring J.J. Collett Natural Area Walk
This annual walk hosted by Nature Alberta: Federation of Alberta Naturalists is through a happy little piece of nature!

June 22: Bus tour to The Oldman Watershed 
This all-day bus tour will stop at several key locations and an Alberta Wilderness Association Conservation Specialist will brief the group at each stop.

July 1-3: Mayer’s Environmental Expo
The Mayor’s Environment Expo is an engaging and interactive event for students in Calgary. Click here for more information.

July 6: A hike in Porcupine Hills
Situated between the mountains and the prairies, the Porcupine Hills are unique. For more information about this hike and many others, visit the Alberta Wilderness Society website.

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Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, North Vancouver

For IDB 2010, Pacific Streamkeepers Federation will be taking water quality and stream invertebrate samples in the Heywood Park and MacKay Creek corridor of North Vancouver. Staff and volunteers will be setting up where the local homeless population can come and help with the sampling to learn about the water quality issues where they currently dwell.

Pacific Streamkeepers will also attend parks planning sessions with the City of North Vancouver to ensure that the biodiversity of the local native plant and animal kingdoms are fully considered within the new Master Plan for Heywood Park and MacKay Creek corridor.

Visit http://www.pskf.ca/ for more information.

Other Events

May 19-22: Diversity, sustainability and environment: Exploring cultural and practical diversity for environmental learning
Join the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication for its 2010 Annual National Conference. From May 19-22 at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC. More at http://www.educ.sfu.ca/eecom2010/.

May 22: International Day for Biodiversity
Help us celebrate biodiversity, and visit Canada's largest blue whale skeleton on display during five free summer previews. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is a natural history museum opening this fall at UBC Vancouver.

June 8: 2010 Nature Trust of BC Wild Festival for Youth
In British Columbia there is the annual 2010 Nature Trust of BC Wild Festival for Youth held on June 8. It is an outdoor event for schools to help show them the value of biodiversity with a variety of different activities such as hikes, bird house building and painting and nature show.

July 19: B.C. Biodiversity- Where we live
Click here for more information

August 21st: Watery Worlds- Aquatic Biodiversity
Click here for more information

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Living Prairie Museum, Winnipeg

Through a series of hands-on workshops and presentations, Living Prairie Museum (LPM) staff will provide inner-city youth 12 and under with the knowledge and tools needed to create unique butterfly gardens using native prairie plants. Presentations and workshops will focus primarily on the ecological importance of using native plants and will explore the essential relationship between these plants and the wildlife that depend on them. LPM staff will introduce proper planting habits, guide children through the design process, and facilitate planting of the gardens.

The workshops will be held in the weeks leading up to International Biodiversity Day and the gardens will be planted the week after IBD.

Visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/naturalist/livingprairie/ for more information.

Other Events

May 11: Lunch & Learn – Biodiversity Series
Hosted by the Manitoba Eco-Network. The topic is Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas.

May 15: Lunch & Learn – Biodiversity Series
Hosted by the Manitoba Eco-Network. The topic is Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project.
 
May 15: Emerald Ash Borer & Urban Forest Threats Workshop
This event is organized by the Trees Winnipeg (Coalition to Save the Elms) to educate Winnipeggers about this devastating pest and how to identify it.

May 19: Lunch & Learn – Biodiversity Series
Hosted by the Manitoba Eco-Network. The topic is Invasive Species in Manitoba.

May 22: Portage Sandhills Fieldtrip
This event explores aspen-oak forest, mixed-grass prairie, and dune habitats in search of the early violets, pygmy flower, and other spring flowers, as well as wild turkeys, grouse, and white-tailed deer. For more information visit Native Orchid Conservation Inc.

May 22: International Biodiversity Day
Purpose: Wildlife surveys and tours to explore the diversity of wetlands is hosted by Oak Hammock Marsh.

May 29: Great Bird Search Fundraiser
An educational fundraising event to raise awareness of the plight of many of North America’s birds and their habitats. For more information see Nature Manitoba.

May 29: All Trees Tell a Story (Arbor Day Celebration)
Purpose: Workshops and activities to promote the well-being of trees and celebrate their diversity all hosted by the Trees Winnipeg (Coalition to Save the Elms).

June 3: Lunch & Learn – Biodiversity Series
Hosted by the Manitoba Eco-Network. The topic is Woodland Caribou.

Throughout 2010: Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas
This is an ambitious five-year project to engage citizens in documenting the distribution and abundance of all breeding birds throughout the entire province of Manitoba. For more information see Bird Studies Canada - Manitoba.

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Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee, Marystown

On May 20th, BPERC celebrated biodiversity in partnership with its local public health department and grade 7 students from Jamieson Academy in Burin, Sacred Heart Academy in Marystown and Christ the King school in Rushoon. BPERC held four workshop sessions that contributed to Eastern Health's annual Grade 7 Health Fair. At the end of each session, the students participated in an activity that helped them to understand what they can do to protect biodiversity.

Visit http://www.greenburin.ca/ for more information.

Other Events

February 2010 - ongoing: New Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve
The Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PAA) played a key role in the creation of the Mealy Mountains National Park (announced in Feb. 2010). The 10,700 km2 Park will be located in central-eastern Labrador, between Cartwright and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The PAA worked towards this goal by promoting the establishment of a network of terrestrial protected areas that represents each of the unique natural regions of the province.

May 22: Biodiversity Day Lecture
The MUN Botanical Gardens is hosting a free public lecture about the “Invasion of the Giant Hogweed”.

June 6: Nature Hike
The Torbay Environment and Trails Committee is organizing a local nature hike.

September 10-12: Viking Foray
This event involves picking & identifying mushrooms picked by the Vikings 1000+ years ago; in addition to various public presentations. For more information contact foray@nlmushrooms.ca.

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Falls Brook Centre, Knowlesville

The Falls Brook Centre (FBC) will host a community volunteer tree-planting and biodiversity appreciation event in Knowlesville on May 22nd at their demonstration site. Beyond planting trees on the FBC restoration site, visitors can participate in guided nature walks in the Acadian forest to explore and identify trees, new plants, mosses and fungi.

There will also be a puppet show about biodiversity and the dangers of monocultures, which will be created and performed by a team of FBC international interns.  

Visit http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca/ for more information.

Other Events

May 29: Launch of Groupe de développement durable du Pays de Cocagne
They have a biodiversity garden demonstration project in partnership with a local school. Worked with a number of experts to develop the plan for the garden and to identify native species that should be planted.

June 6: International Trails Day
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, Friends of Blueberry Hill and the Town of Grand Bay - Westfield invite you to celebrate International Trail Day at Blueberry Hill. Join us for a celebration of the ongoing Blueberry Hill project and trails. There will be activites for the entire family. Click here for more information.

June 11: Hike Up Chickahominey Mountain
The New Brunswick Nature Trust invites you to join them on a hike of Chickahominey Mountain. Click here for more information.

August 2-6: Course on Ecological Forestry
The course, hosted by Community Forest International, will cover native plant and tree identification, chainsaw use and maintenance, the principle of ecological, restoration and conservation forestry, sawmill operation, wildcrafting and timber framing. Click here for more information.

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Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NWT Chapter, Yellowknife

Leading up to IDB, CPAWS - NWT Chapter will organize a photo competition with various categories focusing on local biodiversity and international biodiversity. Prizes will be awarded on May 22nd to top photos in each category and showcased on CPAWS' website. The local chapter will also create a Biodiversity/IBD information/involvement package to distribute to other local environmental NGOs and their members, as well as an information package for teachers to incorporate into their curriculum. On May 22nd, CPAWS - NWT will organize a Community BBQ, from 12pm-4pm, with:

• Readings and short presentations from local biologists/authors on the topic of northern biodiversity in the NWT;
• Information booths with pamphlets and educational materials;
• Award presentation for photo competition winners
• Biodiversity highlights from Proposed East Arm National Park

Visit for http://www.cpaws.org/chapters/nwt/ more information.

Other Events

April 22:  Earth Day Celebration
Hosted by Ecology North included a Lunch fish fry (Biodiversity materials were distributed) and film screening.

April 23: Nature Walk with Local Biologist
This event Hosted by Ecology North has the community walking nature trails around Yellowknife with Dr. Suzanne Carrier discussing local tree species and their life cycles.

April 23: “Biodiversity? What’s that?” Biologist Presentations
This event hosted by Ecology North, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Species at Risk office features:

• Presentation on what biodiversity is and why we should care.
• Local biologists highlight current research in the NWT
• Question and answer period for panel of biologists
• Distribution of biodiversity materials

April 24: Gardening Teahouse
This is a discussions about gardening in the North (highlighting different species)with a question and answer period with local experts sponsored by Ecology North.

April 26: Environmental Policy Talk
Political scientist summarizes a portion of his master’s thesis research. He touches on Canadian public opinion on the environment and how it has a direct relation to government policy.

May 2–8: International Compost Awareness Week
Events throughout this week promote biodiversity in the soil.

May 9: Mother’s Day Bird Walk
sponsored by: Ecology North

June 17-18: Rivers to Oceans Day School Program
This is a School fair featuring local ENGOs, biologists, Government and Industry personnel with interactive presentations/info booth stations highlighting rivers and oceans. CPAWS-NWT’s booth will highlight the importance of protecting headwaters as a way to preserve biodiversity. Taking place in Yellowknife and Hay River.

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Nova Scotia Nature Trust, Halifax and Sherbrooke

May 21- May 23: Wilderness Soles - running in support of land conservation
Location: Halifax, NS

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust (NSNT) will be participating in the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax from May 21–May 23. NSNT supporters will be participating in various runs and walks including the youth run, dressed as species at risk. These characters will engage participants and spectators by talking with them directly about biodiversity and the International Day of Biodiversity.

May 28-30: River Days- celebrating biodiversity on the St. Mary’s River
Location: Sherbrooke, NS

NSNT is collaborating with the St. Mary’s River Association and Nature Nova Scotia to put on the annual River Days event and the Nature Nova Scotia 2010 Conference & AGM. The weekend will include field trips, interpretive walks and talks with local naturalists and community groups.  Everyone is welcome!

For more details, visit NSNT's website www.nsnt.ca or contact them at nature@nsnt.ca or toll free 1-877-434-5263.

Other Events

May 22: Biodiversity Bingo
Sierra Club of Canada-Atlantic Chapter is organizing Biodiversity Bingo. At the Just Us! Coffee Shop, 5896 Spring Garden Rd. Halifax, NS

May 25: Ecology Action Centre Biomass and Biodiversity Event
This event is being organized by the Ecology Action Centre and the Nova Scotia Environmental Network.

May 28-30: Nature Nova Scotia Annual General Meeting & Conference
The meeting theme includes biodiversity. Click here for more information.

May 29-30: Nova Scotia Nature Trust River Days on the St. Mary’s River
Part of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust’s preservation of biodiversity work. Join them in celebrating the 4th annual River Days event in Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia. River Days is held to showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of the St. Mary’s River, and to celebrate the Nature Trust’s conservation work in the area. This year, we’ve teamed up with the St. Mary’s River Association and Nature Nova Scotia to organize a whole weekend of activities, including guided walks, a barbeque, a celebration for a newly protected property on the river, and other activities for the whole family that will focus on the astounding biodiversity of the St. Mary’s River. Everyone is welcome!

June 5: BioBlitz 2010
This intensive biodiversity survey is taking place at Crystal Crescent Beach is a "race against the clock" where teams of scientists and students work to locate and identify as many species as possible within 24-hours!  The result of hard work, enthusiasm, and a steady flow of coffee - BioBlitz researchers typical identify hundreds of species in this remarkably short time frame. Click here for more information

June 25: Environmental Education Caucus Summer Solstice Professional Development
Full day of workshops on environmental education and includes a biodiversity theme. This event is taking place in Halifax and is organized by Nova Scotia Environmental Network Environmental Education Caucus.

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Association des francophones du Nunavut, Iqaluit

Pour la Journée internationale de la biodiversité, l'Association des francophones du Nunavut propose une journée de kiosques de vente et pédagogiques qui sera suivie d’une conférence sur la biodiversité.

Les kiosques de vente et pédagogiques seront sous forme de foire. Il y aura une vente de sacs réutilisables décorés et vente de bijoux fait de matériaux recyclés, tous créés par les élèves de l’école des Trois-Soleils. Ceux-ci feront également office de friperie donnant ainsi un sens supplémentaire à la notion de « réduction ». La vente des vêtements usagés à petits prix générera des profits qui seront remis à une cause charitable. La conférence aura lieu en début de soirée pour sensibiliser les jeunes et moins jeunes sur le thème de la biodiversité.

Visit http://www.franconunavut.ca/ for more information.

Other Events

Throughout 2010: The Northern Biodiversity Program
The program was established to document the changes in Canada’s northern arthropod fauna.  Insect and spider surveys were done between the late 40s and the early 60s in arctic, subarctic, and boreal locations. Over the next two years, these three areas will be surveyed again so that a comparison can be made between what was previously found and what will be found. Arthropods are a great indicator of environmental change and it will be interesting to see what changes have happened. Click here for more information. 

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Northwatch, North Bay

For IDB 2010, Northwatch will host a forum to explore measures to protect biodiversity during mineral exploration. The event will include an “eco-fair” component with participating organizations presenting displays and information tables, and a “roundtable” component, which will include speakers and a discussion period. A range of perspectives and experiences will be presented as the forum explores both mineral exploration practices and their impacts and public expectations around the safeguarding of biodiversity during mineral exploration.

The public event will be held in the Serpent River basin, either in the City of Elliot Lake or the First Nation community of Cutler, on an evening in the week of May 22nd. 

Visit http://www.web.ca/~nwatch/ for more information.

Other Events

May 15-16: Community BioBlitz
The Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County and the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds will be hosting 3-6 BioBlitz events in Eastern Ontario during the spring and summer of 2010.  A BioBlitz is a 24-hour event where “species experts”, volunteers, and community members come together on a property to identify as many species as possible.  The first BioBlitz event will be held May 15th -16th at Otty Lake, just south of Perth, Ontario. For more information email BioBlitzIntern@gmail.com.

May 18: Sustainable Cities Challenge
Commissioned by Siemens Canada in conjunction with the David Suzuki Foundation, The Sustainable Cities Challenge report is a comprehensive Canadian stakeholder research study that reveals mega-trends in five core areas: transportation, electricity, water & waste water, healthcare and safety & security and uncovers key infrastructure challenges facing Canadian cities. Click here for more information.

May 20: Urban Biodiversity Conference
Can biodiversity and urban areas coexist? In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Royal Ontario Museum are pleased to present Invisible Cities – An Urban Biodiversity Conference.

May 22: International Biodiversity Day Festival
Festival details can be found here.

June 4-6: Youth Summit for Biodiversity
Hosted by Ontario Nature, guest speakers will discuss the challenges of preserving biodiversity for the next generation. The event will take place on June 4-6, at Camp Cedar Glen in Schomberg, ON. Learn more and register to attend a Roots & Shoots workshop!

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Regroupement des conseils régionaux de l'environnement, Montréal

À l'occasion du Festival plein air et voyages (14 au 16 mai), le Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l'environnement du Québec (RNCREQ) prendra possession de la maison solaire écoologique pour y tenir un pôle environnemental. Le RNCREQ se servira de cette plate-forme pour y présenter plusieurs enjeux environnementaux importants. Visitez le kiosque pour vous procurer des documents pertinents comme : documentation du Secrétariat de la Diversité Biologique, le Bio Kit de la Biosphère, le Guide des énergies renouvelables du RNCREQ, la Trousse des lacs du CRE Laurentides, etc. Le RNCREQ proposera aussi sa conférence sur le guide des énergies renouvelables pour les chalets et lieux de villégiature.

La Biosphère présentera aussi sa nouvelle exposition extérieure portant sur le thème de la biodiversité, en plus de présenter en boucle « La Terre des Hommes », un court métrage illustrant la richesse et les splendeurs de la biodiversité canadienne et rappelant toute l’importance de la préserver.

Visit http://www.rncreq.org/ for more information.

Other Events

April 27-28: Summit on Biodiversity and the Greening of Montreal
The Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal is happy to announce the “Summit on Biodiversity and the Greening of Montreal”, to be held on April 27 and 28 in Montreal. Speakers from Toronto, Chicago, Brussels, London and other major cities will present several major achievements in place in these cities, including the revitalization of large industrial areas in the development of parks and streams, and the protection of wetlands. The Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the CBD will also present the issues of biodiversity and the challenges facing cities around the world. Learn more at www.cremtl.qc.ca/SBM.

May 27: CRE Bas-Saint-Laurent AGM and conference on Climate Change and Biodiversity
Le Conseil régional de l’environnement du Bas-Saint-Laurent invite la population à son assemblée générale annuelle qui sera suivie d’une conférence gratuite sur les effets des changements climatiques sur la biodiversité. L’assemblée se déroulera à l’hôtel de ville de Rimouski de 16 à 18 heures et la conférence, dont l’entrée est libre, débutera à 19 heures. Plus d'informations

November 4-5: Symposium « La nature a-t-elle sa place en éducation? Pour une pédagogie de la biodiversité ! »
Ce colloque, sur le thème de la biodiversité, se tiendra à Montréal à l'école secondaire Père-Marquette. Cet événement est un incontournable dans le domaine de l'éducation relative à l'environnement et de l'éducation pour un avenir viable. Nous attendons, cette année, plus de 500 participants : enseignants, éducateurs et formateurs. Le carrefour des exposants se veut un complément d'outils offert aux participants du colloque. Learn more at: http://www.education-nature.qc.ca/accueil.htm.

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Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association, Emerald

The Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association (BBEMA) will be actively promoting the Green Wave Tree Planting Initiative to school groups and community members, encouraging them to plant a tree for May 22nd. To do so, BBEMA will be handing out native trees at local schools, tradeshows, daycares and the mall.

BBEMA will also be hosting a Bug Biodiversity Day. This is a celebration of some of the worlds smallest, but most important and exciting creatures. Families can spend the day engaged in the world of insects (especially pollinators) and understanding their important role in supplying food sources for people and wildlife – highlights will include live and penned insect displays, viewing aquatic insects under the microscope, a bug popularity contest, butterfly exhibit, bug crafts, tarantula display, interactive insect identification display board and the ever popular BBEMA worm race.

Visit http://www.bbema.ca/bbema/info.php?id=1 for more information.

Other Events

May 15: Identifying Native Trees and Shrubs
Take a stroll around the native plant nursery, arboretum, and the trails of MacPhail Woods, focusing on identifying native trees and shrubs. Begins at the nursery at 10 a.m.

May 19: Quality of Island Life Co-operative AGM and Think Fest
An opportunity to examine what role the natural world and biodiversity play in life satisfaction and well-being. 5–8 p.m., Alexandra Community Hall.

May 20: PEI Food Security Network Workshop - Making It Fair: A closer look at fair trade and sustainable food systems
Farm Centre; 420 University Avenue, Charlottetown. To register, phone Cooper Institute 894-4573 or by email at cooperinstitute@eastlink.ca.

May 29: Birds and Breakfast
The MacPhail Homestead will be open at 7 am to serve a free "early bird" breakfast, then take a stroll along the trails of MacPhail Woods, looking at year-round residents and returning migratory birds. A great walk for the whole family. Bring your boots and binoculars. The tour begins at the nursery at 8 a.m.

June 4-5: Inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Atlantic Council for Community & Social Enterprise
This meeting will bring together people from across the region who prize diversity and promote inclusion in ways that foster prosperity while healing the ecosystem. For more information see www.accse.ca.
 
June 12-13: Annual Bald Eagle Festival
The Hillsborough River Eco-centre was created by the Hillsborough River Area Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established to foster community development in the Hillsborough River watershed area. The Eco-Centre works closely with the Hillsborough River Association, one of the main goals of this non-profit organization is the promotion and preservation of the Hillsborough River, the Island's first Canadian Heritage River. After visiting the eco-centre, the nearby Pigot Trail provides an opportunity to see a wealth of birds, plants and other wildlife. The Confederation Trail offers a perfect opportunity to see the area by walking or cycling along the river edge. The more adventurous may want to explore the river close up by boating, canoeing or kayaking so as to enjoy the amazing variety of bird species in this area, due to the different habitats and the richness of the salt marshes. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead.

June 19: Landscaping With Native Plants  
Want to spend less time cutting grass and more time enjoying the beautiful plants around your home? This workshop introduces a variety of hardy native plants to attract wildlife and beautify your yard. Meet at the MacPhail Nature Centre at 10 a.m.

July 11: Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Slide show and demonstration of proper pruning methods and a discussion of recommended books and tools. Participants will practice pruning on a variety of plants in the nursery, arboretum and woodlands. Begins at the MacPhail Nature Centre at 2 p.m.

July 15th : Emissions Free Lawn Care Seminar 
West Royalty Community Centre, 1 Kirkdale Road, Charlottetown, 6:30PM.

July 17: Tree and Shrub Identification Walk  
Learn how to identify a variety of native species using leaves, fruit and seed. The tour, led by Forest Technician Ruth Richman, includes a walk through the woods and begins at the MacPhail nursery at 10am.

August 1: Forest Restoration Workshop
A walk and talk in a wide variety of forest habitats at MacPhail Woods. Anyone interested in forest restoration or nature in general is encouraged to attend. The focus will be on bringing back the native Acadian forest, looking at some of the methods used on the property over the past 19 years and trying to find solutions to problems faced by woodlot owners. Meet at the MacPhailNature Centre at 2 p.m.

August 7: Plants of Prince Edward Island
Led by biologist Kate MacQuarrie. A general look at many of the plants, both native and non-native, that you commonly encounter in the province. Begins at 10 a.m. at the MacPhail nursery.

August 21: Improving Riparian Zones
Waterways are key components of healthy ecosystems, providing critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Rob Sharkie, Executive Director of the Trout River Environmental Committee, will look at a variety of riparian habitats and discuss ways they can be restored and improved. Meet at the MacPhail Nature Centre at 10 a.m.

September 15: Identifying Native Shrubs
As part of the Fall Festival of Flavours, this workshop will show how to identify the dozens of shrubs that are native to the Acadian forest region - with a special look at shrubs that produce edible nuts and berries. This includes everything from beaked hazelnuts to serviceberry and common elder. Meet at the MacPhail Nursery at 2 p.m.

September 18: Growing Native Plants
A workshop on propagating a wide variety of native plants - everything from witch hazel and white ash to painted trillium - from seeds and cuttings. An outing for anyone with an interest in native plants. Meet at the MacPhail Nursery at 10 a.m.

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Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan, Regina

During the second week of May, Prairie Conservation Action Plan will partner with the Friends of Wascana Marsh’s Wings Over Wascana (WOW). This annual outdoor nature festival educates local urban residents of all ages about the biodiversity within Regina’s Wascana Marsh and the prairie that surrounds the city. On the WOW Education Day, Grades 4-6 students from Regina and surrounding area will explore Wascana Marsh to learn about wetlands, wildlife and biodiversity through a variety of nature awareness hands-on activities including bird watching, pond dipping, guided hikes, eco-games, field sketching and a special presentation from Wayne Lynch.

On the WOW Public Day, urban residents of all ages will participate in similar activities to the Education Day including:

• Live animal presentations on the Great Horned Owl, Short-eared Owl, Bull Snake and Bats
• Games including Biodiversity Bash that incorporates the childhood games of Concentration and Simon Says to explain what biodiversity is and highlight prairie species
• Planting of 9 different native grasses, 4 species of native flowering plants and native milkweed (to attract monarchs) in the Habitat Conservation Area within Wascana Centre. (This is an area set aside for wildlife within the park but is currently dominated by tame grass species. The planting of the native grasses and flowers will increase the biodiversity of this area).

Visit www.wascanamarsh.ca/wow10.htm for more information.

Other Events

February 5-6: Going Wild in Town – Native Plant in Urban Areas
The NPSS hosted its annual general meeting in Regina, SK. The theme was “Going Wild in Town – Native Plant in Urban Areas” with the aim of raising the awareness of the importance of native plant diversity in urban areas and working landscapes.

April 9: Explore the Wascana Marsh from Goosehill Park to Faraway Place
Nature Regina explored looking for spring migrant birds. This was a great opportunity to discover the wonder of the diversity of birds and their importance to the ecosystem. 

May 8: Interactive Program on Winged Wildlife and Wetlands
All ages are invited to participate in free interactive programs focused on winged wildlife and wetlands. There will be a number of great free family friendly events including: eco-treks, pond dipping, the great sit bird count, face painting, geo-caching, bird house building, live animals, games and arts and crafts! For more information visit the Wings Over Wascana (WOW) website

May 10-14: Cypress Hills 2010: Biodiversity in South-western Saskatchewan Ecosystems - A National Biodiversity Education Field Workshop Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF)
The CWF will host “Cypress Hills 2010: Biodiversity in South-western Saskatchewan Ecosystems - A National Biodiversity Education Field Workshop”. This workshop is intended to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity through an interactive field workshop setting, with the hope that those participants will then pass their experience on to others.

May 22: Baillie Birdathon
At Last Mountain Lake, the annual Baillie Birdathon will take place. There will be an 8 - 10 am walk around LMBO, followed by a 10 - 11:30 am drive to nearby grassland and wetland areas to spot grassland birds and waterfowl. Click here for more details.

May 30: Bright Wings Bird Festival
The purpose of the Bright Wings Bird Festival is to show adults and children how they can enjoy birds and help out with nature monitoring programs. The Upper Indian Head Creek Valley, just south of the town of Indian Head, and an hour's drive from Regina, hosts a rich diversity of wetland, forest, and grassland birds (more than 160 species recorded).

June 23–24: Native Prairie Appreciation Week
In Conjunction with the Society for Range Management, PCAP also hosts the Native Prairie Appreciation Week. This year, the two day event will be held in areas around Swift Current, SK. Topics this year will include native plants, native range management and grazing management best practices, including a field tour to working ranches that sustainably use native prairie for grazing operations.

June 24: Spurge Purge at Big Valley
This annual event will remove leafy spurge, an invasive weed, from important natural areas. Leafy spurge threatens plant and animal biodiversity across Canada and the United States. Click here for more information.

July 3: Botany Blitz
This Botany blitz” event will be hosted by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan  in Cypress Hills Provincial Park, SK. The purpose is to bring together volunteers to get outdoors and learn about nature and biodiversity by hiking through the park and recording all the plant species seen, then compiling these on a list that will be given to park staff for use in their management.

July 27: Saskatoon Prairie Bioblitz
The Nature Conservancy of Canada will be conducting its first bioblitz in the Saskatoon Prairie Natural Area. The data will help direct the management of this diverse property.

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Friends of McIntyre Creek, Whitehorse

On International Biodiversity Day, Friends of McIntyre Creek volunteer Tami Hamilton will use the wetland model at McIntyre Marsh to teach the public about the importance of wetlands to biodiversity, and threats to wetland biodiversity. She will introduce her talk with an overview of the Convention on Biodiversity, and International Biodiversity Day. At the same event either Tami or a volunteer from the Yukon Bird Club will lead an interpretive walk about the many migratory bird species found at McIntyre Marsh.

The two presenters will also talk about threats to McIntyre creek from proposed roads and housing developments, and why this important urban wildlife habitat is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the Yukon’s capital city.

Visit http://friendsofmcintyrecreek.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Other Events

April 17: Environment Fair
The theme of the Environment Fair was ‘Biodiversity in Your Backyard’. The public was invited to visit the Canada Games Centre and learn about the projects and work going on at Environment Yukon, Environment Canada, and other organizations involved with protecting or enhancing Yukon’s environment. 

May 9: Waterfowling
Come for a tour, see some of this spring’s babies at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve noon to 4:0pm and take part in fun family activities. Regular admission rates apply, but Mothers get in free! Please register at 456-7300 or clare@yukonwildlife.ca.

May 15: Swans of Kluane
Bring your lunch out to Kluane and enjoy a guided hike by Mary Jane Johnson and an elder from Kluane First Nation. Learn about the swans of the area and enjoy some warm tea and bannock at the end of the day.

May 26: Waterfowling Workshop
Did you enjoy waterfowl hunting in the south, or are you interested in trying a new sport but don’t know where to begin? This one evening workshop will teach you how to hunt waterfowl in a safe, legal and ethical way. Call Ducks Unlimited at 668-3824 for more information or to register for this free event.

June 11-13: Yukon Day of Biodiversity
The Friends of McIntyre Creek will be hosting events focused around biodiversity during June 11-13. Details will be added as they become available.

July 17: Parks Day
Canada Parks Day has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to promote the International Year of Biodiversity at the annual Parks Day on Saturday, July 17.  Events will be held in various  Yukon communities, including a Parks Day Family Day at the S.S. Klondike in Whitehorse hosted by Parks Canada and Yukon Parks, a Parks Day booth at the Dawson City Music Festival in Dawson City, as well as a celebration of the opening of the Tombstone Interpretive Center on Monday, July 19.  Details will be posted on www.parksday.ca as they become available.

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