Welcome to EcoWest News, a weekly round-up of news and resources that you can put to use in addressing environmental issues and protecting the wild in your community.

Across the West

Here’s a handy compilation of Earth Day activities in Manitoba. [CPAWS-MB]

A new study shows that BC can save tens of billions of dollars by protecting remaining old-growth forests if you take into account factors such as tourism, recreation, climate regulation, non-timber forest products, and real estate values. [Capital Daily]

“Water collected near active open-net salmon farms contains four times more pathogens harmful to wild salmon than samples collected near inactive salmon farms.” [CBC]

Across Canada

Canada’s 10 largest non-US trade partners are building clean economies. “Seizing the clean economic opportunity is not about starting over, but about leveraging pre-existing industries and advantages in a way that sets Canada up for a sustainable future.” [Clean Energy Canada]

Living Lakes Canada reported on their 2024 activities: monitoring lake and groundwater, restoring watersheds, wetland and foreshore monitoring and planning, applied reconciliation, and empowering youth. [Living Lakes Canada]

Around the World

“Thoughtful, data-informed park planning doesn’t have to compromise biodiversity for recreation—or vice versa. By identifying which park features support both wildlife and human use, planners across the country can design urban green spaces that are more resilient and ecologically functional.” [Futurity]

Making a Difference

Brampton, ON, with a population of 700,000 has roughly 226,500 bus riders on an average weekday. “If you provide a more attractive service, more people will use it.” [Planetizen]

A new California law is setting stricter standards for large distribution warehouses to reduce air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities. [Planetizen]

Marine reserves benefit both reefs and fisheries with higher numbers and greater biodiversity of fish both inside and outside reserve boundaries. [Conservation Corridor]

DIY

“People don’t hear enough people talking about climate change, so they don’t talk about it themselves. And that inability or unwillingness to discuss such an overwhelming issue slows or stops climate progress on both individual and societal levels.” Here’s how to start a climate conversation. [The Revelator]

Nature’s Wonders

He’s a loving, loyal spouse and a talented forager. Cartoonist Rosemary Mosco sings the praises of U10, a banded herring gull. [Audubon]

A new butterfly species, the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak, has been identified in Waterton Lakes National Park where it has been isolated from its closest relatives for up to 40,000 years. [Science Daily]

Photo credit: Arbutus flower https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/54459797272

EcoFriendly West informs and encourages initiatives that support Western Canada’s natural environment through its online publication and the Nature Companion website/app. Like us on Facebook, follow us on BlueSky, X, and Mastodon, or subscribe by email.