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

Two new renewable energy projects – one solar, one wind – are coming to south-central Saskatchewan thanks to Indigenous partnerships. [CBC]

An environmentally active resident and the leader of the SK Green Party discuss navigating far-right politics when considering environmental issues. [Niche Canada]

An open-pit coal mine near Jasper National Park plans to expand the amount of coal it mines to be burned for electricity overseas. [The Narwhal]

A BC company wants to open a sand mine north of Prince George for use in fracking to extract oil and natural gas. [CBC] BC.'s Environmental Assessment Office is currently seeking public feedback. [EAO]

81% of the critical habitat for at-risk species in BC fails to meet federal protection standards (logging is permitted in some areas), and populations continue to decline. [The Narwhal]

Across Canada

The Ontario government is repealing its Endangered Species Act (once among the best in Canada) to make it easier and faster to build mines and highways. [The Narwhal]

A 40-year study shows climate change is reshaping the Arctic’s ecosystem but in unexpected ways with some species thriving while others decline. [UBC]

The Cement Association of Canada says climate action is part of competitiveness. Innovation, productivity, and sustainability are mutually compatible goals. [Daily Commercial News]

Deep Sea Mining

Scientists and environmental activists believe that too little is known about the risks of deep-sea mining and condemn an attempt by a Canadian company and the American government to commercially mine the seabed. [The Verge]

After 50 years, there is still no recovery from a deep-sea mining project. [Post and Courier]

Peatlands

Can-Peat plans to create a Canada-wide peatland research network and investigate mechanisms to implement peatland nature-based solutions. [UWaterloo]

The Peatlands Restoration Project is pioneering innovative solutions to combat climate change by revitalizing Greater Sudbury’s polluted peatlands. [Nipissing University, YouTube]

Making a Difference

Planting wildflower strips in apple orchards can reduce damage from harmful pests by up to 32%, keeping apple trees healthy with less need for chemical sprays. [Science Daily]

Strong community ties and community forests are helping to protect the forests, water, and monarch butterfly habitat from illegal avocado orchards in some parts of the Mexican state of Michoacán. [Yale Environment 360]

Jackson Hole airport, located within Grand Teton National Park, is now certified as an Urban Night Sky Place, the first airport in the world to receive a Dark Sky designation. [Dark Sky]

A reforestation project in Sainte-Sophie, Quebec, plans to restore abandoned farmland into thriving sugar maple groves. [Tree Canada, YouTube]

DIY

What is the best way to dispose of dog poop? Is bagging it really the best option? [The Guardian]

Nature’s Wonders

They’ve survived on Earth for about 500 million years. Look and learn about Egg Yolk Jellies and how they move. [The Marine Detective]

Like humans, animals understand and respond to death. [Nautilus]

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/54484061024

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.