Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
A few wondrous links to help us feel uplifted in the darkness of winter:
First, amazing sounds in Nature. Thanks James Brown. I had no idea!!!
https://www.ted.com/talks/bernie_krause_the_voice_of_the_natural_world
Second, snowflakes. Are they actually all different?
https://theconversation.com/how-do-snowflakes-form-is-each-snowflake-really-unique-why-is-some-snow-light-and-fluffy-or-heavy-the-amazing-science-of-snow-196269?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2014-15%202023&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2014-15%202023+CID_c8d199c5199aec2fa70c598a2e05d983&utm_source=campaign_monitor_ca&utm_term=How%20do%20snowflakes%20form%20Is%20each%20snowflake%20really%20unique%20Why%20is%20some%20snow%20light%20and%20fluffy%20or%20heavy%20The%20amazing%20science%20of%20snow
Third, Master Gardener Joyce Hostyn – an amazing series.
She is always amazing. https://rideau1000islandsmastergardeners.com/2023/01/10/welcome-to-season-4-of-ask-a-master-gardener/
Fourth, Eric Gagnon’s great new piece on the submerged boats in the Inner Harbour https://hanleyspur.blogspot.com/2023/01/inner-harbour-hulks.html
Fifth, the wisdom of trees
https://www.themarginalian.org/2017/11/06/walt-whitman-specimen-days-trees/
NOTE: Quite a few of the items hereinbelow are from the Kingstonist. Do consider supporting them by subscribing directly. https://www.kingstonist.com/
LOCAL NEWS UPDATES AND POLITICAL STUFF
1. Warning for g-mail Users.
2. Integrated Care Hub Update
3. Application for City Committees
4. New Hospice Residence to be Built
5. New Council’s Strategic Planning Initiative
6. Vintage Clothing Store Finds New Home
7. Conservation Authority Issues Warning about Safety on Lakes and Rivers
8. Doug Ford’s Bill and its Effects on Housing – Survey and Comments accepted til end of Jan
9. Splash Day at the Marine Museum
10. Fishing Licenses Not Needed for Disabled.
11. Root Radical Jobs for the Upcoming Season
12. All Canadian Electric Vehicle Project with Kingston Connection
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
13. Port of Montreal Pledges to Protect Species at Risk
14. Is US Ready for More Arctic Shipping
15. Oil Spill Studies on St. Lawrence River
16. New Satellite will Help Monitor Great Lakes Water and Currents
MORE FUN STUFF
17. History of Sound on Earth
18. Josh Cowan’s Interesting Links
19. UK Woodlands Could Store Much More Carbon than Previously Estimated
20. Fun Winter Events at Little Cat
21. Rooftop Wind Turbines 150% Better than Solar
22. Yummy Swiss Chard Recipe
LOCAL NEWS UPDATES AND POLITICAL STUFF
1. Warning for g-mail Users.
Sometimes messages organized through Mailchimp get put in spam. If you want this email to show up in your main inbox, please click and drag it to that part of your inbox.
2. Integrated Care Hub Update
Clearly this is a really complex issue. Having residents living in tents at this time of year is life-threatening. And although the city has tried hard to create spaces, oftentimes those spaces are not appropriate for a variety of reasons. This is a very needy group of people who should have appropriate housing. Research has shown that providing housing saves lives, helps provide stability in their lives, while at the same time it makes neighbours feel safe and reduces police and ambulance costs.
Received from the Kingstonist Jan 11 – Dylan Chenier
This excellent summary outlines the city’s decision and rationale.
The City Council meeting had 13 delegations, 12 of which pleaded for an extension to allow more time to provide appropriate housing as many of the current residents would risk losing all their possessions and means of keeping warm given eviction.
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/kingston-city-council-puts-encampment-eviction-on-hold/
Here is the link to the Jan 10 Council meeting where the decision was made. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuidGhbzqu4
Here is a previous Kingstonist piece offering a bit of background Jan 6 – Steph Crozier.
Kingston bylaw officers issue eviction notices to residents camping behind Integrated Care Hub.
City of Kingston bylaw officers have issued eviction notices to people camping behind the Integrated Care Hub.T
The city has been working with community partners in establishing a transition plan, ”with the ultimate goal of securing you permanent housing,” the order reads. “Now that these services are in place, the City of Kingston is counting on your co-operation through the transition process.”
On Friday morning, some residents behind the hub gathered around a fire while others were busy making piles of garbage and larger items, as well as throwing some refuse into a pair of garbage bins.
Nathan Rosevear, 29, was cleaning up the southern side of the encampment near a tent he used to live in. Rosevear spent five years living in the street before finding a low-income housing placement and still has a lot of friends camping. He called the orders to leave good news “because it’s not the healthiest place in the world to camp.”
“There’s too much contamination in the soil, they’ve proven that with scientific testing in the past, and people shouldn’t be living here,” Rosevear said. “The only way they’ll stop doing (camping here) is to force them out and enforce the rules that they can’t be here. …
“I’m all for camping and homeless people’s rights, but I don’t think this is a healthy place.”
Thursday evening, the City of Kingston sent out another release announcing new 60 drop-in and shelter beds at various locations within the city. The new spaces are at the Lionhearts’ Adelaide Drop-in warming centre located at 38 Cowdy St., Dawn House’s second location at 805 Ridley Dr., and at St. Mary’s Cathedral’s parish centre located at 260 Brock St. Lionhearts is now equipped with 36 “pods” available to accommodate up to 40 people, and Dawn House is offering transitional housing for 12 women and children. Dawn House’s west wing will open Monday with six spaces and will have 11 more spaces by the end of January.
The parish centre will also be offering 12 overnight spaces for men only starting Monday.“Supporting the expansion of services that offer unhoused individuals a safe, warm space to sleep is one part of the City’s approach in addressing homelessness in Kingston,” Lanie Hurdle, chief administrative officer for the City of Kingston, said in the release. “We are continuing to work on collaborative efforts with community partners to ensure that all Kingston residents have access to housing supports and resources.”
Rosevear said the morale at the encampment wasn’t high, and he suggested there are better places to camp if that’s what a person chooses to do.
“Camping in a place like this is dirty. There’s garbage upon garbage, upon garbage and stealing, too,” Rosevear said. “Having homeless people living on brownfield land is a crime against humanity, in my opinion.”
The trespass notice said the city and its “community partners” are available to help residents as they work through their transition options out of the area and can store any possessions as required.
“The City of Kingston will take those measures necessary to enforce this No Trespass Order against you, should you continue to engage in the prohibited activities at Belle Park/K&P Trail after the deadline, and Kingston Police will have the authority to act on behalf of the City of Kingston if you are found engaging in the prohibited activities on the premises,” the order warns. “Failure to abide by this No Trespass Order could result in legal action. No further warning will be given.”
Those experiencing homelessness or who are concerned about a person in need, are asked to call the Street Outreach Team at 613-542-6672, ext. 130.
| If you are interested in learning more about housing issues in Kingston contact Sayyida Jaffer to receive her newsletter YGK Housing News:, This weekly newsletter includes local events, learning opportunities, reports and analysis that can help us better understand and act on the affordable housing crisis. Newsletter free subscription + content suggestions and feedback can be sent to sayyida.jaffer@chco.ca. |
3. Application for City Committees.
Received from the City Jan 6, 2023
“Great minds don’t think alike – they think together.
We are seeking passionate people in the community to volunteer for five City of Kingston advisory committees and commissions, and we’d love your help to share the message below with residents in your neighbourhood.
Volunteering on a City of Kingston advisory committee is an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and knowledge to make a difference on important issues in the community. From Jan. 9 to 20, we encourage eligible residents to submit applications to serve on the following committees:
Rural Advisory Committee
Kingston Heritage Properties Committee
Kingston Heritage Programs Committee
Committee of Adjustment
Kingston and Area Taxi Commission
Eligibility requirements and mandates for each of the committees are available at www.CityofKingston.ca/Committees.
Submit your application
Online at www.CityofKingston.ca/Committees
By calling 613-546-0000 to request a paper application. We will provide a postage-paid envelope to return the application to City Hall.
At City Hall, 216 Ontario St. in the City Clerk’s Department.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan 20.
4. New Hospice Residence to be Built
Received from the Kingstonist Jan 10 – Jessica Foley
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/construction-set-to-begin-for-hospice-kingston-residence-at-providence-village/
5. New Council’s Strategic Planning Initiative
Received from the Kingstonist Dec 16, 2022 – Dylan Chenier
Kingston City Council to set 2023-26 strategic planning process
On Tuesday night, Kingston City Council will receive information on the process and timelines for developing the 2023-26 Strategic Plan. Kingstonist file photo.
At its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, Kingston City Council will receive a report from City staff on the proposed process and timelines for the development of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. The process gives councillors an opportunity to set their strategic priorities for the new term, while allowing staff to develop a plan to realize those goals.
The report circulating ahead of Tuesday’s meeting recommends that the strategic planning process includes “fiscal targets as well as guiding principles, such as organizational capacity and public engagement.” The report also states that planning sessions should be conducted in a “Committee of the Whole” format, which will allow all councillors to participate equally in establishing their priorities. Staff are recommending that members of the City’s corporate management team, as well as the CEO of Utilities Kingston, be present at the sessions in order to provide clarification for councillors.
“The upcoming strategic planning session will provide members of Council, as a group, the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on a full scope of topics over the course of three days. The primary objective is to enable all Council members to engage with their colleagues on a host of ideas and thoughts to form a consensus on priorities for the Council term,” the report adds. Once Council sets its strategic priorities, City staff will develop an implementation plan to clearly lay out how the various priorities will be met. Staff are recommending a facilitator oversee the entire process, and that public engagement takes place prior to the official strategic planning sessions.
The report also contains a list of proposed steps for the strategic planning process, along with the suggested month in which each step should be completed. First off, Council will need to issue a Request for Proposal in order to select a facilitator, which is set to occur sometime in January or February of next year. Step two will see City staff carry out a public engagement process, which will also take place throughout January and February.
The official strategic planning sessions are set to occur over three days in March 2023,and will be open to members of the public.The exact dates for the sessions are still to be determined. By April or May, staff will prepare the official implementation plan, which will go to Council for final approval.If all goes according to schedule, the 2023-26 Strategic Plan should be set by May 2023, according to the City.
For the last month, City staff have been providing orientation to councillors, bringing them up to speed on information relevant to the strategic planning process, such as City governance and affordable housing. In the months ahead, staff are planning additional sessions to ensure that councillors have all the relevant information they require before embarking on the official strategic planning process. Upcoming sessions will cover Utilities Kingston, local tourism, and climate leadership, among other topics.
At a meeting on Nov. 10, 2022, staff updated the outgoing Council on the overall progress of the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. All of the initiatives outlined in the previous plan were completed by the end of the last Council term, or are currently on track for completion, with the exception of items that were directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to City documents.
6. Vintage Clothing Store Finds New Home near Princess and MacDonnell
Received from the Kingstonist Jan 5 – Dylan Chenier
Many Kingston residents are familiar with the vibrant, eclectic storefront to match the items inside at What’ll I Wear, which opened at 338 Princess Street in 1995. After having to leave the location, business owner Janet Strong says she’s found a new location for her unique boutique.
A longtime Kingston business has found a new home after leaving its previous downtown location of over 25 years. Janet Strong of What’ll i Wear says she was forced to find a new spot for her popular vintage and recycled clothing store after the owners of her previous location at 338 Princess Street entered into a long-term lease agreement with new tenants.
In January 2022, BJL Properties Inc., a Toronto-based condominium broker, purchased the property that had housed What’ll i Wear since October 1995. In April of that year, Strong agreed to continue a month-to-month lease with the new owners.
“For the past 26 years, I just paid month-to-month. I didn’t have any kind of lease… They sent me an email with a $40 per month increase each year for three years. I said, ‘OK, sure, I’d be happy to sign a lease,’” she shares.
Strong says the email interaction in April was the last time she communicated with the new property owners. At the end of November, she received notice that the building had been leased to new tenants, giving her 30 days to close shop. Then, “I did have an opportunity to sublet from the new tenants that are taking over the lease. But yeah, that wasn’t going to happen,” says Strong.
After deciding not to sublet the space at 338 Princess — which is part of the property that also houses The Royal 2.0 (formerly The Royal Tavern), and housed The Soup Can, which closed shop the same time What’ll I Wear did initially — Strong says the prospects seemed grim, as she feared losing out on a physical storefront for good. “All I could think was, ‘there’s nothing available downtown for rent that is comparable to the size of the [old location]’… I thought I’d have to put it into storage and figure it out from there.”
However, all hope was not lost for the business owner, as a quick chain of events over the Christmas break resulted in Strong finding a new location for her store. “The Thursday before Christmas, I was driving down Princess Street and noticed there was a ‘For Rent’ sign in a little shop across from the Tim Hortons up there. So I stopped, got the phone number, and looked at [the store] on Friday morning.”
After celebrating the holidays over the weekend, Strong got in touch with the owners of the vacant property at 732 Princess Street, several blocks up from her existing shop, and quickly entered into an agreement to lease the storefront. She says dealing with her new landlord has been a positive experience overall.
“He’s just been great. There’s some lights that are out, and he’s going to have an electrician in to fix them. The sink leaks a little bit; he said, ‘I’ll have a plumber in to look at that,’” says Strong, voicing a sense of refreshment after what she describes as 26 years of less-than-satisfactory experience with property owners at her previous location.
While moving a popular retail outlet from a familiar location in the heart of Kingston’s downtown core will not be without its challenges, Strong notes her new neighbourhood has a lot of positive elements, which should be good for business. “I think that block has a fair amount going for it. Where we’re moving, there’s a comic bookstore, a bead store… There’s Daft Brewing, and I think that’s a pretty popular place. So I think it’s good.”
In fact, Strong believes the new location may be better suited for some of her existing clientele. “When I spoke to people in the store for the last couple of days, [I told them] I had a new place. I heard a lot of people say, ‘Oh, well, I live up that way.’ So I think, ultimately, it’s going to be fine.”
Despite a stressful few weeks for the veteran retailer — which included the very real prospect of the long-time downtown boutique closing entirely — Strong is pleased with the end result and looks forward to opening up her new location.
“I’m not happy with the way it transpired, but I’m happy for the outcome. There’s something positive to look forward to in the future because I wasn’t ready to give in yet,” she says.
What’ll i Wear is expected to open at its new 732 Princess Street location (near the MacDonnell Street intersection) on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.
7. Conservation Authority Issues Warning about Water Safety on Lakes and Rivers.
Received fromo the Kingstonist, Jan 4 – Tori Stafford
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/cataraqui-conservation-extends-water-safety-statement-for-inland-lakes-and-streams/
8. Doug Ford’s Bill 23 and its affects on housing – Survey comments accepted til end of Jan
| “An Ontario-Wide Survey on Bill 23 (Build more Housing Faster Act) and the Protection of the Greenbelt A Pro-bono (not for profit) Survey by SPR Associates 260 Adelaide Street East, Suite 18, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1N1. See www.spr.ca for info about the firm. Access the survey here: https://secure11.securewebexchange.com/spr.ca/greenbelt/greenbelt.htm At the end of January, a report on results will be distributed to participants and to the media, municipalities, NGOs, and others. Feel free to write ted.harvey@spr.ca If you have any questions. Why this survey now? Recent surveys have examined general views on protecting the Greenbelts. This survey recognizes the need to consolidate assessments of these issues, across diverse sectors (environment and nature, municipalities, housing etc.) for Bill 23 and Ontario’s Removal of Greenbelt Lands, housing etc.), and focuses on the issue of repeal of Bill 23 and the issue of an inquiry into Bill 23. As well, this survey explicitly examines Ontarians’ opinions as to whether the rationale for Bill 23 – creating more housing – is invalid — since recent experience in development indicates the Greenbelt land will be covered with large homes, rather than the affordable housing which Ontario sorely needs We would like to obtain a substantial survey response — so, if you agree with the survey approach, we are asking for you to forward our invitation to your friends, family and other contacts.” https://acorncanada.org/resources/save-rental-replacement-bylaws-protect-affordable-housing/ |
| “Ontario is at risk of losing 215,000 units of affordable housing in just 5 cities if rental replacement bylaws give way to condos – finds new ACORN Bill 23 report – .https://acorncanada.org/news/acorn-urges-doug-ford-to-save-rental-replacement-bylaws/ To release the report, ACORN members met with Premier Doug Ford, went to the Housing Minister Steve Clark’s office in Brockville as well as the PC MPP Offices in Hamilton, Ottawa, Brampton, Mississauga and London.” Read the report: https://acorncanada.org/resources/save-rental-replacement-bylaws-protect-affordable-housing/ |
9. Splash Day at the Marine Museum
| Now Booking for Winter-Spring Dates! SPLASH (Ship Play and Learning: Arts, Sciences and Heritage) Days at the Marine Museum return with 4 new dates! Launched last November with great success, this special day of guided activities offers campers between the ages of 6 and 11 a chance to sail, Play and Learn about subjects through programs that combine the Arts, Science and Heritage. Together, these pieces make our SPLASH Day special! Cost of the program is $50 per participant, and a discount is available for up to an additional 2 participants. If you would like to book a program for more than one participant, please contact Michelle Clarabut at education@marmuseum.ca to receive the promotional code. |
10. Fishing Licenses Not Needed for Disabled.
Thanks Michal Judd for this.
psroendtoS6 c7g7ta18796gh98mimh414igu77t22mht877lt760007i4f3 ·
Disabilities and fishing….. Fishing is a great opportunity to share time with friends and family, and if lucky get something tasty for the table too. If one has mobility chalanges there can be no need for a fishing lisence in Ontario either. Heading into ice fishing season, this applies to hard water fishing too of course.
“If you have a disability
A person who has been issued an accessible parking permit under the Highway Traffic Act or a national identity card by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind may fish without an Outdoors Card or recreational fishing licence if they carry the permit or national identity card with them while they are fishing. If a black and white photocopy or printed version of the accessible parking permit is carried while fishing, the person is also required to carry a Government-issued licence, permit, certificate or identification card that indicates their name and date of birth.
A person who requires the direct assistance of another person to fish and to follow applicable laws due to a disability defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act may fish without an Outdoors Card or recreational fishing licence if they carry a Government-issued licence, permit, certificate or identification card that indicates their name and date of birth. The accompanying person does not require a fishing licence if they are only assisting but must have a licence if they wish to engage in fishing.
The seasons and catch and possession limits for a Sport Fishing Licence apply to all situations above.”
11. Root Radical Jobs for the Upcoming Season
NOTE: I am including this as many Inner Harbour residents choose to order organic vegies from these people and may have children interested. Although the deadline is actually today, I’m hoping they might extend it a couple of days given this late entry. If interested, do contact them to ask.
| Root Radical is hiring farm workers. We are seeking passionate and hard-working individuals to work our 3-acre organic vegetable gardens and greenhouse. Full and part-time positions available. About us: Root Radical Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) is a successful organic farm which has grown a wide variety of vegetables since 2007. We sell our vegetables through the CSA model to about 250 member households in Kingston and on Howe Island. We are known for our high-quality great-tasting vegetables, our friendly, organized and accommodating customer service, and the environmental education opportunities offered to our community. We are about a team of about five people. In the garden, most work is done by hand or with human-powered tools. We use tractors for moving compost and soil mix, preparing the gardens for planting, and for other heavy lifting. We use drip irrigation and season-extension techniques in our fields. We also produce tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, greens, and transplants in our 2300 sq. ft. greenhouse and caterpillar tunnel. We harvest vegetables for two delivery days each week. The rest of the week we do seeding, greenhouse management, making soil mix, planting, hoeing, hand weeding, washing and packing vegetables. In the shoulder seasons we work on infrastructure projects, garden preparation, and garden clean up. Root Radical CSA is located on Howe Island between Kingston and Gananoque. The CSA uses 3 acres on our 84-acre farm that includes hayfields, permanent pastures, gardens and wooded areas. Root Radical CSA is a woman-led farm, and Emily Dowling is the main CSA farmer. For more information about Root Radical CSA, please browse our website: http://rootradicalrows.com/ Requirements: Be ready to dig in, get dirty, and work hard. Applicants must be committed, reliable people who will show up on time, always strive to do their best at work, and are able to work in all sorts of weather conditions. The successful candidate will be trained in most aspects of operating the CSA. Physical strength, flexibility, dexterity, and endurance are required. Must be able to lift and carry heavy bins. Tasks are generally varied but staff are often assigned to specialized areas where they excel. Training provided. Experience in agriculture, work on organic farms, or in a related field is plus but not required. Special consideration will be given to those applicants who can demonstrate their commitment to local organic agriculture. Having your own vehicle to get to work on Howe Island is preferred but carpooling may be an option. Please indicate in your application whether you have your own transportation or if you will require carpooling. Wage: Starting at $15.50 per hour. Increases incrementally every 160 hours. $19.05 after 480 hours or approximately 60 workdays. Schedule: Typically, we start work at 6:45 or 7:30 AM and finish between 3:00 and 4:30 PM depending on the day. Lunch is unpaid and is usually a half hour in length. There are also two 15-minute paid breaks. Full and part-time positions available. Duration of Employment: We are hiring for start dates in May, June and July. These seasonal roles are between 2 to 7 months in duration and will wrap up between the end of August to mid November. Please indicate in your application how many months you wish you work and when you are available to begin. Ability to commit to the full duration on acceptance is a requirement, and an openness to coming back to work again in 2024 is a plus. Hours of Work: Number of days per week is negotiable for applicants for part time roles. Applicants for full-time roles must be available to work about 7 to 8 hours a day, 5 days per week during our busy season (early May to mid/late September). Depending on the weather, the number of work hours may be reduced later in the fall (late September to November). Please see the note below about weather-dependent work. Weather: On harvest days, we work rain or shine. However, our other work (planting, weeding, etc.) can be weatherdependent. There may be some days when we would not work because of heavy rain that day or the day before. In exceptional weather circumstances, during our busiest times in the season, staff may be asked to work weekends to make up for days missed during the week due to inclement weather. Equity Hiring: We acknowledge that not everyone starts from the same place because of systemic advantages and barriers. We acknowledge this and encourage and welcome applications from people who typically face barriers to working in the agricultural sector. Perks: Farming is hard work, but working at Root Radical CSA also has benefits including… Lots of high quality, organic vegetables to eat. Staff receive CSA shares and have access to seconds and leftovers. Benefits package. Ferry passes, end of season bonuses, some reimbursements for health and dental, specialty work clothing and pre-season strength training. Work-life balance. Weekend work is not required, and farm staff finish between 3:00 and 4:30 PM most days. Additionally, we are a farm that structures short breaks into our daily schedule, and we are a team that plans ahead so that days off for staff to recharge are an option. Diversity of work. Working on a small acreage with a diverse set of crops means less monotony and doing a lot of different kinds of tasks throughout the week and as the seasons shift. Teamwork. Being a part of a team of self-motivated, hardworking, caring people who are nice to be around. We have structured team building activities and make a point of celebrating together throughout the season. Learning. Developing your farming skills and keeping the work interesting and challenging by taking on new responsibilities as you are ready. Clear expectations. As part of the hiring process, an extensive document is provided explaining how to succeed at Root Radical. Throughout the season, we meet regularly as a team to share weekly work goals. Outdoor work. Being out in beautiful weather (most of the time), and not sitting or standing in one spot all day long. Pride in your work. Doing important work, raising great organic vegetables for local people who really appreciate good food and their farmers. Challenges. Becoming stronger both physically and mentally by challenging yourself. Building a better world. Contributing in a very real way to environmental and social justice. Helping a local family woman-led farm succeed. Ecological connection. Learning about ecology firsthand and deepening your relationship with the land that feeds you. To apply please email your resume and cover letter to: rootradicalcsa@gmail.com Deadline to apply: Please send your application by January 15, 2023. 12. All Canadian Electric Vehicle Project with Kingston Connection Received from the Kingstonist, Jan 15 – Kathryn Vilela https://www.kingstonist.com/news/all-canadian-electric-vehicle-project-arrow-relies-on-cutting-edge-computing-from-kingston-tech-company/ |
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
13. Port of Montreal Pledges to Protect Species at Risk
The Port of Montreal pledges to protect species at risk, Montreal Port Authority, December 1, 2022. Reaffirming and strengthening its commitment to the protection of nature, the Port of Montreal proudly announces its $50,000 contribution to the Imperilled Species Fund, an initiative of the Space for Life Foundation. Daniel Dagenais, Vice-President, Port Performance and Sustainable Development at the Montreal Port Authority, is quoted.
14. Is US ready for more Arctic shipping?, FreightWaves, December 11, 2022. The ability of the U.S. to keep pace with the upward trend of shipping to, from and through the Arctic region is a growing concern and is exacerbated by a lack of assets being deployed in the region, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
15. Bill to fundoilspill studies on St. Lawrence River included in defense act, on its way to passage, Watertown Daily Times, December 12, 2022 (subscription required). Legislation included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act will provide more funding for the U.S. Coast Guard to study the impact of a potential oil spill in the St. Lawrence River, and develop a response plan.
16. New satellite will help monitor Great Lakes water and currents, MLive, December 19, 2022. There’s a new eye in the sky above the Great Lakes. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite which launched on Friday, December 16 is dedicated to observing surface water across the Earth. Scientists involved in the international mission say the new satellite promises to produce a treasure trove of data on the Great Lakes, which hold 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh surface water
MORE FUN STUFF
17. History of Sound on Earth
https://emergencemagazine.org/audio-story/when-the-earth-started-to-sing/
18. Interesting Links from Josh Cowan. Thanks so much.
I’ve gotten into the research around interspecies communication.
See: https://www.interspecies.io/about
and https://www.earthspecies.org/what-we-do/technology
As part of this research I came across Camilia Ferrara, a researcher on a species of turtle in the Amazon.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/baby-giant-south-american-river-turtles-talk-to-each-other-from-inside-eggs-1.2747542
If you’re interested in this field, I’d suggest you check out the new book by Karen Bakker. I haven’t read it yet but have seen a few of her interviews. See here: https://karenbakker.org/the-sounds-of-life/
19. UK Woodlands Could Store almost Twice as much Carbon as Previously Estimated.
Thanks so much Mike Cole-Hamilton for this from Science Daily.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221220113042.htm
20. Fun Winter Events at Little Cat.
https://cataraquiconservation.ca/blogs/events
21. Roof Top Wind Turbines 150% Better than Solar
https://newatlas.com/energy/aeromine-rooftop-wind/
22. Yummy Swiss Chard Recipe with Red Onion, Currants, Olives and Pine Nuts
Ingredients:
2 bunches Swiss chard, about 1½ lbs. total
4 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup dried currants
¾ cup Kalamata olives, each cut in half
½ cup pine nuts, toasted
Preparation:
Remove and discard ribs from the chard. Fussy – but otherwise stalks will be tough to chew. Cut the leaves in half lengthwise and then crosswise into ¾” to 1” strips.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tbs. of the oil.
Add the onion and sauté until it begins to soften, 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Stir in the chard by large handfuls and toss with tongs until wilted and almost tender but still bright green, 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in the currants and olives and sauté for 2 minutes more.
Season with ¼ tsp. pepper and salt, if desired (the olives may provide enough salt).
Stir in the pine nuts.
Keep warm.
Have fun.
Mary Farrar,
President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour