This month: spring birding, Landcare, No Mow May, and SOS climate resilience work in the spotlight
- administrative43
- May 13
- 3 min read
NO MOW MAY
Letting your lawn grow a little longer in May can provide early-season food for pollinators. Flowers many people consider weeds, such as dandelions and clover, can offer forage at a time when not much else is available.
No Mow May began in the United Kingdom and has since grown into an international movement, with organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation encouraging participation across Canada. The idea is simple: small changes in how we manage our lawns can create meaningful habitat in cities where green space is limited.
You do not need to stop mowing your whole yard. Even leaving a section, such as a strip along a fence or a small corner, can help support pollinators and lead to a more natural, lower-maintenance yard over time.
Learn more:
Caring for the Niakwa Trail Rain Garden
Join SOS for a volunteer Landcare event at the Niakwa Trail Rain Garden.
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Northeast corner of St. Anne’s Road and Fermor Avenue
Rain or shine
The Niakwa Trail Rain Garden helps naturally filter stormwater before it drains to the Seine River, while also supporting native plants, birds, and other wildlife. Keeping the Rain Garden clean ensures it continues to function properly and protects the health of the river and its riparian ecosystem.
SOS will bring garbage bags, some gloves, and garbage pickers. Participants are welcome to bring their own gloves or tools if they prefer. Some areas may be wet, so rubber boots can be worn, but they are not necessary.
Learn more:
Catch the Chorus: Spring Birding at Blenheim Park
Date: May 16 (with May 17 as a fall-back in case the 16th is rainy 😊)
Time: Two (2) guided walks will be provided;
Tour 1: 'Early Bird' Walk 6:30am - 8:00am
Tour 2: Mid-Morning Bird Walk 8:30am ending at 10:00am
Location: Blenheim Park situated at the corner of Egerton Road and Blenheim Avenue in Old St. Vital. Streete parking is available.
Workshop description:
Bird Migration is in full swing on the Seine River Greenway. On our walk at Blenheim Park we will be seeing and hearing many birds that are returning to nest, as well as many bird species that are just passing through on their way north. Grab your binoculars and join SOS consulting ecologist, Chris Penner, at Blenheim Park for a fun and informative outing.
SOS Green Infrastructure Project to be featured at ClimateWest Forum
Combined sewer overflows remain a major water quality challenge in Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods. During heavy rain and snowmelt, overloaded sewer systems can release untreated wastewater directly into local waterways. Between 2020 and 2025, more than 2.7 million cubic metres of untreated overflow entered the Seine River.
To help address this issue, Save Our Seine completed a Green Infrastructure Feasibility Study exploring practical, nature-based approaches to managing stormwater before it enters the sewer system. Working with light industrial, commercial, and multi-unit residential properties, the study examined opportunities for rain gardens, bioswales, permeable paving, urban canopy expansion, and other green infrastructure solutions. SOS extends sincere thanks to participating sites Kilter Brewing/MPD Glass, Centre LaVérendrye, and River Gardens for helping explore how these approaches could work in real-world settings.
This project will be highlighted in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ presentation at the ClimateWest 2026 Forum as an example of innovative and effective climate adaptation work supported through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund. SOS is proud to have completed the project with support from FCM, the City of Winnipeg as project partner, and HTFC Planning & Design. The study demonstrates how local partnerships and practical green infrastructure planning can help protect water quality, reduce pressure on aging sewer systems, and build a more climate-resilient Urban Seine River Greenway.
Thank You for Joining Us at the SOS AGM - 2026 -2027
SOS Executive
Thank you to everyone who attended Save Our Seine’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and for your continued support of the Urban Seine River Greenway.
Following the AGM, the Board appointed the following directors to the SOS Board Executive:
President: Brent Thomas
Vice President: Denis De Pape
Treasurer: Rob Perron
Secretary: Richard Remnant
SOS also extends sincere thanks to outgoing Executive members for their time, leadership, and service to the organization. We look forward to continuing our work together to protect and enhance the Seine River corridor.
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