Boreal Ecology & Education

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

The reprint of Tr'ëhuhch’in Näwtr’udä̀h’ą, Finding Our Way Home has arrived!

Coming to the General Assembly this weekend?
If you are a TH Citizen and you don't already have a copy, Tr'ëhuhch’in Näwtr’udä̀h’ą, Finding Our Way Home will be available for pick up from Heritage Department Jëje-in.

If you are not at the GA this weekend and would like a copy, please email [email protected] to arrange having a copy delivered.
Any remaining copies will be available for sale at the Dänoją̈’ Zho Cultural Centre.

Coming from a General Assembly direction to Council to reprint the Finding Our Way Home Scrapbook, Däno ǹts’ä̀ ̨ tr’ädäl (Heritage Department) was able to
secure funding and have a new run of 1000 copies printed.

With assistance from a $35,000 grant from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund; the Roman Catholic Diocese of Whitehorse; Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton; and a substantial discount from Hemlock Printers in Burnaby, BC.

Mähsį cho to Michael Edwards who volunteered his time and helped with updating the design work. Georgette McLeod and Lydia Soulliere worked on correcting some language, diacritics and the correct Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in logo was added to the new copies.

06/02/2026

A fungus can eat one of the world's toughest plastics.

Scientists discovered that Aspergillus tubingensis, a fungus found in a landfill in Pakistan, can break down polyurethane — a plastic used in products ranging from insulation and furniture to shoes, coatings, and synthetic leather.

Normally, polyurethane can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
But this fungus appears to attack it surprisingly quickly.

Researchers found that the fungus grows directly on the plastic's surface and releases enzymes that weaken its chemical bonds. As the plastic begins to break apart, the fungus effectively digests the material.

Using scanning electron microscopes, scientists observed the fungus colonising the plastic, leaving behind cracks, scars, and erosion across its surface.

In laboratory tests, polyurethane films exposed to the fungus were broken down into smaller fragments within two months.

The discovery was so unusual that the researchers described it as the first known report of Aspergillus tubingensis degrading polyurethane.

Scientists call this approach "mycoremediation" — using fungi to remove environmental pollutants.

And Aspergillus tubingensis isn't alone. Other fungi have been found that can survive on plastic as their primary food source, even in oxygen-poor environments such as landfills.

Scientists are now studying fungal enzymes for potential large-scale applications, including bioreactors and plastic-degrading technologies that could help tackle the growing plastic waste crisis.

If successful, these fungi could offer a natural and relatively low-cost way to help reduce the billions of tons of plastic accumulating around the world.

Read the study:
“Biodegradation of Polyester Polyurethane by Aspergillus tubingensis." Environmental Pollution

06/02/2026

Thinking ahead to summer hiking in Kluane National Park and Reserve? Did you know that you can take a look at trails in Kluane on Google Streetview? Now it’s easy to see what trails are right for you to add to your wish list of hikes for this year! Check it out here: https://ow.ly/gIhJ50Z5PHO

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

This is Smoky River in Treaty 8 Territory, in Northern AB, Canada.

The Smoky River drains into the Peace River, and both the Smoky River and the Peace River has been consistently low for the past several years.

The proposed Wonder Valley A.I data center will use a estimated 65 million litres of fresh water a day, the same amount a city the size of Lethbridge or Grande Prairie uses in a day.

The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has issued a 'cease and desist' order and is saying NO to the A.I Wonder Valley Data Center proposal.

We are only beginning to learn the many impacts on communities. Opposition is mounting everywhere including in the U.S where communities are seeing first hand the severe impacts these data centers are having. a U.S Democratic representative shares how Morgan County in Georgia has contaminated ground water and experienced clear cutting, increased energy and water bills and noise pollution to name a few issues.

06/02/2026

From Kenya's Tree of Life to a Svalbard glacier, these stunning photos are taken from a new book by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, whose The Earth From Above was a smash hit 25 years ago.

06/02/2026

How are you taking action this ?

Every action matters—from reducing emissions to creating awareness in your community.

Register your activity through the link in bio and be part of a global signal for change: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/2026/get-involved/register-activity