The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of fund raising concerts.
Saskatoon singer-songwriter and former Northern Pikes front man Jay Semko will perform Tuesday night at Amigos Cantina with three other concerts planned later this year.
Board member for the past 30 years and researcher Ann Coxworth says it’s fascinating to reflect on an organization that has grown from a group of concerned volunteers working out of their Saskatoon homes with a focus on riverbank preservation.
Coxworth points out this came at a time in the early 1970’s when there was no provincial Ministry of Environment, Environment Canada or Meewasin Valley Authority.
She says they blazed the trail for the society which now works on a wide range of issues including energy, land reclamation and bio-diversity.
The society boasts members from all across Saskatchewan and paid staff who work out of their Saskatoon office.
Coxworth is proud of the society’s ability to attract passionate people who have grown with the organization including the current board President and Executive Director who started as summer students.
She also feels an emerging trend is the growing number of high school students with environmental concerns.
The society hopes to raise 50-thousand dollars this year and plans additional events including a trivia night, spin class and Anniversary Banquet.
An anonymous donor has promised to match each dollar raised.