The Nature Conservancy of Canada has announced two new projects in Southwest Saskatchewan as part of their effort to protect native Prairie grasslands.
The two parcels of land total 962 acres (389 hectares) in the Rural Municipality of Arlington, located in the eastern part of the Cypress Hills area.
Mike Burak, NCC's natural area manager for southwest Saskatchewan says the land is located northwest of Shaunavon.
"One of the projects is just a single quarter section, so about 65 hectares. That was a mixture of native grassland and a little bit of tame grassland on there as well as some wetlands and some Aspen Bluffs. The other project is quite a bit larger. It is closer to about 800 acres, so five quarter sections there and it is right.on the eastern edge of the Cypress Hills, kind of perched at the west side of the Jones Creek Valley."
He points out that the two areas create a whole host of different habitats for various species of plants, birds and wildlife and is considered to be one of the areas with the highest diversity of birds in Saskatchewan.
Among the birds and species at risk found in the area are burrowing owl (endangered), chestnut-collared longspur (threatened), common nighthawk (threatened) and ferruginous hawk (threatened).
"With it being one of the more intact areas of the province, it's a really great area for large mammals that do need a bit more area to move around in. So your deer, elk, moose, the Cypress Hills has one of the highest densities of cougars in, I think it's all of Canada."
Burak notes that the land will continue to be grazed by cattle and livestock because that's what kept it in such good shape, it's been well stewarded by the previous owners.
Frank Parker, Land Steward, for the Parker Coulee Conservation Area says the land has been in his family since his grandfather came out here 120 years ago.
"At that time there was nothing but natural prairie everywhere; there hadn't been a plough in the country yet. So, I grew up around native grass and learned to appreciate it; It stays with you and becomes a part of who you are. Every year, I see more and more land just going under the plough and it's scary. We're losing all our native species, all the native flowers, everything that we're just so used to being a part of our life. We're lucky in this area because we've got a big area of it, but like I say it's disappearing. We have to try and save what we've got. I like the Nature Conservancy [of Canada] because its going to be here for a long time and that's what we need.”
Burak says these conservation projects, nestled in the breathtaking Cypress Uplands, are more than just a sanctuary for wildlife — they are a beacon of hope for endangered grasslands.
"Here, pronghorn, elk and at-risk species, like ferruginous hawk, find refuge, while the land itself plays a crucial role in water filtration, flood mitigation and carbon storage. By conserving such landscapes, we ensure a thriving future for both nature and communities. We urge everyone to join the mission of preserving Canada's Prairie grasslands.”
The NCC says grasslands filter water, help mitigate floods and droughts, and store billions of tonnes of carbon and have historically provided nourishment to communities and continue to be a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s economy.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada acknowledges the generous donors and partners who made this work possible, including Barb and Doug Mader, MapleCross, Maria Spinato and the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation Inc. The Government of Canada provided support through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund.
The projects are part of NCC's Prairie Grassland Action Plan - a comprehensive strategy aimed at conserving more than 500,000 hectares by 2030.
More information on how to take care of Canada’s iconic Prairie grasslands can be found at prairiegrasslands.ca.