The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) continues to make strides in safeguarding critical natural areas in the province. The delicate ecosystem in the Cypress Uplands, a region in southwestern Saskatchewan in the eastern portion of the Cypress Hills, has received a boost from the non-profit conservation group.
Two properties, amounting to 389 hectares in the RM of Arlington, have now fallen under conservation protection.
The Parker property contains 65 hectrare of endangered Prairie grasslands, wetlands and aspen bluffs, and the wildlife they sustain. Parker Coulee features 324 hectares of grasslands and wooded coulees, including the east-facing slopes of the Jones Creek Valley.
The release notes that wildlife commonly found in the area includes pronghorn antelope, mule and white-tailed deer, elk and cougar. Cypress Uplands also holds the highest diversity of birds in Saskatchewan, including at-risk species, such as burrowing owl (endangered), chestnut-collared longspur (threatened), common nighthawk (threatened) and ferruginous hawk (threatened).
The conserved area not only serves as a refuge for wildlife, but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the future of endangered ecosystems. Grasslands filter water, help mitigate floods and droughts, and store billions of tonnes of carbon. They have historically provided nourishment to communities and continue to be a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s economy.
“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,” says Michael Burak, program director in southwest Saskatchewan for the NCC. “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.”
NCC wishes acknowledges the generous donors and partners who made this work possible, including Barb and Doug Mader, Maple Cross, Maria Spinato, Margo Wood, the Joyce Gemmell Jessen Habitat Conservation Fund 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.