Earth Week is a great reminder for Canadians to think about their connection to the outdoors, and in Manitoba, it’s also a time to highlight just how important it is to look after the natural spaces we have—from the unique ecosystems near Portage la Prairie to the scenic forested hills near Roblin. Cary Hamel, Director of Conservation with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in Manitoba, says they’re working with local landowners and residents to help protect critical habitats and ensure future generations can enjoy the wildlife, beauty, and benefits they offer.
One of those efforts includes an ongoing project to protect 1,200 acres near San Clara, just north of Roblin. The land features rolling valleys, aspen and spruce forests, prairie openings, and a winding river—all creating space for birds, wildlife, and people to enjoy through hiking, hunting, or simply being outdoors.
A global responsibility
Beyond their beauty, Manitoba’s forests are part of something much bigger. Canada holds roughly one-tenth of the world’s total forest area—a staggering amount that brings a global responsibility.
“Canada is an amazing country for so many reasons, and one of those is our natural heritage,” notes Hamel. “We have a ton of forests that we are responsible for on a planetary scale. Only a couple of countries in the world have more forests than us, but that also means we have a responsibility to future generations and the world, to make sure we're taking good care of those forests.”
Portage’s hidden gems
Hamel says the Portage region is a standout example of Manitoba’s ecological richness, where rare trees and distinctive landscapes can be found.
“The Portage area is incredible for its biological diversity. Along Lake Manitoba, there's a Beech Ridge Forest that separates the marsh from the lake, and it has a forest type that's unique in Manitoba. It has a rare tree called ‘Hackberry’, a big tree that looks like an Elm tree, and they kind of tower there along the shoreline.”
Just south of there, even more unique ecosystems are tucked into the landscape—places where prairie, forest, and wetland meet.
“To go a bit further south, there are these amazing Parkland areas that are a mix of tallgrass Prairie and Aspen Woodlands mixed in with wetlands that are unique and special. The Portage Sand Hills Wildlife Management Area is another unique forest type. It’s on sand, and the Aspen Stands and Oaks all intermix with Prairie species. It is an amazing place to see and explore the forests.”
Related stories:
- Wetlands are our multi-taskers - Happy World Wetlands Day Manitoba!
- Lettuce wait: spring soil is too chilly to sow
- Portage compost site misuse sparks resident frustration
The importance of conservation
Protecting forests isn’t just about wildlife—it’s also about people. Healthy forests store carbon, help manage flooding, and offer mental health benefits, especially for those who turn to nature for peace and fresh air.
“As people came out of the pandemic, there were a lot of reconnections with nature and how important it is to us. Of course, forests are full of birds, plants, and wildlife. They sequester carbon and slow down flooding, but they also have such a connection to people as places to feel a sense of solitude. Forests are something that we depend on for our health.”
As Earth Week prompts reflection across the country, Hamel hopes it also inspires people to take simple, meaningful action in their communities—whether on the farm, in the yard, or out on the trails.
“Earth Week is a good opportunity to remind ourselves that we live on this planet, along with all the other critters, and how interconnected we all are with nature, clean air, clean water, and all the services that nature provides to us. It's a chance to think about how we can give back and conserve nature. Care for natural areas in people's backyards and on their farms. People could get involved as citizen scientists and survey areas, use apps like iNaturalist, or pick up garbage when they see it.”
Students making a difference
That message is already hitting home with young Manitobans. Grade 4 students at Oakville School spent Earth Day walking through their community, picking up trash and learning how small efforts can make a big difference.
“We’re cleaning up garbage for Earth Day so we can help our community stay clean,” says Raiyne Dowhy.
“Cleaning up the environment helps us breathe clean air. Another way to help is to not litter and recycle so we can help the Earth and make more products,” adds Oliver Perry.
With every small step, whether from conservation groups or fourth graders, Manitobans are helping protect not just the wild spaces around them, but the future they share with them.