The Saskatchewan government is shining a spotlight on one of the province’s most precious and endangered landscapes as it marks Native Prairie Appreciation Week from June 15 to 21.
The week recognizes the vital environmental, economic and cultural importance of native prairie ecosystems across the province. This year’s observance includes a major milestone — the completion of the Prairie Landscape Inventory, a comprehensive mapping of native grasslands in Saskatchewan’s Prairie Ecozone.
“Native prairie plays a key role in conserving Saskatchewan's rich biodiversity and offers essential ecological services such as carbon storage, soil protection and species diversity,” said Environment Minister Travis Keisig. “The completion of the Prairie Landscape Inventory will help us drive more strategic conservation and restoration efforts.”
The inventory — the result of seven years of work — estimates about 16 per cent of the province’s Prairie Ecozone remains as native grassland. These areas provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators, forage for livestock, and contribute to carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and water filtration. The Mixed Grassland and Cypress Upland ecoregions hold the highest amounts of native prairie, each with roughly 35 per cent coverage.
Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison emphasized the role of ranchers in protecting these lands.
“Our livestock producers take pride in being stewards of the land,” Harrison said. “That relationship inspires their commitment to good management and helps safeguard our native prairie.”
The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) is leading public engagement efforts again this year. Manager Carolyn Gaudet said the week provides an opportunity to educate more people about the value of native prairie, which is one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet.
“The diversity of plants, animals and insects found on native prairie is amazing and unfortunately disappearing,” Gaudet said. “We want to encourage everyone to learn more about native prairie and appreciate it while they can.”
Now in its 27th year, Native Prairie Appreciation Week includes a photo contest, educational webinars, and outreach booths at farmers’ markets in Regina, Moose Jaw and Swift Current. Free native wildflower seed packets will be distributed at the booths to help people support prairie pollinators in their own backyards.
For more information about Native Prairie Appreciation Week, visit www.pcap-sk.org/upcoming-events/npaw, or contact SK PCAP at pcap@sasktel.net.
To explore the Prairie Landscape Inventory maps, visit the Hunting, Angling and Biodiversity Information of Saskatchewan (HABISask) application at habisask link or download them via Saskatchewan GeoHub.