Kirsty Hanson

With fall well on the way, countless species of birds have already set off on a lengthy annual journey south for the winter.

Nature Saskatchewan is looking to encourage southwest residents to be mindful and keep an eye out for birds on their seasonal migration.

Jordan Rustad, conservation coordinator at Nature Saskatchewan, shared that she works at Last Mountain Bird Observatory, where a migration monitoring bird banding station is set up.

A significant number of animal bites across the province this year have prompted a gentle reminder from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

While animals may seem friendly or cute, it's never a good idea to approach or feed unfamiliar animals, both wild and domestic.

A significant number of animal bites across the province this year have prompted a gentle reminder from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

While animals may seem friendly or cute, it's never a good idea to approach or feed unfamiliar animals, both wild and domestic.

A significant number of animal bites across the province this year have prompted a gentle reminder from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

While animals may seem friendly or cute, it's never a good idea to approach or feed unfamiliar animals, both wild and domestic.

A significant number of animal bites across the province this year have prompted a gentle reminder from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

While animals may seem friendly or cute, it's never a good idea to approach or feed unfamiliar animals, both wild and domestic.

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Highways is keen to remind rural residents and land owners that all hay bales must be removed from ditches.

After Friday, August 8, any bales in ditches are subject to being disposed of or removed at the discretion of the Ministry of Highways. 

David Horth, director of communications for Saskatchewan's Ministry of Highways, shared that bale removal allows for hay salvage and mowing, which helps control harmful weed growth, provides free hay to farmers, improves visibility, and more.

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Highways is keen to remind rural residents and land owners that all hay bales must be removed from ditches.

After Friday, August 8, any bales in ditches are subject to being disposed of or removed at the discretion of the Ministry of Highways. 

David Horth, director of communications for Saskatchewan's Ministry of Highways, shared that bale removal allows for hay salvage and mowing, which helps control harmful weed growth, provides free hay to farmers, improves visibility, and more.

An annual initiative to help gather vital data by snapping photos of any insects, wildlife, or plant species begins this week.

Nature lovers and families can take part in the Nature Conservancy of Canada's fifth Big Backyard BioBlitz, which kicks off today and runs until August 4.

Kayla Burak, engagement manager with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, shared that the BioBlitz usually takes place over the August long weekend, but has been extended this year to allow for even more submissions.

Moonlit hikes, lakeside music, and many more outdoor events and activities are coming up to celebrate the vibrant environment during Saskatchewan Parks Week this year.

Saskatchewan Parks Week runs from July 13 to 19, wrapping up with free admission to all provincial parks next Saturday, July 19.

Dave Bjarnason, park manager at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, shared that to celebrate, there will be special programming and family-friendly activities at each Saskatchewan park.

Maple Creek RCMP received a report of a seriously injured individual at the side of the Trans Canada Highway near Piapot on Thursday morning.

The call was received around 9:40 a.m., and police, local fire, and EMS responded to the scene.

An adult male was declared deceased at the scene by EMS, and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service is investigating.

The death was not suspected to be suspicious in nature, and further details have been kept private out of respect for the victim's family.

Traffic was temporarily slowed.