The Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC's) first project in Saskatchewan occurred in 1982 with the acquisition of 157 acres (64 hectares) in Qu’Appelle Coulee, located 15 kilometres (10 miles) North of Wolseley in southern Saskatchewan. This area consists of upland native grassland, mature American elm, Manitoba maple and green ash along the coulee. When acquired, this area was Saskatchewan’s second ecological reserve. Since then, NCC has completed more than 205 projects in Saskatchewan and is conserving more than 132,549 acres (53,641 hectares) of this province’s most ecologically significant land and water. The Saskatchewan Region continues to work with its partners to protect and steward Saskatchewan's natural heritage.
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Our pride is showing!
Being runner-up for a Land of Living Skies Award of Excellence through Tourism Saskatchewan has indeed made us smile! The Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC's) Saskatchewan Region stood proud with two other finalists late last month.
Thinking about Canada’s Prairies
The Canadian Prairies provide important habitat for countless grassland species. Yet this habitat is one of the most threatened ecosystems in North America, with close to three quarters of Canada’s native prairies and associated wetlands having been converted due to development and agriculture.
Too close for comfort
Anyone who has felt awe or been startled with an unexpected encounter with wildlife, large or small, will undoubtedly know the thrill...and the chill...of a meeting. Aside from overwhelming enthusiasm and the makings of a great nature story, the presence of wildlife may be unexpected and most likely unpredictable.
Preparing for winter at Old Man on His Back
The test of time has long been proven at the Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area in southwestern Saskatchewan. The seasons warm, then cool the rolling landscapes and the beauty of these lands sustain. Its inhabitants, however, command a bit more attention in later fall.
Adventures at Shoe Lake West
Last June, a small group of Conservation Volunteers joined NCC staff to search and record sightings of rare or endangered wildlife species on a Nature Conservancy of Canada property in Saskatchewan.
Easing into conservation
Robert and Penny Cumming of Mortlach, Saskatchewan thought carefully about conservation easements before they joined NCC. "The (conservation) agreement meant we’d manage our lands the way we always have…with conservation and long-term care in mind," says landowner Robert Cumming.
Out in full force
Spring 2012 brought four new smiling faces to the Nature Conservancy of Canada's stewardship team in Saskatchewan. These interns are helping assess stewardship needs, coordinating long term conservation, and assisting with NCC’s GIS science and geography. We welcome our interns!
Go Green partnership to enhance Saskatchewan’s biodiversity
The Nature Conservancy of Canada's Saskatchewan Region, in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, and Environmental Systems Assessment Canada, is enhancing Saskatchewan’s biological diversity.
We're in good company!
At a ceremony last December in Regina, the Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC's) Saskatchewan Region had friends in high places. This has been the case for several autumns past, as well.
Truly the unexpected
Wildlife encounters involving the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Saskatchewan Region staff, have taken many shapes and forms. Here are a few snapshots of recent surprising situations faced by Saskatchewan staff.
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Take Time for Nature this summer and help celebrate 50 years of conservation
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is celebrating 50 years of conservation by inviting Saskatchewan residents to take personal Time for Nature at select properties across Canada this summer.
Environment Canada endorses Saskatoon Prairie Natural Area
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of the Environment.
Happy Canada Day
Every day, Canadians are stepping forward to help protect the natural areas that define our country. We call them our force for nature.
Volunteers Needed to Help Upgrade the Plains Bison Handling Facilities at Old Man On His Back Prairie Heritage and Conservation Area
Community volunteers are invited to join the Nature Conservancy of Canada to help upgrade the plains bison handling facilities at NCC?s Old Man On His Back property near Claydon, Saskatchewan.
A Gift Big Enough for a Nation
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Missouri Coteau Natural Area
The Missouri Coteau is a North American glacial moraine of roughly 17 million acres (7 million hectares) with about 6 million acres (3 million hectares) located in Saskatchewan.
Qu'Appelle River Valley
The Cypress Uplands Natural Area straddles the southern part of Alberta and Saskatchewan and rise more than 600 metres (2,000 feet) above adjacent plains.
Cypress Uplands Natural Area
The Cypress Uplands Natural Area straddles the southern part of Alberta and Saskatchewan and rise more than 600 metres (2,000 feet) above adjacent plains.
Frenchman River Watershed Natural Area
Located in southwestern Saskatchewan, the Frenchman River offers a corridor of critical wildlife habitat on the southern edge of the famous Palliser Triangle, known as the driest region of the Canadian Prairies.
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Old Man on His Back Ranch
The Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area continues to be one of our flagship projects and a beacon of hope for protecting our remaining intact native grasslands.
Big Valley Property
This 552-acre (223-hectare) property joins the provincial Valeport Wildlife Management Area to offer 2,734 acres (1,106 hectares) of diverse natural habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
Fairy Hill South
Fairy Hill South in Saskatchewan is not just about the future of wild spaces and uncommon wildlife species. It's also about partnerships and people.
Asquith North
The Asquith North property, part of the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion of Saskatchewan and covering 240 acres (97 hectares), was secured by the Nature Consevancy of Canada in 2009.
Frenchman River Watershed
Located in southwestern Saskatchewan, the Frenchman River offers a corridor of critical wildlife habitat on the southern edge of the famous Palliser Triangle, known as the driest region of the Canadian Prairies.
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Click on the image to enlarge.Elizabeth Hubbard Property (Photo by Branimir Gjetvaj) -
Click on the image to enlarge.Volunteers enhancing nesting opportunities, SK (Photo by Adam Crosby) -
Click on the image to enlarge.Northern leopard frog -
Click on the image to enlarge.Indigo bunting -
Click on the image to enlarge.Fairy Hill
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Qu'Appelle Valley, SK
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Old Man on His Back, Saskatchewan
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Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, SK
