Grasslands of Saskatchewan

Great Plains of North America

North America's Great Plains are located in the central regions of Canada, the United States and Mexico. Once a dominion of grass, much of this natural wealth has been lost within a century of settlement. Grasslands are continually threatened by cultivation, land development and degradation from increasing demands upon the land.  These threats are eroding the grassland ecosystem's ability to maintain its once rich biodiversity.

Missouri Coteau Grasslands (Photo by NCC)

There are still opportunities to protect large areas of grassland habitats in Saskatchewan. Significant tracts of native grassland exist in the key landscapes of the Missouri Coteau, Southwest Grasslands, Qu’Appelle Valley, Cypress Uplands and Prairie-Parkland Transition area. Each of these landscapes is rich in biodiversity and crucial to the survival of many species. Through science planning, NCC has identified these priority areas that will help us to conserve the most ecologically significant and immediately vulnerable habitats. 

Conservation Science

The Conservation Blueprint for Canada's Prairies and Parklands was drafted to identify conservation priorities.

Securement

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) works with private landowners to secure ecologically significant lands that we have identified as priorities for conservation action.

A Conservation Tool Chest for Landowners

Caring for the Land

Once land is secured, NCC engages in the careful stewardship of the land for the future.