The survival of Canada’s Prairie grasslands depends on us
McIntyre Ranch, AB (Photo by Leta Pezderic/NCC staff)
Together, we can protect 500,000 hectares of Prairie grasslands by 2030 to ensure this vital ecosystem not only survives, but thrives.
Grasslands sustain life, but they are threatened
Canada’s Prairie grasslands need your help. Spanning across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, they’re one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. Over 80 per cent of Canada's Prairie grasslands have been lost already, and what remains is at risk of disappearing forever.
That’s 80 per cent less carbon-storing land. 80 per cent less of land purifying water and mitigating flood risks. 80 per cent less habitat for grassland species.
This life-sustaining habitat is vital to our health and well-being. But it’s being lost at an alarming rate. We can’t lose any more. We must protect what’s left.
Our plan
We’re rallying all people and communities to conserve and care for this vital, endangered ecosystem.
Our Prairie Grasslands Action Plan will lead efforts to conserve more than 500,000 hectares by 2030 — an area six times the city of Calgary. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Partnership is at the heart of this plan, NCC is working with local communities, including ranchers, livestock producers and grazing groups, and in collaboration with Indigenous Nations, industry and government, to deliver solutions that ensure the grasslands remain a foundation for thriving communities.
Grasslands are essential
Prairie grasslands impact your daily life, even if you’ve never visited them. Grasslands absorb and store billions of tonnes of carbon, provide protection from flooding and drought, and help purify our water.
Prairie grasslands are essential for humans, but also for the numerous species that rely on the ecosystem to survive – like swift fox, burrowing owl and plains bison.
These species’ habitat keeps getting smaller. And if we don’t conserve this ecosystem, these species could disappear forever.
Counter biodiversity loss and climate change
The Prairie Grassland Action Plan will provide effective solutions to counter rapid biodiversity loss and climate change. Your support will secure and restore rare habitats, protect species at risk, and improve the quality of our air and water.
Featured Projects
Bob Creek Ranch
The latest project in NCC's partnership with The Waldron Grazing Co-operative, Bob Creek Ranch, features over 1,000 hectares of fescue grasslands, montane forests, and other important habitats. It will build upon a network of conserved lands in Alberta's southern Porcupine Hills critical to wildlife movement.
Jackson Pipestone Prairie and Wetlands
Located within two internationally recognized Important Bird Areas, this project supports birds such as the endangered burrowing owl. With your support, we can protect this critical habitat that benefits both people and wildlife.
Mackie Ranch
This prairie oasis needs you! Your gift will protect an additional 640 hectares of endangered grasslands around Chaplin Lake – an internationally significant lake for shorebirds and a haven for wildlife that call the land home.
Sagebrush Flats
Nestled in southeastern Alberta, Sagebrush Flats presents a significant opportunity to help some of Canada’s most endangered wildlife.
