Mortlach
Mule deer at sunset (Photo by Karol Dabbs)
About Mortlach
- In the Mixed Grassland Ecoregion, which contains mixed grass prairie and wetlands.
- About 12 km (7 mi) south of Mortlach, 35 km (22 mi) west of Moose Jaw in RM of Wheatlands #163.
- 124 acres (50 hectares) of native grasslands, hardwood forest, shrubs and both seasonal and permanent wetlands in the Missouri Coteau Natural Area.
- Situated between Pelican and Chaplin lakes, the latter being an Important Bird Area and Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of hemispheric value.
- Threats to long-term conservation: Habitat loss and fragmentation due to cultivation, intensive grazing, oil and gas drilling, pest control, invasive species.
- Provides habitat for songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds.
Species that may be viewed here:
- mallard
- northern shoveler
- blue-winged teal
- gadwall
- northern pintail
- killdeer
- red-winged blackbird
- meadowlark
- Baird's sparrow
- long-billed curlew
- Sprague's pipit
- vesper sparrow
- Savannah sparrow
- white-tailed
- mule deer
- coyote
- Richardson's ground squirrel
- burrowing owl
- prairie dunewort
- and more. See NCC's Species List for the Mixed Grassland Ecoregion.
This NCC Species List contains all species viewed and recorded by NCC in Saskatchewan's Mixed Grassland Ecosystem. How many of these species have you seen here? (You can use the Species List to keep track!)
Please note:
- NCC permits foot access only.
- Leave gates closed, fences intact.
- Enter this property at your own risk. Beware of livestock.
- Keep memories and only take photos. Do not litter or dispose of garbage here.
Contact NCC or call 1.866.622.7275 to:
- Lease this area for livestock grazing.
- Hunt on this property.
- Learn more about NCC's work in Saskatchewan.
- Contribute to NCC's conservation work in Saskatchewan.
- Donate to NCC's conservation work in Saskatchewan.
Partners, Mortlach:
- Environment Canada: Natural Area Conservation Plan
- Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment: Go Green Fund
- Mountain Equipment Co-op
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (NAWCA)
- Vancouver Foundation
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, protecting ecologically significant natural lands and the species they sustain. NCC works with individuals, corporations, foundations, governments and communities to protect this living heritage for future generations to enjoy.
