Strengthening wildlife connectivity in Saskatchewan on World Wildlife Day March 3, 2026

Native grasslands conserved in area with rich cultural and historical significance

Regina, SK (March 3, 2026) – There are new reasons to celebrate World Wildlife Day in Saskatchewan. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and a local landowner have formalized a new conservation agreement, securing 426 hectares of grassland habitat 40 kilometres east of the East Block of Grasslands National Park, near Rockglen.

The Burning Hills property strengthens a vital wildlife corridor, crucial for genetic diversity and seasonal migration. Native grasslands are essential not only for the long-term survival of grassland wildlife, but for human communities as well. They mitigate floods and droughts while serving as powerful carbon sinks, storing billions of tonnes of carbon. Safeguarding this land is more than just conserving nature; it provides an impactful foundation for both human and ecological resilience in the future.

The property features a mosaic of native and tame grass, along with forested coulees and riparian areas. Many rare species listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act have been documented in the region, including burrowing owl (endangered), greater sage-grouse (endangered), swift fox (threatened) and northern leopard frog (special concern). Notably, the discovery of soapweed yucca (threatened) along a roadway near the property highlights the importance of the region, as it is the only known location of this rare plant in Saskatchewan.

The naming of the project pays tribute to a local legend rooted in Indigenous history. After the Battle of Little Bighorn, members of the Lakota Sioux fled Montana and sought refuge in these hills, setting campfires that lit up the night sky. From a distance, the glowing ridge gave the illusion that the hills were on fire, earning the hills their name, Burning Hills, and marking the region with lasting historical and cultural significance.

This project was made possible thanks to the generous landowner, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Weston Family Foundation and the Government of Canada. The Burning Hills project also exemplifies a dedicated commitment to safeguarding grasslands under NCC’s Prairie Grasslands Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to conserve more than 500,000 hectares of this remarkable, endangered habitat by 2030. Learn more about how you can take action to care for Canada’s iconic Prairie grasslands at prairiegrasslands.ca.

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“We are proud to celebrate World Wildlife Day by announcing the Burning Hills grasslands project as a vital refuge for wildlife and people. This collaboration not only safeguards rare species and supports biodiversity but also reinforces the role of grasslands in storing carbon and protecting communities from floods and droughts. Together with our partners and landowners, we are building a legacy of conservation that will benefit both nature and all Canadians.” — Michael Burak, Program Director of Southwest Saskatchewan for the Nature Conservancy of Canada

“Canada’s natural heritage is built and sustained one place at a time. Through its work with communities, landowners and governments across the country, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is helping strengthen wildlife connectivity and protect biodiversity in important ecosystems, including Prairie Grasslands. These efforts, supported by the Government of Canada Landscape Resiliency Program, are helping safeguard connected landscapes that Canadians value. This work will help ensure future generations can discover, experience and benefit from Canada’s rich natural heritage.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature 

“Across Canada, conserving nature is made possible by strong local partnerships that recognize opportunities on the ground and act when it matters most. The protection of the Burning Hills property highlights how organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada are helping keep landscapes connected, enabling wildlife to move freely, and preserving essential prairie ecosystems. As we mark World Wildlife Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to working together so future generations can discover, experience, and enjoy Canada’s extraordinary natural heritage.” – The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature) 

Facts

• This project is part of the Landscape Resiliency Program a partnership between Nature Conservancy Canada and the Government of Canada to support resilient landscapes by conserving up to 30,000 hectares near other protected areas. 
• Strategically conserving land near national parks expands habitat connectivity, helping to ensure that nature can continue to deliver the services that all living beings depend on, such as flood mitigation, carbon sequestration and pollination.
• Keeping critical wildlife corridors open and free from human development ensures that animals have safe places to live and move freely.

Find photos of Burning Hills here.

About

Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. Working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at natureconservancy.ca.

Contact

Daphne May
Director of Communications and Engagement
Nature Conservancy of Canada, Saskatchewan
daphne.may@natureconservancy.ca
C: 306-715-2983