Delivering healthier habitats, better flood and drought resiliency in southwest Saskatchewan October 15, 2025
NCC expands protection of endangered native grasslands in Cypress Uplands
Regina, SK – There is exciting nature news in southwest Saskatchewan where a key conserved area for wildlife movement is growing. Today, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced a newly conserved Upper Bone Creek property, in the heart of the Cypress Uplands Natural Area, spanning 646 hectares and providing a much-needed boost for local plants and animals.
Thanks to a remarkable collaboration between NCC and the previous landowner, this property expands on NCC’s nearby conservation sites (totalling 389 hectares) in the eastern part of the Cypress Hills area. The area features a diverse range of landscapes, including native grasslands, creek systems, tame forage and hardwood forests, offering important habitat for countless species.
NCC would like to thank the previous landowner for his generous donation. Other donors and partners, including Cenovus Energy as part of their Conserving Critical Wetlands Program, help make this work possible. The Government of Canada provided support through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund. In a generous and unexpected gesture, the landowner strengthened the project’s impact by donating a part of their property’s value, providing momentum for future stewardship, and reflecting a shared commitment to conserving endangered native grasslands.
This stunning property supports a wide array of wildlife, including moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. The surrounding area is home to species such as cougars and elk, along with Saskatchewan’s richest bird diversity. A recent field visit revealed red-tailed hawks, mountain bluebirds and bank swallows. Notably, the property also supports species listed under Canada’s Species-at-Risk Act, such as Sprague’s pipit (threatened), Baird’s sparrow (special concern) and bobolink (threatened).
Safeguarding native grasslands is vital for healthy communities, vibrant ecosystems and a resilient climate. The deep-rooted plants filter water, lessen the risk of floods and droughts, and help store billions of tonnes of carbon underground, making them powerful allies in the fight against climate change. For generations, native grasslands have fed families, supported livelihoods and anchored Saskatchewan’s economy. Conserving them means securing clean water, robust ranches and flourishing wildlife for decades to come.
Quotes
“This unique prairie landscape is wonderful habitat for wildlife, and we will continue working with local cattle producers to use grazing as a tool that sustains the natural processes grasslands have evolved with over time. Grazing helps keep the land diverse, supports a variety of plants and animals, and keeps invasive species and shrubs in check. This partnership benefits both the land and the community, keeping the grasslands sustainable for future generations.” – Michael Burak, Acting Director of Conservation – Saskatchewan Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“Through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Government of Canada is proud to support the protection of ecologically significant areas across the country. These efforts help safeguard habitats for species at risk and strengthen ecological connectivity. Conservation is a shared effort, and by working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we’re building a more resilient future for nature and Canadians.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Protecting nature is a win for both wildlife and people. With support from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and thanks to generous contributions from individuals, industry, and other levels of government, we’re helping conserve important habitats for species at risk. This project shows how working together with groups like the Nature Conservancy of Canada can make a real difference.” – The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
Facts
- This project exemplifies a dedicated commitment to safeguarding grasslands under NCC’s Prairie Grasslands Action Plan — a comprehensive strategy aimed at conserving more than 500,000 hectares by 2030. This is an area six times the size of Calgary and equivalent to what we will lose if we don’t act now to protect the grasslands that remain. Learn more about how you can take action to care for Canada’s iconic Prairie grasslands at prairiegrasslands.ca.
- Partnership is at the heart of the plan. NCC is working with local communities and in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples on a multitude of projects. We are partnering with industry, government and other conservation organizations to complete conservation projects on the ground. And we are advancing stewardship with ranchers, livestock producers and grazing groups to deliver solutions that ensure that grasslands remain a foundation for thriving communities.
- The agricultural sector relies on native pollinators to produce nutritional and economic benefits for people. Grasslands provide nesting sites, refuge and food for a diverse community of pollinators.
About
As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with landowners, communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested $500 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $1 billion in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community leading to the protection and conservation of over 830,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
Contact
Daphne May
Director of Communications and Engagement
Nature Conservancy of Canada, Saskatchewan
306-715-2983
daphne.may@natureconservancy.ca