A Landmark Campaign for Canada

Big bluestem, Tall Grass Prairie, Manitoba (Photo by NCC)

Nature. It's what makes Canada like no other place on Earth.

Our country's essence lives in our forests, sparkling waters, soaring mountains and rolling grasslands. These spaces are home to precious and endangered species, some found nowhere else on the planet.

That is why the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), along with our passionate donors, has spent more than 55 years protecting our unique natural spaces and the life they sustain.

Nature is vital to our quality of life. But Canada's natural spaces are at risk, and we are losing our connection to nature.

Thank you for joining forces with thousands of Canadians in the largest private fundraising campaign for conservation in Canadian history. The Landmark Campaign raised more than $750 million for nature conservation.

It's been the most ambitious fundraising initiative in NCC's 55-plus-year history. Together, we are delivering an historic and lasting impact for nature. The conservation impacts of the Landmark Campaign are being felt right across the country.

Your investment has conserved more land faster, connected more Canadians to nature and inspired the next generation of conservation leaders.

Protecting Manitoba's grasslands

Prairie grassland, Manitoba (Photo by NCC)

Manitoba's grasslands are one of the most at-risk ecosystems in the world. More than 75 per cent of Manitoba's grasslands have been lost, and they are continuing to disappear at a steady rate.

Grasslands have long been synonymous with Canada’s prairie provinces. Not only do they provide critical stopovers for migratory birds and habitat for waterfowl and rare and endangered species, they buffer our waterways, sequester and store carbon, and provide a precious and sustainable source of land for livestock and pollinators

Grasslands are also important for soil and water conservation. They help with flood control and climate regulation. They also play an important role in protecting the quality and security of drinking water for people living in Canada's Prairie provinces.

Signature grassland projects

The Nature Conservancy of Canada's first acquisition in the Manitoba Region was in 1977. Today, you have helped us conserve and protect over 71,161 hectares (175,843 acres) across nine natural areas critical to Manitoba's biodiversity. These areas provide important habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are endangered or at risk.

Thanks to donors like you, the foundation to conserve Canada’s native grasslands has been set, but there is still much work to do be done.

Here are a few of NCC's most recent projects found in Manitoba’s grasslands.

Waggle Springs 3

Fort Ellice 3

Oak Lake North

The Nature Conservancy of Canada will continue to work with donors, producers/farmers and local communities to conserve and restore native grasslands and ecosystems and the species that rely on them. It’s one of the most important things we can do for our Prairies and for future generations.

We will continue to build on our successes to benefit generations to come with the help of the vision and generosity of donors and supporters like you.

For an opportunity to continue supporting Manitoba’s grasslands and to learn more, visit www.FortEllice.ca.