Diverse grassland region now conserved in Saskatchewan
A large piece of grassland in southwest Saskatchewan is now protected. The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) Rangeview conservation project is located south of Robsart, Saskatchewan, and approximately six kilometres west of the Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, NCC’s flagship property in the province.
The Rangeview property contains 521 hectares of grasslands and wetlands, including seasonal creeks and riparian areas. The property and surrounding area provide habitat to many different species of plants and animals, including several listed as threatened, under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, including chestnut-collared longspur, common nighthawk, ferruginous hawk, Sprague’s pipit and swift fox.
The generosity of private donors and the estates of William Gibbs and Margaret Smith helped make this long-lasting impact for nature. These donations help NCC obtain match funding from the federal government and other partners. The Government of Canada is a major funding contributor through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. The project was also significantly supported by funds from The MapleCross Fund, The Mosaic Company, TC Energy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Walmart Canada.
Conserving grasslands provides effective solutions to counter the challenges of rapid biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change. For example, grasslands store carbon, filter our water and help prevent flooding and droughts. In the past two years alone, NCC has influenced the protection of more than 1 million hectares (almost twice the size of Banff National Park), coast to coast to coast. Over the next few years, the organization will double its impact by mobilizing Canadians and delivering permanent, large-scale conservation success.
Quotes
“Looking at the beautiful landscape on the Rangeview property, I get a sense of hope that future generations can experience all that nature has to offer. I’m grateful for our donors and partners who help conserve grasslands and the rich biodiversity found in the region. Their support ensures a thriving world for both nature and people.” – Jennifer McKillop, Vice-President for NCC’s Saskatchewan Region
“The twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are two sides of the same coin, and we must tackle them together. By working with partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada, individual and corporate donors, we are helping to protect the natural environment in Saskatchewan and across the country. Through programs like the Natural Heritage Conservation Program our Government is helping progress toward our goal of conserving a quarter of lands and oceans in Canada by 2025.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The benefits of grasslands and wetlands in helping to mitigate climate change are becoming increasingly recognized. MapleCross is very enthusiastic about the NCC acquisition of Rangeview, thereby helping to secure more of these ecologically significant features in the prairie provinces. Rangeview is our sixth investment with NCC in the prairies, and our second in Saskatchewan. We appreciate all other donors who have made contributions towards making this project a reality and look forward to visiting this wonderful property in the near future! – Isobel Ralston and Jan Oudenes, founders of the MapleCross Fund
“The conservation effort on Rangeview property is another tangible demonstration of TC Energy’s ongoing commitment to impactful solutions that protect ecologically significant land and species at risk. We’re proud to partner with NCC, an organization that shares our long-standing commitment to protecting and conserving the environment in which we work and operate. – Sharon Tomkins, Vice President, Sustainability and Community & Workforce Giving, TC Energy
“Protecting, restoring and preserving our planet, like the beautiful and significant Grasslands in Saskatchewan, is an important part of our journey to becoming a regenerative company. Walmart Canada is proud to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada as it works to preserve and care for some of our country’s most important natural areas. When we work together, we can make a difference for the environment and spark change in others to do the same alongside us.” – Rob Nicol, Vice President Communications and Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada
Facts
- Grasslands are one of the rarest and most at-risk ecosystems in the world and are a critical part of Saskatchewan. They filter our water, help prevent flooding and droughts, sequester carbon and, for thousands of years, have provided sustenance for humans. They are also vital stopover sites for migratory birds and provide habitat for waterfowl and species at risk.
- People can support the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s work in Saskatchewan protecting endangered grasslands, wetlands and the at-risk species that live there. Visit conservegrasslands.ca.
About NCC
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. In Saskatchewan, NCC has protected 198,219 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands and waters. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique public-private partnership to support new protected and conserved areas by securing private lands and private interests in lands. The program is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). Federal funds invested in the program are matched with contributions raised by NCC and its partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community.
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