Conservation project expansion marks significant progress in preserving prairie heritage
Regina, SK – A major achievement in grassland conservation is being announced by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). With the support of many donors, the non-profit organization has expanded the Zen-Ridge conservation project by an additional 1,040 hectares of grasslands near the Village of Consul.
From the initial 195 hectares, the Zen-Ridge project has now significantly increased to a total area of 1,235 hectares. The area features beautiful rolling hills, grasslands, seasonal creeks, streams and wetlands nestled within the picturesque Milk River Basin Natural Area.
This natural gem in southwest Saskatchewan is home to a variety of plants and animals, including pronghorn antelope and wildlife listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, such as burrowing owl (endangered), chestnut-collared longspur (endangered), ferruginous hawk (threatened) and swift fox (threatened).
The conserved area plays a pivotal role in ensuring the future of grasslands, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Grasslands filter water, provide protection from floods and droughts, and store billions of tonnes of carbon. Historically providing nourishment to communities and continuing as a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s economy, the area will continue to be used for cattle grazing to maintain the health of the grasslands and support the local economy.
This important purchase was made possible through the support of generous donors and partners, including John Garland, Dr. Therese Leneveu, Barbara and Doug Mader, Ann and Roger Phillips Foundation and Northbridge. 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.
These projects exemplify 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 will be lost 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.
Quotes
"Seeing the expansion of the Zen-Ridge conservation project is incredibly inspiring. Hearing the songs of grassland birds and witnessing the vibrant ecosystem they inhabit reminds us of the importance of conserving this landscape. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for both nature and people.” – Michael Burak, Program Director in southwest Saskatchewan, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“Protecting prairie grasslands not only saves Western Canada’s iconic landscapes but also protects endangered species, like the Burrowing Owl and the Swift Fox. Additionally, these grasslands play a crucial role in naturally filtering water, mitigating floods and droughts, and storing billions of tonnes of carbon. Through partnerships with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and initiatives like the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, we are making significant strides toward our goal of conserving 30 percent of land and water in Canada by 2030.” - The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
- The Prairie Grasslands Action Plan is a cross-country, $500-million campaign to conserve 500,000 hectares by the end of 2030.
- Partnership is at the heart of the plan. NCC is working with local communities and in collaboration with Indigenous Nations on a multitude of projects. It is partnering with industry, government and other conservation organizations to complete conservation projects on the ground. NCC is advancing stewardship with ranchers, livestock producers and grazing groups to deliver solutions that ensure that grasslands remain a foundation for thriving communities.
- Grasslands, and the wetlands within them, are important stopover sites for migratory birds. They also provide habitat for waterfowl and imperilled species. Conserving Canada’s remaining grasslands is essential to ensuring that at-risk species, including burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk and swift fox, survive.
- 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.
- Disturbances, such as grazing and fire, help restore and maintain the health of grasslands. Grazing and fire also create a mosaic of habitats across the grasslands, providing suitable conditions for a greater variety of plants and animals. Some species need shorter grass to survive, while others need longer grass.
About
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 Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. 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 more than $470 million in the program, which has been matched with more than $982 million in contributions raised by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community, leading to the protection and conservation of nearly 800,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
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