That’s where Native Prairie Appreciation Week from June 13 to 19 comes into play: offering a chance to appreciate the unique ecosystems and their crucial role in preserving the province’s biodiversity.
The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) helps greatly in that regard, working to coordinate with the 33 different environmental organizations in the province to provide guidance and collaboration while furthering awareness.
“This is the only week in North America devoted to recognizing and celebrating the diversity and value of native prairie grasslands, and it’s perfect for our province given the amount of grasslands we have here,” said provincial PCAP manager Carolyn Gaudet.
Interestingly enough, it’s estimated that only 13 per cent of those grasslands are unspoiled native prairie, making it one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
Fortunately, conservation of that land is the focus for many organizations, with the goal of offering a chance for everyone to see what the province looked like before it was settled.
“People can still get out to provincial parks and national parks, there’s quite a few of them that still have native prairies on them,” Gaudet said. “Then there are organizations that are non-profits that have native prairies that are open to the public. The Nature Conservancy has properties within 40 minutes of Regina and Prince Albert, or you have the Meewasin Valley Authority that has quite a bit of native prairie... it’s easy to find if you know where to look.”
And what you’ll find is special, indeed.
Gaudet estimates that 70 different species of native grass can be found in the province and more than 200 species of birds either directly live in the grasslands or fly through on migration. That’s not even taking into account the hundreds of species of wildlife that make open grasslands their home.
“This time of year is perfect for wildflowers, too, if people follow our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SKPCAP) we’re posting a lot about that stuff this week with pictures of what to look for,” Gaudet said.
In addition to their diversity and beauty, native prairies also carry practical benefits. Their extensive root systems prevent erosion in heavy rain like we saw last week, water is filtered through wetlands and their grasslands are the foundation of the sustainable ranching lifestyle, providing food for cattle and subsequently us.
“Our government recognizes the importance of native prairie as part of a diverse ecosystem,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in the press release announcing Native Prairie Appreciation Week. “Saskatchewan's producers are stewards of the land and our ranching sector plays an important role in conserving and managing rangeland around the province. The sustainable practices of our ranchers promote the ecological health of the native prairie ecosystem.”
For more information on native prairies in the province -- in addition to voting for your favourite photos of native prairie as part of their weeklong contest -- be sure to visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com /SKPCAP.
