By Alice McFarlane

Endangered native grasslands in Cypress Uplands to be protected

Oct 17, 2025 | 3:40 PM

A key area for wildlife in southwest Saskatchewan is growing.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced a newly conserved Upper Bone Creek property, in the Cypress Uplands Natural Area.

It covers roughly 1,600 acres and provides protection for local plants and animals.

The property expands on NCC’s nearby conservation sites 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.

Other donors and partners, include Cenovus Energy as part of their Conserving Critical Wetlands Program, and the federal government provided support through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program. The Saskatchewan Government contributed through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund. The landowner donated a part of their property’s value.

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NCC Acting Director of Conservation for the Saskatchewan Region Michael Burak said the unique prairie landscape is a wonderful habitat for wildlife.

“We will continue working with local cattle producers to use grazing as a tool that sustains the natural processes grasslands have evolved over time. Grazing helps keep the land diverse, supports a variety of plants and animals, and keeps invasive species and shrubs in check,” Burak said. “This partnership benefits both the land and the community, keeping the grasslands sustainable for future generations.”

The property supports moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. The surrounding area is home to species such as cougars and elk.

It also supports numerous birds, including red-tailed hawks, mountain bluebirds, and bank swallows. 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).

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com