Canada invests $25 million to protect wetlands and grasslands in the Prairies

Diana PerezBanner, News, Uplands, Wetlands

“Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced more than $25 million in funding to conserve, restore, and enhance critical wetlands and grasslands in the Prairie provinces” “Manitoba Habitat Conservancy will receive up to $2.4 million over three years for projects to … Read More

Crew family recognized for contribution

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The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) was pleased to have formally recognized the Crew family for their donation of two parcels of land to MHHC at a recent dedication ceremony. Frank Crew, originally from Birtle, Manitoba, donated the property that had been part of his family’s farm for half a century. After grain farming in the Birtle area for more … Read More

Wildlife Habitat Organization Cutting Shrubs in Pastures

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The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) has been working with private landowners in South-Western Manitoba over this past summer to cut down shrubs in native pastures. The MHHC is a wildlife habitat organization interested in the conservation and management of native mixed grass prairie in Manitoba. They have begun a 3 year program, available to landowners, that is aimed at … Read More

Shrub mowing to enhance grasslands for Species at Risk

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Encroachment by wolf willow, snowberry and other woody shrubs, is a major threat to native mixed-grass prairie habitat. Without proper management, extensive patches can develop. A high density of shrub species negatively affects the health of prairie by competing with grasses for sunlight, nutrients and water. Shrubs also decrease the health of warm season grasses by shading the ground, resulting … Read More

Conserving Critical Grassland

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When Earl Malyon was approached by Al Bourrier, Habitat Conservation Specialist with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, to consider having a portion of his land preserved for wildlife habitat under a conservation agreement, he didn’t hesitate. “I was familiar with the program and the efforts to conserve habitat in the area,” Earl says. “So when Al approached me, I knew … Read More

Species At Risk Profile: Western Prairie Fringed Orchid

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Common Name: Western Prairie Fringed Orchid Species Name: Platanthera praeclara Description: The Western prairie fringed orchid is an endangered wildflower that occurs only in Manitoba and seven American states. It grows perennially to a height of 16 to 35 inches. Flowers are arranged in a spike of four to 33 (most often less than 20) white to creamy white flowers. … Read More

Species At Risk Profile: Sprague’s Pipit

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Common Name: Sprague’s Pipit Species Name: Anthus spragueii Description: The Sprague’s Pipit is a medium-sized, cryptically coloured songbird with a thin bill and distinctive tail pattern, with white outer feathers contrasting with brown inner feathers. Where it can be found: Throughout southwestern Manitoba on native prairie fields. Threats: Approximately 80% of all global breeding of this species occurs in Canada.  … Read More

The Cowboy Conservationist

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Colin Adams is a young cattle rancher with a passion for rodeo, having just finished a season on the professional circuit. However he also has a passion for conserving nature on his southwestern Manitoba cattle ranch. A portion of his land is now protected with a Conservation Agreement. According to Adams there is no downside to this decision.  The agreement … Read More

Save Our Skinks!

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Manitoba’s Only Lizard Added to Endangered Species List Very little is actually known about the Northern Prairie Skink.  Volunteer Devon Baete, on behalf of Manitoba Habitat Heritage, is looking to change that. For the past two summers Baete has been talking to and visiting landowners who have skinks on their property.  With their permission, he sets “skink traps”- small pieces … Read More