To help spread the word about the significance of our native grasslands and how to ensure they thrive—now and for generations to come – the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation is sponsoring an information evening Wednesday, July 3 at the Haskayne Legacy Park Pavilion.
Guest speaker Jeremy Hogan of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) Director of Prairie Grassland Conservation, will talk about how Southern Alberta’s native grasslands are incredibly biodiverse and productive landscapes, but unfortunately, they are also one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet: less than 20 per cent of Canada’s prairies remain intact, and less than six per cent is protected.
His presentation is entitled: “Healthy landscapes, healthy communities: the benefits of land-based conservation action at home.”
Hogan leads NCC’s Prairie Grasslands Action Plan, which seeks to conserve more than 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres) of Canada’s highly endangered prairie ecosystems by 2030. Prior to joining NCC, he spent 10 years at the University of Calgary conducting ecology research in Northwest Costa Rica.
Observing firsthand the impact of private, land-based conservation action he now applies his enthusiasm and expertise in his own backyard, to help ensure these amazing ecosystems remain intact and thriving for his young family—and future generations—to cherish in the future.
These grasslands offer more than wildlife habitat and natural beauty. They protect our water, sequester billions of tons of carbon, and provide food production opportunities through grazing and pollinator services.
Generations of careful stewardship by local communities and landowners will ensure these important ecosystems remain intact.
The evening will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the country’s largest national land conservation organization. Since 1962, they have helped to protect more than 15 million hectares across the country.
Their thrust is to rally people and communities to conserve and care for this vital, endangered ecosystem.
Their Action Plan aims to conserve more than 500,000 hectares by 2030 — an area six times the city of Calgary.
They form partnerships with local communities, including ranchers, livestock producers and grazing groups, and in collaboration with Indigenous Nations, industry and government, deliver solutions that ensure the grasslands are protected.
Grasslands also provide protection from flooding and drought and help purify our water.
Prairie grasslands are essential for humans, but also for the numerous species that rely on the ecosystem to survive – like swift fox, burrowing owl and plains bison.
Doors open at 5:45 pm; talk starts at 6.
This free event but does require registration on the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation website.
Haskayne Legacy Park is located at 9000 – 149 St. NW (adjacent to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.)
