Wednesday 3 July 2013

Summer Volunteer Events with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (Saskatchewan)

Photo credit: Nature Conservancy of Saskatchewan

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Would you like to help protect some of Saskatchewan’s natural places? If so, why not participate in one of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) volunteer events this summer? 

This is your chance to explore unique habitats, observe rare species, and experience conservation firsthand.

Edenwold Up Close, July 13
When: 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, July 13, 2013

Meeting Location: Bus leaves from Victoria Park, Regina, at 8 am (on location at 8:30)

Task: Help identify plant and animal species on the Edenwold 1 and 2 properties while experiencing native grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and viewing many wildlife species.

Caring for Reed Lake, July 20
When: 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, July 20, 2013

Meeting Location: Details will be provided prior to event

Task: Identify common and rare species, control invasive plants, and remove garbage at Reed Lake, an Important Bird Area and a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site. The native rangelands and saline lake are ideal stopovers for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. You may even catch a glimpse of the endangered piping plover.

Photo credit: Adam Crosby

A World of Grasslands at Old Man on His Back 
When: 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2013

Meeting Location: Details will be provided prior to event

Task: Help count bison calves, identify and manage significant weed infestations, repair infrastructure, and map wildlife corridors at Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, a 13,000 acre ranch in southwestern Saskatchewan that is home to a domestic bison herd and numerous wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope.

You will be working around livestock and open grassland, so expect to encounter mosquitoes and deer flies.

Photo credit: Karol & Don Dabbs

Walk the Wild Side, Thursday, August 22
When: 10 am – 4 pm, Thursday, August 22, 2013

Meeting Location: Details will be provided prior to event

Task: Moderately skilled birders and botanists who are in good physical condition are invited to help NCC create an inventory of plants and animals as you hike through grasslands, aspen stands, and along the sandy river bank.

You’ll be helping to create a long-term management plant to protect Maymont 5 nature reserve in the West Parklands Natural Area, NCC Saskatchewan’s newest protected area along the North Saskatchewan River.

Additional Information for All Events
RSVP: To attend an event, RSVP online at www.conservationvolunteers.ca or contact Sara Burns at sara.burns@natureconservancy.ca or 306.347.0447.

Transportation: Transportation will be provided from the nearest large urban centre in order to encourage more people to participate. Anyone who wants to drive their own vehicle can request a map of the area.

You Need to Know: You may be hiking considerable distances, so be sure to wear good hiking boots and a hat. Eat a hearty breakfast, and bring a bottle of drinking water. NCC will provide lunch and additional water.

What to Bring: You’re encouraged to bring reference books, binoculars, or other field equipment for data collection. GPS units would also be helpful and appreciated. Tools and gloves will be provided.

Acknowledgements: The information for this article was provided by Sara Burns, Nature Conservancy of Canada (Saskatchewan). Financial support for the Conservation Volunteers events has been provided by the Imperial Oil Foundation and the Community Initiatives Fund.

Additional upcoming events are listed on EcoFriendly Sask's Calendar.