REGINA — June 14 to 20 is Native Prairie Appreciation Week, highlighting the beauty, biodiversity and cultural significance of native prairie ecosystems.
According to Sask. Environment, these native rangelands provide significant benefits, including habitat for wildlife, forage for livestock, carbon storage, nutrient cycling and water filtration and retention.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is focused on increasing awareness and appreciation of native prairie, promoting responsible land use and strengthening the management of these vital ecosystems," Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said.
"2026 is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, which highlights the vital role ranchers play as stewards of our prairie landscape."
The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026 aims to raise awareness of the global importance of rangelands and their significant economic, environmental and social value, Sask. Environment states in a press release. According to the ministry, rangelands support the livelihoods and socio-ecological resilience of hundreds of millions of people, play a key role in conserving bio-cultural diversity, help restore degraded lands and contribute to sustainable food systems and global climate action. The initiative also recognizes pastoralists as frontline custodians of these landscapes.
"Native Prairie Appreciation Week is one of our favourite ways to engage people from diverse backgrounds about the value of native prairie and foster their appreciation for this beautiful ecosystem," Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan Manager Carolyn Gaudet said.
"Native Prairie Appreciation Week lines up well with the goals of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists as we want to celebrate grasslands and grassland stewards. Conserving prairie landscapes starts with understanding them, everyone can learn about the many benefits and biodiversity that grasslands provide and the people who care for them."
"Native prairie is an important part of Saskatchewan's agriculture industry," Agriculture Minister David Marit said.
"As we mark Native Prairie Appreciation Week, I want to thank the producers who continue to steward these lands, ensuring they remain productive and healthy for generations to come."
Native Prairie Appreciation Week includes the Nature Saskatchewan Spring Meet in Swift Current June 19-20.
To learn more about these events or Native Prairie Appreciation Week, visit pcap-sk.org or email SK PCAP at pcap@sasktel.net.
