Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan provides grant to restore land in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) recently hosted the 10th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop in Saskatoon, SK from February 7th to 8th, 2024. SK PCAP and the Native Prairie Restoration/ Reclamation Workshop Planning Committee decided to take a portion of the profits from the event and create a grant to contribute to an onthe-ground, small scale restoration project or a restoration-related research project.

After advertising the grant across the prairie provinces, a selection committee of industry experts gathered to evaluate the applications. Vickie Derksen from the Rural Municipality of Caron was selected as the winner for the 2024 grant of $2,000 for her restoration project.

This restoration project will take place at Vickie Derksen’s family farm, located in the RM of Caron, Saskatchewan on 2 acres of land. This area was used from 2012-2016 to grow raspberries, strawberries and other fruit for their small U-Pick operation. Due to persistent drought, they can no longer grow water intensive crops and have ended fruit production on this land. The purpose of this restoration project is to renew the soil by planting the area back to native grassland and flowers that are drought-resistant. As retired Saskatchewan small farmers & beekeepers, they want to encourage pollination by their bees and also many wild bee species that share the use of their land. This project will restore the health and function of the soil and enhance the habitat for native insects.

The funds from the Native Prairie Restoration/ Reclamation Grant will be used to purchase the native prairie seed necessary to restore the 2 acres of land. The restoration project will take place in early spring, as soon as the soil can be seeded.

“It is with great pleasure that we award the Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Grant to Vickie Derksen.” said SK PCAP Manager, Carolyn Gaudet. “They have demonstrated an understanding of the importance of native prairie ecosystem processes when it comes to drought and climate change and the value of pollinator habitat. The NPRRW Planning Committee is happy to be able to contribute to their project.” Vickie Derksen was recognized at an awards ceremony as part of the 10th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop Banquet on February 7th, 2024 in Saskatoon, SK.

Another NPRR Grant will be open to applications in the fall on the SK PCAP website.