CPAWS-Saskatchewan
Suite 202, 220 20th Street West S7M 0W9 Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Some exciting updates regarding the Saskatchewan River Delta from our Executive Director, Gord Vaadeland. "In my travels across Canada and around the world, few places have captured my imagination like the Saskatchewan River Delta. Yet, despite having visited the Delta over 2 dozen times, there are still vast areas I have yet to see in person. At almost 10,000 square kms (9706 to be exact - or 43x the size of the City of Saskatoon), this is the largest inland freshwater Delt...a in North America, and the 3rd largest in the world! I'm happy to share with you a couple of exciting updates regarding our work to conserve this amazing landscape. In the coming days, we will be releasing the results of a poll conducted by Léger regarding public understanding and support for protection of this special place. We'll also be launching a new mini-doc series that we've been working on with Nathaniel Puffalt and Prairie Rising, with one of the episodes featuring the wonderful people and landscape of the Saskatchewan River Delta. Finally, I want to thank all of our supporters and followers. We can't do this without you! For more information on all the conservation projects our awesome CPAWS-SK team has on the go, keep checking in on our social platforms or head to our website!"

#Winter is definitely here, just look at the #jackrabbits that are now completely white! Did you know that the white-tailed jackrabbit (who is actually a #hare) turns white during the winter and brown during the summer for camouflage? Don't forget to head to our story to answer the Advent Calendar daily question!... Restoring 71 Project #AdventContest

The South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (Sodcap Inc.) is a partnership between stakeholders and government with a goal of implementing actions relating to the South of the Divide Multi-Species Action Plan. The draft South of the Divide Multi-Species Action Plan was developed as a new type of plan, acknowledging that species work together, sharing habitat and meeting their individual needs within the heterogeneity of the ecosystem. It focuses on a combination ...of 13 different species listed as At Risk, Threatened, or Endangered in the Species at Risk Act. Our Executive Director, Gord Vaadeland is a member of the Board of Directors with SODCAP. The 13 Species At Risk in the Conservation Action Plan area: 1. Black-footed Ferret (Extirpated) 2. Burrowing Owl (Endangered) 3. Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Threatened) 4. Greater Sage-Grouse (Endangered) 5. Loggerhead Shrike (Endangered) 6. Mormon Metalmark (Endangered) 7. Mountain Plover (Endangered) 8. Sprague’s Pipit (Threatened) 9. Swift Fox (Threatened) 10. Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Threatened) 11. Long-billed Curlew (Special Concern) 12. Northern Leopard Frog (Special Concern) 13. McCown’s Longspur (Threatened) For more information on our work to protect Saskatchewan's Grasslands and how you can help, click here: https://cpaws-sask.org/what-we-do/saskatchewans-grasslands/ For more information on SODCAP, click here: https://www.sodcap.com/index.html Photo: Bob Wick

The #SaskatchewanRiverDelta (SRD) is one of the most biologically rich landscapes in #Canada and is home to hundreds of endangered species! It is just one among a myriad of unique and delicate places that need our protection. Indeed, the #SRD is under threat. The three major dams upstream of the Delta impact the natural cycle of the river by changing the patterns that used to occur regularly. There was once an important biannual flood pattern, but now an irregular flooding pattern persists that affects spring fish spawning and bird’s nests. Populations of moose, muskrat, fish, and birds have decreased, at least in part, because of these non-natural flooding patterns. To learn more about the SRD and how CPAWS is working to preserve this amazing area, click here https://bit.ly/3jHouvI!

Matt's photography make us all want to get out and explore Saskatchewan's unique wild spaces. Matt Jacques Photography He recently wrote a blog post for CPAWS-SK to reflect on his 2020 year and to highlight the link between the pandemic and our relationship with nature. To read the full article, click here https://cpaws-sask.org/community-feature-matt-jacques-2020/ Head to Matt's website to purchase his 2021 calendar - 15 % of all proceeds will go to CPAWS! By doing so..., you could even win a luxury camping stay at Camp Wolf Willow! https://www.mattjacques.com/calendar Remember to answer the question of the day in our story to enter the Advent Contest! By doing so, you could win a calendar from Matt and an acrylic print of his 'Stargrazing' shot! See more

We are happy to announce one of the prizes of our #AdventCalendar contest! Life Outside Gear Exchange is giving a $25 gift card, a tote bag and a mask! Who will be the lucky winner? Matt and Nancy (and their 4 children) recently opened Life Outside Gear Exchange, a #consignment store located in #Saskatoon. Whether you are looking for a new winter jacket or a pair of skates, they have everything to get you playing outside this season! Make sure to take a look at their online s...tore to see their current selection! You can also bring items to consign and get cash for gear that has been collecting dust in your closet. (Anything Patagonia flies off their shelves!) http://www.lifeoutsidegx.ca/ How awesome is it to encourage local businesses and save the environment at the same time!? Head to our story to answer today's question to gain an entry to the contest. #AdventContest #lifeoutside

Don't miss tomorrow's virtual presentation by Branimir Gjetvaj, a CPAWS-SK board member! "Branimir Gjetvaj offers insights into ways to increase the resilience of natural ecosystems to climate change, and how human-altered landscapes can be better managed for carbon emission mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource use."

Are you searching for an indoor activity you can do this winter? Why not try rock climbing!? Here, you can see Sophie, CPAWS Operations Coordinator, warming up for a session. Grip It Climbing Saskatoon is Saskatchewan's biggest climbing gym and features walls up to 50'. There are also boulders, where you can test your strength and technique without a rope. The Grip It staff is extremely friendly and the community is very welcoming! For the Advent Calendar Contest, Grip It is providing 2 free day passes with rental gear included! Make sure to answer the daily questions in our story to participate in the contest!

Congratulations to Wanuskewin Heritage Park for winning three Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence! Thank you for your educational material and efforts to teach people about the links between bison, land, and First Nations!

Birds Canada created a guide to help prairie producers and landowners access the financial incentives that are available to help preserve, enhance, or restore #grasslands and other important prairie habitats. Click on the link to see which resources are available in Saskatchewan! https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-s/grassland-birds-at-risk/ https://www.birdscanada.org//Birds-Canada-Grassland-Conser

Here is the trailer of the upcoming documentary 500 Days in the wild: hiking the Great Trail. Dianne Whelan has been on this journey across Canada for the past 5 years and is now approaching the end!

Here is Shannyn, the owner of Calypso Bay Clothing, enjoying the cross country ski trails at Little Red River Park in Prince Albert! Her clothing store offers contemporary apparel for women. It also carries the "C'est Moi" brand that has a variety of pieces made from bamboo, which is a perfect base layer material for outdoor winter activities due to its incredible moisture wicking properties! ... You can visit the website here: https://www.calypsobay.ca/ For the Advent Calendar Contest, Shannyn is offering a pair of black bamboo C'est Moi leggings! Answer the daily question to gain an entry to the contest! See more

Before the snow hit, these sheep were out grazing at the Northeast Swale. Why, you ask? Well, the Northeast Swale is home to hundreds of species of native plant...s and controlled grazing helps reinvigorate these native species and increase biodiversity, while reducing the occurrence of invasive species. This is important because less than 5% of the native grassland in this area still exists. Pretty cool, right? Learn more about controlled grazing from Meewasin here: bit.ly/MVAGrazing #yxe #savetheswales #swaleSaturday

Worried about getting stuck inside again all winter? Why not take the opportunity to safely enjoy the outdoors and explore Saskatchewan’s parks and recreation sites! #LittleRedRiverPark is a 1200 acre natural forested park located in #PrinceAlbert. The park is open year round and provides trails for bikers, hikers, and skiers, depending on the season. It even has a a ski hill and toboggan hill! While this winter wonderland is a fantastic example of a much-loved outdoor urban ...space, did you know that Little Red doesn’t actually have any official protection status!? As you step into the outdoors for recreation and relaxation this holiday season, remember to hold your local spaces accountable to the highest standards of protection so that they can be enjoyed by everyone in the city for years to come. Head to our story to answer the first Advent Calendar Contest question! Derek Smith @KinsmenLittleRed #AdventContest

"#Grasslands are better at capturing #carbon, retaining water and preventing floods, as well as maintaining high levels of #biodiversity. There are 50 endangered animals in the province and many of them depend on the native prairie and are disappearing due to land conversion."

500 Days in the Wild is the story of one woman finding her place in nature, in society and in the world. It follows filmmaker Dianne Whelan on her trek across ...Canada, along the longest trail in the world. Join us as we celebrate her journey across land and water, honouring the traditional territories of the peoples who have lived here for millennia. #500daysinthewild #documentary Learn more: www.cpaws.org/500days