Acreage Living - Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan

al Habitats

Your Home Place,Your Landscape,Your Legary... .......... 1
lntroducing Native Prairie ........2
\A4rat is Native Prairie? .........2
A Threatened Resource ...... .4
WhyShouldWeCare? ..........6
Planning and Development . ...... ..7
Acreage Subdivision Planning for Municipalities and Developers .. .. .. .7
PlanningYourAcreage -Your Home Place - Your Legacy .......7
BuildingYourAcreage ..........9
Management . .. .. ..... . 10
Vegetation Management ..... . 10
Weed Management . .. .. . l0
Woodlands ....... 11
Fire Hazard and Litter Control
Livestock Grazing and Native Prairie
Acreages and Wild Animals .
Water on your Land
Enjoying your Acreage
A Healthy Rural Landscape - Now and for The Future
Resources
Selected Publications
General Interest
Field Guides .....20
Restoration,LandscapingandManagement ... ............20
Contacts ........ ...21
12
13
16
17
18
t9
20
20
20

Published by:
Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Inc., 2001
Principal Writers and Contributors:
Andy Hammermeister, Native Plant S.ociety of Saskatchewan Inc.
Terry Klassen, Browning Design Inc.
Lesley Hall, Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation
Chris Nykoluk, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
Llnn Oliphant, Prairie Institute for Human Ecology
Karyn Scalise, Prairie Conservation Action Plan
Edited by:
Sara Williams, University of Saskatchewan Extension Services
Shelley Ross
Funding and other support provided by:
Habitat Stewardship Program, Environment Canada
Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Inc.
Browning Design Inc.
Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
Land Stewardship Centre of Canada
Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Program in Saskatchewan,
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
tppit Resources Ltd.
The contribution and support of the following
individuals and agencies are gratefully acknowledged:
Other Contributors:
Robyn Choropita, KLA Group Inc.
Laura Nanninga, Browning Design Inc
Renny Grilz, Ducks Unlimited Canada
Dean Nernberg, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada
Anna Leighton
Acreage owner review by:
Doug and Anne Hildebrand
Norinne Keys
Brant Remenda
|udith and Bill Fox
Layout and Printing by:
Houghton Boston Printers and Lithographers
Photo Contributors:
Keith Barr
Don Galton
Joe Lltle
Todd Andrews
Phil Taylor
Lorne Klein
Heather Dundee
Gary Bowes
Patrick Porter
Shelley Ross
Nora Stewart
Andy Hammermeister
Donald Fontaine, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Dean Nernberg, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada
Angela Salzl, Saskatchewan Purple Loosestrife Eradication Project
Adrian Sturch, Grasslands National Park
Bruce Hesselink, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC),
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA)
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Ecosystem Image Information System, Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre
Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation (SWCC)

Missouri Coteau
ll creage living abounds with
llexperiences connecting you to
the land... fresh air, wildlife
viewing, a sense of freedom and
privacy, rural community,
colourful sunsets, peaceful
surroundings, raising animals and
growing crops. Acreage living can
be a very rewarding and
wholesome experience.
As an acreage owner, your
interests, needs and values that
bring you to the country may
differ from those of your
neighbours. These interests
ultimately determine how your
acreage is developed and
managed. In moving to the
country, you become a part of a
rural community that has
developed over decades and
generations. Disturbance to the
environment and adjustments in
Iifestyle are unavoidable.
Working as a community,
respecting the needs and
livelihoods of others and caring
for the environment, however,
are in everyone's best interest.
Living on an acreage, we have
a large impact on the wild plants
and animals that make country
living so enjoyable. All of us
depend on a healthy and diverse
landscape with clean water and
fresh air. When we move to the
country we must learn to
minimize our impact and respect
the beautiful and d1'namic life that
is already present. A balance
between the activities and lifestyle
we enjoy with a respect for the
natural environment is achievable.
This booklet is intended to
guide acreage owners and
developers to conservation
minded practices when
developing and managing
acreages. lt outlines ways in
which visions of country living
can be fulfilled while maintainine
the surrounding natural
environment. It offers practical
tips for minimizing impact on
the land, from development to
management and enjoyment. It
also includes a list of resources
for further information.

he Saskatchewan
f prairies had
I their beginnings I6,000 years
ago as the glacial ice melted. The
soil types and landforms left in
the wake of the glaciers, along
with a harsh climate and
disturbances resulting from
periodic fires and grazing
animals, created a unique
environment. Over thousands of
years, the prairie landscape
evolved to include a wide variety
of plant and animal species
particularly suited to and
dependent upon, these
environmental conditions. The
open grassland interspersed with
lakes, ponds, creeks, river valleys,
shrubs and trees supported
aboriginal peoples, huge herds of
grazinganimals and a myriad of
birds, insects and other wildlife.
These age-old plant communities
of the prairie and parkland
regions of Saskatchewan are what
we refer to as native prairie.
Grasses dominate native
prairie, but it is incredibly diverse!
A close look at the prairie
uncovers hundreds of different
species of grasses and wildflowers.
In addition to open grassland, we
see wetlands, saline patches,
shrubs and even forested tracts.
These com mun ities contain
different groups of plants, each
providing a different habitat for
wildlife. From early spring to late
fall, the display of flowers, colours
and textures in the prairie
constantly changes and delights.
Does your land contain native
prairie? Old furrow lines or rock
piles likely mean the area
was cultivated in the past,
but some cultivated fields
may have reverted to native
species if they were not
cropped for long. Native
prairie vegetation contains
many different kinds of
plants and you will notice a
changing variety of flowers
throughout the growing
season. Plants such as Needle and
Thread Grass, Prairie Crocus and
Western Snowberry ( Buckbrush)
are good indicators of native
prairie. For help with
identification, use plant
identification guides or consult
with a local expert.
Did you know that
on a 4-hectare (]O-acre)
parcel of native prairig
you may find as many as
200 different types of
grasset flowers and
shrubs!

Purple Prairie Clover
Dean Nernberg
Upland Sedge
A Hamnerneister
Blue Grama Grass
SWCC
Western Red Lily
Keith Batr
Needle and Thread Grass
Dean Nernbera
Ascending Purple Milk Vetch
Dean Nernbery
Snowberry
AAFC PFRA
Rockpiles are indicalors 0f cultivati0n
Don Gayton
Prairie Crocus
A Hammerneister
Harebel I
Danald Fontaine SAF

n the last 150
I years, most of the
I na tivc pra iric in North A merica
has disappeared. In Saskatchewan,
it is estimated that close to 80% of
the prairie has vanished, while in
areas of prime cropland, less than
two percent of the original prairie
remains. \\4rlt little prairie
remains exists under quite
different conditions than it has for
thousands of years. The most
obvious changes are the
fragrnentation of native habitat
caused by road building, resource
extraction, residential
development and encroaching
cultivation. Less obvious changes
that threaten the prairie are the
disappearance of prairie fires and
the once massive herds of bison,
the arrival of rrew and aggressive
introduced (i.e., exotic) plants
that displace native species and
long-term overgrazing or a total
lack of grazing. Examples of
exotic plants include Smooth
Brome, I(entucky Bluegrass, and
Quack Grass. Even native shrubs
and trees may pose a threat to the
grassland when they expand
beyond their historical extent.
Invasion ol exolic Smoolh
Brome grass on prairie
Dean Nenberc
:r{
r:
Breaking prairie

Ma0 of
rEmarnrng
native prairie
lredl
in Southern
$askatchewan"
lnage courtesy of Canadian Wikllife Service, Environnent Canada

I
,,
,,,,_ :
he disappearance
f
oI native
I prairie means the
disappearance of thousands of
years of evolutionary history. This
resource can never be replaced.
The prairie vegetation is vital to
the survival of countless wildlife
species, many of which have
already dropped significantly in
number. \A4rile species such as the
Swift Fox, Sage Grouse and
Burrowing Owl are endangered,
other species such as the Plains
Grizzly Bear and Greater Prairie
Chicken have already been lost.
Conserving native prairie not
,
only conserves plant and animal
species, it also provides direct
benefits to the human inhabitants
of the prairies. These benefits
include good quality water,
aesthetic and recreational
opportunities, soil protection and
a gene pool available for future
medical and agricultural
utilization. Humans play an
important role in the prairie
landscape. Careful planning and
management can help us
continue to live in and make use
of the prairies in a positive way,
without degrading the habitat
values for other species.
Endangered
Burrowing
Owl

Acreage S division
Planning for nicipalities
and D lopers
flreating
and protecting
developers of
For rural country
municipalities, residential
developers and subdivisions.
Rural
homeowners
municipalities
there is an
should
importance of
encourage the
green or
development
natural areas of residential
to our quality settings that
of life...
mlnlmze
disturbance to
rural
compact development pattern cultivates harmony
could be dedicated to preservation
of the natural region, wildLife
corridors and recreational trails. As
with the natural
landscape. Carefi,rl
planning of these
Ucommuniry values is a chalJenge
a developer of country residential
subdivisions, begin your next
developments can
significantly reduce
for both rural municipalities and project by identifying potential damage to the
areas worth protecting. Locate natural landscape,
homes, infiastructure and roads at avoiding the need
a respectful distance from these for costly repair at
protected areas. A compact design
can actually be more cost effective
for the developer.
CurrenLly, typical zoning
bylaws tend to mandate sprawl by
requiring large individual acreage
parcels. While large lots seldom
promote a strong sense of rural
community, smaller lots with large,
natural common areas offer many
opportunities to interact with
a later date.
PlanningYour
reage - Your
Home Place -
Your Legacy
Jvery
neighbours. The traditional
approach has generally been to
clear natural bluffs of trees, to
flatten land and to create large,
high maintenance lawns and
gardens. To preserve the natural
landscape, we should be
promoting smaller lawn areas that
minimize disturbance of the
prairie. Smaller lawns and
traditional garden areas should be
combined with an approach that
landowner
the natural qualities of the land
lshould develop a
plan that
mtegrates
and encourage conseration of
personal goals
native habitat. Development
with the natural
policies and guidelines should
resources on their
provide for common areas for
land. Walk around
walking, horseback riding or other
your acreage and
community-based recreation. Rural
map out features
municipalities should encourage
such as wetlands
designs where rural lanes flow with
and streams,
the natural topography and groups
natural water
of homes clustered around a grassy
drainage patterns,
common area complete with a
bluffs, grassy
wetland. Land saved by this areas, lnvaslve
Plan couftesy of Bnwning Design In.

weed problems and wildlife trails.
Note existing human-made
features such as roads, power and
gas lines, gardens, buildings,
wells, and septic fields. If you are
starting construction on a new
property, take the existing site
characteristics into account as
you position the house, other
buildings, roads and utilities.
Consider the impact of
construction on the natural
Iandscape. You may not eliminate
damage, but you can take
measures to minimize il.
The next step in the design
process can be a lot of fun. On
your diagram, identifii potential
uses for different parts of your
acreage, as always, minimizing
disturbance. Locate your house
where it will be naturally
sheltered. Ifyou need a
windbreak, try using multiple
rows of native trees and shrubs in
a meandering pattern with
shorter plants on the outside.
Make every effort not to displace
existing native vegetation.
Remember the house and
immediately surrounding area
does not need to be expansive but
rather scaled to suit your lifestyle.
Sketch in specific use areas such
as a vegetable garden, dog run,
pathways, viewing benches,
play areas, pastures and corrals.
Thke into account how you are
currently using the yard. Include
existing topographical features
such as slopes, hills, well- or
poorly drained areas, eristing
wildlife habitat in your yard
and adjacent areas, soil types,
shade and sun and
the direction of
prevailing winds. Also
remember that there
is no compelling need
to landscape from
property line to
property line. There
is more to living in
the country than
ridi4g a lawn mowerl
It's your choice.
A Uisitn lor Gountry liuing
Whether you are a municipal policymaker, developer or acreage
owner, your vision of country living will have a tremendous
influence on how your acreage or acreage subdivision is designed
and managed. Discussing your vision and goals with other
landowners in the neighbourhood can be informative, generate
new ideas and avoid problems ln the long run. The vision of any
one developer or owner may differ from that of others. Some
goals will have less impact on the environment and community
than others. In most cases compromises can be reached. Try and
find a compromise for each pair of points in the lists below
Gonseruatiun is lliiler Priority[onsenualion
is lnlrtter Priority
. Low maintenancq low input . Well groomed, irrigated,'weed' free
. Quality of lifg healthy living
. A place to retreat self-educate
" Financial investment
. Source of income
. Wildflowers, native plants
. Wildlife
" Flower garden/landscaping
. Roaming dogs
. Well-managed grazing . Overgrazing by horses and cattle etc.
. Natural space
. Storage/work space
. Hiking skiing biking . All terrain vehicles, motor bikes
Low impact walking trail 0n prairie Gardens can be a part 0f acreage living

Utifity line disturbance - A Hanmerneister
ColleGting nalive seed - reim aar
Seeding nalive planls - snrcc
BuildingYour reage
llcreage development impacts can
llbe minimized with carefill
planning and an awareness of
where problems may arise. Tiy to
minimize the area that will be
disturbed by keeping building areas
small. Avoid wetland areas or other
areas of prime wildlife habitat.
Conserving your topsoil is an
important step towards
Size
saving native plants,
reducing weed problems
and saving money. Topsoil
contains a wide variety of
seeds and roots that can
provide the foundation
for revegetating disturbed Soil
areas. Stripping and
stockpiling topsoil from
building areas before they
are disturbed saves the
cost of hauling in new
topsoil once you begin
Iandscaping. Replacing
soil as soon as possible
will be most beneficial for
re-establishing plants.
While smaller areas (a
few square meters) will
revegetate fairly quickly on
their own, larger areas will
need help. Many of us
move to acreages because
we take pleasure in
gardening and
landscaping. Gardening
with native plants is a
gratifying way to conserve native
habitat, learn about the land on
which you live and beauti$. your
yard. Use localJy adapted native
seed (many wildflower mixes are
fiom other regions or countries
How t0 ilinimize lmlact on Your landscaF
ilinimizinn l[e iless ]irinn-it.un
Disturbance . Reduce size of disturbance
and Shapg . Build close to main road
Landscape . Short driveway
. Minimize perimeter of
permanent disturbances
. Leave islands of native habitat
avoid disrupting natural drainage
Ve tion
. Salvage topsoilfrom all
. Alleviate soil compaction with
disturbance areas
a heavy discer or plough
. Prevent mixing of subsoil and topsoil.
Replace salvaged topsoil
. Minimize soil compaction . Leave rough soil surface (reduces
water runoff and evaporation)
. Prevent soil erosion (wind & water)
. Salvage sod
. Use a diverse seed mix of locally
. Transplant shrubs and wildflowers adapted native species (from within
(be sure to get all of the roots) the ecoregion)
. Collect native hay mulch or native
seed from your acreage if possible
. Accept that annual weeds are
part of the recovery process
. Transolantflowers or shrubs ifabundant
. Use non-invasive species if not native
. Try to avoid nesting/mating areas
. Minimize habitat disruotion
and may include invasive weeds).
Native trees and shrubs are also
available for shelterbelts and
landscaping. If you choose to use
non-native plants (exotics), avoid
selecting invasive varieties that
. Re-establish natural drainage
and contours
. Provide nesting facilities
. Restore travel corridors
spread out of control by seed,
roots or suckering. Your landscape
plan should consider wildlife,
water drainage and shade created
by buildings or trees.

llanaging an acreage can be very
llI challenging. Practices that
benefit or are used to control
some plants and animals may be
harmful to others. Good acreage
management requires that
difficult but timely choices must
be made. Choices that promote a
healthy environment often make
management easier.
Vegetation Management
Weed Management
Sooner or later every
landowner will have to address
weed problems. Weeds are
generally defined as plants that are
undesirable in the location where
they occur. Weeds often spread as a
result of soil disturbances caused
by constructing roads and
buildings and installing utility
lines. Most weeds have been
introduced to the prairie following
European settlement. Your
municipality may require that
some weeds be controlled.
Annual weeds are especially
adapted to soil disturbance but
they are generally unable to
compete with established
perennial grasses and flowers. A
Eommon Perennial Weeds
RlilffrlBIR!
A healthy native prairie is your best
tool for controlling weeds. Healthy
native plants can compete with most
weeds and prevent them from
establishing or spreading. Weeds need
bare soil to establish, good
management will go a long way toward
keeping weeds from establishing.
PuIpf e L0osestrif e - Heather Dundee
Canada Thistle - Todd Andrews

little patience, combined with
simple weed control during the
first couple ofyears goes a long
way to helping your desirable
perennials to become established.
Most annual weeds are fairly easy
to control by pulling, mowing or
cultivating.
Perennial weeds are generally a
more serious problem. Most
perennial weeds on the prairies
have been introduced and often
have no natural enemies to control
them. Perennial weeds can also be
invasive. They spread into
undisturbed land by means of
underground horizontal stems
called rhizomes or by seed.
Perennial weeds compete with and
often displace native species. To
further complicate matters, many
perennial weeds may be difficult to
distinguish from native plants. It is
important to become familiar with
your plants before finding ways to
control them.
For many perennial weeds,
you may have to decide whether
eradication or control is a realistic
goal. Simply mowing or digging
may not be effective because parts
of roots and stems that are left
behind may re-sprout. Repeated
mowing as the plant begins
flowering is a good control
technique. Many perennial weeds
can be controlled using
herbicides, however, no herbicides
are selective for a particular plant.
This means that by spraying
weeds on the prairie you may also
kill native flowers, trees and
shrubs. Therefore, widespread
spralng of herbicjdes on prairie
is not recommended. If herbicides
must be used, apply them to
individual plants with a handheld
sprayer or with a paintbrush.
Woodlands
Many owners of small farms
and acreages are privileged to have
woodlands on their property. More
than just trees, woodlands include
shrubs and other plants growing
on the forest floor that form the
forest "understory" as well as
clumps of willow, dogwood, and
wild rose growing in lowlands of
fields, pastures and along fencerows.
All are important features of
the landscape performing essential
ecosystem functions. They provide
vital places for wildlife to seek
shelter from predators, winds and
snowfall, to build nests and to
forage for food.
There's no question woodlands
add tremendous value to the
health of the natural environment.
Before the prairies were settled,
however, fire and bison grazing
prevented trees from growing in
most areas except for valleys,
coulees and steep north-facing
slopes. Prairie fires are now
controlled allowing trees to spread
across many parts of the prairie
landscape. As well, settlement has
introduced trees and shelterbelts.
\Mhile natural bluffs and planted
shelterbelts provide habitat for
people and some wildlife, many
animals and plants that previously
lived on the prairie are being
displaced. Many grassland birds
are now threatened due to loss of
habitat or by new habitat (e.g.,
shelterbelts) encouraging different
and more competitive birds to
become established. For example,
the Red-Tailed Hawk has now
become a major predator of the
endangered Burrowing Owl. Many
of these new species are not native
to the prairies. Repeated mowing,
burning and browsing (i.e., using

tiN for llloodland Eam
' There's strength in diversity.
Maintain a variety of native
species and ages oftrees
and shrubs.
' Avoid continuous, seasonlong
livestock access to small
woodlots. Heavy grazing and
trampling will compact the
soil and kill trees, shrubs and
seedlings in the understory.
' Leave snags (standing
deadwood)and larger
downed logs. They are
essential habitat for wildlife
and forest nutrient cycling.
'Cenerally, woodlands will be
more aftractive to wildlife if
left a liftle ragged around the
edges. Instead ofa clean,
straight line or block of
wooded area, allow some
natural regroMh to create a
more rough-edged buffer of
shrubs and grasses giving
way to pasture or yard.
sheep, deer and elk to eat trees and
shrubs) mav be utilized to control
invasion of woody species. Cutting
the bark of aspen trees after the
spring flush of leaves may help
control their encroachment into
grassland areas.
Fire Hazard anil Litter Control
Litter (dead plant material)
build-up due to the absence of
fire and grazingmay pose not
only a fire hazard but also may
reduce biodiversity. Prescribed
burning is a tool that reduces
wildfire hazard while promoting
biodiversity. In any prescribed
burn there is a risk of fire escape;
wildfires in an acreage subdivision
may result in extensive property
damage and pose a significant risk
to human life. The municipality,
fire department and other
residents of the subdivision
should approve
and be kept
informed of property
plans for from wildfi
prescribed burns. using
A burn should
only be
area
conducted under
the supervision
(e.g.,
of someone with
considerable
experience and insurance and in
the presence of adequate fire
control tools (i.e. water trucks
with pumps, personnel with water
backpacks, fire resistant clothing,
To reduce risk of
damage resulting
res, consider
fireproof roofing
and landscaping the
immediately
surrounding your house
rock garden).
RIilHilBIn!
Native plants are well
adapted to their
environment Watering and
fertilizing your prairie will
mean more lifter to control!
oxFgen tanks and masks, etc.).
Mowing is another tool that
can be used to control litter buiidup
(and firehazard) and some
weed problems. But, mowing can
destroy wildlife habitat, eliminate
native seed producing plants and
reduce visual appeal (wild flowers
and natural diversity). Repeated
mowing over several years may
alter the composition of the plant
community and reduce
biodiversity. The impact of
mowing on the plant community
will vary depending on timing,
height and frequency. Waiting
until late fuly allows many plants
time to set seed as well as allowins
Prescribed burns should only be conducled in the presence ol an experienced fire
manager and salely equipment
swcc

Degraded creek from uncontrolled livestock access
most birds * ::'
^tU
opportunity
^:';;
to finish nesting.
Mowing in late May or early fune
can also be used to control seed
production and spread of invasive
grasses and other weeds.
Lirrestock Grazing and
I,{ative Fra.irie
Native prairie evolved with
grazingby large herds ofbison
and is therefore well adapted to
grazingby
other
animals
such as
cattle. Short
periods of
rntense
grazingby
bison were
usually
followed by long periods of rest.
Some wildlife species benefit
from heavily grazed areas,
whereas other species prefer
Iightly grazed native prairie. The
best wildlife habitat has a range
of grazing intensity over the
Iandscape. How can we manage
our livestock to mimic these
key forces that created our
native prairie?
What is Overgrazing?
We have all seen pastures
where the grass resembles a golf
green. It may look clean but
continuous close grazing usually
damages lhe native prairie
grasses. Overgrazing is the
repeated grazing of a plant before
it has fullyrecovered from a
previous grazing. Long term
ffirmaflulm ffrtd ffiffi$t frnmwfih
4llo/o
i0
EO
t0
80
$oil
c0
80
l0
80
50
% rl grass
[la[t lrazed
% rl rott grotvt|t
stopped
0vergrazing occurs when plants are repeatedly grazed wilhout opporlunily to fully recover.
0vergrazing reduces grass production by stopping r00t growlh. Plants may need to resl lor
a few weeks to a few years depending 0n the type of plant, weather conditions and lhe
intensily of grazing.

continuous grazirlg can be
harmful to both native prairie
and wildlife habitat. Observe how
the native prairie looks on both
sides of nearby fence lines, one
overgrazed pasture and the other
moderately grazed.
Do the plants appear
unhealthy (e.g., stunted,
discoloured, spindly, wilted, or
small)? If so, the roots have
probably ceased growth and the
land is less productive than it
could be. Do steep slopes show
signs of erosion? Are there areas
of bare soil that could become
colonized by weeds? It is fairly
common on small farms and
acreages to underestimate the
feed needs of livestock while
overesl.imating lhe productive
capability of native prairie.
To maintain healthy livestock
and forage production, you will
need to develop a sustainable year
round feed supply plan. This
involves calculating the amount
of forage your animals will
consume measured as Animal
Unit Months (AUM's), the forage
and hay production on your land
and the feed (hay) requirements
per animal. These calculations
will indicate if your animals'
needs can be met on your acreage
alone. (See the resources section
for range professionals that will
help you develop a grazing plan.)
G0rd Erazing tanagement = G00d liuest0clt Hsalth
lf your animals are:
. Chewing on trees, shrubs, fences or barns;
. Losing weight or are overweight;
. Consuming dirt while trying to graze;
. Sporting dull coats;
Your grazing management system needs adjusting!
Poor condition pastures and continuously grazing the same
pastures may lead to increased parasite problems and overall
poor health of your livestock.
llid You l(nrw?
Native grasses should not be grazed before at least three leaves
have emerged in spring. Otherwise, there may be detrimental effects
on both forage productivity and native prairie health. Most native
grasses will have produced three leaves sometime after June 1. A
good rule of thumb is, "for every day of early spring grazing you will
lose two days later in the season". Thereforg try to hold off on
grazing until June.
Horses do not need 24-hour access to food. Some horses may get
too fat this can cause health problems. The daily nutritional needs of
an idle, mature horse can be met with as little as three to four hours
of grazingon good pasture. Animals can be corralled for the rest of
the day to prevent overgrazing and to help extend the feed supply
within pastures. This also helps save money on purchased feeds.
Horses are'spot grazers". They tend to repeatedly overgraze certain
areas and leave other areas untouched. Pasture rotations with other
types of livestock (such as cattle) or regular mowing and scattering
of horse manure may make grazing by horses more efficient over a
wider area.

lor llell
Grazing management
courses and workshops are
offered each year
throughout the province by
various organizations.
Helpful resource
publications, including
"Managing Saskatchewan
Rangelands" and
"ldentification of Common
Range Plants of Southern
Saskatchewan" are available
from Saskatchewan
Agriculture & Food. Call
your local Extension
Agrologist or nearest Rural
Service Centre for more
information and assistance.
Iils fm $ucresslul Erazing ilanagemsnt
. Keep animals off your pasture in the spring until the grasses have at least
three leaves.
" Move animals to another pasture when half of the grass plant has been
eaten. Compare grazed and ungrazed sites;do not regraze native prairie
once half of the year's production has been grazed off.
. On a limited acreage you may only have space to exercise your animals
and will need to supply feed year-round. Arrange to rent pasture or make
special agreements to graze neighbouring land. Neighbours without
livestock may be concerned about fire hazards due to excessive litter buildup
on ungrazed areas and may appreciate your offer.
. Depending on the size of the acreagg develop a pasture rotation grazing
system. Eliminate continuous season-long grazing. Erecting just one cross
fence will increase plant rest by 500/o during the growing season. Pasture
rotation and good grazing management produces more grass, fewer weeds
and healthier animals; it also improves wildlife habitat and saves money.
. Allow long rest periods (or shorten the time that pastures are grazed) to
help restore pastures in poor condition.
. Select a fence type to best meet your grazing plan needs: woven wire for
sheep, barbed wire for cattle, rail fence for horses. Electric fencing is cheap
and effective. lt is your responsibility under provincial legislation to keep all
your animals (including pets) contained on your property.
. Fencing should control direct access by livestock to surface water and other
sensitive natural areas on your land. Your activities will affect water quality
for people down stream. Studies have also shown that access to clean
water greatly improves livestock health.
Note: Crazing conditions will vary year-to-year due to seasonal weather
trends. Proper stocking rates should sustain long term use during both dry and
wet periods.

llne of the
U greatest
benefits of
Iiving on
an acreage
is the
opportunity
to observe
wild animals, birds and insects.
Watching a whitetail doe and her
two fawns meander through the
yard while you have breakfast,
sighting a Cooper's hawk nest in
your "backyard" or spotting a
long-tailed weasel bound through
the snow brings nature up close.
All species are interconnected and
dependent on the native plant life
which forms the base of our
prairie ecosystem. From the
perspective of the animals that
previously lived where you now
make your home, how you
manage your acreage will
determine whether or not they
can continue to live there. Ifyou
destroy the native habitat that
existed before you moved into the
"neighbourhood'l you will
eliminate the places that wildlife
need to survive.
The advantages of living with
wildlife most often outweigh the
disadvantages. The enjoyment of
wildlife viewing and the
opportunities for young
people to learn about nature
are tremendous. If you
destroy as little ofthe native
habitat as possible when you
build, and restore native
vegetation when you landscape,
you will enhance your
opportunities to observe wildlife.
Plantings should include food
and cover for everything from
hummingbirds and butterflies to
deer. Supplemental feeding and
the provision of water are
especially effective for attracting
birds. By planting trees and
shrubs for cover and nesting, and
placing feeders where they can be
easiJy viewed, you can enjoy
hours of wildlife viewing. As
much as you may like trees, be
sure not to turn your acreage into
a solid "forest" that can no longer
support the grassland species
native to southern Saskatchewan.
Don t forget that different species
have vastly different
requirements. Keep your acreage
diverse. The little pile of rocks or
the dead tree snag that you may
be tempted to "clean up" is more
than likely "home" or a place to
find food for several species.
Wetlands provide a particularly
rich environment on the prairies
and should be preserved and
enhanced where possible.
Anltime people live in close
proximity to wild creatures there
is, unfortunately, the possibility of
conflict. Here, in Saskatchewan,
this may take the form of pocket
gophers harvesting your carro$,
snakes in your basement or deer
feeding on your favourite fruit.
The easiest way
to handle many
of these
problems is
preventlon:
putting a fence
around the
garden,
eliminating
access for skunks
(or snakes) under or into your
house or garage and not leaving
pet food (or pets) out overnight to
attract unwanted guests.
Pets on acreages often have a
major impact on wildlife. Freely
roaming dogs may get into the
habit of chasing deer and other
wildlife, and cats can become
major predators of native birds. It
is very tempting to Iet the acreage
pet have free rein, but much safer
for your pet, easier on the wildlife
and more enjoyable if we make a
habit of accompanying our pets
on outings and keeping them
under control.
Always keep in mind that we
are the intruders on the
Iandscape and should attempt to
tread lightly. Coeristence is not
only possible; in most cases it is
advantageous. Acreage owners
have a tremendous opportunity
to contribute to the conservation
and well being of the prairie
ecosystem. Living in close
association with the beautiful
creatures that inhabit our
province is a privilege as well as a
pleasure. Enjoy them!

lllhen we think of water on the
fl landscape, most of us picture a
nearby lake or river. We often
forget about the water rycle and
how water collects in small
wetlands, streams and rivers. Water
is all around us and constantly on
the move... falling as rain or snow,
absorbed and released by trees,
crops, other plants and
animals. . .percolating down
through the soil into the water
table...stored as groundwater,
evaporating, melting away during
spring runoff. In all of these ways,
the water found on your property
is linked to the landscape and the
world beyond. Water and wetland
areas also attract wildlife: ducks,
frogs, muskrat, deer and fox. How
you manage your land - gardens,
fields, pastures, septic systems,
irrigation and water wells -
becomes a critical factor in
maintaining water quality for you,
your neighbours and wildlife. A
healthy prairie absorbs rainfall
and runoff, preventing soil erosion
and contamination of our streams
and ponds.
Every effort should be made to
avoid disturbing wetlands and
maintai ning natural drai nage
patterns when planning an acreage
development. Altered drainage
patterns may reduce runoff to
wetlands and lower water levels,
often to the detriment of the
llealthy flilarian lreas - IiRs for ilelilng
to Insure Water luality
The most vital part of the landscape for water is the riparian area: the
zone of vegetation alongside waterways and other surface water. Lush
vegetation is the surest sign of healthy, well-managed riparian areas. A
dense growth of deep-rooted grasses, forbs and sedges, plus, in some
areas, layers of shrubs and trees of all ages, form a zone of vegetation.
This vegetation plays a critical role in filtering and slowing runoff.
For riparian areas to function best at filtering runoff and providing wildlife
habitat it is recommended to maintain a zone of native grass/shrub/tree
cover at least 30 feet (10 meters) wide around wetlands and beside creeks.
Just about everything you like about these areas depends on maintaining
them in a natural state.
. Distribute livestock evenly and avoid grazing riparian areas during
fragile or vulnerable periods (e.g., when shorelines are wet in spring
or during high water periods).
. Locate corrals and septic systems down slope or as far away from
your water well, streams and wetlands as possible.
. Seed and maintain vegetation in road ditches and drainage ways to
prevent erosion and contamination of wetlands.
plants and animals that live there.
It is especially important to avoid
disrupting natural stream flows
and to restore damage that might
have occurred. Drainage ways and
stream banks damaged by
development maybecome
susceptible to severe soil erosion
during spring runoff or during
heary rainfall. Stabilizing the soil
and reestablishing vegetation will
ensure that drainage ways and
streams are properly restored.
Reducing the disturbance area,
salvaging the top 20 cm of soil
prior to disturbance and replacing
the topsoil on disturbed areas after
they have been landscaped
minimizes the impact on
wetlands. Wetland plants will
establish quickly from the salvaged
topsoil. These same practices can
be applied when planning ditches
or ponds to enhance wetlands.

here are numerous ways to
f
I enjoy your acreage that can
help you become more familiar
with your natural environment.
Here are a few suggestions:
. Thke an inventory of the
plants on your property. You
will be amazed by the
diversity you will find. Use
field guides to help identifii
plants or visit a local
herbarium for help with
plants you can't identifli.
Perhaps begin a collection of
plant PHOTOS, seeds or
pressed plants (collecting only
those that are abundant).
. Invite your friends and
neighbours to a field day to
look at natural habitats and
discuss management practices.
Consider contacting a local
conservation or nature society
to lead or join your field day.
" Plant a wildflower garden.
. Keep a record ofthe birds,
butterflies and other animals
you observe each year.
. Keep a record of when
different plants flower or fruit
or the wildlife for which they
provide food shelter, or nest
srtes.
. Look for signs of animals;
learning animal tracks is a
great winter activity.
. Spend time outdoors walking
or admiring the landscape.
. Build a small fire pit and
pitch a tent for a night.
" Cross country skiing,
horseback riding and dog
walking are all great ways to
enjoy the country.
. If motor biking or
snowmobiling form part of
your activities, create a set of
trails and stick to them.
Ensure that you are not
damaging the land or
introducing weeds.

ff wning a small farm or acreage
U can be an extremely rewarding
experience, however, choosing to
live in a rural area brings many
unique responsibilities. Respect
your natural environment and
minimize damage to it. Think of
the diversity of life on your
property and take lime to enjoy
it. As a member of the rural
community, you have a voice in
issues concerning your land, rural
development and the health of
the entire landscape. Help foster
that close-knit community by
preserving and caring for the
rural la ndscape together.
!

Selected Publications
General Interest
Acton, D.F., G.A. Padbury, C.T.
Stushnoff. 1998. The
E co r egio n s of S askatchew an.
Saskatchewan Environment
and Resource Management
and the Canadian Plains
Research Center.
Butala, S. 2000. WiId Stone Heart:
an Apprentice in the Fields.
Harper Collins.
Galton, Don. t990. The
Wheatgrass Mechanism.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan:
Fifth House Publishers.
Prairie Conservation Action Plan
Committee. 1998.
Saskatchewan Prairie
Co ns erv ation Action Plan.
Regina: Canadian Plains
Research Centre, University
of Regina.
Field Guides
Plants
Johnson, D., L. Kershaw, A.
MacKinnon, and J. Pojar.
1995. Plants of the Western
Boreal Forest and Aspen
Parkland. Lone Pine
Publishing and the Canadian
Forest Service.
Looman, |. and Agriculture
Canada. 1982. Prairie Grasses.
Ottawa, Ontario: Minister of
Supply and Services Canada.
(Available from the Lethbridge
C o mmunity CoIIe ge B o olcsto r e,
(403) 320-3341)
Saskatchewan Agricultural and
Food. 1993. Field Guide:
Identffication of Common
Range Plants of Southern
Sqskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Agricultural and
Food. 1994. Field Guide:
I dentifi catio n of C o mm o n
Range Plants of Northern
Saskatchewan.
Vance. F.R., l.R Jowsey l.S.
Mclean, and F.A. Switzer.
1999. Wildflowers Across the
Prqiries. Second edition.
Greystone Books.
Animals
Burt, W. H. 1980. A Field Guide to
the Mammals of North America
North of Mexico. Third Edition.
Houghton Mifflin Company.
(Peterson Field guide)
Farrand,
f. (h.). 1988. Eastern
Birds.McGraw Hill Book
Company. (Note: this book
covers prairie birds also.)
Holroyd, G.L., I. Shukster, D.
Keith. and L. Hunt. 1995.
Prairie Raptors: a Landowner's
Guide. Minister of Supply and
Services. (Copies available
from Environment Canada)
Re st o r at io n, Lands cap ing
and Management
Huel, D. 1998. Streambank
Stewardship: Your Guide to
Caring for Riparian Areas in
S askat ch ew an Saskatchewan
Wetland Conservation
Corporation.
Huel, D. 2000. Managing
S askat chew an Wetlan d s : A
Landow ner's Guide. Regina,
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan
Wetland Conservation
Corporation.
Moen, I. 1998. ManagingYour
Native Prairie Parcels: Your
Guide to Caring for Native
Pr airie in S askatchew an.
Regina, Saskatchewan:
Saskatchewan Wetland
Conservation Corporation.

Morgan, I.R D.R. Collicutt, and
f.D. Thompson. 1995.
Resto ring Canada's N ativ e
Prairies. Argyle, Manitoba:
Prairie Habitats Inc.
Nernberg, D. 1995. Native Species
Mixtures for Restoration in the
Prairie and Parkland
E cor egi o ns of S askat chew an.
Mixed-Grass Prairie Habitat
Restoration Project,
Canadian Wildlife Service,
Environment Canada.
Pearman, M. and T. Pike. 2000.
N atur e S cap e Alb ert a : Cr e ating
and Caring for Wildlife
Habitat at Home. Red Deer
River Naturalists. (Copies
available from Blue ]ay
Bookshop, see contact below)
Regina Prairie Garden Project.
1996. Growing a Natiue Prairie
Garden. Regina Prairie
Garden Project.
Scalise, K. 1996. Wildlxfe
G ar dening in S askat chew an :
B uilding B aclcy ard Bio div er sity.
Wildlife Branch,
Saskatchewan Environment
and Resource Management.
Trottier, G.C. 1992. Conseryation
of Canadian Prairie
Grasslands: a Landowner's
Guide.Minister of Supply and
Services Canada. (Copies
available from Environment
Canada, see contact below)
Contacts
Native Plant Society of
Saskatchewan Inc.
P.O. Box 21099
Saskatoon SK S7H 5N9
Ph: (306) 668-3940
Website: www.npss.sk.ca
. Source list of native plant
suppliers and service
providers
. Workshops, meetings,
field tours
. Restoration and
education projects
. General plant identification
lnqurrles
Environment Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service,
Prairie and Northern Region
115 Perimeter Road
Saskatoon SK S7N 0X4
Ph: (306) 975-429r
Website: wr,wv.ec. gc.calcwsscf/cwshome
e.html
. Wildlife and wildlife habitat
management and research
Ducks Unlimited Canada
603-45th Street West
Saskatoon SK S7L 5W5
Ph: (306) 66s-7356
or
Box 4465
Regina SK S4P 3W7
Ph: (306) s69-0424
Website: www.ducks.ca
. Prairie stewardship programs
. Wetland conservation and
development
. Wildlife habitat conservation
and development
. Conservation easements
Saskatchewan Wetland
Conservation Corporation
#l0l -2022 Cornwall Street
Regina, SK
S4P 2K5
Ph: (306) 787-0782
Website: www.wetland.sk.ca
. Native Prairie Stewardship
Program
. Streambank Stewardship
Program
. Grazing and water
management
. Plant identification
Saskatchewan Prairie
Conservation Action Plan
Box 4752
Regina SK S4P 3Y4
Ph: (306) 352-0472
Website: www.pcap-sk.org
. Multi-stakeholder group
addressing issues related to
prairie conservation
. Field tours, prairie
management,
educational events
. Key contact for
conservatlon rssues

Saskatchewan Agriculture
and Food
3085 Albert Street
Regina SK S4S 0Bl
Phone: (306)787-5140
Website: lwrv.agr. gov.sk.ca
. Grazing and water
management
. Weed control
. Noxious weed list
. Rural Service Centres
Saskatchewan Environment and
Resource Management
32ll Albert St.
Regina SK S4S 5W6
Ph: (306) 787-2314
Website: www. gov.sk.calserm/
. Habitat management
for wildlife
. Wildlife management
. Parks and recreation
. Conservation easements
. Representative areas
. Biodiversity Action Plan
Saskatchewan Conservation
Data Centre
3211 Albert St.
Regina SK S4S 5W6
Ph: (306) 787-5021
Website: www.bio diversity.sk. ca
. Rare plants and animals
. Plant and animal inventory
and distribution
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation
Administration
1800 Hamilton St.
Regina SK S4P 4L2
Ph: (306) 780-5r2r
Website : www.agr.ca I pfr al
. Grazing and water
management
PFRA Shelterbelt Centre
Box 940
Indian Head SK SOG 2K0
Ph: (306) 69s-2284
Website: www agr. calpfra
. Source for trees and shrubs
. Information resources for
establishing shelterbelts
W.P. Fraser Herbarium
University of Saskatchewan
51 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A8
Ph: (306) 966-4968
. Plant collections
. Plant identification
George F. Ledingham Herbarium
c/o Biology Department
University of Regina
Regina SK S4S 0A2
Ph: (306) s85-42s4
. Plant collections
. Plant identification
Canadian Plains Research Center
University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina SK S4S 0A2
Ph: (306) s8s-4758
Websi te: \4mr!v.cp rc.uregina.ca
Blue fay Bookshop, Nature
Saskatchewan
206 - 1860 Lorne Street
Regina SK S4P 2L7
Ph: (306) 780-9273
. Wide range of field guides for
plants, animals and insects
. Natural history books
Back Cover Photo Credits:
M oin b ackgrountl image of feoth er: O 1 995 PhotoDisc, Inc
All rights reserued lmages O 1995 Photolink
Small lmages, from left to right:
Dean Nernberg, Shelley Ross, Dean Nernberg A Hammermeister