Native Plants As Habitat For Wildlife - Native Plant Society of ...
Native Plants As Habitat For Wildlife - Native Plant Society of ...
Native Plants As Habitat For Wildlife - Native Plant Society of ...
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The <strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan, Inc.<br />
Is Pleased to Present:<br />
<strong>Native</strong> <strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> <strong>As</strong> <strong>Habitat</strong> <strong>For</strong> <strong>Wildlife</strong><br />
Workshop and Annual General Meeting<br />
Speaker Notes<br />
February 2-3, 2001<br />
Temple Gardens Mineral Spa<br />
24 Fairford Street East<br />
Moose Jaw SK<br />
Sponsored In Part By:<br />
Tappit Resources Ltd.<br />
Environment Canada, Luscar Ltd., Saskatchewan <strong>For</strong>age Council, Shand Greenhouse, Meewasin Valley<br />
Authority, Golder <strong>As</strong>sociates Ltd., ERIN Consulting Ltd., Prairie Seeds Inc.,<br />
Nature Conservancy <strong>of</strong> Canada, Saskatchewan Neutraceutical Network
The NPSS is pleased to acknowledge our funding partners:<br />
www.ducks.ca<br />
Shell Canada Limited<br />
www.shell.ca<br />
Tappit Resources Ltd.<br />
www.Tappit.com<br />
www.nexeninc.com<br />
Saskatchewan<br />
Environment<br />
and Resource<br />
Management<br />
www.serm.gov.sk.ca<br />
Saskatchewan<br />
Agriculture<br />
and Food<br />
www.agr.gov.sk.ca<br />
<strong>For</strong> further information or copies <strong>of</strong> this document contact:<br />
<strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan Inc. Phone: (306) 668-3940<br />
P.O. Box 21099 Fax: (306) 373-4462<br />
Saskatoon SK S7H 5N9<br />
Email: info@npss.sk.ca<br />
Website: www.npss.sk.ca
Workshop Program and Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
Friday, February 2 nd<br />
Workshop Chair – Ray McDougald Page #<br />
8:00 Registration<br />
8:50 Opening remarks (Renny Grilz)<br />
9:00 Morning Session (Chair – Debbie Nilesen – Shand Greenhouse)<br />
9:00 Biodiversity and the link between native habitat and wildlife - Alan<br />
Appleby (Canadian Parks and Wilderness <strong>Society</strong>) ................................................1<br />
9:30 Saskatchewan Biodiversity Action Plan – Lin Gallagher (Saskatchewan<br />
Environment and Resource Management)...............................................................2<br />
9:50 Prairie Conservation Action Plan – Karyn Scalise (Prairie Conservation<br />
Action Plan) .............................................................................................................5<br />
10:10 BREAK<br />
10:30 The Government <strong>of</strong> Canada <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program for Species at<br />
Risk – Dean Nernberg (Canadian <strong>Wildlife</strong> Service)................................................7<br />
10:50 Loss and degradation <strong>of</strong> native Mixed Grass prairie: implications for<br />
grassland bird conservation in Saskatchewan – Steve Davis (Saskatchewan<br />
Wetland Conservation Corporation)......................................................................11<br />
11:10 <strong>Native</strong> plants as spider habitat – Jeanette Pepper (Saskatchewan<br />
Conservation Data Centre).....................................................................................12<br />
11:30 LUNCH –<br />
12:20 NPSS Business Meeting (Chair - Renny Grilz, NPSS/Ducks Unlimited<br />
Canada)<br />
1:40 Afternoon Session (Chair – Chris Nykoluk, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation<br />
Administration)<br />
1:40 <strong>Plant</strong> Quest program – Jim Elliot (Nature Saskatchewan)<br />
1:45 Some <strong>Plant</strong>-<strong>Wildlife</strong> Relationships in the Lake Athabasca Sand Dunes -<br />
Peter Jonker (Extension Division, University <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan) ..........................13<br />
2:35 <strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> in the inland aquatic environment: their role in a healthy ecosystem<br />
– Katherine Gerein (National Water Research Institute).......................................14<br />
3:00 BREAK<br />
3:30 The Missouri Coteau – biodiversity and wildlife management – Lyle<br />
Saigeon (Ducks Unlimited Canada).......................................................................15<br />
3:55 Grazing and fire management impacts on wildlife habitat – Conrad Olson<br />
(Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management)....................................16<br />
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4:20 Riparian area management and bird populations – Alan Smith (Canadian<br />
<strong>Wildlife</strong> Service)....................................................................................................18<br />
5:00 Silent auction, cocktails<br />
6:30 BANQUET (Chair – Deanne Newkirk, SaskPower)<br />
8:00 Banquet Speaker – Sharon Butala<br />
Saturday, February 3 rd<br />
8:00 Registration – c<strong>of</strong>fee and muffins<br />
8:50 Welcome Back<br />
9:00 Morning Session (Chair – Laura Herman)<br />
9:00 Saskatchewan’s Grassland mammals: a century <strong>of</strong> change – Wayne Harris<br />
(Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management)....................................21<br />
9:25 Rare plant conservation in Important Bird Areas: Where is the common<br />
ground - Josef Schmutz (Important Bird Areas, Nature Saskatchewan) .............22<br />
9:50 Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretative Centre – Heather Felskie<br />
(Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre).............................................23<br />
10:00 BREAK – Earthwatch video (Eileen Herman)<br />
10:30 Sharon Butala - readings<br />
11:15 <strong>Native</strong> plants as habitat for insects – Ron Hooper.................................................24<br />
11:45 <strong>Wildlife</strong> and plants, a nature enthusiast’s perspective – Nora Stewart<br />
(Prairie Mountain Roots) .......................................................................................25<br />
12:00 LUNCH<br />
1:00 Afternoon Session<br />
1:00 The native seed industry: a discussion session.<br />
- Industry survey results- Denise Pewarchuk (Alberta Research Council)............na<br />
- <strong>Native</strong> seed inventory and Conservation Cover Program update – Michel<br />
Tremblay (Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food) ...............................................na<br />
- <strong>Native</strong> plant industry trends – Andy Hammermeister (<strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong><br />
<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan) ...................................................................................27<br />
- NPSS membership survey – Andy Hammermeister............................................29<br />
2:00 Winter tree and shrub identification workshop – Anna Leighton .........................31<br />
Special Section: <strong>Native</strong> trees and shrubs and related cultivars – Sara<br />
Williams (Extension Division, University <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan)................................32<br />
4:00 Wrap-up<br />
4
Biodiversity and the Link Between <strong>Native</strong> <strong>Habitat</strong> and <strong>Wildlife</strong><br />
Alan G. Appleby<br />
Canadian Parks and Wilderness <strong>Society</strong><br />
The concept <strong>of</strong> habitat is fundamental to our understanding <strong>of</strong> the natural world we live<br />
in. And fundamental to our efforts to keep it healthy and sustainable. But what really do<br />
we know about habitat and the relationships <strong>of</strong> organisms that live in and ultimately<br />
create it<br />
In the broader context, habitat has dimensions <strong>of</strong> time, place and process that we have not<br />
yet fully incorporated into our thinking. Some <strong>of</strong> these dimensions go beyond our normal<br />
biological concept <strong>of</strong> habitat into broader geographic, social and cultural arenas not<br />
usually integrated into the equation.<br />
With the accelerating pace <strong>of</strong> change in our environment both locally and globally, we<br />
need to find ways to incorporate broader ways <strong>of</strong> thinking and acting to preserve<br />
examples <strong>of</strong> healthy functioning habitats. Protected area programs <strong>of</strong>fer some hope that<br />
we can maintain specimen areas to broadly address and preserve representative habitat<br />
areas that sustain their internal ecological integrity and the links between habitat and<br />
wildlife.<br />
If we are to maintain healthy habitat for the range <strong>of</strong> biodiversity we are willing to share<br />
this earth with, we must begin to conceptualize and work within the broader picture as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> our local research, management and advocacy activities.<br />
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Saskatchewan Biodiversity Action Plan<br />
Lin Gallagher<br />
Biodiversity Specialist, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management<br />
The Government <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan has publicly committed to the development <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Saskatchewan Biodiversity Action Plan to guide the actions <strong>of</strong> government to conserve<br />
our province’s biological resources for present and future generations.<br />
The Action Plan will provide an umbrella for provincial actions over a five year period to<br />
manage human activities and use <strong>of</strong> the provinces natural resources in order to maintain<br />
ecosystem, species and genetic diversity and the natural processes that shaped them<br />
What is Biodiversity<br />
Biodiversity (short for biological diversity) is the spectacular variety <strong>of</strong> life on earth and<br />
the essential interdependence among all living things.<br />
The Convention on Biological Diversity, June 1992 defines biodiversity as:<br />
“The variability among living organisms from all sources, including among others,<br />
terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes <strong>of</strong> which<br />
they are a part; this includes diversity within species and between species and diversity <strong>of</strong><br />
ecosystems.”<br />
Biodiversity is usually considered at three levels including:<br />
• Genetic Diversity - variability in the genetic composition <strong>of</strong> individuals within or<br />
among species and their populations.<br />
• Species Diversity - the number and variety <strong>of</strong> species found in a given area.<br />
• Ecosystem Diversity - the variety <strong>of</strong> ecosystems found within a region, where<br />
ecosystem means a dynamic complex <strong>of</strong> plant, animal and microbial communities<br />
and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit.<br />
What is the Value <strong>of</strong> Biodiversity<br />
The benefits <strong>of</strong> conserving biological diversity are numerous. Biological diversity is the<br />
primary source for fulfilment <strong>of</strong> humanities needs and provides a basis for adaptation to<br />
changing environments. An environment rich in biological diversity <strong>of</strong>fers the broadest<br />
array <strong>of</strong> options for sustainable economic activity, for nurturing human welfare and for<br />
adapting to change.<br />
The world’s species provide us with all our food and many medicines and industrial<br />
products. <strong>For</strong> example, the fishing, forestry and to some extent agriculture industries rely<br />
on the harvest <strong>of</strong> biological resources from the wild.<br />
Benefits arising from the conservation <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan’s biological diversity are not<br />
however restricted to the continued harvest <strong>of</strong> resources, they include the provision and<br />
2
maintenance <strong>of</strong> a wide array <strong>of</strong> ecological services. The maintenance <strong>of</strong> hydrological<br />
cycles (groundwater recharge, watershed protection, and buffering against extreme<br />
events), climate regulation, soil production and fertility, protection from erosion, nutrient<br />
storage and cycling, and pollutant breakdown and absorption are some <strong>of</strong> these services.<br />
They are fundamental to the quality <strong>of</strong> our life and our economy, and they are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
grossly undervalued by society.<br />
Threats to Biodiversity<br />
The amazing variety <strong>of</strong> living things that are the foundation <strong>of</strong> life is disappearing. Past<br />
and current practices including habitat destruction and fragmentation, pollution, and over<br />
harvesting have disturbed ecosystems and ecosystem services. Human activity has been<br />
changing ecosystems for thousands <strong>of</strong> years but, in Saskatchewan the pace and extent <strong>of</strong><br />
change has increased since European settlement about 150 years ago. The principle<br />
threats to the province’s land and aquatic biodiversity can be summarized under five<br />
main headings including habitat loss and fragmentation, non-native species invasion,<br />
pesticides and pollution, over-harvesting.<br />
<strong>For</strong> example agricultural soils are being lost either through erosion or agricultural<br />
practices that are unsustainable. Drainage <strong>of</strong> wetlands has resulted in the loss <strong>of</strong> native<br />
aquatic systems and other drainage has left communities vulnerable to flooding. Invasive<br />
species including Dutch elm disease, leafy spurge and purple loose strife cause damage to<br />
agricultural and natural systems and negatively affect populations <strong>of</strong> native species.<br />
Chemical by-products from human activities are damaging the ozone layer and are<br />
responsible for global warming.<br />
What Can We Do<br />
The complexity <strong>of</strong> the threats to biodiversity call for a wide range <strong>of</strong> responses across a<br />
large number <strong>of</strong> private and public sectors.<br />
Global Initiative: United Nations Convention<br />
The world wide impact <strong>of</strong> the decline <strong>of</strong> biological resources inspired the global<br />
community to successfully negotiate the United Nations Convention on Biological<br />
Diversity in 1992. The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed by Canada at the<br />
June 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil and ratified in December 1992. Canada was the first<br />
industrialized country to ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity<br />
National Initiative: Canadian Biodiversity Strategy<br />
Canada’s primary response to the Convention on Biological Diversity has been the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. The strategy is an important first<br />
step in providing a national framework for jurisdictional and sectoral planning and<br />
reporting. The completed strategy was released in November, 1995 and received<br />
Ministerial endorsement from all jurisdictions in April, 1996. All federal, provincial and<br />
territorial governments are now committed to its five goals.<br />
3
In May, 1995, our provincial Cabinet endorsed the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, which<br />
specifies that each jurisdiction would implement the strategic directions set out in the<br />
document according to its own priorities, plans and fiscal capabilities.<br />
Provincial Initiative: Saskatchewan Biodiversity Action Plan<br />
Saskatchewan adopted its current environmental policy in 1994 in the document<br />
Saskatchewan’s Environmental Agenda - Securing a Sustainable Future. That agenda<br />
outlines five goals and associated actions “to achieve a sustainable environmental future<br />
for Saskatchewan”.<br />
Strategies to be <strong>of</strong> any use must be turned into action through a more tactical process <strong>of</strong><br />
planning. Specific activities must be identified to address the broad strategies outlined in<br />
the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. In Saskatchewan this entails the development <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Saskatchewan Biodiversity Action Plan. The Action Plan will guide the biodiversity<br />
conservation efforts <strong>of</strong> the provincial government over the next five years in support <strong>of</strong><br />
the CBS.<br />
An Interagency Steering Committee comprised <strong>of</strong> representatives from all Government<br />
departments and agencies whose activities impact on provincial biodiversity resources<br />
has been established to develop the five year Action Plan. The Action Plan will identify<br />
direct actions for the conservation <strong>of</strong> biodiversity within the province and outline an<br />
implementation plan which identifies priorities for government action.<br />
Conclusion:<br />
Human activity affects a large portion <strong>of</strong> the earth’s land area. In Saskatchewan,<br />
agriculture, forestry and urbanization are three <strong>of</strong> the major economic uses <strong>of</strong> land. If<br />
biodiversity and the economy must share the same land base, it follows that they must<br />
share management systems as well. Biodiversity values can no longer be taken care <strong>of</strong><br />
outside <strong>of</strong> the domain <strong>of</strong> human activity<br />
<strong>For</strong>tunately for us, our productive forests, farmlands, and even cities remain rich in<br />
natural biodiversity when compared to more populated countries, the challenge is to<br />
protect and enhance this richness in the context <strong>of</strong> continuing economic activity.<br />
4
Prairie Conservation Action Plan<br />
- Submitted by Karyn Scalise, PCAP Implementation Coordinator -<br />
Box 4752 REGINA SK S4P 3Y4<br />
Phone: (306) 352-0472; Fax: (306) 525-5852<br />
E-mail: pcap@sk.sympatico.ca; Website: www.pcap-sk.org<br />
Significant progress continues to be made on the implementation <strong>of</strong> the Saskatchewan<br />
Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP). Progress is tracked annually through the<br />
production <strong>of</strong> Partner Updates. Partner Update 2 is available on our website or through<br />
the PCAP <strong>of</strong>fice. The PCAP is chaired by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers <strong>As</strong>sociation<br />
and has representation from 21 partners representing industry, academic institutions,<br />
government agencies and non-government organizations, including the NPSS. PCAPs<br />
five key goals are:<br />
· To sustain a healthy native prairie grazing resource<br />
· To conserve the remaining prairie resource<br />
· To maintain Saskatchewan’s native prairie biological diversity<br />
· To promote the sustainable use <strong>of</strong> native prairie to enhance quality <strong>of</strong> life<br />
· To promote education and develop education programs<br />
This summer PCAP partners hosted an impressive and diverse list <strong>of</strong> events to increase<br />
awareness and appreciation <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan’s native prairie ecosystems. On June 2 a<br />
PCAP Signing Ceremony was held at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina to<br />
mark the <strong>of</strong>ficial launch <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan’s 2 nd Annual <strong>Native</strong> Prairie Appreciation<br />
Week. Renny Grilz signed on behalf <strong>of</strong> the NPSS. On behalf <strong>of</strong> Deputy Prime Minister<br />
Herb Gray and the Government <strong>of</strong> Canada, the Honourable Ralph Goodale delivered<br />
greetings and announced that the Saskatchewan and Manitoba PCAPs would receive up<br />
to $538, 879 through the Canada Millennium Partnership Program (CMPP).<br />
In July, I attended a barbeque for federal Environment Minister, David Anderson, which<br />
was jointly organized by the Canadian Cattlemen’s <strong>As</strong>sociation and the SSGA at a ranch<br />
near Hanley. The ranch tour demonstrated that good stewardship can provide high quality<br />
habitat for wildlife and pr<strong>of</strong>its for producers. The following evening Minister Anderson<br />
announced that $410,000 would be awarded to PCAP and four <strong>of</strong> its partners (Nature<br />
Saskatchewan (NS), Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation (SWCC), Nature<br />
Conservancy Canada (NCC) and the NPSS) through Environment Canada’s <strong>Habitat</strong><br />
Stewardship Program. Most <strong>of</strong> this funding will be targeted at the Missouri Coteau.<br />
PCAP, SWCC, NS, NCC and Ducks Unlimited Canada are working together to ensure<br />
coordination <strong>of</strong> stewardship programming. NPSS received <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program<br />
funding for the booklet it is developing on managing acreages. PCAP is pleased to be<br />
providing in-kind and financial support towards this worthwhile endeavor.<br />
This fall, PCAP’s 21 partners evaluated progress on the 85 action items contained in the<br />
Prairie Conservation Action Plan. We plan to present the results <strong>of</strong> this evaluation and<br />
other information relating to PCAP progress at the 6 th Prairie Conservation and<br />
Endangered Species Conference which will be held in Winnipeg on February 22-25,<br />
5
2001. The conference is held every three years; this years theme is Sharing Common<br />
Ground. The original PCAP document was unveiled at the 1998 conference in Saskatoon<br />
and I am confident that delegates will be impressed by the progress that has been made in<br />
Saskatchewan over the past three years. Since 1998, the Saskatchewan PCAP has raised<br />
over $645,000 for prairie conservation initiatives.<br />
Planning for Saskatchewan’s third annual <strong>Native</strong> Prairie Appreciation Week (NPAW) has<br />
begun. A three day event is planned for June after the SSGA Convention. NPAW 2001<br />
will be modelled after the highly successful Romancing the Prairies conference, held in<br />
Cypress Hills in 1999. It will bring together ranchers, naturalists and environmental and<br />
agricultural specialists for presentations, field tours and a banquet.<br />
The Cows, Fish, Cattle Dogs and Kids Game Show on riparian stewardship was a huge<br />
hit at Saskatoon’s Fall Fair and at Agribition in Regina this November. Between 1,500 to<br />
2,000 Grade 4 to 6 students participated in the game. The kids have lots <strong>of</strong> fun playing<br />
and teachers and parents are consistently impressed at its effectiveness in educating<br />
students about riparian areas.<br />
In January and February, PCAP is joining forces with Grasslands National Park, SK<br />
Wetland Conservation Corporation (SWCC), the SK Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre<br />
(SBOIC) and the Nature Conservancy <strong>of</strong> Canada (NCC) to deliver the Eco-Extravaganza<br />
to kindergarten to grade 6 students from schools in <strong>As</strong>siniboia, Bengough, Coronach,<br />
Rockglen, Radville, Crane Valley, Spring Valley, Viceroy, Ogema, Pangman, Gladmar,<br />
Oungre and Willowbunch. Evening meetings are also being planned in some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
communities visited to provide landowners with information on the PCAP and<br />
stewardship programs operating in the Missouri Coteau.<br />
I am looking forward to the NPSS Conference this February and to providing you with<br />
more information on PCAP.<br />
The PCAP gratefully acknowledges funding and in-kind support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada<br />
through the National Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP) and the Canadian Adaptation &<br />
Rural Development Fund in Saskatchewan (CARDS), Canada Millennium Partnership Program (CMPP),,<br />
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Environment Canada - Canadian <strong>Wildlife</strong> Service (CWS), Environment<br />
Canada’s <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program, Nature Saskatchewan (NS), Saskatchewan Agriculture & Food<br />
(SAF), Saskatchewan Environmental Industry and Managers <strong>As</strong>sociation (SEIMA), Saskatchewan<br />
Environment & Resource Management (SERM), SERMs Fish and <strong>Wildlife</strong> Development Fund,<br />
Saskatchewan Stock Growers <strong>As</strong>sociation (SSGA), Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation<br />
(SWCC) and the University <strong>of</strong> Regina’s Canadian Plains Research Centre (CPRC).<br />
Note: this article was reprinted from Volume 5, No. 4 <strong>of</strong> the NPSS newsletter <strong>Native</strong><br />
<strong>Plant</strong> News.<br />
6
The Government <strong>of</strong> Canada <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program for Species at Risk<br />
Dean Nernberg<br />
Canadian <strong>Wildlife</strong> Service, Environment Canada<br />
Stewardship and the Federal Strategy<br />
Stewardship refers to the wide range <strong>of</strong> voluntary actions by Canadians to care for the<br />
environment. Activities range from monitoring and conserving wildlife species and their<br />
habitat, to protecting and improving the quality <strong>of</strong> soil, water, air and other natural<br />
resources. These types <strong>of</strong> conservation actions, particularly those activities that provide<br />
habitat, are essential to the recovery <strong>of</strong> species at risk and to the prevention <strong>of</strong> other<br />
species from becoming at risk in the first place.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> activities that Canadians, such as farmers, naturalist club members, fishing<br />
interests and resource companies, are undertaking to care for the environment and to<br />
protect species at risk and their habitats include:<br />
• Protecting habitat for Burrowing Owls and reporting sightings <strong>of</strong> them;<br />
• Installing nest boxes for species such as the Eastern Bluebird, Prothonotary<br />
Warbler, and the Barn Owl;<br />
• Improving habitat conditions for the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike by putting cattle<br />
into pastures where controlled grazing is required to prevent encroachment <strong>of</strong> some<br />
plants;<br />
• Clearing habitat and protecting nesting areas for the Spiny S<strong>of</strong>tshell Turtle;<br />
• Restoring fish habitat and cleaning up streams;<br />
• Developing selective fishing gear methods to reduce catch <strong>of</strong> species at risk;<br />
• <strong>As</strong>sisting in the development <strong>of</strong> land use guidelines that further protect habitat for<br />
species at risk.<br />
A variety <strong>of</strong> players help make these stewardship actions possible and successful over the<br />
long-term.<br />
The federal government's three-part strategy to protect species at risk consists <strong>of</strong> building<br />
on the Accord for the Protection <strong>of</strong> Species at Risk, the new legislation, the proposed<br />
Species at Risk Act (SARA), and the introduction <strong>of</strong> stewardship programs. Stewardship<br />
programs will help Canadians protect species at risk and their habitats.<br />
Value <strong>of</strong> Partnerships<br />
Governments, both federal and provincial, have for many years assisted Canadians in<br />
protecting species at risk and their habitats. They have done so by providing scientific<br />
information and technical assistance, as well as economic incentives such as direct<br />
financial assistance and income tax reductions for donations <strong>of</strong> ecologically sensitive<br />
lands.<br />
Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy<br />
<strong>of</strong> Canada, are key in making these types <strong>of</strong> activities possible by helping landowners to<br />
7
identify and implement stewardship actions. Their activities have been funded by the<br />
private sector, by government, and by partnerships between the two.<br />
Other partners in protecting species at risk and their habitats include:<br />
• Private landowners and land users (individuals or companies);<br />
• Fishing interests (individuals or companies);<br />
• Not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations such as charitable and volunteer organizations,<br />
• Pr<strong>of</strong>essional associations, and non-governmental organizations;<br />
• Aboriginal organizations and associations and wildlife management boards;<br />
• Educational institutions (Universities & Colleges);<br />
• Local organizations such as community associations and groups, seniors' and<br />
youth groups, and service clubs;<br />
• Private individuals and companies that lease crown lands or have lease<br />
agreements or permits for resource use and exploitation;<br />
• Provincial, municipal and local governments and public agencies.<br />
Stewardship programs recognize that landowners and land users prefer to make decisions<br />
about their own land management activities. Often all they need is access to information<br />
that will help them make decisions about what they can do to conserve species, access to<br />
financial assistance where the cost <strong>of</strong> action is prohibitive, and some recognition for their<br />
contributions. The evidence is clear-where these tools are available, the results for<br />
species and their habitats can be very positive. The federal government has recognized<br />
this reality by making stewardship a cornerstone <strong>of</strong> its three-part strategy to protect<br />
species at risk.<br />
The <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program<br />
The <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program for Species at Risk is a partnership-based, conservation<br />
initiative sponsored by the Government <strong>of</strong> Canada. The Program is managed<br />
cooperatively by Environment Canada, the Department <strong>of</strong> Fisheries and Oceans and<br />
Parks Canada, and administered by Environment Canada.<br />
A portion <strong>of</strong> the $90 million that Budget 2000 is investing in a national strategy to protect<br />
species at risk over the next three years will be used for this program. The program will<br />
enhance existing, and encourage new, conservation activities that foster land use and<br />
resource use practices that maintain habitat critical to the survival and recovery <strong>of</strong><br />
threatened or endangered species as identified in recovery planning. To be proactive and<br />
prevent wildlife species from becoming at risk, the program will also contribute to the<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> management plans for species <strong>of</strong> conservation concern. There will be<br />
an increased focus<br />
on recovery <strong>of</strong> species at risk, especially over the next few years while conservation<br />
strategies identified in recovery plans and action plans are being put in place.<br />
The Missouri Coteau Initiative<br />
The Missouri Coteau is considered as one <strong>of</strong> North America’s and Prairie Canada’s most<br />
significant tract <strong>of</strong> prairie grasslands, lakes, and pothole complexes. This extensive<br />
8
glacial moraine covers approximately 26,000 square miles (6.7 million hectares) in the<br />
prairie ecozone <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan extending into North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana,<br />
and Minnesota.<br />
In Canada, this landscape occupies 9,000 square miles (2.35 million hectares) in the<br />
mixed grassland ecoregion <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan. The Missouri Coteau encompasses 25 rural<br />
municipalities and is orientated in a diagonal belt from the northwest near the community<br />
<strong>of</strong> Biggar through Chaplin, Crane Valley, and extending to Lake Alma and the United<br />
States border.<br />
Key Reasons for Integrated Conservation in the Missouri Coteau<br />
! Significant threat for loss or degradation <strong>of</strong> native prairie and wetlands.<br />
Only 17% <strong>of</strong> native prairie is estimated to remain in southern Saskatchewan while 1/3<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Missouri Coteau landbase is under natural grassland. Remnant native prairie<br />
still is being converted to cropland resulting in fragmented smaller land parcels,<br />
vulnerable to invasion <strong>of</strong> exotic species. In addition, over 70% <strong>of</strong> southern<br />
Saskatchewan’s wetlands are annually impacted upon by agricultural activities.<br />
The Coteau’s rural farming and ranching community is undergoing social and<br />
economic changes. With many landowners nearing retirement age, there will be<br />
considerable turnover in land ownership during the next 20 years. This will result in<br />
more intensive land use and accelerated loss <strong>of</strong> wildlife habitat.<br />
! The Missouri Coteau is an important prairie waterfowl breeding area.<br />
In May 1999, an estimated 4.1 million birds, or 28 % <strong>of</strong> the southern prairie duck<br />
population, used this region. Northern Pintail and Lesser Scaup, both species well<br />
below their NAWMP population goals, breed in the Missouri Coteau.<br />
! Key wetland complexes for shorebird breeding and migration.<br />
There are 32 species <strong>of</strong> shorebirds that commonly occur in Saskatchewan and the<br />
Missouri Coteau. Sixteen <strong>of</strong> these species migrate through the province and another<br />
16 species are local breeders. The Chaplin, Reed, and Old Wives Lake complex has<br />
been identified by WHSRN as having Hemispheric significance for shorebirds.<br />
! The Missouri Coteau has important habitat for Species at Risk.<br />
Species at risk found in this region include: Piping Plover, Whooping Crane,<br />
Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Sprague’s Pipit, Loggerhead Shrike, Long-billed<br />
Curlew, Sage Thrasher, Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl, Yellow Rail, Northern<br />
Leopard Frog, Great Plains Toad, Monarch Butterfly, and Hairy Prairie Clover. <strong>For</strong><br />
example, about 250 pairs <strong>of</strong> Piping Plover, or 36% <strong>of</strong> the breeding population in<br />
Saskatchewan, is present in the Missouri Coteau.<br />
! <strong>Native</strong> prairie provides critical habitat for grassland birds.<br />
Common species include Chestnut-collared Longspur, Baird’s Sparrow, Western<br />
Meadowlark, and Sprague’s Pipit. Many <strong>of</strong> which are experiencing the sharpest<br />
population declines in North America.<br />
9
! The Missouri Coteau has important breeding areas for colonial waterbirds.<br />
Common species include Great Blue Heron, Black-crown Night-Heron, White<br />
Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Eared Grebe, and Franklin’s Gull.<br />
! A number <strong>of</strong> habitat conservation activities already underway in the Missouri<br />
Coteau.<br />
Conservation activities range from a national Migratory Bird Sanctuary, agricultural<br />
extension, native prairie stewardship, education, conservation easements, fee title<br />
purchases, leases, flood consents, and land management agreements.<br />
How Can This Be Accomplished<br />
The activities by the partners in the Missouri Coteau Initiative will target areas <strong>of</strong> key<br />
importance to Species at Risk, areas with a high proportion <strong>of</strong> remnant native prairie,<br />
areas with critical wetlands, areas where soil classification puts native prairie at risk for<br />
conversion to cropland, and areas with mixed farming operations where cropland<br />
conversion to perennial cover would be more likely to succeed and be maintained. These<br />
are some <strong>of</strong> the activities underway in the Missouri Coteau:<br />
• Private and Paid Stewardship Activities<br />
• Conservation Easements<br />
• Land Purchase<br />
• Cropland Conversion<br />
• Education<br />
• Data Collection<br />
• Targeted Species Projects<br />
In 2000, the Government <strong>of</strong> Canada <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program for Species at Risk<br />
provided $410,000 to assist non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations with their <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship<br />
activities in the Missouri Coteau. These groups included: Nature Conservancy <strong>of</strong><br />
Canada, Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation, Nature Saskatchewan, Prairie<br />
Conservation Action Plan, and the <strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan. There are<br />
other organizations that have not received funding through this program that have<br />
stewardship projects and activities centred in the Missouri Coteau as well, such as Ducks<br />
Unlimited Canada. The Government <strong>of</strong> Canada <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship Program for Species<br />
at Risk will continue to support <strong>Habitat</strong> Stewardship activities in the Missouri Coteau in<br />
2001 as well as other areas <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan and across Canada.<br />
10
Loss and Degradation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Native</strong> Mixed-grass Prairie: Implications for Grassland<br />
Bird Conservation in Saskatchewan<br />
Steve Davis<br />
Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation<br />
Analyses <strong>of</strong> data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey indicate that grassland<br />
bird populations are experiencing the steepest and most consistent declines <strong>of</strong> any avian<br />
group. Widespread loss and degradation <strong>of</strong> prairie habitat have <strong>of</strong>ten been cited as the<br />
primary factors responsible for these declines. Unfortunately, few studies <strong>of</strong> grassland<br />
birds have been conducted in Prairie Canada despite the fact that 70% <strong>of</strong> grassland birds<br />
are declining in Canada and that several endemic grassland bird species reach their<br />
greatest abundance in this region. Here I summarize recent research in an attempt to<br />
identify factors that may contribute to the decline <strong>of</strong> grassland birds in Canada.<br />
Results from grassland bird surveys indicate cropland habitat is least attractive for all<br />
species with the exception <strong>of</strong> the Horned Lark. Several species are <strong>of</strong>ten associated with<br />
hayland and seeded pastures (e.g. Baird’s Sparrow), while other species are mostly<br />
restricted to native pasture (e.g. Sprague’s Pipit). These results suggest that 1) the<br />
conversion <strong>of</strong> native prairie to cropland has likely played a major role in the decline <strong>of</strong><br />
grassland birds and, 2) while forage crops provide habitat for some generalist species,<br />
they do not provide habitat for grassland specialists.<br />
Over-grazing is <strong>of</strong>ten cited as having a deleterious effect on grassland birds because <strong>of</strong><br />
drastic changes in vegetation structure, although some species are associated with heavily<br />
grazed habitats. Indeed, some species are least abundant in heavily grazed pastures and<br />
residual vegetation has been found to be the most important parameter in nest-site<br />
selection models. However, the overall impact that grazing has on grassland bird<br />
populations in Saskatchewan is unknown and may be relatively minor.<br />
Breeding habitat may also be degraded through the process <strong>of</strong> fragmentation. The<br />
increased edge habitat resulting from habitat fragmentation may cause the loss <strong>of</strong> species<br />
that require interior habitats and increase the abundance <strong>of</strong> edge species, including<br />
predators and brood parasitic Brown-headed Cowbirds. Indeed, my research indicates<br />
that grassland specialists are more likely to occur on large pastures and cowbird<br />
parasitism is inversely related to patch size. However, nest success and productivity <strong>of</strong><br />
grassland birds was as high or higher in small native pastures (≤ 65 ha) than in large<br />
pastures (> 256 ha). The results <strong>of</strong> these studies support the contention that the<br />
destruction and fragmentation <strong>of</strong> native grasslands has contributed to the decline <strong>of</strong> some<br />
grassland bird species. Thus conservation <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan’s native range should be the<br />
province’s highest conservation priority for sustaining endemic grassland bird<br />
populations.<br />
11
<strong>Native</strong> <strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> as Spider <strong>Habitat</strong><br />
Jeanette Pepper<br />
Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre, Sask. Environment and Resource Management<br />
In the past, the importance <strong>of</strong> native plants as habitat for arthropods, such as spiders and<br />
insects, has been overlooked. All animals, including small ones, rely on specific plants<br />
and plant communities for their survival. Although spiders are strictly predaceous, they<br />
depend on plants to attract prey, provide protective cover and structural support for web<br />
construction.<br />
Arachnids, such as spiders, are fundamentally different from insects and other arthropods.<br />
Spiders have two body parts, the cephalothorax and abdomen. Attached to the<br />
cephalothorax are four pairs <strong>of</strong> legs, a pair <strong>of</strong> biting chelicerae or fangs, a pair <strong>of</strong><br />
pedipalps and eight eyes. Unlike insects, spiders undergo incomplete metamorphosis.<br />
Spiderlings moult many times before reaching maturity, making identification to the<br />
species' level difficult for juveniles.<br />
Most, if not all spiders are venomous and through a variety <strong>of</strong> techniques typically prey<br />
on insects in Saskatchewan. All spiders are able to produce silk even though not all<br />
species build webs. Web designs and hunting techniques are specific to each spider<br />
Family. Wandering spiders, such as Lycosids (wolf spiders), Salticids (jumping spiders)<br />
and Thomosids (crab spiders) do not typically build webs to capture prey but rather<br />
ambush insects. Araneids (orb web spiders) and Agelenids (funnel-web spiders) construct<br />
elaborate webs to catch either flying or wandering insects respectively.<br />
<strong>Native</strong> plants provide essential habitat for spiders in a variety <strong>of</strong> ways. Vegetation<br />
attracts insect prey and provides the structural support for web building as well as ground<br />
cover for wandering species. Different vegetation zones have been identified as habitat<br />
for spider species. Spiders live on the ground, in short vegetation, taller shrubs and the<br />
upper canopy <strong>of</strong> forests. Spiders not only inhabit specific zones but move within a single<br />
zone according to the season and prey availability.<br />
Research conducted in 1995 on Saskatchewan grasslands illustrated the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
plants to spider species richness and species assemblages. Range condition assessments<br />
and ground-dwelling arthropod surveys were conducted on pastures <strong>of</strong> native prairie. The<br />
pasture with the poorest range condition due to high levels <strong>of</strong> bare soil and little litter,<br />
had the lowest number <strong>of</strong> spider species. This was most likely due to the higher soil<br />
temperatures, little cover and lower moisture levels which would be less conducive for<br />
wandering spider species. Although most cursorial or wandering species do not build<br />
webs, the low structural heterogeneity <strong>of</strong> the vegetation on this pasture may have limited<br />
species richness since suitable prey may have also been affected by the structurally<br />
simplistic vegetation available.<br />
This research provides evidence to support what we intuitively know: conservation <strong>of</strong><br />
native plants and plant communities is essential to the preservation <strong>of</strong> our native<br />
biodiversity.<br />
12
Some <strong>Plant</strong>-Animal Relationships in the Lake Athabasca Sand Dunes<br />
Peter Jonker<br />
Extension Division, University <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan<br />
I cannot tell you that the dunes are teeming with unusual wildlife relating in most unusual<br />
ways to local plants. The truth is that, although the wide open sand fields occasionally<br />
serve as places to escape mid-summer mosquitoes and blackflies, they are generally<br />
avoided by various local animal species as largely unfriendly terrain with little to <strong>of</strong>fer in<br />
comfort or food. The dunes are in many ways a mostly deserted, windswept landscape<br />
suffering from temperature extremes.<br />
It is this very desolation, however, which serves to bring into surprising and delightful<br />
contrast the presence life. Whether it be, on a small scale, a single clump <strong>of</strong> floccose<br />
tansy clinging to the surface <strong>of</strong> an immense sand field or, on a larger scale, a pocket <strong>of</strong><br />
felt-leaved willow or jack pine sprouting from a moist interdune trough, each is like an<br />
oasis. These <strong>of</strong>ten provide important opportunities for a variety <strong>of</strong> insects, birds, or<br />
mammals during the course <strong>of</strong> a year. These provide ongoing opportunities for human<br />
visitors to encounter and observe such animal life. Having camped and hiked in the dunes<br />
on 12 occasions with groups or on personal expeditions, I have had recurring<br />
opportunities to observe some relationships.<br />
In this presentation, supported with slides, we will consider what vegetation<br />
characteristics are likely to be <strong>of</strong> interest to resident animals, how this is reflected in their<br />
use <strong>of</strong> the dunes area generally, and how this is reflected in their use <strong>of</strong> particular species.<br />
13
<strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> in the Inland Aquatic Environment:Their Role in a Healthy Ecosystem<br />
Katherine Gerein and Marlene Evans<br />
National Water Research Institute, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5<br />
<strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> are a crucial component to the functioning <strong>of</strong> a healthy aquatic ecosystem. <strong>As</strong> in<br />
terrestrial ecosystems, plants form the base <strong>of</strong> the food web and interactions between<br />
plants and animals ultimately affect food web structure. Aquatic plants provide habitat<br />
for invertebrates, fish, both migratory and nesting waterfowl and other wildlife, such as<br />
beavers and moose. <strong>As</strong> well, they are an important source <strong>of</strong> dissolved oxygen in the<br />
water column, stabilize the sediments <strong>of</strong> the littoral (near-shore) zone, and provide sites<br />
for the growth <strong>of</strong> epiphytic algae. Some aquatic plants have medicinal properties.<br />
Aquatic plants exhibit great morphological diversity, varying from microscopic algae to<br />
large macrophytes (rooted plants). Within a freshwater lake, the littoral zone is<br />
subdivided into different zones characterized by their plant community. Emergent<br />
macrophytes, such as cattails (Typha) and bulrushes (Scirpus), are found along the<br />
nearshore region; whereas floating macrophytes, such as pond weed (Potamogeton) and<br />
water lilies (Nymphaea and Nuphar), occur in waters up to 3 m. Submerged<br />
macrophytes, such as stoneworts (Chara), grow on the substrate in waters up to 10 m,<br />
depending on water clarity. Macrophytes also provide substrate for epiphytic algae.<br />
<strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> in the pelagic (open-water) zone <strong>of</strong> a lake are dominated by algae, ranging from<br />
single-celled (e.g., Chlamydomonas) to large, colonial algae (e.g., Aphanizomenon). The<br />
rapid movement <strong>of</strong> water in rivers limits plant growth to rooted macrophytes and<br />
epiphytic algae growing along the shoreline.<br />
While a naturally balanced flora is necessary, problems arise if plant growth becomes<br />
excessive. Many Saskatchewan lakes are naturally eutrophic, although algal blooms are<br />
frequently exacerbated by human activities, such as sewage effluent discharge and run<strong>of</strong>f<br />
<strong>of</strong> fertilizers from agricultural lands. In eutrophic lakes, when blooms <strong>of</strong> large colonial<br />
algae die, bacteria decompose the algae which can result in anoxia causing the death <strong>of</strong><br />
fish. Algal blooms are also aesthetically unpleasant as they decrease water clarity, and<br />
can have an odour. <strong>As</strong> well, certain algal species release toxins into the water that can<br />
poison wildlife and cattle. Excess nutrients also lead to increased macrophyte growth<br />
which can foul recreational areas.<br />
Saline lake aquatic plant communities have reduced diversity as a result <strong>of</strong> the elevated<br />
salinity. Saline lakes are unique ecosystems and until recently, their importance has been<br />
overlooked. They are vital to the shorebirds ecology, and several <strong>of</strong> these saline lakes in<br />
Saskatchewan have been declared protected areas. Phosphorus and nitrogen<br />
concentrations in saline lakes are high, but the total plant biomass is generally lower than<br />
expected. Macrophytes are <strong>of</strong>ten absent in these ecosystems and the algal community<br />
appears to be dominated by single-celled taxa, and have fewer colonial forms.<br />
14
The Missouri Coteau - Biodiversity and <strong>Wildlife</strong> Management<br />
Lyle Saigeon<br />
Ducks Unlimited Canada<br />
Mixed grass prairie historically covered much <strong>of</strong> southern Saskatchewan. That which<br />
remains today is critically important to maintain many species <strong>of</strong> wildlife, and to preserve<br />
the floral biodiversity <strong>of</strong> the mixed grasslands. At the heart <strong>of</strong> the Saskatchewan prairies<br />
lies the grasslands <strong>of</strong> the Missouri Coteau, a last vestige <strong>of</strong> the prairie and pothole<br />
wetlands recognized as some <strong>of</strong> the very best remaining natural habitat in North America.<br />
The loss <strong>of</strong> wildlife habitat and biodiversity to date coupled with the threat <strong>of</strong> further<br />
decline <strong>of</strong> the ecosystem and damage to wildlife populations require a call to action from<br />
the conservation community. The shared sense <strong>of</strong> urgency about conservationists and the<br />
common recognition <strong>of</strong> the value <strong>of</strong> preserving mixed grasslands have lead Ducks<br />
Unlimited Canada to develop a comprehensive, multi-functional action plan for the<br />
Missouri Coteau.<br />
This plan must look beyond traditional conservation measures and address demographic<br />
change from declining rural populations and the on-going deflated grain economy that<br />
threatens agricultural sustainability. Up-scaled industrialization <strong>of</strong> agriculture may result<br />
in a departure from a land stewardship ethic that conserves native uplands and wetlands<br />
for their natural and heritage values. Changes may also provide opportunity for<br />
enterprise change favorable for wildlife and the preservation <strong>of</strong> natural biodiversity.<br />
Ducks Unlimited Canada’s action plan will: guide DUC in maintaining and, where<br />
possible, improving the ecological function <strong>of</strong> the Missouri Coteau landscape; develop<br />
conservation initiatives that can provide broad-based benefit to wildlife and biodiversity;<br />
align DUC strategies to meet the goals <strong>of</strong> new partnerships within both the agricultural<br />
and conservation communities.<br />
15
Grazing and Fire Management Impacts on <strong>Wildlife</strong> <strong>Habitat</strong><br />
Conrad Olson<br />
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management<br />
Background<br />
• In an effort to protect important wildlife habitat in Saskatchewan the government<br />
initiated the <strong>Wildlife</strong> Development Fund, in 1970, which was financed by an impost<br />
on all hunting and trapping licences<br />
• A fisheries component was added in 1984, and the Fund name was changed to the<br />
Fish and <strong>Wildlife</strong> Development Fund (FWDF)<br />
• Currently 30% <strong>of</strong> the revenue derived from all hunting, trapping, and angling licences<br />
go into the FWDF<br />
• The primary focus <strong>of</strong> the FWDF is to secure, protect, and enhance both fish and<br />
wildlife habitat<br />
• Current wildlife habitat holdings under the FWDF is approximately 185,000 acres, <strong>of</strong><br />
which nearly 90% remains in a natural state. Regional breakdown is as follows:<br />
o Grassland EcoRegion 7%<br />
o Parkland EcoRegion 53%<br />
o Boreal Transition EcoRegion 40%<br />
• Approximately 25,000 acres <strong>of</strong> these lands are jointly owned and managed by other<br />
conservation agencies (Saskatchewan <strong>Wildlife</strong> Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk<br />
Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy <strong>of</strong> Canada, and<br />
Saskatchewan Pheasants <strong>For</strong>ever)<br />
• These FWDF lands are Crown lands and grants-in-lieu <strong>of</strong> taxes are paid to the local<br />
municipalities<br />
Management Initiative<br />
Previous habitat management excluded grazing, primarily because <strong>of</strong> the concern for the<br />
lack <strong>of</strong> control. Fire occurrences on these lands were also actively controlled. However,<br />
in an effort to develop a more pro-active ecological approach to the maintenance and<br />
improvement <strong>of</strong> FWDF lands, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management<br />
(SERM) has contracted the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to complete a detailed<br />
“before and after” review <strong>of</strong> four grazing sites and three prescribed burning sites within<br />
the Parkland and Grassland EcoRegions. SERM, in co-operation with the Saskatchewan<br />
<strong>Wildlife</strong> Federation, assumed the responsibility for organizing and initiating these trials.<br />
Public consultation within the communities was also undertaken.<br />
Objectives <strong>of</strong> this management initiative were as follows:<br />
- Control woody vegetation and invasive plants<br />
- Restore native grassland<br />
- Enhance biodiversity<br />
16
Guiding principles for the development <strong>of</strong> a future policy are also outlined:<br />
- The initial approach to management grazing and prescribed fire would be<br />
experimental and only temporary fencing would be considered<br />
- The approach to these impacts would be safe and have a practical<br />
application for both wildlife habitat and the livestock producer<br />
- High impact - low frequency grazing is preferable<br />
- These impacts must be cost effective<br />
- These impacts must also be supported within the community, and<br />
- The best available science will validate these initiatives<br />
Although the research has not been fully completed, preliminary findings would suggest:<br />
- Community support has been positive, for both fire and grazing, and<br />
livestock producers involved in the trails have been most co-operative<br />
- There is no evidence to suggest the habitat has been negatively impacted,<br />
although there has been some local concern expressed on thistle growth<br />
after the burns<br />
- In most <strong>of</strong> these grazing trials it has been difficult to achieve high impacts<br />
- <strong>Habitat</strong> composition shifts happen over time and it may be difficult to<br />
measure any significant change over a short period (1 or 2 years)<br />
Following the complete scientific analysis <strong>of</strong> these trials (by September/2001) it is<br />
SERM’s intention to develop a policy on the use <strong>of</strong> grazing and prescribed fire for<br />
wildlife habitat management.<br />
17
Riparian Areas Management and Bird Populations<br />
Alan R. Smith<br />
Environment Canada, Saskatoon<br />
Riparian habitats are plant communities occurring at the interface <strong>of</strong> terrestrial and<br />
aquatic ecosystems. In the southern Prairies these areas are well-defined and usually<br />
narrow zones along intermittent and perennial watercourses. These areas are both diverse<br />
and productive, largely a result <strong>of</strong> biotic and nutrient exchanges between the aquatic and<br />
terrestrial ecosystems (Gregory et al. 1991). Occupying less than two percent <strong>of</strong> the<br />
southern Prairies, riparian habitats assume an importance disproportionate to their area.<br />
This phenomenon is well illustrated by the avifauna, <strong>of</strong> the 280 species <strong>of</strong> birds that<br />
regularly occur in the southern Prairies (A. R. Smith, unpublished data) no less than 50<br />
percent <strong>of</strong> them are either restricted to riparian areas or depend on riparian areas for a<br />
critical part <strong>of</strong> their life-cycle. Savoy (1991) found that the highest densities <strong>of</strong> breeding<br />
birds anywhere in Canada were in riparian forests.<br />
Riparian areas in southern Saskatchewan harbour a number <strong>of</strong> species that are rarely<br />
found in other parts <strong>of</strong> the province. These include the Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-headed<br />
Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli and Indigo<br />
Buntings, and Field Sparrow. These areas are also important in the study <strong>of</strong> bird<br />
taxonomy as a number <strong>of</strong> sibling species pairs meet and sometimes hybridise in the<br />
riparian woodlands <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan. These species pairs include the Western and<br />
Eastern Screech-Owls, Spotted and Eastern Towhees, Black-headed and Rose-breasted<br />
Grosbeaks, Indigo and Lazuli Buntings, and Bullock’s and Baltimore Orioles.<br />
Riparian ecosystems are among the most threatened <strong>of</strong> ecosystems in the southern<br />
Prairies. They are favoured for many uses including water management, grazing,<br />
irrigation farming and recreation. Perhaps the greatest threat to this ecosystem is water<br />
management which usually involves the construction <strong>of</strong> dams and related infrastructures.<br />
These may be constructed for a variety <strong>of</strong> reasons, flood control, power generation,<br />
recreation or irrigation.<br />
Whatever the reason, dams alter or destroy riparian habitat either directly through the<br />
flooding to fill reservoirs, or indirectly by altering downstream flows. Studies along the<br />
Milk River in Alberta (Bradley 1982) have shown that repression <strong>of</strong> flooding by dams<br />
eventually results in the loss <strong>of</strong> cottonwood forests downstream <strong>of</strong> the dams. Occasional<br />
major floods are needed to create new sandbars, the beds for the seedlings that replace<br />
these short-lived trees.<br />
In this presentation, I summarize the findings <strong>of</strong> two rather modest studies on two <strong>of</strong> the<br />
possible threats to bird populations in riparian forests <strong>of</strong> two widely separated study<br />
areas. The first involves the effects <strong>of</strong> Dutch Elm Disease on a population <strong>of</strong> Eastern<br />
Screech-Owls along the Souris river in Southeastern Saskatchewan. The other involves<br />
the effects <strong>of</strong> moderate grazing on riparian forest birds at Leader-Estuary area.<br />
18
In the first study widespread loss <strong>of</strong> Elm trees to Dutch Elm Disease appears to have<br />
resulted in a decline <strong>of</strong> Eastern Screech Owls along the lower Souris River. Two<br />
comprehensive surveys have been conducted along this stretch <strong>of</strong> the river, the first was<br />
conducted in the spring <strong>of</strong> 1986 the second in the spring <strong>of</strong> 1997. Fifteen calling birds<br />
were found along the river in 1986, whereas only four calling birds were heard calling in<br />
1997. The decline <strong>of</strong> the Screech-owl may have been be exacerbated by competition with<br />
increasing number <strong>of</strong> Fox Squirrels in the area. Fox Squirrels actively compete with other<br />
wildlife including Screech-owls for nesting and roosting sites. The provision <strong>of</strong> nest<br />
boxes may, however, help reverse the trend in Screech-Owl populations in the area.<br />
In the other study area bird were surveyed on 36 point counts distributed between the<br />
Alberta border and the old Prelate Ferry northeast <strong>of</strong> Leader. Sample sizes were too small<br />
to yield statistically significant results for some <strong>of</strong> the parameters studied, but were<br />
sufficient to determine the effects <strong>of</strong> moderate grazing on the avifaunal composition.<br />
Three <strong>of</strong> the fifteen most common species, the American Robin, Spotted Towhee and<br />
Western Meadowlark, were significantly more common on grazed than on ungrazed point<br />
counts. On the other hand, no species were found to be negatively affected by moderate<br />
grazing.<br />
The results <strong>of</strong> this study were, for the American Robin, consistent with the majority <strong>of</strong><br />
nine studies <strong>of</strong> the effects <strong>of</strong> cattle grazing in the western United States as reviewed by<br />
Saab et al. (1995). Spotted Towhees may have been more abundant on grazed plots<br />
because moderate grazing promotes the growth <strong>of</strong> shrubbery by reducing competition for<br />
water and nutrients by grasses (Nernberg, pers. Comm., 1999). Meadowlarks are<br />
presumably rarer on ungrazed plots because the grassland areas are <strong>of</strong>ten cultivated.<br />
Anstey et al. (1995) found meadowlarks at less than one fifth the density in cropland<br />
compared to native prairie.<br />
The second study suggests that, in the short term, moderate grazing has no adverse effects<br />
on bird populations in the Leader area. Longer more intensive studies are, however,<br />
needed to determine the effects <strong>of</strong> more intensive grazing on the flora and fauna, as well<br />
as the potential effects <strong>of</strong> even moderate grazing on the regeneration <strong>of</strong> woodlands in the<br />
area.<br />
Literature Cited<br />
Anstey, D. A., S. K. Davis, D. C. Duncan and M. Skeel. 1995. Distribution and habitat<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> eight grassland songbird species in southern Saskatchewan.<br />
Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation, Regina. 11pp. + Tables.<br />
Bradley, C. 1982. Modified meandering river regimes-Effects on plains cottonwood<br />
regeneration, Milk River Valley, S. E. Alberta, and N. Montana. M. S. Thesis, Dep.<br />
<strong>of</strong> Geog., Univ. <strong>of</strong> Calgary, Alta.<br />
Gregory, S. V., F. J. Swanson, W. A. McKee, and K. W. Cummins. 1991. An ecosystem<br />
perspective <strong>of</strong> riparian zones. Bioscience 41:540-551.<br />
19
Saab, V.A., C. E. Bock, T. D. Rich and D. S. Dobkin. 1995. Livestock grazing effects in<br />
western North America. Pp 311-353 in Ecology and management <strong>of</strong> Neotropical<br />
migratory birds-A synthesis and review <strong>of</strong> critical issues (T. E. Martin and D. M.<br />
Finch, eds). Oxford University Press, New York.<br />
Savoy, E. 1991. The importance <strong>of</strong> riparian forests to prairie birds: A case study from<br />
Dinosaur Provincial Park. In the biology and management <strong>of</strong> southern Alberta’s<br />
cottonwoods. (S. Rood and J. Mahoney eds.). May 3-4, University <strong>of</strong> Lethbridge.<br />
20
Saskatchewan’s Grassland Mammals: a Century <strong>of</strong> Change<br />
Wayne C. Harris<br />
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management<br />
In the 1800's, with the arrival <strong>of</strong> Europeans, major changes occurred in the mammalian<br />
fauna <strong>of</strong> the Northern Great Plains. Plain’s bison, were hunted to near extinction; elk<br />
disappeared from the grasslands; pronghorn and mule deer were seriously depleted.<br />
Their primary predators, plain’s wolves and plain’s grizzly bears, were eliminated<br />
completely. Although these losses were catastrophic in their own right, they had subtle<br />
wide ranging affects on other species that happened slowly over the next 100 years.<br />
Swift Foxes disappeared from the prairie provinces early in the twentieth century,<br />
probably a side affect <strong>of</strong> the earlier poisoning campaign to eliminate wolves and the loss<br />
<strong>of</strong> bison, elk and deer carcasses for food during winter months. Other species began to<br />
fill the vacated niches. Domestic cattle replaced the large grazing herbivores. Coyotes<br />
and red foxes, though probably always present in small numbers, increased dramatically.<br />
The twentieth century saw the arrival <strong>of</strong> cereal crop production and the control <strong>of</strong> fire.<br />
During this time, large areas <strong>of</strong> annual grassland (wheat) or bare soil (summer fallow)<br />
replaced more than 75% <strong>of</strong> the native perennial grassland; trees and shrubs began to<br />
develop around wetlands. Species that could adapt to these changes began to increase or<br />
arrive from other areas. Coyotes and red foxes thrived. White-tailed deer expanded their<br />
range from the eastern hardwood forests into Saskatchewan; so did racoons. Species<br />
such as white-tailed jackrabbits probably increased at least initially as more cover and<br />
food developed. Others declined dramatically as their habitat was lost or they competed<br />
with agricultural production and were eliminated; Richardson’s ground squirrel is an<br />
obvious example.<br />
Other changes were much more subtle. The “prairie” cycle has seemingly disappeared.<br />
The cycle referred to is the periodic population highs and lows which species such as<br />
hares and microtine rodents traditionally experienced. Hares reached peaks in their<br />
populations about once every ten years while voles are thought to have reached highs<br />
every 3-5 years. The population peaks for white-tailed jackrabbits occurred in 1960,<br />
again in 1970 and 1980 but the expected peaks for 1990 and 2000 did not occur.<br />
Population explosions experienced by meadow voles in southern Saskatchewan during<br />
1997 were the first in more than two decades. This combined with an unexplained crash<br />
in Richardson’s ground squirrels in 1994, has had implications for predator species<br />
dependent upon them for food. Some may be headed to extirpation (burrowing owls)<br />
while others such as the very adaptable coyote prey on other species (i.e. pronghorn and<br />
deer fawns) and continue to thrive.<br />
What does the future hold for our grassland mammals Will our attempts to re-establish<br />
swift foxes succeed Will other species increase, and more decrease Ever evolving<br />
agricultural practices and changes to our remaining native grassland base will<br />
undoubtedly result in ongoing changes in our native mammalian fauna.<br />
21
Rare <strong>Plant</strong> Conservation in Important Bird Areas - Where is the Common Ground<br />
Josef K. Schmutz<br />
Community Conservation Planner, Important Bird Areas Program/ Nature Saskatchewan<br />
In the Important Bird Area (IBA) Program, special areas are awarded an Important Bird<br />
Area designation for conservation purposes if the areas are used by large concentrations<br />
<strong>of</strong> birds, if birds present are at risk, or if the sites represent intact biomes and their natural<br />
bird inhabitants with restricted ranges.<br />
The IBA Program was launched initially by BirdLife International in the UK. Today<br />
there are BirdLife Partners in over 100 countries. In Canada the national partners are the<br />
Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada. In Saskatchewan, the<br />
conservation component <strong>of</strong> this program is being delivered by Nature Saskatchewan.<br />
Funding partners <strong>of</strong> the Community Conservation Plan for Chaplin, Old Wives and Reed<br />
lakes include Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Saskatchewan (CARDS), the<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management<br />
(SERM) and the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program.<br />
Nature Saskatchewan is working with the Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies<br />
Canada to deliver the conservation planning component <strong>of</strong> this program in Saskatchewan.<br />
IBA Saskatchewan was launched on 1 February 1999. At the inaugural IBA-<br />
Saskatchewan workshop held in Saskatoon on 22 October 1997, 123 candidate areas<br />
were nominated by several dozen naturalists. Data compilation and assessment by<br />
outside reviewers is now completed, yielding 53 IB<strong>As</strong> approved by Bird Studies Canada.<br />
The number <strong>of</strong> approved IB<strong>As</strong> may yet grow as more information becomes available,<br />
particularly in the north. However, current IBA priorities involve conservation planning<br />
and implementation <strong>of</strong> suggested actions. The 13 sites shown below have conservation<br />
plans completed or in various stages <strong>of</strong> completion. The program takes an ecosystem<br />
view to conservation, and seeks to combine sustainability with bird protection.<br />
Two <strong>of</strong> the 13 sites focus on grasslands (Govenlock, Nashlyn and Battle Creek IBA, and<br />
Colgate IBA), one on a marsh-lake-upland complex (Cumberland Marshes IBA), and the<br />
remainder on water bodies. <strong>For</strong> lake IB<strong>As</strong> the adjacent upland is usually equally if not<br />
more important in the ecology <strong>of</strong> IBA birds. In some cases the IBA has been expanded to<br />
include the entire watershed (Redberry Lake, and Chaplin, Old Wives and Reed lakes) or<br />
portions <strong>of</strong> watersheds.<br />
22
The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre: Taking an Ecosystem<br />
Approach<br />
Heather Felskie<br />
Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre, Moose Jaw<br />
What do burrowing owls, a ferruginous hawk, an acre <strong>of</strong> native prairie, allot <strong>of</strong><br />
Richardson’s ground squirrels and twenty students have in common - The<br />
Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre’s (SBOIC) new Eco system approach<br />
to education. The SBOIC is dedicated towards raising awareness about the burrowing<br />
owl and it’s battle against habitat loss. Furthermore, we hope to emphasis the importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> a healthy prairie eco system. In a step towards this ecosystem approach the SBOIC<br />
began a reclamation project. The project was initiated in the fall <strong>of</strong> 1999. The SBOIC in<br />
partnership with The Saskatchewan Wetlands Conservation Corporation set out to<br />
prepare the land, collect seeds, plant the seeds and monitor the first year’s results.<br />
<strong>Plant</strong>ing the seeds provided a unique educational opportunity, as students from a local<br />
Moose Jaw elementary school participated in the “Seed Stomp”. <strong>As</strong> the students played<br />
games on the plot they not only pushed the seeds into the ground but also learned about<br />
the interactions <strong>of</strong> prairie plants and animals. This newly planted acre <strong>of</strong> native prairie<br />
has many long lasting educational and ecological benefits. In addition, visitors <strong>of</strong> all ages<br />
will have the opportunity to explore the wonders <strong>of</strong> the prairies.<br />
23
<strong>Native</strong> <strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> as <strong>Habitat</strong> for Insects<br />
Ronald Hooper<br />
When a person is looking for certain insects it is necessary to look in the right habitat in<br />
order to find them. Those that feed on certain plants as the larval food plants are usually<br />
found in the same environment as the adults except when they are attracted elsewhere to<br />
feed at flowers or to come to lights. The Hoary Elfin butterfly is rarely found except in<br />
bearberry patches. The larvae feed on bearberry leaves arid the adults feed at the<br />
bearberry blossoms.<br />
In order to find a species <strong>of</strong> insect that feeds on plants one needs to find Out what the<br />
food plant is and become acquainted with it, and look in the area where it grows for that<br />
insect The Harris' Checkerspot is a good botanist. The female lays her eggs on the Flattopped<br />
<strong>As</strong>ter (<strong>As</strong>ter umbellatus). She apparently has no trouble sorting it out from the 75<br />
or so species <strong>of</strong> asters in Eastern North America.<br />
Insects <strong>of</strong> Bogs<br />
It is worth enduring the mosquitoes and boggy terrain to find the interesting insects <strong>of</strong><br />
bogs. Different things are found in cranberry bogs, pitcher plant bogs, and labrador tea<br />
bogs.<br />
Insects <strong>of</strong> Coniferous Woods<br />
So many species <strong>of</strong> insects lay their eggs on spruce and pine as well as associated plants<br />
that a person can find this environment to be a great place to find insects. Some are in<br />
roots; some in trunks; some on twigs; some on needles; and some on cones.<br />
Insects <strong>of</strong> Marches<br />
Numerous insects feed on sedges, cattails, and willows, as well as many aquatic insects<br />
making them their borne in the adult stage.<br />
Insects <strong>of</strong> Deciduous Woods<br />
A large percentage <strong>of</strong> our insects are found in aspen woods. Many special species occur<br />
in oak woods, ash woods, and maple woods. Those <strong>of</strong> elm woods are flow threatened<br />
because <strong>of</strong> the advance <strong>of</strong> Dutch Elm Disease.<br />
Insects <strong>of</strong> Prairies<br />
Every prairie flower and shrub has special insect species that depends on it for the food<br />
plant.<br />
Insects <strong>of</strong> Badlands<br />
Although the badlands are thought <strong>of</strong> as being places <strong>of</strong> sparser vegetation yet the special<br />
plants that do grow there provide a habitat for special species <strong>of</strong> insects that can be found<br />
nowhere else, such as the Mormon Metalmark, Simius Roadside Skipper, the Small<br />
Checkered Skipper, and several kinds <strong>of</strong> moths and beetles.<br />
24
<strong>Wildlife</strong> and <strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong>, a Nature Enthusiast’s Perspective<br />
Nora Stewart<br />
Prairie Mountain Roots, Arcola<br />
There have been eight growing seasons since I planted the first seeds in our native plant<br />
plots. I spend much <strong>of</strong> the time between May and October in what is now about one and a<br />
half acres <strong>of</strong> small plots <strong>of</strong> native flowers and grasses and a separate three acres with four<br />
species <strong>of</strong> grasses. I’ve encountered various forms <strong>of</strong> wildlife feeding in these plots.<br />
The first planting included some healthy seedlings I had started indoors. The next<br />
morning I found that the deer had been on the scene and, in trying to eat the manyflowered<br />
asters, had uprooted most <strong>of</strong> them. An eight-foot fence around the flowerbeds<br />
eliminated this browsing. The larger area <strong>of</strong> grasses was left with just a fence to exclude<br />
cattle. Tracks show that deer travel through these plots but the only signs <strong>of</strong> eating are on<br />
herbaceous weeds and, in early spring, on Kentucky blue grass (our most troublesome<br />
grassy weed), so we are happy to have this “ho<strong>of</strong>ed herbicide”.<br />
I had expected to have a lot <strong>of</strong> snowshoe hares (bush rabbits) to contend with, but I’ve<br />
only seen one in the plots and it came in, streaked past me and went through the fence on<br />
the other side. I believe these animals have been at the lower part <strong>of</strong> their population<br />
cycle and it will be interesting to see what the situation is if the numbers increase<br />
dramatically.<br />
Small mammals present a major problem. We try to keep the plots clean <strong>of</strong> debris and<br />
only mulch with black plastic sheets rather than straw, in order to discourage nesting <strong>of</strong><br />
mice and voles. In early summer the mounds <strong>of</strong> the pocket gophers announce their<br />
arrival. The first year they destroyed the American hedysarum and did some damage to<br />
the dotted blazingstar. More recently their target is Indian breadroot and, across a fourfoot<br />
path, silverleaf psoralea. Interestingly, these species <strong>of</strong> the same genus seem to<br />
recover each year so maybe a certain amount <strong>of</strong> root pruning is beneficial. We have both<br />
Richardson’s and Franklin’s ground squirrels in the area, but they’re rarely seen in the<br />
plots.<br />
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, on the other hand, are there frequently. Their favourite<br />
food is green needle grass which they “swath” as the seeds begin to ripen. If the stalks<br />
don’t fall in a thick plot, sections <strong>of</strong> the stem may be chewed <strong>of</strong>f until the seed head is<br />
within reach. There have been cleacut sections <strong>of</strong> green needle grass, the ground littered<br />
with stem “cordwood”. I have also observed thirteen-lined ground squirrels eating seed<br />
capsules <strong>of</strong> harebells and pods <strong>of</strong> slender milk vetch. One year some small mammal ate a<br />
few buds <strong>of</strong> the western red lily so we put protective cages around the rest. In the large<br />
grass plots there is only a little evidence <strong>of</strong> pocket gophers and thirteen-lined ground<br />
squirrels – a few mounds and a bit <strong>of</strong> “swathing” <strong>of</strong> blue grama. Last year I had a close<br />
encounter there with the largest garter snake I’ve ever seen and I wonder whether having<br />
this resident might deter the ground squirrels, even if they’re not part <strong>of</strong> its diet.<br />
25
Various birds delight or frustrate me. Every year the goldfinches congregate, waiting for<br />
the gaillardia and meadow blazingstar seed to be just right – just before it’s the ripeness<br />
we want for harvest. After two years <strong>of</strong> watching these plots ravaged, we now protect<br />
them in cages <strong>of</strong> half-inch mesh hardware cloth or bird netting. The netting is best on the<br />
ro<strong>of</strong> because the birds can get tangled if loose sections <strong>of</strong> it lie on the ground. Last year<br />
we also had pine siskins which shared the goldfinches’ interest in these seeds. A couple<br />
<strong>of</strong> these birds managed to squeeze into both plots but were quite upset about not finding a<br />
way out, and it only happened once.<br />
We have silver buffaloberry bushes along the edge <strong>of</strong> the plots. Sometime cedar<br />
waxwings eat the berries but more <strong>of</strong>ten a flock <strong>of</strong> robins will strip the bushes in a day or<br />
two. Another fairly common visitor to the wildflowers is the ruby-throated hummingbird.<br />
I had been told that red flowers would attract them but from my observations, colour<br />
doesn’t seem to be important. In the spring, they hover around the smooth blue<br />
beardtongue and the early yellow locoweed. I have watched one spend quite a bit <strong>of</strong> time<br />
at the drab flowers <strong>of</strong> alumroot when western red lilies were blooming in the adjacent<br />
plot. Last year they were seen most <strong>of</strong>ten at the patch <strong>of</strong> white evening primrose.<br />
Insects and spiders thrive in these plots. Sometimes if the sunlight is at the right angle I<br />
can see hundreds <strong>of</strong> strands <strong>of</strong> spider webs, <strong>of</strong>ten going from one plot to another.<br />
Monarch butterflies found our dwarf milkweed plants the first year they bloomed, laid<br />
their eggs and we had caterpillars. Last year we had an infestation <strong>of</strong> the superb plant<br />
bug. This sucking insect, which normally attacks alfalfa, was only on our ground plum,<br />
although several other legumes are nearby. The book ‘Insect Pests <strong>of</strong> the Prairies’<br />
describes the effects as “reduced vegetative growth and destroyed or blasted flower<br />
buds”. Our ground plum had no flowers as a result <strong>of</strong> the feeding <strong>of</strong> these bugs. The<br />
heads <strong>of</strong> prairie muhly grass <strong>of</strong>ten have tiny yellow balls resulting from a parasitic insect<br />
attacking a seed. Some <strong>of</strong> the bees or butterflies seem to prefer a particular plant species<br />
while others move from one to another.<br />
Even if wildlife can utilize different plants, a greater variety is important because in some<br />
years certain plants will do poorly. <strong>As</strong> a result <strong>of</strong> watching the wildlife attracted to the<br />
many wildflowers and grasses, I am convinced <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> plant diversity in<br />
supporting many different species <strong>of</strong> wildlife.<br />
(Note: Nora’s plots are located in the Moose Mountains north <strong>of</strong> Arcola.)<br />
26
<strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> Industry Trends<br />
Andy Hammermeister<br />
<strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan<br />
These notes were taken from a presentation by Terry Anderson (Prairie Seeds Inc.) at<br />
<strong>For</strong>age and Turf Seed Conference in Saskatoon (January 20 th , 2001) and The Seed<br />
Source (Prairie Seeds Inc. newsletter).<br />
<strong>Native</strong> seed markets are strongly influenced by the political environment<br />
• Not a rational crop because incentives are required, turf and agronomic forage<br />
seed are more reliable markets<br />
• Government regulations in SK and AB push for native species, this is not typical<br />
across Canada<br />
• Government promoted conservation programs increase demand<br />
Opportunities<br />
• Reclamation market is primary source <strong>of</strong> demand<br />
o Includes conservation/restoration markets as well as industrial disturbance<br />
• Emerging markets:<br />
o Bioenergy<br />
# <strong>Native</strong> plants as fuel sources (e.g. switch grass)<br />
# Increasing potential if fuel prices continue to rise<br />
# Lots <strong>of</strong> information on internet<br />
o Low-maintenance turf<br />
# Many breeding challenges, has to look as good as conventional turf<br />
# Disadvantage for natives in production economics<br />
o Farm forages<br />
# Has potential if economics are favourable<br />
# Advantageous to include in rotations<br />
o Herbal remedies<br />
# Good potential for useful products<br />
• <strong>Native</strong> legumes<br />
o Commercial production continues to be a problem (weeds, disease, pest)<br />
Canadian production primarily in competition with northern U.S. production<br />
• Canadian advantages<br />
o Lower land values than U.S.<br />
o Downey brome not a large problem (yet)<br />
o Varieties adapted to north should produce best here<br />
• Canadian disadvantages<br />
o Climatic variability – dry conditions (U.S. irrigates or has more consistent<br />
precipitation)<br />
o Slower reaction time – U.S. responds to market demand in 9 months<br />
versus 16 months in Canada<br />
o Harvest 2-3 months earlier in U.S. which gives advantage for fall market<br />
27
Production Challenges<br />
• Production economics<br />
• Stringent quality restrictions<br />
• Weed control<br />
• Market variability<br />
• More players<br />
• More production<br />
Market Trends<br />
• Currently native seed supply is quite high<br />
o New varieties and Ecovars being released<br />
o Lower demand from Conservation Reserve Program in U.S.<br />
o Prices for most native grasses down 20-50% (except rough fescue)<br />
• Usage and awareness increasing<br />
• Production information good for some, poor for others<br />
• Quality standards will remain high<br />
• Must keep up to speed with new markets<br />
• Market still has potential but must be a good producer<br />
• Irrigation is an advantage, otherwise can’t compete (esp. in Brown soil zone)<br />
Seed Industry Issues (From Heather Sinton – Alberta Environment)<br />
• Local collections, Ecovars, ecological varieties, cultivars<br />
o Genetic diversity vs. performance – can there be a compromise<br />
• How far can (should) seed be moved No definitive information available for<br />
most species.<br />
• How can seed purity be assured Source identified and tested seed. Need<br />
certificate, relying on Canada No.1 rating is not good enough.<br />
28
NPSS Role in the <strong>Native</strong> Seed Industry<br />
Andy Hammermeister – <strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan<br />
% <strong>of</strong> Respondants<br />
Seed Industry Priority Level for NPSS.<br />
100<br />
90<br />
80<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Producers<br />
Nonproducers<br />
Overall<br />
Suggested Allocation <strong>of</strong> NPSS<br />
Resources to Industry Support.<br />
Low<br />
Medium<br />
High<br />
Survey Results<br />
• 35 respondents (12 producers)<br />
• Industry <strong>of</strong> medium priority,<br />
allocate 35% <strong>of</strong> resources to<br />
industry development<br />
• NPSS should:<br />
o Coordinate meetings to<br />
support industry<br />
o Help producers stay<br />
abreast with market<br />
(mixed results)<br />
• NPSS should not:<br />
o Promote producers at<br />
booth, in general at<br />
meetings nor by<br />
advertising<br />
o Broker seed<br />
Resource Allocation (%)<br />
100<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
Producers Non-producers Overall<br />
Other Comments<br />
• Help procure funds for research<br />
• Lobby government to put arid<br />
land back to native<br />
• Facilitate development <strong>of</strong><br />
appropriate seed sources for seed<br />
production<br />
• Promote ethical harvest practices<br />
• New producers frustrated -<br />
facilitate interaction and<br />
collaboration within industry<br />
• Increase public awareness<br />
Other Considerations<br />
• 13% (26 <strong>of</strong> 201) <strong>of</strong> members are producers<br />
• 35% <strong>of</strong> resources = $20,000 or 4.5 months<br />
• Membership fees raise $5,000/yr (industry members = $1,300 = 26%)The NPSS<br />
spends $2,500/yr on newsletter<br />
• Most grants require matching funding<br />
• No charitable status while supporting industry<br />
29
Questions to be addressed<br />
1. What challenges face new vs. established producers<br />
2. Does producer philosophy/size influence success<br />
3. What goals should direct the industry (i.e. diversity vs. volume)<br />
4. What changes are needed to assist producersWhat is the role <strong>of</strong> the NPSS<br />
6. Who should pay for NPSS involvement in industry<br />
7. Volunteers for Strategic Committee for <strong>Native</strong> <strong>Plant</strong> Industry Development<br />
30
Winter Twig and Shrub Identification Workshop<br />
Anna Leighton<br />
Winter identification <strong>of</strong> trees and shrubs is based primarily on the buds that grow on the 6<br />
inches at the end <strong>of</strong> a branch - the area <strong>of</strong> last summer’s growth. Other surface features<br />
such as prickles thorns and bark texture are also used. Berries and fruits are useful in<br />
some groups but most fleshy fruits disappear in winter, so the buds are a more reliable<br />
feature for mid-winter identification (although a number <strong>of</strong> these also get consumed by<br />
animals and birds).<br />
Looking at buds on bare twigs will help you identify different kinds <strong>of</strong> shrubs (i.e.<br />
genera) but will not always allow you to separate species. In spite <strong>of</strong> this, a surprising<br />
amount can be learned about the landscape by looking at trees and shrubs after their<br />
confusing leaves are gone.<br />
BUDS - The two things to look for are the<br />
arrangement on the branch and bud characteristics.<br />
Arrangement. This is easy to see with the naked eve.<br />
The buds will be either alternate or paired. When<br />
paired they are called opposite.<br />
Characteristics<br />
Bud scales - The bud is tightly covered with<br />
scales to protect it from drying out in winter. If you<br />
look closely with a lens you can seethe overlapping<br />
edges <strong>of</strong> these scales and can estimate how many<br />
there are. If you see no overlapping edge, there is<br />
probably only one scale that fits like a cap over the<br />
bud.<br />
Leaf scar - underneath every bud there is a<br />
scar where the leaf that grew under the bud detached<br />
in fall. This is called a leaf scar. The shape <strong>of</strong> this scar<br />
and the number <strong>of</strong> dots (called bundle scars) on it are<br />
useful in identification.<br />
Position <strong>of</strong> the terminal bud - Another key<br />
feature is whether the bud at the end <strong>of</strong> the branch is<br />
centred on the tip (a “true” end bud) or is <strong>of</strong>fset a<br />
little to the side (a “false” end bud).<br />
THORNS and PRICKLES - These features persist in<br />
winter and are useful for separating certain groups so<br />
you should know the difference between them.<br />
Thorns are actually woody growths <strong>of</strong> the<br />
stem and are very firm and deeply seated in the<br />
branch. Prickles are more fragile outgrowths <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bark and can be removed with it.<br />
31
<strong>Native</strong> Trees and Shrubs and Related Cultivars<br />
Sara Williams<br />
Extension Division, University <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan<br />
List <strong>of</strong> species:<br />
Acer negundo (Manitoba maple)<br />
Amelanchier alnifolia (saskatoon berry)<br />
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry or kinnikinnick)<br />
Crataegus spp. (hawthorn)<br />
Elaeagnus commutata (wolfwillow)<br />
Fraxinus pensylvanica var. subintegerrima (green ash)<br />
Juniperus spp. (juniper)<br />
Pinus banksiana (Jack pine)<br />
Pinus contorta var. latifolia (lodgepole pine)<br />
Potentilla fruticosa (cinquefoil)<br />
Prunus pensylvanica (pincherry)<br />
Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa (chokecherry)<br />
Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak)<br />
Ribes aureum (golden currant)<br />
Rosa spp. (rose)<br />
Shepherdia argentea (silver buffaloberry)<br />
Symphoricarpos occidentalis (snowberry)<br />
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Acer negundo (Manitoba maple or box elder)<br />
Description:<br />
Manitoba maples are native to the Prairies and have been used extensively as shelterbelt,<br />
shade, and boulevard trees. They are fast growing with a high head and may attain a<br />
height <strong>of</strong> 10 to 13 m (30 or 40 ft) or more. Their life span is about 60 years.<br />
Their leaves are very untypical <strong>of</strong> maples and more closely resemble those <strong>of</strong> ash:<br />
pinnately-compound with 3 to 7 leaflets, each <strong>of</strong> which is irregularly lobed. Autumn<br />
color is a clear yellow.<br />
Male and female flowers are on separate trees with only female trees producing seeds.<br />
The female flower is greenish-yellow in drooping clusters. The male flower is a dense red<br />
tassel. Flowers appear before the leaves. The seed-containing samaras are winged and v-<br />
shaped, persist into winter, and constitute an important winter food source for birds.<br />
Problems associated with the Manitoba maple include a relatively weak structure (prone<br />
to breakage in wind, ice or with heavy snow loads); sensitivity to 2,4-D damage (are in<br />
fact considered an "indicator plant" to the presence <strong>of</strong> that herbicide); and the presence <strong>of</strong><br />
several insects.<br />
Culture:<br />
They are adapted to full sun, a wide range <strong>of</strong> soils, and are fully hardy. They will not do<br />
well in shade. Infestations <strong>of</strong> aphids which excrete "honeydew" onto decks, picnic tables<br />
or vehicles are common. Manitoba maples are also beloved by cankerworms. Red and<br />
black box elder bugs lay eggs on the leaves and bark but seldom damage the tree. If<br />
wounded, the tree may produce an abundance <strong>of</strong> watersprouts from the base <strong>of</strong> the trunk.<br />
Use:<br />
Excellent in shelterbelts, farmsteads or acreages, they cannot be recommended for<br />
smaller urban lots due to their size and undesirable characteristics. They remain an<br />
excellent tree house and climbing tree. Manitoba maples provide food and cover for a<br />
wide variety <strong>of</strong> birds. They have been used as hedges. They may be taped for maple<br />
syrup.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Harvest seeds in mid-September and sown in spring.<br />
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Amelanchier alnifolia (saskatoon berry)<br />
Description:<br />
The species name “alnifolia” means alder-like and refers to the alder-like leaves. A<br />
native shrub well known for its berries, the saskatoon also has ornamental value in<br />
flower, fruit, and attractive fall color. It shows tremendous variation in form. Heights<br />
range from 2.6 to 5 m (8 to 15 ft.) with a spread <strong>of</strong> 1.3 to 2.0 m (4 to 6 ft). Dense erect<br />
clusters <strong>of</strong> fragrant white flowers are produced in May, followed by edible dark blue<br />
berries in mid-summer. Used by indigenous peoples and early European settlers as food,<br />
saskatoon berries have become a maior commercial fruit crop on the prairies in the last<br />
decade.<br />
Among the fruiting cultivars are 'Honeywood', 'Northline', 'Pembina', 'Smoky', and<br />
'Thiessen'. 'Altaglow' is a white fruited Saskatoon, columnar in form, with outstanding<br />
gold fall color.<br />
Culture:<br />
Saskatoons grow in a wide range <strong>of</strong> soils in sun or partial shade. They are drought<br />
tolerant once established. If grown within a few kilometres <strong>of</strong> junipers, they may become<br />
infected with saskatoon-juniper rust, especially following warm rainy springs. This<br />
fungal disease is characterized by orange lesions on the leaves and fruit <strong>of</strong> the saskatoon<br />
plants.<br />
Use:<br />
Saskatoons are excellent as part <strong>of</strong> an informal shrub border, as a small specimen tree, or<br />
a tree grouping. They are widely used in shelterbelts. The edible berries are a bonus!<br />
Saskatoons provide cover and food for birds.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Saskatoons are propagated by cuttings, tissue culture, budding or grafting, and by seed.<br />
The first three methods will produce plants which are identical to the parent plants. Seed<br />
is harvested in August and either down directly outdoors in fall or stratified in damp<br />
peatmoss for 5 moths and sown in the spring. <strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> grown from seed will show variation<br />
in form, height and fruiting characteristics (size <strong>of</strong> berry and overall yield <strong>of</strong> plant).<br />
<strong><strong>Plant</strong>s</strong> which are budded or grafted, usually onto cotoneaster rootstock, will be less<br />
productive and have a shorter life span. Etiolated cuttings or tissue culture are the<br />
preferred methods <strong>of</strong> propagation.<br />
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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry or kinnikinnick)<br />
Description:<br />
Both the common name and the botanical name refer to the fact that bears like the fruit. A<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the heath family, bearberry is low evergreen shrub, native to the prairies,<br />
which forms a prostrate mat about 15 cm (6 in.) in height <strong>of</strong> thick, glossy green leaves,<br />
usually turning a bronzy green in winter. The pink and white flowers are urn-shaped. The<br />
red fruit are bright scarlet, 1 cm (less than 0.5 in.) in diameter, and persist through the<br />
winter - if not eaten by bears and other wildlife.<br />
‘Vancouver Jade’ is a cultivar with fragrant, dark pink flowers which spreads more<br />
readily.<br />
Culture:<br />
Usually found on dry sandy slopes, they will grow in full sun or light shade on welldrained<br />
soil. Some references say they prefer acid soils.<br />
Use:<br />
Kinnikinnick makes an excellent ground cover and would be in place in a perennial<br />
border or rock garden. The berries are eaten by birds.<br />
Propagation:<br />
They are very difficult to transplant from the wild, but s<strong>of</strong>twood cuttings are readily<br />
rooted. Seed should be stratified for 3 months at 40C prior to sowing.<br />
Crataegus spp. (hawthorn)<br />
Description:<br />
The genus name is from the Greek "kratos" which means strength and refers to the hard<br />
wood. Large shrubs, or small trees somewhat resembling a crabapple in fruit and form,<br />
hawthorns are attractive in spring when in flower and in late summer and fall when in<br />
fruit. The fruit is generally red and about one-half inch in diameter. The common name<br />
"hawthorn" is a combination <strong>of</strong> the word "haw", meaning a hedge or enclosure for which<br />
they are commonly used in England as "hedgerows", and "thorn" referring to the nature<br />
<strong>of</strong> their armament - not a tree recommended for climbing! The leaves are highly variable<br />
among species - from slightly lobed to deeply incised. Because the species hybridize<br />
easily, identification is not always easy.<br />
Crataegus arnoldiana ('Arnold' hawthorn) is about 4 m (12 if) and makes an attractive<br />
small tree with shiny leaves, single white flowers and scarlet fruit. It can be pruned to a<br />
single trunk.<br />
'Snowbird' is a hybrid (C. oxyacantha x C. succulenta) from Agriculture Canada's<br />
Morden Research Centre in Manitoba. It has double white flowers and is 3.3 to 4 m (10-<br />
12 ft). It is resistant to cedar-apple rust.<br />
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'Toba', also from Morden and with the same parentage, is about 4 m (12 ft) has double,<br />
pale-pink flowers, bright red fruit, and glossy, deeply-lobed leaves, but is less hardy. It is<br />
also resistant to cedar-apple rust.<br />
Crataegus crus-galli (cockspur hawthorn) is a native hawthorn with white flowers and<br />
bright red fruit retained over much <strong>of</strong> the winter. Both the common and botanical names<br />
refer to the similarity <strong>of</strong> the 5 cm (2 in.) thorns to the spurs <strong>of</strong> a rooster! It is up to 5 m<br />
(15 ft) in height with a distinctive and attractive horizontal branching habit. The bright<br />
green glossy leaves show resistance to rust. The foliage has good fail color ranging from<br />
orange to scarlet.<br />
C. crus-galli inermis (thornless cockspur hawthorn) is similar in every way to the species<br />
except for the absence <strong>of</strong> thorns. "Inermis" means, <strong>of</strong> course, unarmed or without thorns!<br />
C. columbiana (Columbian hawthorn) is native to the Cypress Hills <strong>of</strong> Alberta and<br />
Saskatchewan, 4 m (12 ft) in height, with white flowers, dark red fruit and well armed<br />
with stout thorns up to 6 cm (2.5 in.)in length.<br />
C. succulenta (fleshy hawthorn) is also native, and about the same height. It has white<br />
flowers, red sticky fruit, and is highly susceptible to cedar apple rust.<br />
C. chrysocarpa (round-leaved or fireberry hawthorn) is another native species, with dark<br />
green, glossy leaves and red orange berries. Three metres (10 ft) in height, it has white<br />
flowers and thorns.<br />
Culture:<br />
Hawthorns do well in full sun on a variety <strong>of</strong> soils as long as drainage is good. They may<br />
occasionally be infected with pear slug or fireblight. Cedar apple rust, which can<br />
completely disfigure the leaves and even cause defoliation, is the most serious problem.<br />
<strong>Plant</strong>ing resistant species is recommended.<br />
Use:<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> its small size, the hawthorn is an excellent but under-used tree in the small<br />
urban yard. It can be grouped is larger spaces. Not recommended for climbing, its value<br />
lies in its size, flowers and fruit. It provides both cover and food for birds and is a nectar<br />
plant for humming birds. It is also used in shelterbelt plantings.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Seed which has first been stratified for 3 months at 40°C.<br />
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Elaeagnus commutata (wolf willow or silverberry)<br />
Description:<br />
The genus name comes from the Greek for olive and refers to the fruit. <strong>Native</strong> to the<br />
prairies, wolf willow casts its sweet scent along fence lines in May. An upright, leggy<br />
shrub to 2.6 m (8 if), the branches and leaves are covered with silvery scales. The tubular<br />
flowers are inconspicuous, yellow outside and silver inside, and extremely fragrant. The<br />
small silver fruit is dry and mealy. Wolf willow suckers freely forming thickets.<br />
Culture:<br />
<strong>Plant</strong> in full sun in a variety <strong>of</strong> soils. It is drought and saline tolerant.<br />
Use:<br />
Wolf willow is used for wildlife plantings, naturalization, hedging, reclamation, and on<br />
banks and slopes to control erosion. It provides food and cover for birds and is a bee<br />
nectar source. Grafted onto Russian olive root stock (to prevent suckering), it is useful in<br />
a shrub border, especially if planted where one can smell the scent in spring.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Stratify seed for 2 to 3 months at 40C prior to sowing. Cuttings, suckers. Grafted onto<br />
Russian olive root stock.<br />
Fraxinus pensylvanica var. subintegerrima (green ash)<br />
Description:<br />
A hardy tree <strong>of</strong> 8 to 12 m (24 to 36 if.) with an upright oval form, green ash is native to<br />
Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It is both fast-growing and long lived. It has pinnatelycompound<br />
leaves each with 5 to 9 leaflets. Fall color is an attractive gold. Male and<br />
female flowers are borne on separate trees. The single-seeded samaras produced by<br />
female trees are retained through the winter,<br />
providing food for birds. The green ash has a deep fibrous root system which is able to<br />
"tap" subsoil moisture and is not competitive with lawns or flower beds.<br />
'Patmore' is a male clone from Manitoba which leafs out earlier in the spring than most<br />
other green ash and retains its foliage longer into the fall. 'Marshall's Seedless' is also<br />
male selection.<br />
Culture:<br />
Green ash do well in full sun or partial shade in a variety <strong>of</strong> soils. They may be subject to<br />
occasional attacks <strong>of</strong> cankerworm and lygus bug. Gall mites sometimes infest male trees.<br />
Use:<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> their form and the nature <strong>of</strong> their root system they are excellent as shade or<br />
boulevard trees. They are used extensively in shelter belts and provide food and cover for<br />
birds.<br />
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Propagation:<br />
Seed first stratified at 40°C for 3 months. Cultivars are grafted.<br />
Juniperus spp. (junipers)<br />
Description:<br />
Junipers are one <strong>of</strong> the most drought tolerant <strong>of</strong> the evergreens. They have scale-like,<br />
awl-like or needle-like leaves. Male and female cones are borne on separate plants. The<br />
male cones are catkin-like while the female comes resemble small blue-grey fruit. The<br />
'conelets' mature in 1 to 3 years, depending on the species, to become dark blue, berrylike<br />
fruit with a powdery coating or bloom. They are fragrant and form the basis <strong>of</strong> gin,<br />
but are believed to be poisonous to livestock. Many species and cultivars exist, varying<br />
from ground covers to columnar forms <strong>of</strong> 4 to 5 m (12 to 15 ft.)<br />
Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper) is native to the Canadian prairies and is<br />
generally only 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) high. The leaves are scale or awl-like. Color<br />
varies from blue to green, <strong>of</strong>ten turning purple with the onset <strong>of</strong> colder weather in late<br />
fall. Some <strong>of</strong> the more common selections are 'Bar Harbour' (grey-green), 'Blue Chip'<br />
(bright blue), 'Waukegan’ (blue turning purple in fall), 'Dunvegan Blue' (silver blue),<br />
'Prince <strong>of</strong> Wales' (bright green), and ‘Wapiti' (green turning purple in fall).<br />
Juniperus communis (common juniper) is native to the prairies as well as much <strong>of</strong> North<br />
America, Europe, and <strong>As</strong>ia. Extremely variable in form and height, it is usually about 0.6<br />
m (2 ft.) and tends to turn purple in cooler fall weather. It is identifiable by its sharppointed<br />
needles which have a white band down the centre <strong>of</strong> the upper side. The needles<br />
are found in whorls <strong>of</strong> three. Indigenous peoples used the berries, which ripen in their<br />
third year, both decoratively and as an insect repellent. Early settlers used the berries as a<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fee substitute. Today the fruit is used in the manufacture <strong>of</strong> gin as well as a Norwegian<br />
beer. 'Depressa Aurea' is a selection with golden yellow foliage equal or superior to the<br />
better known 'Golden Pfitzer'.<br />
Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper) is native to Canada. It varies in form<br />
from pyramidal to columnar, and attains heights from 4 to 5 m (12 to 15 if.).<br />
“Scopulorum” means growing on rocks or cliffs and refers to its native habitat. The<br />
foliage is green, silver or blue-grey. Among the denser selections <strong>of</strong>fered are 'Blue<br />
Heaven', 'Grizzly Bear', and 'Medora'. Most are susceptible to Saskatoon-juniper rust.<br />
Because the berries mature in their second year but <strong>of</strong>ten persist on the plant into their<br />
third year, plants may have one, two, and three<br />
year old fruit.<br />
Culture:<br />
Junipers prefer a well drained soil and full sun and will usually perform well on southern<br />
and western exposures where cedars will riot. Unfortunately, many are alternate hosts for<br />
saskatoon-juniper rust which should be pruned and removed as soon as noticed.<br />
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Use:<br />
Depending on their size and form, junipers are used as foundation plantings, screening,<br />
massed as ground covers or understories to hold difficult slopes or banks, or in a rock<br />
garden. The berry-like cones add to their landscape value. They provide cover and food<br />
for birds which <strong>of</strong>ten act as dispersal agents for the seed.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Cuttings or seeds. Seeds may take 2 years to germinate and should be stratified at 40C for<br />
3 months. Most cultivars are grafted. Branch tips are easily layered. Stem cuttings may be<br />
rooted.<br />
Pinus (pines):<br />
Pines grow naturally on light sandy soils and are well suited the prairie xeriscape. Their<br />
needles, in bundles <strong>of</strong> 2, 3 or 5, and triangular in cross-section, are arranged spirally on<br />
the whorled branches. Male and female cones are on the same tree. The male cones are<br />
found on young shoots at the base<br />
<strong>of</strong> the tree and disintegrate after releasing pollen. When transplanting pines ensure that<br />
the root ball <strong>of</strong> soil is left intact. Exposing the tiny root hairs to air and sun more <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
than not dooms the transplant to failure. Pines provide food and cover for birds and other<br />
wildlife species.<br />
Pinus banksiana (Jack pine)<br />
Description:<br />
The botanical species name honors Sir Joseph Banks, the noted British horticulturist.<br />
<strong>Native</strong> to the northern forests they are the most widely distributed pine in Canada. To the<br />
early European settlers, jack pines signalled poor soil and unsuitable farmland. When<br />
grown in the open, they are typically gnarled and twisted with a broad open form like a<br />
"Group <strong>of</strong> Seven" painting. In the forest they tend to be straighter due to competition with<br />
other trees. They reach up to 12 m and can live 150 years.<br />
Needles are sharp-pointed, dark green to yellowish-green, in bundles <strong>of</strong> two but spread<br />
apart within the bundle. The ends <strong>of</strong> the cones point forward to the ends or tips <strong>of</strong> the<br />
branches, are <strong>of</strong>ten curved and appear in clusters <strong>of</strong> two or three. The cones have no<br />
prickles. Most remain closed and will persist on the tree for ten or twenty years until<br />
triggered by the heat <strong>of</strong> fire or direct<br />
sunlight.<br />
The root system is wide spreading, and fairly deep, usually with a tap root. When their<br />
ranges overlap, jack pine will hybridize with lodge pole pines.<br />
Culture:<br />
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They grow well on poor sandy or gravely soils in full sun.<br />
Use:<br />
Jack pines are useful in naturalization on poor soils. They make interesting specimen<br />
trees where a twisted gnarled appearance is wanted.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Seed<br />
Pinus contorta var. lattfolia (lodgepole pine)<br />
Description:<br />
The species name "contorta" means twisted and may be a reference to the gnarled<br />
branches, the twisted needles, or the coastal variety <strong>of</strong> this tree. The common name refers<br />
to the use <strong>of</strong> the wood in teepees and lodges by Indigenous peoples who also used the<br />
resin for water-pro<strong>of</strong>ing canoes, baskets, moccasins and other articles. Lodgepole pine is<br />
native to the Rocky Mountains and Cypress Hills. Once commonly called "cypress", the<br />
Cypress Hills <strong>of</strong> Alberta and Saskatchewan<br />
were named for this conifer.<br />
Up to 20 m in height, lodgepole pines have a life span <strong>of</strong> up to 200 years. The trunk is<br />
tall, straight and has little taper. The needles are dark green to yellow-green, in bundles <strong>of</strong><br />
two, twisted and sharp-pointed. Within the bundle they are parallel rather than spread out.<br />
The cones are claw-shaped, with each scale having a sharp but fragile bristle or point.<br />
The tips <strong>of</strong> the cones point backward toward the trunk <strong>of</strong> the tree. The cones usually<br />
remain closed and persist on the tree for 10 to 20 years, opening when exposed to the heat<br />
<strong>of</strong> fire or direct sunlight – which s<strong>of</strong>tens the resin holding the scales together. The root<br />
system consists <strong>of</strong> a tap root and spreading lateral roots. Where their ranges overlap,<br />
lodgepole pine hybridizes freely with jack pine.<br />
Culture:<br />
It will grow in full sun on a wide range <strong>of</strong> soils.<br />
Use:<br />
Lodgepole pine is useful for screening, as a specimen tree and in shelterbelts.<br />
Potentilla fruticosa (cinquefoil)<br />
Description:<br />
Potentilla is from the word "potens" meaning power, a reference to the medicinal power<br />
<strong>of</strong> some species. "Illa" means small. Thus we have a small plant <strong>of</strong> great power -<br />
certainly a tough one with a long period <strong>of</strong> bloom.<br />
<strong>Native</strong> to the prairies, the species has deep yellow, buttercup-like flowers up to 2.5 cm (1<br />
in.) in diameter which are borne in small clusters at the end <strong>of</strong> branches through the<br />
40
summer. The grey-green compound leaves each have five leaflets (thus the common<br />
name, cinquefoil, meaning five leaves). It forms a bushy shrub <strong>of</strong> 30 to 120 (1 to 4 ft)<br />
growing mostly in sandy soils.<br />
The hybrids are a group <strong>of</strong> small (up to 1 m or 3 ft.) flowering shrubs with mainly white<br />
or yellow flowers. They produce a flush <strong>of</strong> blooms in June followed by less pr<strong>of</strong>use<br />
flowering the remainder <strong>of</strong> the summer. The bark is loose and shredding. Among the<br />
more dependable cultivars are:<br />
‘Coronation Triumph’ is an upright plant <strong>of</strong> 1 m (3 ft) with a loose informal appearance.<br />
It is one <strong>of</strong><br />
the longest blooming potentillas with bright green leaves and large yellow flowers.<br />
'Katherine Dykes' is slightly smaller (up to 60 cm or 2 ft) with an arching growth habit<br />
and pale yellow flowers and grey green leaves.<br />
'Abbotswood' has large pure white flowers and a dwarf spreading habit with a height <strong>of</strong><br />
60 cm (2 ft) and a width <strong>of</strong> 90 cm (3 ft). It begins blooming earlier than most and<br />
continues until late summer.<br />
Culture:<br />
These are extremely hardy and drought-tolerant plants with few insect or disease<br />
problems. Under extremely hot dry conditions spider mites may be a problem. <strong>Plant</strong> in<br />
full sun on well-drained soil.<br />
Use:<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> their size and long blooming period, potentillas are useful as foundation<br />
plantings, in shrub borders, perennial borders, or a mixed border. They are well suited to<br />
informal groupings and massing as ground covers.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Seed, division, cuttings.<br />
Prunus pensylvanica (pincherry)<br />
Description:<br />
<strong>Native</strong> to much <strong>of</strong> North America, including the Canadian prairies, "prunus" is the Latin<br />
word for plum, while the species name, "pensylvanica", refers to Pennsylvania (or<br />
William Penn's woods) to which the tree is also native. The common name is a reference<br />
to the size <strong>of</strong> the fruit!<br />
Pincherries grow to about 5 m (15 ft) and are considered a large shrub or small tree. <strong>As</strong> a<br />
tree they are oval or round-headed. The bark is red brown. The lance-shaped leaves are<br />
bright green in summer and turn a bright orange in fall. Small white flowers in round<br />
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clusters are produced in great abundance in May and June and are followed by umbels <strong>of</strong><br />
small red cherries, excellent in jelly. Most sucker freely.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> the better cultivars are:<br />
'Jumping Pound' which 4 m (12 ft) with a lovely weeping form. 'Liss' which has larger<br />
fruit than the species. 'Stockton' which is double flowering making it an attractive<br />
ornamental.<br />
Culture:<br />
Pincherries do well in full sun on well drained soils. They will sucker much less if they<br />
are mulched. Root disturbance from cultivation encourages suckering.<br />
Use:<br />
The improved cultivars are excellent in an informal shrub border and as specimen trees<br />
either singly or in groupings. The species are used in shelterbelts, for naturalization,<br />
reclamation, and wildlife plantings. They provide food for birds. Branches may be cut<br />
and brought indoors in February for winter forcing <strong>of</strong> blooms.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Suckers, budding and grafting <strong>of</strong> cultivars. Seeds <strong>of</strong> the species should be stratified for 5<br />
months in moist peat moss at 40C prior to sowing. In nature, seed germination is<br />
stimulated by exposure to light and temperature fluctuation following site disturbance or<br />
clearing.<br />
Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa (chokecherry)<br />
Description:<br />
The chokecherry is a large upright shrub or small tree native to much <strong>of</strong> temperate North<br />
America. Usually found in shrub form, it grows up to 5 m (15 ft.) and is quite broad due<br />
to its tendency to sucker. The fragrant white flowers are produced in long racemes in<br />
May and June followed by clusters <strong>of</strong> black edible berries in July and August. Various<br />
cultivars are available.<br />
The 'Schubert' chokecherry, introduced from North Dakota in 1943, is noted for its<br />
purple-red foliage and can be grown in either tree or shrub form. The leaves emerge<br />
green in the spring but turn a purple-red by mid-summer. The fruit is blue-black. 'Mini-<br />
Schubert' is smaller and more compact but otherwise similar.<br />
'Boughen's yellow', introduced from Valley River, Manitoba, has large yellow sweet fruit<br />
as does 'Spearfish'. 'Copper Schubert' has coppery green leaves and less astringent red<br />
fruit. 'Boughen's chokeless' has almost non-astringent fruit.<br />
Culture:<br />
Hardy and drought-tolerant chokecherries are adapted to a wide variety <strong>of</strong> soils and will<br />
do well in full sun or partial shade. On a small property their tendency to sucker may<br />
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need control. They are susceptible to a fungal disease black knot, which may be<br />
controlled through pruning.<br />
Use:<br />
If pruned to a single trunk, they make an attractive small tree. <strong>As</strong> a large shrub they are<br />
useful in an informal shrub border, especially when seen against silver-grey foliage. They<br />
are used extensively for wildlife or shelterbelt plantings. The fruit makes an excellent jam<br />
or syrup. They provide food and cover for birds.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Seed, suckers, or cuttings.<br />
Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak)<br />
Description:<br />
<strong>Native</strong> to Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan, it is a large, attractive, and long-lived (200<br />
years) tree <strong>of</strong> 10 m (30 ft.) or more.<br />
Bur oak has a straight trunk, high head and branchlets which <strong>of</strong>ten have corky ridges.<br />
Although it has a long standing reputation for slow growth I have seen very young trees<br />
on sandy soil put on 30cm (12 in.) <strong>of</strong> growth in a single season without supplemental<br />
water.<br />
Its leaves are typically "oak"-like, with 7 to 9 deep lobes, shiny green above and whitish<br />
and hairy below, with yellow to red fail coloration. The acorns are "mossy cup" or<br />
fringed. It has a deep root system with a wide-spreading deep tap root.<br />
Culture:<br />
Adapted to most <strong>of</strong> the prairies, the bur oak is drought-tolerant once established due to<br />
the nature <strong>of</strong> its taproot. The taproot also makes it difficult to transplant once it is over .6<br />
m (a few feet) high. This is probably the reason why it is not readily available<br />
commercially.<br />
Use:<br />
It is excellent as a shade or specimen tree in a medium or large lot. Because <strong>of</strong> its taproot,<br />
it is not competitive with nearby lawns or flowerbeds. It provides cover and food for<br />
birds.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Seed planted outdoors in the fall.<br />
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Ribes aureum (golden currant)<br />
Description:<br />
The species name “aureum” means golden and is a reference to the golden yellow<br />
flowers. This is a hardy, native plant found in the Cypress Hills and elsewhere <strong>of</strong> 1.3 to<br />
2m (4 to 6 ft.) with loose, open arching branches, <strong>of</strong>ten becoming somewhat leggy with<br />
age. Like other currants, it has no prickles. The fragrant tubular yellow flowers in May<br />
and June are followed by edible black berries useful for jelly. The tiny light green leaves<br />
are 3-lobed, wedge-shaped at their base, and turn an attractive orange-scarlet in the fall. It<br />
spreads through suckering.<br />
Culture:<br />
Golden currant is drought tolerant and adapted to a variety <strong>of</strong> soils in sun or partial shade.<br />
Use:<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> the "edible landscape", plant it where you can take advantage <strong>of</strong> its fragrance. Its<br />
form lends it to informal plantings and its tendency to sucker makes it more useful on<br />
larger lots. It is also used as a wildlife planting to attract birds and wildlife. It is a<br />
butterfly nectar plant. Useful for jams and jellies.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Cuttings, layering, or seed which has first been stratified for 3 months at 4cC.<br />
Rosa spp. (rose)<br />
Description:<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> the hardy shrub roses long grown on the prairies are drought-tolerant. All do<br />
best in full sun and will benefit from mulching. Most are large, thorny, and some sucker.<br />
The red hips provide fall and winter landscape value as well as bird food. High in vitamin<br />
C, the hips are also used in jelly.<br />
A number <strong>of</strong> native roses have been planted as ornamentals, for naturalization or<br />
reclamation, in shelterbelts and in wildlife plantings. These roses hybridize freely and<br />
intermediate types are difficult to identify. Among these are:<br />
Rosa acicularis (prickly rose) - The species name, acicularis, means sharp-pointed and<br />
refers to the prickles. It is up to 2.5 m high, bushy with lots <strong>of</strong> prickles on young stems.<br />
The leaves are pinnately compound each with 3 to 7 blue-green oval leaflets. The rosy<br />
pink flowers occur singly in June and July followed by red pear-shaped hips with distinct<br />
necks which persist over winter.<br />
Rosa woodsii (common wild rose or woods rose) - Both the common and species names<br />
refer to its habitat - in the woods. The bush is up to 1.5 m in height with pink flowers<br />
produced in small clusters followed by round red hips. The compound leaves each have S<br />
to 9 sharp-toothed leaflets. There are thick thorns below the stipules on the leaf.<br />
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Rosa arkansana (prairie rose) - This rose used in much <strong>of</strong> the hybridizing work which<br />
produced the Parkland series <strong>of</strong> roses. They are short (up to 0.6 m or 2 ft) with many<br />
branches and usually die back to ground level each winter. Each leaf contains 9 to 11<br />
leaflets.<br />
Culture:<br />
All <strong>of</strong> these roses grow best in full sun in a rich, organic soil and will benefit from<br />
mulching. Although they are drought-tolerant, they will do better with even moisture<br />
during establishment. Protection from wind is beneficial.<br />
Use:<br />
The larger shrub roses and those which sucker are more suited for an untrimmed hedge or<br />
an informal shrub border. The smaller ones, if non-suckering, can be planted in smaller<br />
urban yards where any other rose would be used. They work well in a mixed border.<br />
They are also used in wildlife plantings where they provide food and cover for birds and<br />
serve as butterfly nectar plants.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Cuttings.<br />
Shepherdia argentea (silver buffaloberry)<br />
Description:<br />
The species name “argentea” is the Latin for silver and refers to the color <strong>of</strong> the leaves<br />
and stems. The common name is a reference to the reputed fondness <strong>of</strong> buffalo for the<br />
berries. Buffaloberry is a large native shrub (up to 4m or 12 ft) <strong>of</strong>ten forming a dense<br />
thicket. It is characterized by silver, strap-shaped leaves, thorns, and clusters <strong>of</strong> bright red<br />
berries (sometimes orange or yellow) in mid-summer. Flowers are creamy white,<br />
inconspicuous, and bloom in May. The berries are 4 to 6 mm long and contain one seed.<br />
Branchlets, which <strong>of</strong>ten terminate as thorns, grow almost perpendicular to the branches.<br />
Because it is dioecious (male and female flowers are borne on separate plants), plants <strong>of</strong><br />
both sexes must be grown to ensure fruit. It suckers generously.<br />
Culture:<br />
Buffaloberry will grow on any well drained soil in full sun and are both drought and<br />
saline tolerant.<br />
Use:<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> its size and tendency to sucker, it is best used as an informal planting on a<br />
larger lot. It can be sheared to form a hedge, used for screening, or pruned to a single<br />
stem and used as a small specimen tree in the smaller urban yard. It is also used<br />
extensively for wildlife and shelterbelt plantings where it provides food and cover for<br />
birds. It has also been used as a "barrier planting" due to the presence <strong>of</strong> thorns.<br />
Propagation:<br />
Cuttings and seed stratified for 3 months at 40C.<br />
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Symphoricarpos occidentalis (western snowberry, buckbrush or wolfberry)<br />
Description:<br />
The genus name means "fruit-borne-together" and refers to the dense clusters <strong>of</strong> waxy<br />
greenish-white berries. The fruit, believed to be poisonous, is retained through winter but<br />
changes color to a purplish light brown. The species name, occidentalis, means "<strong>of</strong> the<br />
west" and is similar to the common name.<br />
A member <strong>of</strong> the honeysuckle family, snowberry is a native shrub, 30 to 120cm (1 to 4 ft)<br />
in height which forms dense clumps or thickets and suckers readily. The flowers are pink<br />
and white and are borne in July The small, oval leaves are gray-green and opposite.<br />
Stems are hollow.<br />
Culture:<br />
Grow in full sun on well drained soil.<br />
Use:<br />
Snowberry can be massed as a ground cover, used as an understory below trees, and for<br />
naturalization. It provides food and cover for birds and is a hummingbird nectar plant.<br />
Propagation:<br />
S<strong>of</strong>twood cuttings, division, rooted suckers. Seed should be warm stratified in moist peat<br />
for 5 months at room temperature, then cold stratified at 4°C for 5 months, and then<br />
sown.<br />
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