Partners

Partners

Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan

The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK-PCAP) is an action-oriented plan with a vision that healthy native prairie ecosystems are vital parts of our vibrant and strong communities. SaskPower provides two representatives, one from the Shand Greenhouse and one from Environmental Programs, to the Partnership that has been assigned to move the plan forward. SaskPower also provides annual monetary support to further the SK-PCAP.

Rafferty/Alameda Wildlife Mitigation Project

In 1992, Shand Greenhouse began supplying various trees and shrubs to the Rafferty wildlife mitigation project sponsored by Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management. When planting was complete in 1995, the Rafferty project had received more than 100,000 seedlings from Shand Greenhouse.

The project was initiated by the Souris Basin Development Authority (SBDA), the agency responsible for the Rafferty and Alameda Dam projects. Tree planting first began at the Rafferty site in 1987, with the AAFC-PFRA Shelterbelt Centre supplying the trees and organizing the plantings. Coal Spoil Pile Reclamation – Sherritt Coal

Species trials were initiated in 1994 with Prairie Coal Ltd on old spoil pile sites near Estevan and pond sites southwest of Shand Greenhouse to test different tree and shrub species for survival on unvegetated, previously mined lands.

The spoil piles have a number of variable affects on plants survival including slope, salinity, moisture, lack of organic matter and fertility. Spoil piles used for the trials have never successfully re-established vegetation naturally. This project's goal was to identify species and modifications to the piles which would help stabilize, beautify and enhance wildlife habitat on these old coal-mining remains.

Data collected on the trials indicates a varying rate of survival from 10 per cent to 62 per cent, with species such as green ash and buffaloberry having the best survival rate. Over 100,000 trees were provided to this project.

Following the completion of the data gathering experiments Shand Greenhouse has continued to collaborate with Sherritt Coal (formerly Prairie Mines & Royalties, formerly Luscar Ltd, formerly Prairie Coal Ltd) to provide both trees and native plant materials to aid in reclamation efforts. Along with regular tree and shrub contributions, research has gone into the propagation of different forbes that are specific to the areas being mined. The goal is to establish a local seed source that can be use to rehabilitate disturbed areas.

In the first 15 years of its existence Shand Greenhouse contributed almost 200,000 tree and shrub seedlings to coal mining reclamation work in the Estevan area. We hope to continue this partnership for years to come.

Coal Spoil Pile Reclamation - Sherrit Coal

Ducks Unlimited Canada

In 1994, Ducks Unlimited Canada entered into a partnership agreement with Shand Greenhouse, the University of Saskatchewan and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to investigate and develop the use of winterfat (Eurotia lanata) as a reclamation and revegation species in Saskatchewan. Winterfat has excellent value for both livestock forage and diversity in wildlife habitat.

The results of this five year project will assist the development of an agronomic production plan and seed (ecovar) supply system for winterfat. Shand Greenhouse supplied over 2000 greenhouse-grown winterfat seedlings during this project.

HELP International

Health-Education-Livelihood Project Inc. otherwise known as HELP International is a charitable non-government organization located in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. HELP International's primary objective is to promote and demonstrate environmental sustainability in prairie ecosystems.

HELP International's projects include the Souris River and Farm Protection Program for stream bank stabilization, phytoremediation projects, and others. As a partner, Shand Greenhouse has a special relationship with the project filling customized orders for tree and shrub seedlings and grass plugs. In the years 2000-2005 almost 520,000 plants were provided for these projects. We continue to partner with this group on a yearly basis.

For more information about HELP International Inc, contact:

Rodney Sidloski
Box 181
Weyburn, SK S4H 2J9
Tel: 306-842-2433
Fax: 306-848-0902
E-mail: helpint@sasktel.net
Website: help-international.com

AAFC – PFRA Shelterbelt Centre

The Agriculture and Agri Food Canada — Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association Shelterbelt Centre is located at Indian Head Saskatchewan. They grow 29 tree and shrub species on 640 acres of land. Each year they distribute approximately 5,000,000 trees to over 10,000 customers.

The Shand Greenhouse and the Shelterbelt Centre maintain an open partnership of in-kind services. They provide us with seed and cold storage space that is difficult for us to find. We grow trees for them of species that are difficult to propagate outside of a greenhouse environment. There is also a free exchange of technical and practical information.

Saskatchewan Watershed Authority

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has a native plant seed nursery located in the Riverside Memorial Park in the city of Regina. The nursery presently contains 56 species of forbs, 25 species of grass, 3 sedges, and 4 woody species for a total of 89 species.

This nursery allows the multiplication of the small amount of wild seed that is found in the Regina Plains Region to be used for restoration of native prairie. Because the seed is collected locally it helps to conserve the genetic diversity of the region. The seed nursery increases the ease of harvesting and protects remnant sites from being harmed by repeated removal of seeds. This site provides seed for the restoration of native prairie as well as providing opportunities for research, education and awareness.

The Shand Greenhouse has partnered with the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority to assist in the initial germination and growth of these rare wild seeds. Once the plants are established in our greenhouse, they are transplanted into the nursery and used for further seed collection.

Canadian Wildlife Service

The Canadian Wildlife Service Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area is located at the north end of Last Mountain Lake near Simpson Saskatchewan. This sanctuary was set aside by the Canadian Government in 1887. Since that time the protected area has expanded to cover 15,600 hectares. This sanctuary provides an important habitat for many migratory bird species.

In 1992, CWS initiated the Native Prairie Conservation Program on this site. The main objective is to re-establish and rehabilitate diverse native prairie habitat through appropriate restoration and management. Components of this project include a native seed nursery which contains over 50 species of native forbes and several large grass and wildflower plantings and are used to supply native planting projects.

The Shand Greenhouse has partnered with CWS to provide growing space and assist in the production of native plant material for the nursery.

Looman & Budd Memorial Garden – Swift Current

In 2005, the Swift Current Horticultural Society inaugurated the "Looman and Budd" Native Plant Garden. The garden was initiated as a tribute to Archibald C. Budd and Dr. Jan Looman, two native plant enthusiasts who made their home in Swift Current Saskatchewan and who had a lasting impact on our knowledge of prairie flora.

Both of these men did extensive research into the prairie ecosystem and the plants necessary to maintain that ecosystem. They were both caretakers and contributors to the Station Herbarium in Swift Current. Budd is best known for his book Budd's Flora of the Canadian Prairie Provinces, but he also published several other books on prairie flora. Dr. Looman published many research papers and wrote, published, and contributed to 6 books as well. He also contributed to revisions of Budd's Flora of the Canadian Prairies.

The Shand Greenhouse helped make this tribute a reality by propagating many of the native species required for the garden.

Wanuskewin

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is both a provincial and national historical site located on 240 hectares along the South Saskatchewan River just 3 km north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This site has been a gathering place for the Northern Plains First Nations People for 6,000 years. This beautiful location continues to be used to bring people together in peace and harmony.

One of the main functions of the park is to educate people about First Nations history, culture, and beliefs. This is done through viewing of artifacts, re-created sites and through guide interpretation. Some of the artifacts found on the site are older than the pyramids of Egypt.

Shand Greenhouse native plant materials are used in a program called Native Prairie Restoration and Education. This program is being used to educate students about prairie flora and its traditional uses, as well as to restore a parcel of agricultural land to native prairie. Interpreters will explain the importance of each native plant to First Nations peoples; including traditional uses, spiritual significance and traditional legends.

Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park is located near Val Marie Saskatchewan and is the first national park of Canada to preserve a portion of the mixed prairie grasslands. They have been revegetating cultivated lands back to native prairie for several years now. Recently, it was decided that established plants that could be inserted into existing plantings would help increase diversity and enhance restoration.

The Shand Greenhouse agreed to grow several species that do not easily grow from seed planted directly on the site. Using special preparation techniques and the luxury environment of the greenhouse, we were able to produce plugs that can be inserted into existing plantings. These established plants will have a higher likelihood of survival.

COGEMA

COGEMA Resources Inc operates uranium mining and milling operations in northern Saskatchewan. From 1999 – 2003 Shand Greenhouse partnered with COGEMA to provide specific plant material for their reclamation efforts at the Cluff Lake and McLean Lake mine sites. Obtaining plant material for revegetation efforts in the far north provides its own challenges. As a result we grew green alder (Alnus crispa (Ait.) Pursh) which were inoculated with beneficial fungus as well as nitrogen fixing bacteria to aid establishment in this disturbed site. These components should help with long term survival of the plants.

Over the five year period, Shand Greenhouse contributed almost 35,000 tree seedlings to their reclamation efforts.

Additional partners:

Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association

First Nations University of Canada (FNUC)

United Nations Regional Centre of Expertise (UN RCE)