The Nature Conservancy of Canada, a not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, announced today a new conservation project in southern Saskatchewan.

Located approximately an hour and 45 minutes south of Regina, the Lonetree Lake property consists of 629 hectares of endangered grasslands and wetlands.

Private donors contributed to the conservation of Lonetree Lake, including members of the Field of Dreams Facebook Group, initiated by University of Regina professor Marc Spooner.

“It’s an initiative that turned our unexpected Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) rebates and other donations into a permanent legacy by conserving endangered grasslands for future generations and species," said Spooner. “Remarkably, our group has raised $103,500 toward protecting the vibrant habitat found at Lonetree Lake."

Other private donors such as the Field of Dreams group and the estates of Margaret Smith and Norman and Sophie Headford helped the project by providing match funding for the financial support of several government partners. That included the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The community’s response around the Field of Dreams grasslands campaign was outstanding, and the initiative expanded into something incredible. Conserving endangered grasslands, wetlands, and species-at-risk would not be possible without the support of our partners and donors. Your support will benefit nature for generations to come,” said Jennifer McKillop, Vice-President for NCC’s Saskatchewan Region

NCC’s Lonetree Lake property includes native and tame grassland, seasonal creeks, wetlands, and shoreline habitats. The area is also a haven for wildlife that are endangered, including burrowing owls and piping plovers.

“Our grasslands contribute to our prairie landscape and provide valuable benefits to our province. Protecting Lonetree Lake shows how Saskatchewan people can come together with acts of generosity, creating big benefits and advancing important conservation efforts such as this one,” said Dana Skoropad, the Minister of Environment for the Government of Saskatchewan.