An Ocean of Grass
The Canadian Prairies, particularly the native grasslands of Saskatchewan, represent one of the most altered landscapes on the planet. Once a vast "sea of grass" that stretched from horizon to horizon, sustaining tens of millions of bison, less than 20% of the original temperate grasslands remain. The deep, fertile soils that made this ecosystem so rich also made it ideal for agriculture, leading to its near-total conversion. What remains are precious fragments of an incredibly diverse and resilient ecosystem, holding the genetic memory of a lost world.
These remnant prairies are not homogenous. They range from the tallgrass prairie in the east, with grasses reaching over two meters high, to the mixed-grass and shortgrass prairie further west, adapted to drier conditions. They are complex communities of hundreds of species of grasses, wildflowers, insects, and birds, many of which are now at risk. Our work in Saskatchewan is a race against time: to document the biodiversity of the last intact grasslands and to support groundbreaking restoration projects, including the reintroduction of the plains bison, the ecosystem's keystone species.
Life Beneath the Big Sky
Prairie biodiversity is often subtle but incredibly rich. The deep and complex root systems of native grasses, some reaching four meters into the earth, create a drought-resistant foundation that supports the entire ecosystem. These grasslands are vital habitat for a unique suite of species. The melodic song of the Sprague's Pipit, a bird that sings only in high-altitude flight, is a signature sound. Burrowing owls make their homes in abandoned prairie dog burrows, while swift foxes, once extirpated from Canada, are making a fragile comeback thanks to reintroduction efforts. The ecosystem is also home to a staggering diversity of pollinators, essential for the hundreds of wildflower species that bloom throughout the seasons.
The reintroduction of plains bison is the single most important act of ecological restoration in the region. As a keystone species, their grazing patterns, wallowing behavior (which creates temporary wetlands), and fertilization of the soil create a mosaic of habitats that benefit countless other species. Our research uses drone imagery and GPS collars to study how bison are reshaping the landscape and to document the return of native flora and fauna in their wake.
Bison (Bison bison bison)
An ecosystem engineer. Their selective grazing promotes grass diversity, their hooves aerate the soil, and their dung revitalizes it. Observing their interaction with the landscape provides a living blueprint for large-scale prairie restoration.
Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Status: Endangered. This spectacular bird requires large, intact sagebrush-grassland habitats and is extremely sensitive to disturbance. Its elaborate spring mating rituals on traditional "lek" sites are a key indicator of prairie health.
Rebuilding a Lost World
While the history of the prairies is one of loss, its future is one of growing hope. We partner with conservation organizations, ranchers practicing regenerative agriculture, and Indigenous communities who are leading the charge in grassland restoration. These efforts involve carefully managing grazing, conducting prescribed burns to mimic natural fire cycles, and reseeding vast areas with locally sourced native grass and flower seeds. The return of bison to parks and Indigenous-managed lands has been a powerful catalyst, both ecologically and culturally.
Documenting this process of recovery is a core part of our mission. We establish long-term monitoring plots to track changes in plant diversity, soil health, and water retention. This data helps refine restoration techniques and demonstrates the remarkable ability of the prairie to heal when given the chance. The story of the prairies is no longer just about what was lost; it is about what can be regained through collaboration, science, and a renewed commitment to the land.