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In addition to maintaining the wetland and re-establishing vegetation around Basin #3, the partners look forward to the day when school children and other citizens begin using the area as an outdoor classroom.
City, local conservation groups celebrate urban wetlands 
Saskatoon recognizes urban conservation area as future site for wetland education
Saskatoon, Sask., Jul 23, 2007—Representatives from the City of Saskatoon, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation gathered at the Hyde Wetlands in southeast Saskatoon to unveil a project sign and recognize an important urban conservation area as a future site for wetland education in the city.
There is a lot happening in and around the Lakewood Suburban Centre in southeast Saskatoon. Although much of the area is under construction, city planners and conservation groups have come together to ensure that one large wetland remains relatively unchanged within the new development. In total, five wetlands and 237 acres of greenspace will be preserved and maintained in the area. The largest of the wetlands will soon become an education destination for school classes from Saskatoon and the surrounding area.
“The City of Saskatoon is a proud partner in this unique project,” says Tiffany Paulsen, City Councillor for Ward 9. “These wetlands and natural storm water management system are a good fit with City Council's focus on environmentally sustainable projects within the city.”
The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation (SWF), in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the City of Saskatoon, recognized this important area in 2003 and pledged $100,000 towards the project. “We felt this was an important opportunity for the city of Saskatoon,” says Bob Rogers, Habitat Chair with the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation and a retired teacher. “Not only does this project retain a natural wetland within the city limits, it will be a location where residents and schools can visit and learn about our natural spaces.”
While only one of the wetlands will remain untouched as the area is developed, three of the five have been incorporated into the city’s storm water management plan for the area. The plan, developed by Associated Engineering (SK) Ltd. has even won a national award for its design in 2004 and has been touted as a template for urban planning across the country. In addition to maintaining the wetland and re-establishing vegetation around Basin #3, the partners look forward to the day when school children and other citizens begin using the area as an outdoor classroom.
“The SWF and DUC have a long history of working together to conserve habitat in Saskatchewan,” says Dr. Michael Hill, DUC’s Head of Wetland Restoration for the province. “When a wetland is saved, we preserve the province’s natural heritage with many short and long term benefits to waterfowl, wildlife and people.”
Wetlands, nature’s water filters, help to remove pollutants from water before it reaches the pipes that carry it to people’s homes.
For more information or to request photos contact:
Lori Gasper,
Marketing & Communications (Saskatoon),
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (306) 222-6430
E-mail:
l_gasper@ducks.ca
