Grasslands are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
Did you know that Canada’s grasslands are endangered ecosystems? Grasslands are vital hotspots of biodiversity, offering valuable ecosystem services. They provide wildlife habitat, store carbon, support large animal grazing, naturally control crop pests, facilitate pollination, reduce erosion and flooding, and offer medicines and foods. Grasslands and wetlands fit together in a beautiful mosaic to provide complementary habitat for hundreds of wildlife species—including species at risk.
We must prioritize grassland conservation to ensure they continue providing these benefits as well as the survival of grassland-dependent species.
Grassland resources for educators and students
Your students will explore these incredible ecosystems, how Indigenous Peoples farmed in the past and how we can look toward the future with sustainable agriculture.
Agriculture Programs & Resources
From delivering on-farm programs to consulting with one of our conservation specialists, we help you maximize your land’s potential.
What is a grassland?
The most endangered terrestrial ecosystem is found right here in Canada: temperate grasslands.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is important because it supports everything in nature that we need to survive and has a direct impact on our health and well-being.
Canadian farms produce more than food
Why should we conserve grasslands?
Native grasslands appear tranquil—even empty—but their abundant biodiversity may surprise you. There are up to 100 plant species in two hectares (five acres) of prairie grassland. The tall plants shelter and feed the insects, birds, pollinators, reptiles and other wildlife that make up a healthy grassland ecosystem.
Their deep roots protect soil from erosion, stabilize slopes and enrich soil health. The roots also store carbon taken from the atmosphere, which can help mitigate climate change. They support songbird species at risk in Eastern Canada. They provide essential grazing land for cattle in Prairie Canada.
How much of Canada’s grasslands remain?
We are deeply concerned about the rapid loss of grasslands. An estimated 74% of Canada’s native grasslands have already been lost. Since 1970, more than half of Canada’s grassland birds have disappeared. Many waterfowl species successfully nest in grasslands but there may not be enough nesting habitat for the declining population of northern pintail ducks. The urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated.
As a national conservation organization, Ducks Unlimited Canada recognize the critical role of temperate grasslands in maintaining ecosystem health. We’re working to conserve and restore native grasslands across Canada.
Taking Action
Our approach is rooted in collaboration and partnerships. Our restoration projects bring lost grasslands, wetlands and waterways back to life.
At DUC, we work closely with governments, universities, foundations and corporate partners to study the environmental and economic benefits of grasslands in Canada. Our research findings inform incentives and support programs such as resources to inform sustainable and wildlife-friendly practices like:
- Retiring unproductive cropland
- Forage programs
- Habitat restoration
We offer conservation easements that compensate producers for their efforts to conserve wetlands or grasslands. Where grassland is already gone, DUC’s forage program supports seed costs for land returned to perennial cover. We also help landowners convert idled fields into new grassland through habitat offset programs. In Ontario, we offer habitat restoration solutions to offset loss of upland, wetland and aquatic habitats.
Programs for landowners
From delivering on-farm programs to consulting with one of our conservation specialists, we help you maximize your land’s potential.
Guts, grit and friends in high places
The secrets of DUC's most successful annual fundraising event: the Toronto Dinner.
Land homesteaded in 1881 conserved by Ducks Unlimited Canada
With help from DUC, Carol Chapman has conserved land near Baldur, Manitoba that her Icelandic family homesteaded in 1881.
Years in the making for record-breaking conservation project
A Prairie Pothole wetland is restored to life thanks to vision of long-time staff, landowners
A bittersweet legacy for Adam Herold
A grassland oasis honours a lost son following the Humboldt Broncos tragedy
A career in science and conservation
Jim Devries is a recognized leader in North American wetland and waterfowl science based on his long career in conservation with DUC.
Partners in conservation: protecting Alberta’s remaining grassland habitat
Learn about the importance of the Alberta's native grasslands that support wildlife and bird species, including the northern pintail.
Protecting our connection to the land
Conservation easements offer means of preserving Saskatchewan heritage.
Canadian farms produce more than food
The land used to grow and raise our food also stores carbon, provides biodiversity habitat, filters our water and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change like flooding and drought.
Soil is at the root of a healthy planet but we’re treating it like dirt
Healthy soil safeguards nature, filters water, stores carbon and increases biodiversity both above and below ground. It also provides 95 per cent of the food we eat. The bottom line: healthy soil is at the root of everything essential to our survival.
Conservation at the sustainable table
When you cook, how often do you think about how sustainable your ingredients might be? This farm-to-table menu might surprise you.
Agriculture and conservation: food for thought
“Farm to table” products can be sustainable, when they come with a healthy side of conservation.
Where cattle and ducks find a home on the range
The Hanceville Cattle Co. and DUC take the road less travelled in their commitment to conservation and agriculture in the Chilcotin.
Celebrating the cream of the crop
As DUC enters its 85th year, we are celebrating Canadian farmers and ranchers and their dedication to conserving natural landscapes.
New Grassland Habitat at Luther Marsh
A tallgrass prairie project in the headwaters region of the Grand River watershed.
More ecosystems where we are making an impact
Our conservation efforts impact diverse areas across the entire country—including your community.
Sign up for eDUC today
Learn more about our conservation successes and discover opportunities to help create a healthier world.
Yes, send me monthly news