Unlocking hidden potential through conservation

On a stretch of farmland near Kennedy, Sask., a local grain grower found himself in a familiar struggle. Year after year, he fought to coax a crop from two stubborn quarter sections of marginal land. He’d acquired the parcels as part of a larger purchase block a few years earlier and, after investing heavily in an attempt to drain and crop the acres, concluded he was fighting a losing battle.

And then, a conversation with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) staff opened a new opportunity. By selling the quarters to DUC, the owner could reinvest in land better suited to grain production—and those less-productive acres could be restored to what they were meant to be: thriving wetlands and grasslands that support wildlife, clean water and the agricultural economy that depends on both.

From a conservation perspective, the quarters were top-notch. DUC and its industry partners would restore 22 drained wetland basins and return roughly 44 acres (17.8 hectares) of wetland habitat to the landscape. A habitat-friendly mix of perennial grasses and forbs would be seeded across most upland acres. Combined with the conservation of 11 intact wetlands and the continued stewardship of the White Lake Wetland Project—a constructed wetland spanning the property boundary—DUC’s new Willemse Project would result in a large, connected block of critical habitat for area wildlife and recreation users.

At 320 acres (129.5 hectares), the Willemse Project is more than a nice place to observe wildlife—it’s a strategic investment in Saskatchewan’s future economic, social and environmental well-being. The decision to prioritize conservation over cultivation on these lower-productivity acres promises to deliver lasting benefits to Saskatchewan and beyond. Here’s how.

A win for farmers and the land

Grass is an agricultural commodity—and Willemse remains part of Saskatchewan’s working landscape. Once the perennial cover is established, DUC will make the property available for haying and grazing by local beef producers, providing a much needed and sustainable source of forage.

Natural areas also help surrounding cropland perform better. Studies show that when habitat is converted to cropland monocultures, pest pressure increases, insecticide use rises and yet, crop losses often remain stable—or even grow. By contrast, natural habitats support beneficial insects that provide free pest control and pollination services.

Research has documented 80 species of wild bees associated with DUC-secured native grassland and 67 species on restored tame grass, along with 93 species of beneficial arthropods such as spiders, predatory beetles and hoverflies linked to prairie wetlands. By maintaining habitat for these species, DUC projects like Willemse indirectly support higher yields and reduced input costs on nearby farmland.

Responsible growth for industry

Wetland mitigation offers a practical path for industry to balance development with environmental responsibility. Through Saskatchewan’s Wetland Mitigation Framework, companies can offset the ecological impacts of their operations by investing in wetland restoration.

At Willemse, potash companies expanding their operations will use restored wetlands to meet Ministry of Environment compliance requirements. These partnerships bring restored habitat and wetland function back to the landscape—offsetting what’s lost elsewhere. Recognizing that public trust is essential to their long-term success, industry partners are proud to hold up the good news story of wetland mitigation as part of their environmental stewardship.

Lasting value for people and wildlife

The natural areas restored and conserved through the Willemse Project deliver wide-ranging benefits to Saskatchewan residents—now and for generations to come.

The wetlands will store 78,010 cubic metres of water each year—the equivalent of 520,000 bathtubs—and retain up to 98 kilograms of phosphorus and 365 kilograms of nitrogen annually. Restoration efforts are expected to reduce phosphorus runoff by an additional 15.3 kilograms per year. These natural systems help filter water, recharge groundwater and reduce flooding risks downstream.

The project will also capture and store an estimated 13,182 tonnes of CO₂e over its lifetime—roughly the same as taking 2,800 cars off the road for a year.

Wildlife benefits are equally impressive. The Willemse Project is expected to support 119 terrestrial vertebrate species, including 95 birds, 20 mammals, three amphibians and two reptiles. Restored grasslands will provide essential nesting habitat for shorebirds, grassland birds and waterfowl—species valued by hunters, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Healthy wetlands and grasslands sustain the fish and game species that support Saskatchewan’s outdoor traditions. By maintaining and restoring these landscapes, we help ensure those traditions—and the ecosystems that make them possible—continue well into the future.

Seeing the bigger picture

The Willemse Project is more than a restoration story—it’s a vision for smarter land use. On lower-yielding acres, conservation isn’t just an ecological choice; it’s a strategic one that supports farmers, strengthens industries and delivers tangible benefits to all Saskatchewan residents.

By recognizing where conservation makes more sense than cultivation, we unlock the hidden potential in our landscapes—and ensure they continue to provide for people, wildlife and the economy long into the future.