Wildlife & Natural Spaces

You cannot protect what you do not know. Nature’s diversity exists all around us. SCCF works with individuals, partners and community groups to promote knowledge of wildlife and natural environments. We work to preserve and protect for all to enjoy, both now and in the future.

Indigenous & Environmental Groups Call for Moratorium on Mining Development in Ring of Fire

Sierra Club Canada Foundation has joined Indigenous and environmental groups in requesting a moratorium on a mining development in Ontario's "Ring of Fire". As it stands, the region’s wetlands and watersheds are not protected under this development and local communities, both upstream and downstream, are in need of access to clean water, housing and other health services.

All Hands on Deck Webinar Series - Marine protected areas and beyond: setting sail for a sustainable ocean

The ocean unites our world in a profound way – and yet, it faces more threats today than ever before in history. All around the world, the need to protect the ocean is clear, from the United Nations to right here in Canada. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an important tool for conservation, protecting biodiversity and habitats from harmful human activities; but, there are some ocean goals that MPAs cannot help us reach. As we strive to protect 30% of Canada’s ocean by 2030, we must look beyond MPAs to see the bigger picture of the ocean and how we use them. Setting sail for ocean sustainability won’t be an easy task, and will need our governments, ocean industries, and coastal communities to pull together toward a common goal. We might be aiming for 30 by 30, but the real ambition should be 100% of the ocean sustainably managed for all. This webinar gives an introduction to MPAs in Canada and explores the different pathways we can take to a healthy ocean now and into the future. 

Our speaker is Julie Reimer, Julie is a PhD Candidate (Geography) at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her research explores marine spatial planning and area-based ocean management as a pathway toward conservation and sustainability goals. She holds a Master of Marine Management and a Bachelor of Science in biology, and brings this interdisciplinary lens to her work with multiple environmental non-profits in Canada. Julie has been recognized as a leader in organizational governance and science-based conservation advocacy. Julie currently serves as President of Sierra Club Canada Foundation Board of Directors.

Join us for webinar & discussion on sustainable oceans

Webinar: Marine protected areas and beyond: setting sail for a sustainable ocean
When: Thursday, January 28, 2021 for 30-40 minutes starting 7:30pm Atlantic time/ 6:30pm Eastern time/ and so on...

Join us for the latest installment of our All Hands On Deck webinar series. A series intended to showcase the diversity of issues and solutions as we come together to deal with the environmental and social challenges of our time.

Sand Dunes, Meteorite Lakes, and Waterfalls: Jill’s Top 3 Manitoba Hikes

Paved, gravel, natural surface – trails take on a variety of forms. They can traverse great distances into the backcountry, travel through an urban park, or roam through local neighbourhoods. Historically, trails were used for the transport of goods and livestock between local villages and towns. Walking for leisure was a luxury, mostly reserved for those with garden paths or access to local forested trails. Recreational walking grew in popularity in North America at the end of the 19th century and gained traction post-war in the 20th century. The environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s further inspired people to seek time outdoors in nature for relaxation and fitness.

 

Nowadays trails are tourist attractions and community refuges for outdoor recreation. Whether planning a long-day hike to a mountain lake, or a short dog-walk close to home, I love to explore new and familiar trails.

 

A note about wildlife…

Wildlife can be encountered at any time while on trails. Human-wildlife coexistence is integral to safe and enjoyable recreation that also promotes wildlife conservation.

 

What is human-wildlife coexistence? 

It is a sustainable state that encourages the co-adaption of humans and wildlife that live in shared landscapes. Regarding hiking, it seeks to ensure wildlife conservation while promoting safe human recreation. When planning for your hikes, please keep the local wildlife in mind and leave no trace.

 

Jill's Top 3 Hikes in Manitoba:

Manitoba is ecologically much more diverse than people realize! Our province ranges from open prairie grasslands to Tundra and even borders an ocean! To outline some incredible variation in ecosystems I’ve chosen three hikes that represent three unique geographic regions and ecosystems. Black bears are common on some of the hikes that I am recommending, so make sure you know how to be wildlife smart and avoid interacting with bears. A bear habituated and used to being around people often becomes a dead bear – so being bear smart is about their safety and yours. Make sure to always check local advisories and warnings regarding weather and wildlife before heading out on your hike.

 

1) Hunt Lake Trail

Location: Whiteshell Provincial Park

Distance: 12.6km out and back

Elevation: 210m

Type: Moderate day hike

Difficulty: Moderate (rated as difficult due to the uneven terrain).

Website: Manitoba Parks

Ecozone: Lake of the Woods, Boreal Shield

 

The trail begins at the Hunt Lake Parking lot and follows the Eastern edge of West Hawk Lake for the majority of the trail. West Hawk Lake was formed by a meteorite impact, making it Manitoba’s deepest lake. As a result, the terrain around the lake is rugged a features granite cliffs along the trail. There are several sections of steep rocks, a few boggy areas (especially in spring) and the terrain is generally uneven. Make sure to wear hiking boots and bring bug spray depending on the season. The majority of the hike is in the shade and next to the lake, which is great if some of your hiking companions have four legs. Make sure dogs remain on leash while hiking, since this trail is in bear country.

 

You’ll encounter beautiful outcrops of granite and Precambrian Canadian shield all along the hike and see trees interwoven through the rocks over time. Along this trail you’ll find cedars and the westernmost Eastern White Pine in Canada. These giant Eastern White Pines tower over the forest canopy and can be easily seen at a distance. This ecosystem is known as the Manitoba Lowlands Natural Region, and the park is classified as a Natural Park – which means that the purpose of the park is to preserve this ecosystem.

 

At the end of the trail you’ll find a cook shelter where you can make a fire and enjoy the views. All along the trail you’ll find stunning views and places suitable to go for a swim on a hot day.

 Take your time to enjoy this hike and bring along a picnic to enjoy at the halfway point.

 

2) Pisew Falls to Kwasitchewan Falls Hiking Trail

Location: Pisew Falls Provincial Park (74 km / 46 mi. south of Thompson on PTH 6)

Distance: 27.4km loop

Elevation: 678m

Type: Multi-day hike, backcountry camping

Difficulty: Difficult

Website: Manitoba Parks

Ecozone: Hayes River Upland, Boreal Shield

 

Come prepared for this hike as wet weather can change estimated hiking times dramatically, and signage can be difficult to follow at times. Hikers can take the slightly shorter Philips Lake Route or the Grass River route to get to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest waterfall. You’ll hike amidst pine, spruce, poplar and tamarak trees.

 Black bears, wolves and cougar are frequently reported in the area. Make sure to follow all hiking recommendations from Manitoba Parks and check out the First Steps section of the trail guide to know how to prepare.

Not quite ready for an overnight hike? No problem! This hike begins at Pisew Falls, which is easily accessible after a short but stunning walk along a boardwalk to the falls. The name Pisew is from the Cree word for lynx, as the hissing sound of the falls resembled that of the lynx. Continue along the Grass Trail lake side of the hike to follow a well-travelled route that Indigenous peoples showed to fur traders. Consider doing an out and back along this section of the trail, but be mindful to bring proper supplies and expect your route to take longer than expected.

 

Note: The backcountry campsites are also accessible by canoe.

 

 

 

3) Devils Punch Bowl – Spirit Sands

Location: Spruce Woods Provincial Park. From Winnipeg: travel west on Highway 1, turn south on P.T.H. 5 for 29 kilometres. From P.T.H. 2 west turn north on P.T.H. 5 for 13 kilometres. Kiche Manitou is approximately 180 kilometres from Winnipeg.

Distance: 10km

Type: Loop, day hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Website: Manitoba Parks Trail Brochure

Ecozone: Lake Manitoba Plain, Aspen Parkland

 

Note: There is an equestrian campground for horseback riders.

 

Photo credit: Lawrence Medel

 

The trail passes through a varied landscape of sand dunes, grassland and forested area. You’ll find several species of snakes in the park along with Manitoba’s only lizard: the Prairie Skink! The trail ends at the Devil’s Punch Bowl, which gets its blue-green colour and is fed from an underground stream. While the site is known as Manitoba’s desert, it actually gets nearly twice the amount of annual precipitation of what a desert would get. This results in an interesting combination of biodiversity and the varied landscape that makes this hike visually stunning. Go in autumn, when temperatures are cooler (shade can be limited along the trail) and the fall foliage is on full display.

 

The full loop is 10km, but there are several other options for trails in the park. Poison ivy is prevalent in the park – stay on the trail.

 

Photo credit: Lawrence Medel

 

 

Join us this Fall, as our team will be taking a special hike in support of THE NATIONAL HIKE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

 

This nation-wide event will help re-connect people across the country with the natural world that sustains us, while raising support for the challenging work of Sierra Club Canada Foundation and our efforts to fight for urgent environmental protections.

 

Want to be a Hiking Hero?

1) Sign up on our CanadaHelps page as an individual or part of the Prairie Chapter Team. 

2) Ask 10 friends to donate to your cause

3) Go for a hike! This can be on a mountain, on a favoured walking trail, indoors with your walking group, or even around your neighbourhood.

 

Lauren's Top 3 Saskatchewan Hikes

Paved, gravel, natural surface – trails take on a variety of forms. They can traverse great distances into the backcountry, travel through an urban park, or roam through local neighbourhoods. Historically, trails were used for the transport of goods and livestock between local villages and towns. Walking for leisure was a luxury, mostly reserved for those with garden paths or access to local forested trails. Recreational walking grew in popularity in North America at the end of the 19th century and gained traction post-war in the 20th century. The environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s further inspired people to seek time outdoors in nature for relaxation and fitness.

 

Nowadays trails are tourist attractions and community refuges for outdoor recreation. I love to explore new and familiar trails.

 

A note about wildlife…

Wildlife can be encountered at any time while on trails. Human-wildlife coexistence is integral to safe and enjoyable recreation that also promotes wildlife conservation.

 

What is human-wildlife coexistence? 

It is a sustainable state that encourages the co-adaption of humans and wildlife that live in shared landscapes. Regarding hiking, it seeks to ensure wildlife conservation while promoting safe human recreation. When planning for your hikes, please keep the local wildlife in mind and leave no trace.

 

Hiking In Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan boasts many beautiful landscapes that are unique to our province! Long associated with endless flat wheat fields, the province has so much more, including landscapes that people from elsewhere wouldn’t associate with Saskatchewan. It’s far from flat and featureless, and is home to species of plants and animals you can’t find elsewhere. Here are three hikes that may shift your perspective on what you think Saskatchewan has to offer.

 

1) Timbergulch Trail

Location: West Block of Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Distance: 17km loop

Type: Day hike (5 or 6 hours)

Difficulty: Difficult

Website: Canada Parks Website

 

First, let’s start with a trail that highlights what “real” prairies are – unploughed grasslands. This hike is found in the West Block of Grasslands National Park, a park split into two sections about two hours’ drive apart, both along the American border. To immerse yourself in the rolling grasslands – an endangered ecosystem, in part because it makes such good farmland – and have a chance at spotting bison and burrowing owls, check out the West Block. Grasslands National Park has some trails loosely marked with flat plastic posts, but if you get lost (the posts sometimes get knocked down by bison) or deliberately step off trail to chase the horizon, the visitor guide has the GPS coordinates of the trailhead so you can find your way back.

 

I first hiked this trail in the summer of 2020. It’s easy to practice physical distancing when the land is so vast! Stepping out of my vehicle, I always read the interpretive panels and the information signs at the trailheads. The first thing that caught my eye at this one were the warnings – you should be coming prepared with enough water, and be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, bison, prairie dog holes, and “feeling small in a big landscape.”

This is a landscape that is experienced either at the micro end or the macro end of the scale – I’m either crouched down looking at some small lichen clinging to a rock or the jaw of a prairie dog kicked up from a tunnel in one of their colonies, or taking in the immense view, where you can see for tens of kilometres around. The hills and coulees unfurl before you. For those who are used to hiking in a treed landscape, you may be surprised at the diversity of views before you.

Bring binoculars, not only to watch for birds, but to also check if those distant dots are cattle or bison. As a professional bison aficionada, I was always thrilled when we encountered bison – giving them their space of course. How close is too close? Use your thumb: hold up your hand in a thumb’s up position at arm’s length. If you can completely cover the animal with your thumb, you’re usually a safe distance to be on foot.

If you know what to look for, there are also little things that thrill. For me, that’s when I encountered numerous buffalo rubbing stones. They are erratics: large stones dropped by retreating glaciers millennia ago. They’re also perfect places for bison to scratch that itchy spot. One boulder I found, surrounded by hoof prints, had corners rubbed smooth and shiny. That wasn’t from the bison herd that had been reintroduced in 2005. That takes generations of bison rubbing that one spot. That was a historical rubbing stone, used by the herds of hundreds of thousands of individuals well into the 19th century, rediscovered by this small herd in the 21st.

This landscape has a depth of history, and a depth of view that is almost unparalleled.

 

2) Boundary Bog Trail

Location: Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

Distance: 2km

Type: Short hike

Difficulty: Easy

Website: Canada Parks Website

 

This trail is perfect for a short ramble. If you’re really cruising along, you can finish the trail in 30 or 40 minutes, but that means that you would miss so much! This is definitely the kind of trail where you want to stop and smell the metaphorical roses. The trail winds across rocky treed ridges and past knobs and kettles, and then across boardwalks that take you out over bogs and fens. There are thick beds of vibrant green moss, extensive patches of Labrador tea, and a whole bunch of small stunted tamarack (larch) trees. The first time I hiked this trail it was in the middle of winter and I was on snowshoes. The world had felt very black and white, the air as crisp as the snow. I emerged out among the tamaracks, and they were covered in such vibrant lichen that it was as if I’d stepped from the greyscale world of mid-winter into colour film.

 

In the fall, there are dozens of species of fungi to discover. In the spring, wildflowers can be found just off trail. However, my favourite part about this hike is that you can spot not one but three types of carnivorous plants, sometimes within one square metre of each other.

 

The easiest to find and the most alien-looking is the pitcher plant. They’re purple and green and veined, and their flowers look like strange sci-fi periscopes.

Plunge your hand into the water if you dare and lift up a string of bladderwort: an underwater plant with tiny pockets or bladders to catch macroinvertebrates. (Be sure to put it back after admiring!)

On some of the small mossy hummocks among the tamaracks you can find the sundew, which look like flat sticky cousins of the venus fly trap, only the size of my pinkie fingernail.

 

 

Before hiking this trail, I always thought you could only find carnivorous plants in the tropics, but here they are in the boreal forest of northern Saskatchewan! Remember how I said that if you’re in a rush you can finish this trail in thirty minutes? I’ve spent nearly 3 hours at a time on this trail, stopping to admire, examine, and photograph the natural world around me.

 

3) Grey Owl Trail

Location: Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

Distance: 40km return

Type: One or two night overnight (recommended)

Difficulty: Difficult

Website: Canada Parks Website

 

This is likely the most famous of the trails of Prince Albert National Park. This one is not only about the journey but also about the destination. It’s 20km to get to the two cabins on Ajawaan Lake, then 20km back. At Ajawaan are two cabins and three grave sites. Archibald Belaney, AKA Grey Owl, was a conservationist originally from Hastings, England, who took on a false “Indian” identity in the 1920s and 1930s. Anahareo, a Mohawk woman and a conservationist and author in her own right, married him, and they both lived alongside their pet beavers first in Riding Mountain National Park, then Prince Albert National Park. They are buried near the cabins with their daughter Shirley Dawn. When people make the hike to “Grey Owl’s Cabin”, they are making a pilgrimage to the grave sites of prominent if imperfect and therefore very human conservationists.

 


The trek itself is a challenge but achievable. You can do it by boat or by canoe along Kingsmere Lake. If you are going by water, plan to be delayed, though, as it’s notoriously choppy when windy, making further travel impossible. I’ve done it on foot, and the path may be full of roots but the views of the lakes are gorgeous. The path follows first the Kingsmere River, then parallel to Kingsmere Lake, for over a dozen kilometres, before you hike a short portage to get to the calm waters of Ajawaan. Being in such close proximity to bodies of water for the whole length of the hike, too, means that if you have a good water filter, you don’t have to carry in enough water to last you the whole time – you can pump or filter straight from the lake.

While some intrepid souls get to the trailhead really early, hike all day, and get back to their vehicles quite late (something only possible because of the long summer days), I prefer to do it as an overnight backcountry trip. If you’re just getting into backcountry camping, this is a perfect way to test out your gear and your mettle. The campsites are as “front country” as you can get in the back country, with fire pits, picnic tables, pit toilets, and piles of fire wood. The first night I ever camped out on the Grey Owl Trail, the aurora came out right after sunset. “Magical” doesn’t do it justice.

 

 

Join us this Fall, as our team will be taking a special hike in support of THE NATIONAL HIKE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

This nation-wide event will help re-connect people across the country with the natural world that sustains us, while raising support for the challenging work of Sierra Club Canada Foundation and our efforts to fight for urgent environmental protections.

Want to be a Hiking Hero?

1) Sign up on our CanadaHelps page as an individual or part of the Prairie Chapter Team. 

2) Ask 10 friends to donate to your cause

3) Go for a hike! This can be on a mountain, on a favoured walking trail, indoors with your walking group, or even around your neighbourhood.

 

Victories in Freele Tract and Carruthers Creek Headwaters Show Power of Citizen Engagement in Land Use Planning

Although the government of Premier Douglas Ford is no Valhalla for environmental protection, two recent decisions in rejecting municipally supported requests for Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO) show that engaged citizens can wrest positive victories. One MZO request, by the County of Simcoe, would have put a waste transfer station in the 207-acre part of Simcoe County Forest, designated as the Freele Tract. The second by the Town of Pickering, supported by a developer, supported the urbanization of the headwaters of Carruthers Creek.

Parkland, Wetlands, and Rocky Mountains! Top 3 Alberta Hikes + Bonus Walk

Paved, gravel, natural surface – trails take on a variety of forms. They can traverse great distances into the backcountry, travel through an urban park, or roam through local neighbourhoods. Historically, trails were used for the transport of goods and livestock between local villages and towns. Walking for leisure was a luxury, mostly reserved for those with garden paths or access to local forested trails. Recreational walking grew in popularity in North America at the end of the 19th century and gained traction post-war in the 20th century.

Great Healing Forests and Water

Urgent update: Since the discovery of the expansion of the range of the dense blazing star, a new threat has emerged to their survival. Without any reporting of their expansion or of the extent of the destruction in February 2020 to the adjacent habitat of a rare orchid, the Great Plains ladies' tresses, Niagara Falls is going ahead with a Public Meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Due to COVID the meeting is virtual. You MUST get your comments submitted before the 6th. City Council could proceed to authorize their destruction, subject to an appeal to the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal.

Two Reviews Show Why Both Environmental Assessment and Conservation Authority Acts Should Be Left Alone

The Mohawk elder Danny Beaton (Turtle Clan) speaks on the threat posed by two environmental reviews in Ontario.
He warns,

“How many books have to be written about environmental protection or films made by David Suzuki, Ed Burtynsky, or Jacques Cousteau, before we create another environmental crisis? How many environmental disasters — Katrina, Bangladesh? How many mega projects do we need? There is an Earth crisis still unfolding from killing wild animals in China.