Sheep Return to Meewasin Conservation Areas This Fall
Annual targeted grazing at Beaver Creek Conservation Area and the Northeast Swale supports native grasslands, species at risk, and reduced wildfire risk.
Saskatoon – July 2026 – Sheep are returning to Beaver Creek Conservation Area and the Northeast Swale this fall as Meewasin continues its annual targeted conservation grazing program to help maintain and restore native prairie.
Working with Saskatchewan producer Jared Epp, approximately 60 sheep will graze for two and a half weeks at Beaver Creek Conservation Area before moving to the Northeast Swale for approximately a week and a half.
Targeted grazing is an ongoing management tool at both sites. Each year, grazing treatments are adapted based on site conditions and conservation objectives.
“Grazing and fire are natural processes that have shaped prairie ecosystems for thousands of years,” said Renny Grilz, Director of Conservation with Meewasin. “By strategically returning these processes to the landscape, we can address specific conservation challenges while maintaining the open, diverse grasslands that many prairie species depend on.”
At Beaver Creek and the Northeast Swale, grazing helps enhance habitat for species at risk, including grassland birds; manage increasing shrub cover; reduce accumulated vegetation and potential wildfire risk; and maintain the structure and diversity of native grasslands.
The sheep also provide a highly visible opportunity to connect people with prairie conservation. During the grazing period, Meewasin will offer public grazing demonstration programs, providing opportunities to see targeted grazing in action and learn how livestock can be used as a conservation tool. Learn more about our public grazing demonstration programs and register for
an upcoming session here.
The grazing season will also feature Meewasin’s nationally recognized Grazing Dinner, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Cattle Association. The unique event connects conservation, agriculture and local food, giving participants an opportunity to experience the landscape while learning about the important relationship between grazing and healthy prairie ecosystems. There are still tickets available for select September dates. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets here.
This fall’s work follows another successful targeted grazing project earlier this summer at Saskatoon Natural Grasslands, where approximately 145 sheep helped manage more than six acres of grassland. The project targeted increasing shrub cover, invasive and non-native vegetation, and accumulated plant material. Supported through funding from Park People, the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands grazing project will continue in future years.
“Native prairie isn’t a landscape that we can simply protect and expect to remain unchanged,” Grilz said. “Grasslands evolved with disturbance. Targeted grazing allows us to work with those ecological processes while also creating an incredible opportunity for people to see conservation happening right here in Saskatoon.”
The annual targeted grazing work at Beaver Creek Conservation Area and the Northeast Swale is supported by BHP Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Meewasin website for dates, registration and more information about the public grazing demonstrations and Grazing Dinner.
About Meewasin Valley Authority
The Meewasin Valley Authority exists to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation by:
- Providing leadership in the management of its resources
- Promoting understanding, conservation and beneficial use of the Valley; and
- Undertaking programs and projects in river valley development and conservation, for the benefit of present and future generations.
There are 67 square kilometers of land and 108km of established trail, which has seen up to 2.365 million trail visits per year, in the Meewasin Valley. The area also features sites that help people to connect to nature through experiences such as Beaver Creek Conservation Area, the Meewasin Northeast Swale, Saskatoon Natural Grasslands, the River Landing Spray Area, and the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza. Meewasin is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers for sustainability. To get involved or learn more visit www.meewasin.com.