Sagebrush Flats by Aimee Weir, NCC Staff

By Brian Konrad

Nature Conservancy of Canada raising money to protect land near Manyberries

Mar 15, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is launching a fundraising effort to purchase a property in the Manyberries area south of Medicine Hat, known locally as Sagebrush Flats.

The land is home to the Greater Sage Grouse, and one of Canada’s most imperilled species.

In spite of best efforts from various groups, a survey of the breeding grounds last year found just 17 males.

Sean Feagan, a spokesperson for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, said the over 1,500-acre property would continue to be used as rangeland after being placed into conservancy.

“I think one of the interesting things about this property is the way it’s been managed has maintained this habitat for sage grouse,” Feagan said.

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“The owner has maintained their grazing operation in a way that keeps sagebrush on the land that provides habitat for the birds that eat the leaves and seeds and nest within the sagebrush,” Feagan added.

The effort to conserve the Sagebrush Flats is part of the Prairie Grassland Action plan for over 500,000 hectares by 2030.

Donations and more information can be found at www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-we-do/grasslands-conservation/.