The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced a major campaign to protect and conserve a unique landscape, home to abundant wildlife, located near Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada).
According to NCC’s press release, the property, called The Yarrow, is located near the hamlet of Twin Butte in southwestern Alberta, about 80 kilometers southwest of Lethbridge. Backed by the Rocky Mountains, this stunning 1,650-hectare (about one-and-a-half times the size of Nose Hill Park in Calgary) landscape features a complex array of pristine habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, creeks, and mixed forests.
NCC is launching a campaign to raise CA$6.9 million to conserve The Yarrow ranch. NCC believes that properties like The Yarrow are rare and offer an invaluable return on investment for the future of conservation.
The opportunity to conserve The Yarrow is made possible by the support of the property owners, the Fischer-Cuthbertson family, as well as the vision of Charlie Fischer to preserve the place.
Due to its diverse habitats, relatively unaltered state, and southerly location, The Yarrow supports one of the highest numbers of species recorded at a potential NCC conservation property in Alberta, including 27 wildlife species of provincial or national significance (those considered at-risk, may be at risk or sensitive, provincially and/or federally), such as grizzly bear (threatened in Alberta), bobolink (threatened) and little brown bat (endangered).
“We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to conserve this precious landscape and work with the Fischer family to fulfill their vision to keep its stunning beauty and habitat intact. These extremely important projects would not be possible without the generosity of donors, support from our provincial and federal governments, and of course, the landowners who share our conservation values and vision,” said Tom Lynch-Staunton, Regional Vice-President of Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The Yarrow conservation project near Waterton Lakes National Park is essential for protecting diverse wildlife habitats and species at risk, such as grizzly bears and cutthroat trout. NCC’s efforts also involve sustainable land management and public engagement to raise awareness. Personally, I believe it’s pivotal to preserve this unique landscape for future generations.