Nature Canada

Lorne Scott, Grasslands Advocate

Image of Eleanor Fast

Eleanor Fast
Executive Director

Every single day, supported by you and all our amazing members, we work together to save wilderness and protect wildlife. And our members have incredible stories to share about their connection to nature, and their drive to protect it.

A recent conversation with Lorne Scott, a Nature Canada life member, volunteer and conservation advocate reminded me of just this. Lorne has been building Bluebird boxes and setting them out in Southern Saskatchewan since 1963. He started as a boy with a passion, or, as he said with a laugh, “back then if you liked birds, you were a weirdo!”

By 1975, he had built and maintained 2,000 nest boxes, and over the years he has banded over 8,000 Mountain Bluebirds. In the 1990s, he noticed Bluebird numbers

Image of Photo of Lorne Scott

Photo of Lorne Scott

were declining on his farm in Indian Head, SK, and his heart sank as the trend continued, and worsened, in the 2000s. In 2012, he had 3 pairs. In 2014, 1 pair. His voice cracked with emotion when he said, “last year, for the first time in more than 50 years, I did not have any Bluebirds nesting on my farm. They’re gone. And they may not come back.”

You can feel his sense of loss. But you can also feel his resolve. “Our Grasslands and Aspen Parklands are disappearing, and we have more species at risk here than any other region in the country. Retaining the federal community pastures is a great solution. Places like Govenlock are large, intact blocks of native Grassland habitat. Lands like these, connected to the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) are recognized globally as among the best managed lands in the world, with a focus on sustainable grazing and maintaining biodiversity. And they’ve been cared for like this for generations.

The fact is that public lands need to remain public. They belong to us—to Canadians like you and me!” He continued, “people might think that their letters and voices don’t make a difference. They do. And as much as naturalists and conservationists would sooner be out looking for birds, we must continue to make our voices heard and advocate for nature. We must secure more wilderness and wildlife, before it’s too late.” As you read this, I’m sure this resonates with your values too.

That’s why, in our Year of Action, we’re focused on protecting our most vulnerable habitats. You’ll recall that we have set an inspiring goal to raise $75,000 by Canada Day to protect the Grasslands and 6 other nature sites that urgently need our protection.

We hope you donate today to save the wilderness and wildlife that matters so much to you!  

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