This past week has been Native Prairie Appreciation Week in Saskatchewan. The week is aimed to raise awareness of the need to conserve native prairie ecosystems throughout the province. 

"Saskatchewan's prairie landscape is part of what makes our province so unique," Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said. "This week emphasizes the importance of recognizing our native prairie for its benefits to not only people but as a habitat for many species that call Saskatchewan home." 

"We recognize the importance of having a healthy and sustainable native prairie from an agricultural, economic, and ecological perspective," Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "Our producers know that sustainable grazing management of native pastures supports biodiversity on these ecologically important lands, sustainable growth in production of their operations, and will maintain this ecosystem for generations to come." 

Since the week started in 1999, it has been spearheaded by the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan. Some events to celebrate the week included awareness booths at farmers’ markets in Regina, Swift Current and Moose Jaw, a youth poster contest and a social media photo content.