Mackie Ranch

Sanderlings at Mackie Ranch, SK (Photo by Jason Bantle)

Mackie Ranch is located a few kilometres off the Trans-Canada Highway, between Moose Jaw and Swift Current. It's situated along the eastern shoreline of Chaplin Lake, the second largest saline lake in Canada. The area is within the boundaries of the Chaplin-Old Wives-Reed Lakes Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. This site is one of only three in Canada with the designation of hemispheric importance to shorebirds, and the only site that is located inland.

Chaplin Lake is known for its remarkable birdwatching opportunities. Over half of the world's population of sanderlings stop to rest and feed here during their spring migration. Many other migratory shorebirds also visit the lake, such as semipalmated sandpiper, Baird's sandpiper, red knot and piping plover.

Bécasseaux sanderling au ranch Mackie, Sask. (Photo de Jason Bantle)

In addition to the fabulous shorebirds, NCC’s Mackie Ranch property contains 646 hectares of grasslands and wetlands. Grasslands are one of the rarest and most at-risk ecosystems in the world and are a critical part of Saskatchewan. They filter our water, help mitigate flooding and droughts, sequester carbon and, for thousands of years, have provided sustenance for humans.

The conservation site has been named in recognition of the generations of stewardship by the Mackie family, and will continue to be used for cattle grazing to help keep the grasslands healthy and support the local economy.

NCC needs your support to expand the Mackie Ranch conservation project.

The incredible natural diversity found here exemplifies the urgent work of the NCC. Your gift will protect an additional 640 hectares of endangered grasslands around Chaplin Lake - an internationally significant lake for shorebirds and a haven for wildlife that call the land home. Donate today at prairiegrasslands.ca.