Over 80 per cent of the original, native Prairie Grasslands in Canada’s prairies have been lost to other uses so NCC along with many partners are in a race to protect the best of what is left. This conservation project was made possible thanks to the vision of Dale and Colleen Adams. It was also generously supported by many private donors, the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund, along with the Weston Family Foundation.
“The Nature Conservancy of Canada applauds Dale and Colleen Adams for their vision and collaboration along with our funding partners who helped make this project happen," said Tom Lynch-Staunton, Alberta Vice President, Nature Conservancy of Canada. "It reinforces how cattle ranching and conservation can and does co-exist. By working together, we can support working landscapes and local livelihoods for today and future generations of ranchers while protecting endangered, temperate Prairie grasslands and the species at risk that rely on them.”
The site has been operated as a cattle ranch for nearly 100 years. Dale Adams has worked on ranch lands for over four decades and manages the property with his wife Colleen who recently retired as a registered nurse. They have 70 cattle on the site which help keep the grasslands healthy through grazing, and it serves as an important link to other nearby lands that together allow a connected corridor for wildlife movement. The Adams Ranch is home to elk, moose, deer, grizzly bear (11 this year) along with black bear, coyotes.
Boundary Creek and several other creeks run through the property, providing habitat for many waterfowl and aquatic species.
This is the second conservation agreement involving the Adams family and NCC. Another 64 hectare (158 acre) site is being protected on Shanks Lake, south of Magrath.