Meet some of Alberta鈥檚 bats! 馃 From the tiny 5 g western small-footed myotis to the robust big brown bat, these fascinating insect eaters help keep insect populations in check. They may look unusual (and pretty cute!), but they deserve our respect! #BatWeek #AlbertaWildlife
馃 It鈥檚 Bat Week! 8 of Alberta鈥檚 9 bat species occur in the Grassland Natural Region.
Riparian forests along prairie creeks and rivers provide bats with roosts, water, insects to eat & maternity sites.
Learn more: bit.ly/4zhu5zK
#BatWeek #SpeciesAtRisk #Grasslands
Last week, MULTISAR and Alberta Forestry and Parks welcomed Lethbridge Polytechnic students to the Milk River Grazing Co-op to learn about grasslands, species at risk and conservation partnerships. Students explored sharp-tailed grouse habitat, local leks and habitat enhancements
As days shorten, male sharp-tailed grouse may return to leks (dancing grounds) for fall displays. Less intense than spring courtship, these displays may help young males establish territories and social relationships ahead of spring. #grasslands #speciesatrisk #alberta
Alberta鈥檚 burrowing owls are heading south! Most leave by October, but some are still here. Thanks to Lina Britschgi for this recent sighting! #alberta #migration #grasslands
Yesterday, we surveyed for Endangered short-horned lizards. Masters of camouflage, these sit-and-wait predators blend perfectly into the badlands, making them incredibly difficult to find鈥攅ven when you know where to look! 馃 #grasslands #SpeciesAtRisk #AlbertaWildlife #lizard
It's International Owl Awareness Day!
Burrowing owls are tiny grassland specialists that nest in abandoned ground squirrel and badger burrows鈥攖hey don't dig their own! Endangered in #Alberta, they rely on native rangelands, making ranchers key partners in their conservation.
Alberta's only native lizard is the short-horned lizard and it's Endangered. Tiny live-born young arrive in late July. We're searching for them this August. Stay tuned! #SpeciesAtRisk #grasslands #alberta
Trinie Chisholm, with the Alberta Conservation Association, identifying plant species in the Porcupine Hills. Range health inventories & assessments help us provide valuable information to #Alberta cattle producers. #albertabeef #grasslands
Alberta's rare sand dunes are home to unique species like Ord's kangaroo rat, small-flowered sand verbena, and western spiderwort. Well-managed grazing helps maintain the open, shifting sands they depend on. #SpeciesAtRisk #grasslands
By early July, ferruginous hawk nestlings are nearly full-grown and building strength for their first flights. Parents work tirelessly, hunting Richardson's ground squirrels to feed their hungry chicks. #grasslands #SpeciesAtRisk
The Calgary Stampede starts TODAY! Come visit us on the Cattle Trail in the Nutrien Western Event Centre and learn about the important role beef plays in the conservation of Alberta's native grasslands! #calgary #calgarystampede #yyc #alberta #ranching #albertabeef
馃帶 Turn your volume up!
The prairie is alive with birdsong. But not for much longer.
Grassland birds sing to attract mates and defend territories during the breeding season. As nesting winds down, so will the chorus.
How many species can you hear? 馃惁 #grasslands #alberta
Not all grassland bird nests look the same! Prairie birds use different strategies: Sprague鈥檚 pipit & western meadowlark weave grass ground nests; Brewer鈥檚 sparrow nests in shrubs; lark bunting at shrub/grass bases; horned lark on bare ground. #grasslands #albertabirds
馃尩Prickly pear cactus is one of southern Alberta鈥檚 most recognizable plants. Found in native grasslands, coulees, and badlands, its water-storing pads help it survive droughts. Blooming June鈥揂ugust, it has also been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples for food and medicine.
Prairie wildflowers put on a brilliant show in June! From prairie crocus seed heads to vibrant lupines, native grasslands burst with colour. These blooms support pollinators, wildlife, healthy soils, and biodiversity. 馃尲#grasslands #wildflowers #alberta #SpeciesAtRisk




































