Funding boost for Buffalo Pound conservation project

Nature lovers Isobel Ralston and Jan Oudenes have never been to Buffalo Pound Lake before, but thanks to them, donations to its conservation project will now go twice as far.

The Ontario duo, founders of the MapleCross Fund, have announced they will match every dollar donated to the project run by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

“We are excited to be working with NCC to help preserve environmentally sensitive areas across Canada,” Ralston said in a media release.

“Buffalo Pound became of special interest when we recognized its significant ecological importance to both wildlife and the nearby communities.

“We have every confidence that Saskatchewanians and Canadians alike will now rise to our challenge and join us in partnership by matching our pledge to help conserve this incredible landscape for the long term.”

Fundraising for the project has been on going for last two years, so far reaching 85 per cent of its target.

With $525,000 still to raise, the MapleCross Fund will match all donations until June 15 in an attempt to reach the goal.

Cody Barnett, the director of development and communications for the NCC, was grateful for the funding boost.

“We know that Canadians are facing extraordinary circumstances right now, and every donation, regardless of the amount, is so meaningful to us as a charity,” he said.

“Completing this project will ensure that the lands here remain in a natural state for the long term for people to enjoy and experience and for the plants and wildlife that live here.”

The Buffalo Pound conservation project comprises 866 hectares of native grasslands and seven kilometres of shoreline along the north shore of Buffalo Pound Lake.

Buffalo Pound is responsible for filtering water for a quarter of the province, including Regina and Moose Jaw, as well as providing a habitat for some of Canada’s most endangered wildlife such as Baird’s sparrow and the northern leopard frog.