Wednesday was Earth Day's 50th anniversary, a time to reflect on the importance of environmental protection.

With COVID-19, some work within the conservancy has slowed, particularly in research projects. However, Cary Hamel, Director of Conservation in the Manitoba Region of the Nature Conservancy Canada, believes the virus has allowed people to think more about environmental efforts.

"There seems to be an underlying shift in society. People are thinking a lot more about how we're a part of the ecosystem, not separate from it, and we're a part of the earth. I seem to be getting into a lot more contact with people interested in being involved in conserving nature. In some ways, it's giving people perspective on this planet and what it means to be a member of it."

He says the virus has allowed people to slow down and appreciate the small things such as birds and flowers.

Southern Manitoba is fortunate to have grasslands and prairies as they are some of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. It has mixed grass and sand prairies and is incredibly important to species that are only found in these areas. Hamel says it takes conservationists and landowners to ensure the survival of these ecosystems.

"We work hard with farmers and ranchers to conserve some of the best and last remaining habitats. We sometimes sign agreements with landowners to conserve grasslands, which doesn't mean they can't farm. Their cattle can continue grazing, but it's a way to help species grow."

Hamel says they're increasingly focusing on community pastures and grazing cooperatives, which not only keep grasslands around but also allows for their economic uses. Most grasslands in Southern Manitoba are on private land, and the reason they still exist is the decisions generations of landowners have made to preserve them, says Hamel, as families have decided they are essential.

The Manitoba Region Nature Conservancy's grasslands efforts go from the Saskatchewan border to the boreal forests in south eastern Manitoba. They have conserved about 30 thousand hectares of grasslands and prairies through conservation easement agreements or donated land. Conservation efforts rely on private donations, corporations, and various levels of government.