Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve

Saturday, May 8th - it's Migratory Bird Day! Take a few minutes to enjoy the relaxing tweets, chirps, and squawks from your local backyard birds. Better yet, talk a walk around your neighborhood, or head out to your favorite park or trail to take in the sights and sounds of nature.

It's finally here.....it's PRAIRIE DAY!!!! Guided walks from 10 to noon, 3.5km east of Tolstoi on PR 209. Special presentations from 1pm to 4pm at Gardenton Park and Museum. Admission only $5.00 for adults, no charge for children. Lunch at Gardenton Park, prepared by their volunteers. Try their homemade perogies with sausage or have a hot dog. Soft drinks and ice cream treats also available.... If you need to relay a message today only, call Gardenton Park and Museum at 204-425-3072.

Please remember to follow the social distancing rules even while attending Prairie Day. Two meters is roughly equal to two very large paces by an average height adult or the wing span of a sandhill crane. We want everyone to be safe and remain healthy. If you or an immediate family member are not feeling well, please reconsider attending Prairie Day this year and arrange to visit the Preserve another time.

Wondering who will be giving presentations at Prairie Day? We have Laura from Prairie Shore Botanicals and Levi a graduate student from Memorial University. Both will share their insights on local species. Preserve staff will talk about the MAPS banding program organized by the Institute for Bird Populations.

Prairie Day update: Guided walks will take place on the Nature Manitoba property located approximately 3.5 km east of Tolstoi on PR 209. They will be approximately 45 minutes in length and the walk will be a casual pace as we will stop to identify wildflowers, talk about the history of the Preserve and answer questions as they arise. Guided walks will begin shortly after 10am, around 10:30am and 11am. Lunch will be at Gardenton Park and Museum. If you don't want to try their delicious homemade perogies or grab a hot dog for lunch, you can always bring something from home. Soft drinks and ice cream treats will also be available. Presentations will take place from 1pm to 4pm. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the afternoon under the amazing shade of the Park's oak trees.

Wondering who will be giving presentations at Prairie Day? We have Laura from Prairie Shore Botanicals and Levi a graduate student from Memorial University. Both will share their insights on local species. Preserve staff will talk about the MAPS banding program organized by the Institute for Bird Populations.

Something new for Prairie Day will be lunch at Gardenton Museum & Park Assoc featuring their signature perogies with sausage. They will also have hot dogs, cold drinks and ice cream. The afternoon presentations will take place in the cool shade of their amazing oak trees.

Very excited to have animal ambassadors (with their human assistants) from the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre attend Prairie Day. They will give a presentation in the afternoon and have an information booth set up. Can't wait!!

Prairie Day is fast approaching, changes have been made due to some localized overland flooding. Guided walks will take place on the Nature Manitoba property adjacent to the Prairie Shore Trail in the morning. This alternate site has received extensive shrub mowing last fall and the difference is incredible!

Here's our event poster for Prairie Day on Saturday, August 8th. Please share this with others who might be interested in attending.

World Turtle Day Two types of turtles have been observed in the general area, #snappingturtles and #paintedturtles.

Endangered Species Day The Preserve is home to many rare and unique species some of which are also considered #endangered. The #diversity of species is quite amazing and makes each visit to the Preserve different experience. From #monarchbutterflies and #prairieorchids to #bobolinks and #leopardfrogs there are many to choose as your favourite prairie species!

Migratory Bird Day You can do a little #birdwatching in your backyard, neighbourhood, or local park. Remember to follow the social distancing guidelines when out and about in public. Hope you have a great day!

Need a reason to do a little bird watching on Saturday? Here's a great one!

Wildlife Haven Grand Opening - Sept 22nd - https://mailchi.mp/d/wildlife-haven-grand-opening-sept-22nd