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

Southern #Alberta’s snakes are settling into their winter dens (hibernacula). These sites, often south or east facing rocky outcrops, burrows or slumps, may shelter dozens of snakes, sometimes of multiple species. Many dens are reused year after year. #snakes #grasslands

Alberta’s 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—even when you know where to look! 🦎 #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—they 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

That's a wrap on the Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women! Thanks to all the organizers, speakers, and participants for an incredible event! #SAGSW

Day 1 of the Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women featured classroom learning, field tours, and hands-on range health! #SAGSW

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

There are only a few days left to register for the Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women! This year, the school will be taking place July 22 & 23 at the Cassils Community Center near Brooks. Two days of hands-on learning, networking, laughs, and grazing know-how!

🎧 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? 🐦 #grasslands #alberta

Not all grassland bird nests look the same! Prairie birds use different strategies: Sprague’s pipit & western meadowlark weave grass ground nests; Brewer’s sparrow nests in shrubs; lark bunting at shrub/grass bases; horned lark on bare ground. #grasslands #albertabirds

🌵Prickly pear cactus is one of southern Alberta’s most recognizable plants. Found in native grasslands, coulees, and badlands, its water-storing pads help it survive droughts. Blooming June–August, 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. 🌼#grasslands #wildflowers #alberta #SpeciesAtRisk

A snake on a thorn. A moth on barbed wire. The likely culprit? A loggerhead shrike. Known as the “butcher bird,” shrikes impale prey on thorns & barbed wire to store or eat later. These grassland predators hunt reptiles, insects & small birds. #grasslands #albertawildlife

It's fawn season in the grasslands! Deer and pronghorn fawns spend their first days hidden in tall grass while mom feeds nearby. If you find a fawn alone, it's likely not abandoned. Admire from a distance and keep people & pets away. #ABWildlife #Grasslands #Alberta