Site Background
RM_3_Enniskillen_Info_Sheet_-_SK
About the location
The Rural Municipality (RM) of Enniskillen demonstration site is located in the southeastern corner of Saskatchewan, approximately two miles south of Glen Ewen along the Souris River. This demonstration site is in the moist mixed grassland ecozone, including the larger communities of Fort Macleod, Lethbridge, Rosetown, Unity, Biggar, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina, Estevan and Weyburn. The moist mixed grassland ecozone has semi-arid moisture conditions and primarily dark brown chernozemic soils; however, there are notable areas of saline solonetzic soils. Average temperatures for this demonstration site are 15.5°C throughout the summer and -11°C during the winter months. Precipitation for this area ranges from 350 to 400 millimetres annually. This ecozone is noted to have more areas of shrubs, such as scrubby aspen, willow and cottonwood, rather than large tree species. Native meadow vegetation is predominantly spear grass and wheat grass. The intermittent sloughs and riparian areas are home to waterfowl, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, coyote, rabbit and ground squirrels.
About the farm
This demonstration site is located on land owned by the RM of Enniskillen No.3. Originally purchased for gravel mining purposes, the RM recognized the value of preserving the native grassland in this section of land and will utilize it for grazing cattle in 2025. As there has been no livestock grazing this land, the RM is currently fencing the project site and organizing a water source.
Rotational Grazing Objective
The RM’s goal for this project is to generate valuable data and research opportunities that can be utilized and published while ensuring the preservation of native grassland. Looking forward, the RM would love to host pasture tours utilizing its central location between two schools to have students engage in hands-on learning. These tours would help students learn about carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture, animal impact, stock density and soil armour.
Additional Media
Funding for this project, in part, has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.