Annual Report Explore the Meewasin Trail development of the Riverfront. Meewasin expanded the Meewasin Message from the Chair and CEO North East trail, designed a new skate change facility, Board developed a strategy for Meewasin Trail branding and of Directors Meewasin has completed 31 years of stewardship in made facility improvements to the Meewasin Valley the valley again with successes in all areas of our Centre and Beaver Creek Conservation Area. In the mandate. As we look back, our conservation initiatives future through our partnership with the Association of Chair, Jack Vicq Darwin Anderson Mayor Don Atchison Charlie Clark Randy Fernets Marion Ghiglione Darren Hill saw us develop a new Five Year Plan, complete a State Urban Parks and Conservation Agencies (ASUPCA) we Chair, Jack Vicq of the Valley Assessment, initiate a riparian restoration will participate in a voluntary carbon offset program. project, expand our grazing program and improve the If we have any concerns it is that basic statutory Meewasin development review process. Our public funding will not be sufficient to accomplish our goals. programs continued to teach school groups and the Meewasin has become more dependent on project general public about the human and natural resources funding. As well, the money we have set aside for asset Peter MacKinnon Brent Martian Hon. Rob Norris Glen Penner Colin Tennent CEO, Susan Lamb of the Meewasin Valley and the importance of replacement will not cover the anticipated costs of new conservation through interpretive and outreach Meewasin Valley and Beaver Creek Conservation Area conservation of its natural and cultural assets. Committee members are Where is Meewasin programs at Beaver Creek Conservation Area and the visitor centres. Meewasin Committees Darwin Anderson, Brad Ashdown, Peter Goode, Margaret Hendry, Meewasin’s jurisdiction centres in CEO, Susan Lamb Meewasin Valley Centre. We continued to interpret the Thank you to our staff, the Meewasin board Tammy Knuttila, Sheri Praski, Peggy Sarjeant, Janine Shadick, and Gary Saskatoon and runs approximately 60 river from the river through our popular canoe tours. representing the City of Saskatoon, Government of Public ownership in decision-making is one of Wobeser. km along the river through Saskatoon Saskatchewan and University of Saskatchewan, to our Meewasin’s five guiding principles. Meewasin’s Design Advisory and Corman Park from Pike Lake in the We developed and disseminated public information on southwest to Clark’s Crossing in the Our Mission Statement: committees are invaluable to the work of Meewasin. The Design Advisory Committee assists the Meewasin board in its work the Riverfront Sask River Basin water spray feature and advisory committees, donors and the many supporters northeast. It encompasses conservation to develop opportunities for human interaction with the natural and cul- who have contributed time and resources to make this Development Review areas, parks, museums, interpretive To ensure a healthy and the Yellow Fish Road program. We continued to promote tural heritage resources of the valley by providing sensitive built environ- The Development Review Committee is created under the Meewasin centres, the university lands, canoe stewardship of the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands. We conservation organization the success that it is. Thank ments in the context of the natural valley environment. Committee vibrant river valley, with a Valley Act to provide professional and unbiased recommendations launches, community links and over 60 you to our retiring board members: Richard Nieman, members are Tom Der, Brent Martian, Alan Otterbein, Anna Ringstrom, developed an interpretive plan for a new Meewasin regarding the acceptability of proposed improvements within the km of Meewasin Trail. Including the Genevieve Russell and Jeanna South. balance between human Valley Centre. We celebrated conservation through Ann Coxworth, Kelley Moore and Maurice Neault. Thank Meewasin Valley. Committee members are Glen Grismer, Heney Klypak, South Saskatchewan River, there are Alan Otterbein, Rory Picklyk, Jit Sharma, Doug Tastad, Michael Velonas, use and conservation, Pelican Watch and the ever expanding Affinity Credit you to all who have supported and continue to support Education Advisory over 25 square miles in the Alan Wallace and Terry Werbovetski. conservation zone. Union Clean-up. Meewasin. We hope you will continue to be proud and to The Education Advisory Committee advises the Meewasin board on poli- and to conserve the natural participate in the Meewasin 100 Year Plan as we move Resource Conservation Advisory cy development in education. Committee members are Chair Brendan This past year Meewasin celebrated sponsorships What Is Meewasin The Resource Conservation Advisory Committee advises the Meewasin Bitz, Max Abraham, Corinne Daelick, Melanie Elliott, Marion Ghiglione, and heritage resources through special events including the federal and into our 32nd year. Created in 1979 by an Act of the board in its work to ensure the health of the Meewasin Valley and the Brenda Green, Roxane Melnyk, Jennifer Nelson, and Maurice Postnikoff. of the valley. provincial support of a new rink facility, and the Province of Saskatchewan, Meewasin is a conservation agency dedicated to dedication of the Peggy McKercher Conservation Area. Chair Jack Vicq conserving the cultural and natural Through our fund development programs, benches, CEO Susan Lamb resources of the South Saskatchewan Front Cover: bricks, seating blocks and trees sponsored in the names River Valley. It is the means by which Photograph of the river bank of loved ones were commemorated at our annual the three participating parties (the and Meewasin Skating Rink City of Saskatoon, the University of Dedication Ceremony. Other special events included the by Hunter Creative Services Jack Vicq New Meewasin Chair Saskatchewan, and the Province of Photograph of falcon Tim Horton’s sponsorship of the operational costs of the Saskatchewan) have chosen to by Darryl Barclay . skating rink. We especially thank Cameco for its With the retirement of the past Meewasin Chair manage the Meewasin Valley. The creation of the Meewasin Valley is ongoing continued support from the Cameco Trails Richard Nieman in June 2009, Jack G. Vicq was elected based on the concept that the partners Campaign in 2001, to the Cameco Riverfront Campaign as Meewasin’s seventh chair at its August 2009 board working together through a single in 2004, to our present day 2010 major Meewasin meeting. Mr. Vicq had been a member of the Meewasin agency – Meewasin – can initiatives yet to be announced. board for the previous three years. Jack brings to accomplish more than they could individually. Design and development work this past year focused Meewasin an extensive background in education, on securing the funding and, in cooperation with the business governance, public finance and community City of Saskatoon, continuing to improve the involvement. Above: Cameco Volunteers Clean the River Valley. Earth Day 2009

1 Explore the Meewasin Trail Explore the Meewasin Trail 2 As well, Meewasin adopted two development plan Meewasin will continue to seek opportunities to Meewasin Financial Highlights as of March 31, 2010 amendments this year (South Downtown District secure long-term stewardship of land with conservation Development Policy). values. Stewardship may be secured through public Meewasin Development Review is comple- ownership, conservation easements (legally-binding), Revenues (All Funds) $3,698,440 Expenditures and Allocations (All Funds) $3,698,440 mentary to other environmental or heritage or through voluntary easements (goodwill agreements). Government of Saskatchewan Construction 38% review permitting processes. It focuses on Statutory 25% the following parameters: Public Programs and Undertaking Conservation, University of Saskatchewan Facilities 20% • Conservation, preservation and interpretation of Development and Education Statutory 18% significant natural and heritage resources and Administration 16% other special characteristics of the site; Initiatives City of Saskatoon Statutory 18% Planning and Protection of slope stability and good drainage • Each Meewasin initiative takes form as a result of City of Saskatoon Grants 17% Conservation 11% practices; meeting Raymond Moriyama’s 100 Year Plan of 1979, Donations 8% Fundraising Programs 5% • Design of aesthetics complementary to the natural the foundation document for the Meewasin Development setting of the river valley; Other Grants 8% Allocation to Reserve 9% Plan today. Meewasin initiatives strive toward the • Provision for public access; outcomes of health, fit, balance and vibrancy. Earned Income 6% Other Expenditures 1% • Assurance of consistency with the Meewasin Development Plan. Conservation

The Meewasin Endowment Fund is managed by the Saskatoon Community Foundation and as of December 31, 2009 stands at Securing Lands of Interest Meewasin strives to protect and enhance biodiversity $358,346. Audited financial statements are available upon request. in the Meewasin Valley. Following are the highlights for The original concept for Meewasin as set out in the 2009/2010. 100 Year Plan was to create a continuous ribbon of • Grazing. Goats, sheep and cattle reduced shrubs Following the completion of the 2009 State of the green with the river as a spine. The 2009 State of the encroaching into sensitive prairies at the Saskatoon Planning Valley Assessment Report on health, fit, balance and Valley Assessment highlighted the addition in the past Natural Grasslands, Regional Psychiatric Centre vibrancy, an updated Meewasin Five Year Strategic Plan five years of 9 km of publicly-accessible shoreline to the Prairie, Beaver Creek and the Northeast Swale; The Meewasin mandate is to ensure a healthy and Meewasin Valley. As well, 561 acres of habitat land have Below: River Valley Inspection entitled: A Focus on the Valley – A Habitat for All was • Prescribed Controlled Burn. Prairies are re- By Canoe. Clark’s Crossing vibrant river valley for present and future generations, prepared and adopted. It can be found in digital form been added, creating wildlife corridors, buffers for our invigorated by prescribed burns. Beaver Creek Summer 2009 with a balance between human use and conservation by: on the Meewasin website (www.meewasin.com) or hard source drinking water and improved opportunities to Conservation Area, Regional Psychiatric Centre L to R: Amanda Burke, Heather Prairie and the Northeast Swale all have had Landine, Trail Ambassador Wayne copies can be ordered from the Meewasin Administration experience a natural setting. • providing leadership in the management of particularly vibrant crocus blooms as a result of Dyck, Resource Conservation Manager Brenda Wallace resources; office (402 Third Avenue South). burning; • promoting understanding, conservation and • Land Management. Removing of exotic species beneficial use of the valley; Development Review and noxious weeds is important to ensure the • undertaking programs and projects in River Valley vigour of native ecosystems under Meewasin’s development and conservation. Meewasin is empowered by the MVA Act to coordinate stewardship. Plans for naturalizing 50 acres of disturbed land in proximity of important habitat A Habitat for All - Mule Deer doe or control the use of development, conservation, Beaver Creek Conservation Area 2009 Meewasin fulfills this mandate by undertaking were also finalized for implementation in 2010. Photo: Lennox Saunders maintenance and improvement of land within the development review, securing lands of interest and Conservation Zone. It is guided by a statutory committee undertaking conservation, development and education of professional planners, architects, landscape architects, initiatives. Left: St Edwards Eco Justice Class Explore Kinsmen Fishing Platform engineers and geological engineers. In the 2009/2010 Fall 2009 fiscal year Meewasin reviewed 12 proposed improvements to the valley.

3 Explore the Meewasin Trail Explore the Meewasin Trail 4 • Stewardship Volunteer Program. 695 volunteers Design work has begun on the river garden, river garden • Participation in the City of Saskatoon’s Urban spent more than 2500 volunteer hours planting access and tributary. The bioswale adjacent to the water Design Committee; native grass and wildflower plugs, shrubs and trees spray feature should be completed by the end of summer in important conservation areas within the valley. • Delivery of a Grade 4 Planting Program at the 2010. Meewasin Nursery; • Valley Steward Patrols. A team of summer Meewasin Riverfront Phase II (Senator Sid Buckwold students helped conduct valley-wide cleanups of • Design and installation of the bioswale and Bridge to Victoria Park) Meewasin completed public sites including graffiti removal, vandalism interpretive tree grates at River Landing Riverfront repair and garbage pick-up. The team also construction and armouring of the shoreline, Phase I; shorewalls, retaining walls, earthworks, site services, promoted stewardship through outreach, setting a • Design of River Landing Phase I River Garden and good example, acting as ears and eyes for the pathways, lighting and site furnishings. The A.E. Cole backshore link to downtown Saskatoon and 19th authorities, and visiting (monitoring) sites on a pumphouse, including electrical work and the Street; regular basis. installation of railings on the roof deck in 2009, was Clean-up and site preparation and construction of Meewasin hosts dialogue • • River Use Facilitation. also completed. Work will continue in 2010 on approximately 1000 metres of trail at the Peggy and shares information among a River Users Group completing landscaping, installation of site furnishings, McKercher Conservation Area; to help mitigate potential conflict and ensure good links and lighting from the backshore edge of the stewardship of the river system running through the • Construction of approximately two kilometres of riverwalk to the new Spadina Crescent extension. Saskatoon region. trails at the Regional Psychiatric Centre Prairie Riverfront Phase III (A New Meewasin Valley Centre) linking it to the Saskatoon Natural Grassland; • Cultural Heritage Stewardship. Meewasin mapped Meewasin completed schematics and interpretive design cultural heritage assets under our stewardship. Each • Renovations to the Meewasin Valley Centre; for a new Meewasin Valley Centre. The implementation year, cultural heritage initiatives and enhancement Acting as Project Managers for the water treatment Above top: Meewasin Summer projects are developed under the policy pillars of plan has been postponed. • plant and fish habitat project; Student Crews; A Homestead Ice conservation, research, education and partnerships. Other Design & Development projects Cream Break; Summer 2009 include: • Researching the Bessborough Hotel Interpretive Fence. Above bottom: Meewasin Skating Rink Winter 2009; Interpreters Design & Development Replacement of valley wide interpretive signage; • The Meewasin Skating Rink Micheal Bauche, Amanda Janzen and Cran • Paving of the wheel chair accessible link to the The Meewasin Rink, located in Kiwanis Memorial The focus of Design & Development this year was Kinsmen Fishing Platform; again to develop the Riverfronts at River Landing; Park next to the Bessborough, opened for public skating Maintenance and repairs at the Bowerman House; design a new skating rink facility in Kiwanis Memorial • December 19, 2009, and stayed open for 79 days, closing Park including an all-accessible trail connection from • Site repairs and maintenance to Patterson Gardens; March 7, 2010. Two days were lost during the season when the wind chill dipped below -30 degrees. Total Spadina Crescent to the Meewasin Trail; make • Meewasin – St. Joseph High School Partners in improvements to the Beaver Creek Conservation Area Education resource management and educational usage this season was over 15,000 skaters, almost double interpretive facility; operate the Meewasin skating rink tours; the previous year. A news conference in January announced a three-year and further identify the Meewasin Trail and Trans • Planting of approximately 500 shrubs, 1000 grass Canada Trail, including marking accurate trail plugs, commitment by Tim Horton’s towards the annual operation costs of the rink totalling $30,000. Above top: Pedestrian Bridge distances for trail users. • Installation of concrete seating nodes in Riverfront II; River Landing Phase 2 Meewasin Riverfront Phase I (Traffic Bridge to In early February an exciting event occurred with a Installation of 42 bricks in the Buy-A-Brick Summer 2009 Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge) Meewasin had already • visit from Prime Minister of Canada the Rt. Hon. program; Above middle: Riverfront at completed construction of the amphitheatre, seating Stephen Harper and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. River Landing Phase I, Fall 2009 areas, plaza, pedestrian links, pavilion, the river basin • Implementation of a Meewasin departmental Along with a record number of users, Meewasin saw sustainability review; Bottom: Model of water play feature and accompanying interpretive use by local groups who booked the rink for special Feature Interpretive Display events including Boy Scouts of Canada, Girl Guides of New MVC Concept 2009/2010 signage, and furniture for the food service area. In 2009 • Participation in the Visual Arts Placement Jury for Meewasin worked on a backshore Meewasin Trail link various public art installations; Canada, the Calder Centre, Youth Out Reach, the to 19th Street and the gas fire pit near the pavilion.

5 Explore the Meewasin Trail Explore the Meewasin Trail 6 Infrastructure Canada (RinC) Program. The annual Founder’s Day celebration in Friendship Park Government of Saskatchewan matched the federal to the River Cinemas on the August and September long funding. The Government of Canada committed weekends. $349,000 to the project and the Government of The MVC staff was also responsible for the Saskatchewan matched that amount. The entire organization and delivery of the annual Meewasin- program will cost $1.5 million. Meewasin is meeting Affinity Credit Union Clean-up Campaign which kicked with various prospects to fund the remaining portion of off April 23 at Ecole Victoria School. The media event the cost. began a two-week-long clean-up of the river valley, The new rink facility will include permanent neighbourhoods, city and school parks in and around washrooms in Kiwanis Memorial Park, an all accessible Saskatoon involving more than 20,000 volunteers. As trail link from Spadina Crescent to the Meewasin Trail, part of clean-up, more than 100 Cameco employees and a portable skaters’ lodge. It will be completed and participated in Earth Day (April 22) committing to clean open for the 2010/2011 skating season. sections of the Meewasin Trail. The MVC supported other organizations throughout Above: An Image of University of Saskatchewan, SIAST, English as a Second Education the city including Heritage Festival Saskatoon, the Marr New Kiwanis Memorial Park Language School, downtown businesses, church and Residence Management Team, the Saskatoon Heritage Facilities for Winter 2010 Warm Up Facility, Meewasin Trail Connection community youth groups. The rink recorded visitors Meewasin offers a number of educational programs Society, Doors Open Saskatoon and the Saskatoon CERT to Spadina, Permanent Public from far off places including Belgium, Morocco, Japan, (Community, Experiences, Resources, Tours) awareness Washrooms that focus on conservation of the heritage resources of China, Australia and California. the valley, facilitate the appropriate use and enjoyment of group. Below: Eastern Comma Butterfly A New Meewasin Rink Warm-up Facility those resources and allow the public to experience and The Centre continued to provide interpretive Beaver Creek Conservation Area 2009 programs to all 2003 Grade 3 students from Saskatoon. Photo: Lennox Saunders The first Meewasin rink warm-up facility was learn about them. These programs include stewardship designed by Holiday Scott Architects in 1980/81, and was and celebration, river festivals, in-services, Trail In addition, 1,105 participated in the school break built the following year. 1982 was the first year it programs. The MVC art gallery continued to host bi- Ambassadors, interpretive canoe tours and partnering Beaver Creek Conservation Area (BCCA) Below: Meewasin Valley Centre operated in Kiwanis Memorial Park. In the following with other education and conservation organizations monthly shows by local artists and photographers. The BCCA, a sheltered creek, river valley and prairie School groups often bike along the years the facility served the Saskatoon community that have similar goals. Meewasin accomplishes this Meewasin Gift Shop provided unique gift ideas for those Meewasin Trail to the Meewasin habitat offering a diversity of flora and fauna is located Valley Centre; June 09 well. However it became older and tired and it through our two interpretive centres, the Meewasin Valley who were looking for something naturally and 13 km south of Saskatoon. It is a microcosm of the was time for a new facility. Centre and Beaver Creek Conservation Area, as well as culturally special. Especially popular are the hand Meewasin Valley and contains one of the few Meewasin held a news conference through publications, audio-visual resources, a web site puppets representing animals of the river valley. uncultivated short grass prairie sites in Saskatchewan. in October 2009 to announce that (www.meewasin.com), media commercials, public Participation in Meewasin Valley Centre programs, An interpretive centre and staff provide opportunities to Meewasin would build a service announcements and appearances at special including the Affinity-Credit Union Clean-up discover nature during the four seasons along a new rink facility under functions. Campaign, totalled 40,327. selection of four nature trails. the Recreational The Meewasin Valley Centre (MVC) Founder’s Day Celebrations In 2009/2010, BCCA continued to provide interpretive The MVC focuses on the original areas of urban Meewasin celebrated Founder’s Day August 18, to programs to Grade 5 students from the Saskatoon development in Saskatoon. It is a place to learn about commemorate the founding of Saskatoon, August 18, schools totalling 2,788 students. 13,325 visitors sought the Meewasin Trail system, Saskatoon history, the South 1883. The event in Friendship Park included a public information, explored the site on their own and/or Saskatchewan River and the future of the Meewasin barbecue, Meewasin summer student presentations, participated in public programming that included Valley. In 2009/2010, the centre enjoyed a total of celebration of Meewasin’s 30th anniversary, musical Perseid Meteor Showers, Canada Day Heritage Hoopla, 16,527 visitors who toured the facility, sought entertainment, an Astro-Jump, 30th anniversary cake, interpretive canoe tours, come-and-go discovery stations information, or who participated in the Homestead Ice Cream and a River Landing walking and self-guided trail activities. Visitation to the BCCA interpretive programs ranging from the tour. centre in 2009/2010 totalled 16,113 visitors.

7 Explore the Meewasin Trail 8 Near right: “Brutus” 2000 Year use the same breeding territory, and even the same nest Dancers, Super Ron Magic Show, Saskatoon Old Bison Skull; Found at BCCA if they are finding what they need to survive. Environmental Community, Saskatoon Zoo Society and Summer 2009 Photo: Lennox Saunders Meewasin Pelican Watch the SaskTel Mendel Art Caravan for their support. Far right: Monitoring Avian Saskatoon residents have special visitors each Meewasin Conservation Award 2009. Productivity and Survivorship, summer. April through October, pelicans gather by the Michael Williams was the recipient of the Meewasin Meewasin Bird Banding – Yellow Warbler. Beaver Creek weir to fish. These birds, once an endangered species, Conservation Award 2009 presented annually to an Conservation Area 2010 have been a beautiful sight on the South Saskatchewan individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Photo: Brenda Kramarchuk River since the late 1970s. For Saskatoon residents their the natural or human resources of the Meewasin Valley. Below: Pelicans at Weir. Photo by arrival is a harbinger of spring. To bring public Saskatoon resident Michael Williams, a geological Gordon Waldner of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. attention to this conservation success story, Meewasin engineer, spent a career mapping and conducting has been running a Pelican Watch contest for the past mineral exploration. It was his love for the outdoors that 14 years. had him choose a career as a field geologist. Throughout The contest ran in March with more than 1,600 that time he developed a growing appreciation for the entries. Participants entered to answer the question: beauty and value of the natural world. “When will the first pelican as observed by the Saskatoon Now in his retirement years Michael is passing on to Nature Society land between the CP Bridge and the others what he has learned hoping to instill in them weir?” The first pelican in 2009 arrived, Sunday, April enthusiasm for the natural world, the need for Beaver Creek Conservation Area Bison Skull 12 at 7:35 pm. conservation and the need for decision makers to make In July and August 2009 BCCA interpreters found two The winner of the grand prize bicycle presented by the right environmental choices. bison skulls in the clay bed of Beaver Creek. The low water Wayne Zuk Broker Owner of Realty Executives at the Michael is a member of the Camera Club, was

levels facilitated their exposure. Saskatoon archaeologist weir on the Realty Executives Boardwalk was Mark president in 1987/88 and has received several awards Above: Michael Williams Butch Amundson inspected the skull and found butcher Snider of James L. Alexander School. Thank you to all for nature photography. He has been a member of the Meewasin Conservation Award 2009 marks confirming that it was an archaeological site. Over who participated including the Saskatoon media, Realty Saskatoon Nature Society since 1984. He has served on Above: Meewasin Interpretive the winter, radio carbon dating has shown the skull to be Executives Saskatoon, Don’s Photo Shop, the Pelican several committees connected with Meewasin and the Canoe Tours; Beaver Creek approximately 2000 years old. Market, the White Pelican Bed and Breakfast, Pelican City of Saskatoon at the local, provincial and federal Conservation Area Monitoring Avian Productivity and Media, Houghton-Boston, the Meewasin Gift Shop, levels. He is an author and publisher of nature articles Survivorship (MAPS) Homestead Ice Cream, the Wildlife Rehabilitation and books. He has conducted many educational For the past three summers, BCCA has Society of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Nature Society, workshops on birding and has volunteered to work at participated in MAPS, a bird banding program the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the Saskatoon the many bird counts in and around Saskatoon. developed by the Institute for Bird Populations Public Schools and all the participants. Meewasin Interpretive Canoe Tours in California. With the involvement of BCCA “Conservation in a Shoe Box” Beaver Creek Conservation Area is the home for and other organizations, MAPS monitors As a follow-up to Meewasin Pelican Watch, Meewasin Meewasin Interpretive Canoe Tours. Our interpreter land-birds from across North America during and the Mendel Art Gallery partnered to host canoe guide and two 10-passenger voyageur clipper the breeding season, to better understand changes “Conservation in a Shoe Box”. 280 students entered 70 canoes provide a way for the novice canoeist to learn in the abundance, distribution and ecology of the bird shoe box projects representing expressions of about the river from the river. Despite the 2009 summer population. BCCA held a total of six bird banding conservation. Thank you to the Saskatoon weather being inclement and the river water levels low sessions between June 10 and August 8, 2009. To date, Environmental Advisory Committee for sponsoring making it difficult to paddle through the mud to exit 31 different species of birds have been banded at BCCA “zero waste” refreshments and environmental resource Beaver Creek, 556 paddlers participated in the program, for a total of 527 birds. This past summer nine birds library prizes, Earth Bound Bakery & Delicatessen, Herbs including 243 paddlers from non profit youth groups originally banded in 2007 and eight birds from 2008 ‘N’ Health Food Port, George Vanier Environmental who accessed the program at no cost. returned. A “return bird” is a good sign as birds tend to

9 Explore the Meewasin Trail Explore the Meewasin Trail 10 Water Spray Brochure was appointed to the Meewasin board as a representative Meewasin dedicated the Peggy McKercher Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk of the provincial government. He was elected Chair in Conservation Area September 15, 2009. Meewasin from Saskatoon to Edmonton? Well now you can and it 2005. For more than 20 years Dick has volunteered and purchased the property in 2007 from the Episcopal will take a few short minutes. Have you ever wondered how been totally committed to the concept of Meewasin – Corporation of Saskatoon (Saskatoon Catholic Diocese). far it is from Swift Current to Medicine Hat? Count your that the three participating parties, The City of It features 22.8 acres of land on the east bank of the steps – every step you take is approximately 100 km. Saskatoon, Province of Saskatchewan and University of South Saskatchewan River featuring one km of river Measure your way across the Prairies…or explore your Saskatchewan can better conserve the cultural and valley within city limits. Meewasin has been working to way across, discovering treasures, the routes of the rivers, natural resources of their riverbank lands through a clean up the site. With it, we have added 600 m of the old fort trails, the geological formations, the mineral single agency – Meewasin. Throughout the last five walking trails and a number of seating nodes. To come resource, and the flora and fauna that make the years, Dick has provided special leadership in will be interpretive signs that will tell the story of the Saskatchewan River Basin unique. In the water spray Meewasin’s role in managing the Riverfront site’s rich history. In the future the site will link this feature you can find water bodies, cities, forests, borders, development at River Landing, allowing for more public section of the valley to more than 60 km of Meewasin animal tracks, footprints and various embedded shapes access to the river valley. He has played a key role in Trail. representing the cultural and natural history of our river enriching the quality of life for all residents and visitors Partners FOR Sask River Basin (PRSRB) basin. The water spray brochure lists them all with a to Saskatoon. Founded in 1993 by Meewasin, the national award corresponding directory as to their location in the feature. Yellow Fish Road winning PFSRB is a non-profit organization managed It is designed to be an interpretive tool complementing Since 1991, thousands of Canadian youth have by Meewasin with a mandate to increase understanding, the belvedere panels at the River Landing Lookout participated in the Yellow Fish Road program, learning awareness and stewardship of the Saskatchewan River overlooking the river basin feature. The two children on about their water supply. Painting the storm sewers with Basin. The mission of PFSRB is to promote watershed the front cover are local kids from local families, their first yellow fish and distributing fish shaped yellow brochures sustainability through “awareness, linkages and photo opportunity as models. Thank you to the RBC for is a reminder of the importance of clean water and stewardship” throughout the Saskatchewan River Basin. Above top: Sask River Basin sponsoring the development and printing of the water In June 2009 the PFSRB launched “From the Water Spray Brochure proper disposal of hazardous waste. Meewasin, the Girl spray brochure. Guides of Canada (Saskatoon), Brightwater, and Trout Mountains to the Sea – the State of the Saskatchewan Above bottom: Richard Nieman River Basin Report”. This is the first comprehensive Friend of Meewasin Award 2009 Olympic Torch Unlimited Canada have partnered to support the examination of the entire basin as a whole. The report The Olympic Torch arrived in Saskatoon January 11, program in Saskatoon and area since 1994. highlights the Saskatchewan River Basin, sub basins, 2009. Meewasin was one of the communication centres With the support of Petro Canada, Meewasin again Lake Winnipeg and key threats and vulnerabilities to for the Saskatoon event, hosting a coffee and hot partnered with the Girl Guides of Canada (Saskatoon), the basin as a whole. Copies of the report can be found chocolate station for volunteers and the general public, Greater Saskatoon Catholic and Public Schools to online at www.saskriverbasin.ca and providing a pick up and drop off point for promote the Yellow Fish Road program. Meewasin and Current initiatives include the following: participants. The Meewasin Skating Rink in Kiwanis the Girl Guides made kits available. A CD and sheet compete, testing their knowledge in forestry, Top: Meewasin 500 Club “A Dollar A Memorial Park operated extended hours that day. music of the Yellow Fish Road song were created and • Distribution of outdoor field day programs, Click aquatics, wildlife, soils and a current Day for the MVA”. Retiring Chair of the distributed to all schools. More than 500 Girl Guides and on Climate, teaches youth about the interactions environmental theme. Meewasin 500 Club John Brockelbank Friend of Meewasin Award 2009 between climate change and ecosystems. Water hosts the wrap up luncheon. BRLR: families painted all of the storm sewers and hung Yellow Richard Nieman is the 2009 recipient of the Friend Watchdog teaches about water testing. • Agrium Caring for Our Watersheds. PFSRB John Brockelbank, Ina Brockelbank, Fish Road hangers in the City Park community of partnered with Agrium to deliver a competition that Eric Cline, Linda Boyle, Inez Mascho, of Meewasin Award presented to an individual who has Saskatoon. • From the Moutains to the Sea state of the asks students, “What can you do to improve your Ewen Coxworth FRLR: Alan Blakeney, made an outstanding contribution to Meewasin. Saskatchewan River Basin Report was completed in watershed?” Through a written proposal and then a Ann Coxworth. November 3, 2009, Dick Nieman recently retired from his volunteer Peggy McKercher Conservation Area June 2009. It highlights basin-wide information final top ten presentation, students compete for Rembrandt Room, Senator Hotel and threats and vulnerabilities. position as the sixth Chair of the Meewasin Valley The site is named in honour of Peggy McKercher, $6500 in cash prizes; Above : Yellow Fish Road Brochure Meewasin’s first board chair. Peggy became the chair of Authority, having served five years in that position. Dick • Envirothon – PFSRB partners with the • Sustainable Water & Sustainable Energy Above : Peggy McKercher has been a volunteer with Meewasin since 1987 when the Meewasin board in 1979 and remained in that Saskatchewan Forestry Association and Agriculture Conference. In fall 2009, PFSRB partnered with Conservation Area Dedication; Chair he joined the Education Advisory Committee. He served position until 1995. Her leadership skills in its formative in the Classroom to help put on the Saskatchewan the Saskatchewan CWRA branch to put on this Jack Vicq, Peggy McKercher, CEO Envirothon. High schools from Saskatoon and area Susan Lamb; Sepember 15, 2009 on various Meewasin committees over time, and in 1996 years established Meewasin as an award winning conference in Saskatoon. conservation organization.

11 Explore the Meewasin Trail Explore the Meewasin Trail 12 Riverfront Campaign Raisers Edge Fundraising Software Comics) again donating their work. Its production costs With the support of Cameco, Meewasin undertook a Several staff members of Meewasin have been were covered by donation prior to printing. Otter Tales of Fundraising Feasibility Study to survey a select group of training on a new donations/donor management Saskatchewan may be purchased from the Meewasin Saskatoon leaders, Meewasin donors, prospects, system. The project will take the better part of a year to Gift Shop for $11.95. All revenues go to the Meewasin volunteers and supporters about plans to conduct a transfer data and implement. We plan to have it up and Endowment Fund in trust with the Saskatoon capital campaign for the new Meewasin Interpretive running completely in 2010. Community Foundation. Centre. The primary intent of the study was to seek open Meewasin Fund Development New Volunteer Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks & responses into what conditions would need to exist for Chair Conservation Agencies (ASUPCA) Carbon them to give their support to a fundraising campaign The Meewasin Fund Development Committee Offset Program for a new centre. represents all the volunteer fundraising efforts of ASUPCA member organizations consisting of seven Highlights of the study were as follows: Meewasin. Thank you to Dr. Don Somers for agreeing urban parks and conservation areas in Saskatchewan, • A majority of interviewees were previously aware of to become the new chair of the Meewasin Fund making up 60% of the population of the province, are Meewasin’s plans for a new interpretive centre. 50% Development Committee with ongoing responsibility for working together to offer a voluntary carbon offset said they were aware. 40.6 % said they were such programs as the Direct Mailer, 500 Club, Plant-A- program for individuals and organizations. An somewhat aware. Above: Cameco Riverfront Campaign, Tree, Buy-A-Bench, Corporate Support and Planned individual or organization can reduce its carbon Campaign Chair Don Somers presents Fund Development • A majority of interviewees (63.6%) believed a Giving. footprint (total greenhouse gas emission) by voluntarily Mayor Don Atchison with a photograph campaign goal of $4.5 million was achievable. donating to ASUPCA’s carbon offset program. Meewasin of the Riverfront development. Plant-A-Tree Commemoration Meewasin is a registered charity. Approximately 39% The top issues cited by interviewees as obstacles to is taking the lead in setting up the program for ASUPCA, • Meewasin held its 23rd Plant-A-Tree Comme - ($1,446,615) of its revenue for 2009/2010 came from the campaign’s success were economy (52%) and developing a carbon offset calculator, a web site, a moration and Dedication Ceremony June 20, 2009 at non-statutory sources to support its conservation other fund raising campaigns (44%). marketing program, and a payment system. We are the Galleria, Innovation Place. More than 450 attended. development and education initiatives. Some reasons to 61.5 % of interviewees said they would be willing to hoping that individuals as well as major public and • The Saskatoon Lions Band, under the direction of support Meewasin include the following: support programs at a new centre, 61.5% said private organizations will use the site to offset travel. displays, 7.7% said capital. Sharon Bates, and the Ecole Victoria School Choir, • If you wanted a pill to cure 70% of ills in today’s under the direction of Jody Hobday-Kusch, entertained. The Wes Bolstad Fund society, it would be exercise in a clean nurturing Cameco Riverfront Campaign Windup Guest speakers included Master of Ceremonies Don About 30 years ago, Wes Bolstad’s love for nature and environment; The Cameco Riverfront Campaign was successful in Somers; the Honourable Gordon Barnhart, Lieutenant- his administrative experience were channelled into • 91% of the general public support the work of raising more than $2 million for the Riverfront at River Governor of Saskatchewan; Wendy & Alex Campbell service to Meewasin when then President of the Meewasin and want it to continue; Landing Phase I. On behalf of the Campaign (representing donors); John Cross (representing University of Saskatchewan Leo Kristjanson called to ask • For the local tax payer, Meewasin has done an Committee, Dr. Don Somers, Chair of the Cameco recipients); and Meewasin CEO Susan Lamb. Since Wes if he would “help get Meewasin going”. On October excellent job of leveraging funds. The City of Riverfront Campaign Committee, invited the Meewasin 1988, Meewasin has planted 3,518 trees and shrubs in 1, 1979, Wes became the first executive director of the Saskatoon’s annual statutory contribution to board and campaign supporters to the Cameco the valley that have been sponsored by individual donors Meewasin Valley Authority, beginning his term in a tiny Meewasin represents only 16% of Meewasin’s total Riverfront Campaign windup, Thursday, March 5, 2009 and groups. Families from across Canada and into the campus office at the University of Saskatchewan. Wes funding over 30 years. The remaining 84% of the at the Remai Arts Centre. Thank you to committee saw Meewasin through its formative years, launching it money has come from provincial funding, U.S.A. and Europe use the Meewasin Plant-A-Tree Top: “Gopher Tales”, members Don Somers, Lise deMoissac, Robin Chapman, on its path to becoming a leading conservation donations and special project grants. Commemoration to come together as a family to pay November 2007 Betty-Anne Stevenson and Patricia Roe for their organization. Wes brought a sincere ethic of public their respects and give thanks for loved ones and their Second from top: ”Otter • The Meewasin Valley Concept is known and studied continued support. service to Meewasin. He worked to ensure that Meewasin around the world as a model of what a community heritage. Tales”, March 2010 was responsive to the community and accessible to can do to conserve a river valley for the purpose of SaskEnergy Beaver Room Otter Tales of Saskatchewan Second from bottom: public health and enjoyment; everyone. Wes retired in 1988 and passed away in 2008. Association of Saskatchewan Meewasin is indebted to SaskEnergy who committed This past spring of 2010, Meewasin launched a fund Meewasin with donor help started a Wes Bolstad Fund Urban Parks & Conservation Meewasin has been recognized internationally on $100,000 over three years to rebuild the Beaver Creek • raising book titled “Otter Tales of Saskatchewan”, a at the Saskatoon Community Foundation to recognize Agencies logo numerous occasions. In 2006, for the second time, Conservation Area Beaver Room. The plan for a new sequel to Doug Porteous’ Gopher Tales of Saskatchewan Meewasin was one of the four finalists for the his efforts. All proceeds to go Meewasin.. Bottom: Wes Bolstad Beaver Room includes interactive elements that create a with Porteous and Grummett (Marvel Superman prestigious Thiess Riverprize awarded in Bisbane, more complete understanding and appreciation for the Australia. adaptations and life-cycle of the beaver.

13 Explore the Meewasin Trail Explore the Meewasin Trail 14 A special thank you to our many sponsors, donors and supporters

2009/2010 Meewasin Jack & Sylvia Vicq Clinton & Carole Forster In-Kind Donations Meewasin Funding R. Peter MacKinnon University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Sun Newspaper Donors (over $1000) Christopher Kent Takako Watanabe-Travis Committees Cameco Corporation George Nicholson Franko & Richard Nieman Dr. Donald G. Somers George Forsyth Associates Fund Development Gerald & Bettina Grandey M. Dean & Diana M. Sproat 623183 Saskatchewan Ltd. & Stantec Chair Don Somers Willowridge Developments Ltd. Saskatoon Nature Society Inc. David W. Hastings John E. Brockelbank Tom Symenuk SaskPower Corporation Buena Vista School Kathleen Heffron Mona Boyle Betty-Anne Stevenson Affinity Credit Union John E & Ina Brockelbank John & Donalda Gerstmar James S. Korpan Sheryl Fox SaskTel Crosby Hanna & Associates Neil Collins Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon Lise deMoissac Saskatoon Community Foundation Unilever-Evergreen Aquatic Kevin & Sarah Falk Houghton Boston Sandi Wasylyniuk Stewardship Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon Estate of Lois Leavins Homestead Ice Cream Patricia Roe Rotary Club of Saskatoon North Realty Executives Saskatoon Meinhard & Karen J. Pinno John Bockelbank Shell Canada Ltd. The Samuel & Saidye Bronfman Bill & Carol Shank Grants Wayne Dyck Family Foundation Douglas A. & Alexis Jamieson Doug & Shelley Borrowman Canadian Museums Association Maurice Postnikoff Dr. Ivan Jen & Dr. Suzanne Yip Dr. Darwin Anderson Neva Keith Heritage Canada Foundation Celeen Vizer The EJLB Foundation Anita & Graham Langford Moore Financial Services Province of Saskatchewan Gwen Charman Saskatoon Kiwanis Club Foundation Canadian Forestry Association Corportation Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Saskatchewan Indian & Gaming Arthur & Constance Balon Vetha B. Paine Tree Canada Planned Giving Authority JNE Welding Ltd. Frances Morrison Environment Canada Committee Michael Egnatoff Peter & Elaine Zakreski Douglas R. Knott South Sask River Watershed Chair Tom Symenuk Stewards Inc. Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon Alliance Energy Patrick Landine Rich Chapman Canadian Wildlife Services Dakota Dunes Community Robb Kullman Engineering Frank Moore Shawn Windrem Conseil de la Cooperation de la Sask Development Corp. TD Bank Financial Group Patricia Carlson Orrin Ritter SEIMA West Wind Aviation Inc. Weldfab Ltd. Dr. John & L.E. Gerrard Terry McBride Service Canada TD Friends of the Environment Merle & Douglas Bocking Marlene Joan Hall Celeen Vizer Coalition of Canadian Trails Org. RBC Foundation Marguerite D. Scott David & Janice Hawley Gwen Charman Janet & Arthur Postle Moira Birney Thelma Kulrich Saskatchewan Trails Association PIC Investment Group Inc. Howard & Elva Nixon Jean Pittaway Parkland Trans Canada Trail Plant-A-Tree Committee George Ann Murray Creative Fire Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada Association Chair Wayne Dyck John Scharf Dr. Louis & Ruth Horlick Craig Zelizney Sask Ministry of Environment Laurence Osachoff Ronald & Muriel Bremner Raymond G. Fast Eric Cline Environment Canada EcoAction Robert White Areva Dr. Derek R. & Helen Hill Heather Brenneman Canada Western Economic Fed Amaya Rotary Club of Saskatoon United Way Community Funds of William & Suzanne Dust Diversification Sask Ministry of Municipal Affairs Celeen Vizer Kenneth Pontikes & Darlene Bessey Saskatoon Douglas C. Brockelbank Doug Poretous Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation Stephen E. Levy Greg Brockelbank City of Saskatoon Terri Lemke Gladys Murphy Kelley Moore & Lenore Swystun Meewasin Gift Club Lucille Henderson Service Clubs TCU Financial Group Pauline M. Melis Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon Chair John Brockelbank Stan Macdonald Bridge City Cosmopolitan Club Robert & Katharine Anderson Saskatoon Kiwanis Club Foundation Doug Porteous Henrietta Goplen Petro-Canada Tom & Jane Evans Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon Celeen Vizer Catterall & Wright Rotary Club of Saskatoon Nutana Michael Latosky Rotary Club of Saskatoon Mark Folstad Meewasin Foundation Inc. Gwen & Guy Charman Bill & Nadine Campbell Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin Halsbury Partnership Lise deMoissac Susan & Ronald Lamb Dr. Brent Chappell Rotary Club of Saskatoon Nutana Laurence Osachoff Claire Bullaro Ewen & Ann Coxworth David E. Gauley Rotary Club of Saskatoon North Robert & Lynn Stark Patricia Roe Bill Peterson Peter Golf Rotary Club of Saskatoon Riverside James Underhill Celeen Vizer Estate of Isabel W. Manning Elizabeth Hughes Bridge City Cosmopolitan Club Allan Blakeney Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation John Underhill Saskatoon Cosmopolitan Club Glen Penner Cameco Riverfront Wendy & Alex Campbell Dr. Sharon A. Wiens Saskatoon Cosmopolitan Couples Wayne Brownlee Wal-Mart Canada Corp. Club Committee CIBC Western Region Colliers McClocklin Real Estate Meewasin Sponsors Don Somers Ducks Unlimited Canada Thomas C. McClocklin Downey’s Bakery Media Kim Ali Dynamic Mutual Funds Ltd. Jacqueline Mowchenko Acklands Grainger – The Rent It CKOM Gwen Charman George Weston Ltd. Neil & Marjorie Richardson Store Rock 102 FM Lise DeMoissac Saskatchewan Watershed Authority The Hitachi Foundation Innovation Place News Talk 650 Sheryl Fox Tim Hortons Hitachi Canadian Industries Van Houtte Coffee Services C95 FM Patricia Roe Wesley Bolstad Neil Murphy Meyers Norris Penny LLP The Bull 82.8 Betty-Anne Stevenson Andrew P. Belyk Dr. Christine Manning Homestead Ice Cream CJWW 600 Robin Chapman Doug & Anne-Marie Porteous G. N. Arnott Magic 98.3 Kim Ali Saskatchewan Blue Cross C. Stuart & Mary Houston Global Saskatoon Celeen Vizer Dennis & Sharon Johnson Yvonne Cuttle CTV Susan Lamb Fred & Linda A. Smith Tim Sellar SHAW Doug Porteous Estate of Adrienne Eidem Butler Byers Insurance Ltd. CBC Robert & Rita Mirwald Patricia & William Roe CFCR Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin Wellington West Capital Inc. The Star Phoenix Edward & Marilyn Underhill Airline Hotels & Resorts The Saskatoon Sun

Meewasin Valley Authority, 402 Third Avenue South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 3G5 Phone: (306) 665-6887 Email: [email protected] Web: www.meewasin.com