Rethinking Urban Grasslands

The Meewasin Valley in Saskatoon contains important native grasslands situated within a rapidly growing urban and peri-urban landscape. As the city expands, these ecosystems face increasing pressures, including over-use, invasive species, shrub encroachment and shifting public expectations. This presentation shares practical, field-based experiences from managing grasslands in the Meewasin Valley, highlighting both challenges and effective management responses. The session will explore how disturbance-based tools, particularly prescribed fire and targeted grazing, can be applied in urban settings to maintain ecological function, build resilience and address common drivers of grassland decline.  Urban grasslands also play a vital social role, serving as accessible places where people can experience, understand and engage in grassland conservation. The webinar will examine how management, communication and public interaction intersect in highly visible landscapes, offering insights into how growing cities can both steward and celebrate native grassland ecosystems.