Experience World-Class Birding
The Redberry Lake Biosphere Region (RLBR) sits in the central northwest corner of the province, 80 km northwest of Saskatoon. It includes the entire Redberry Lake watershed and its border which touch several municipalities, First Nations and communities. The area straddles two ecoregions: the boreal transition and aspen parkland. It is shaped by five ecosystems: forest, grassland, freshwater, saline, and agroecosystems.
In 2000, the Redberry Lake watershed was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Region due to its ecological significance and local efforts to promote sustainable development and conservation in the area. This designation was driven by passionate community members who established the Redberry Pelican Project. Now the reserve aims to nurture a balance between humans and nature that focuses on conservation, education, and collaboration. Redberry Lake is also a Migratory Bird Sanctuary, designated by the Canadian Wildlife Service. The area protects the islands where American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Ring-billed Gulls and California Gulls nest.
The region is an important stopover for migrating waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and most notably, the critically endangered Whooping Crane. Approximately 30,000 ducks also stop over during their migratory journey. Almost 200 species of birds have been recorded in the region, many of which regularly nest in the area.
The Redberry Lake Biosphere Region's new Interpretive and Research Centre hosts educational sessions and offers birding experiences, including bird banding demonstrations. The research centre on the site also hosts scientists to study the region's unique ecosystems.
