Prairie Day event set for Saturday

The annual Prairie Day event will be hosted at the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve on Saturday, giving visitors a chance to learn about the unique bees, birds, wildflowers and trees that call it home.

This year’s event includes guided walks at the Prairie Shore Trail and guest presentations under the oak trees at Gardenton Park and Museum.

“There are a number of plant and animal species that are listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act,” a news release announcing the event stated. “While it’s too late in the season to spot the endangered Poweshiek Skipperling flitting about, you will likely see the threatened Riddell’s goldenrod in bloom.”

Ash Burkowski of Northern Wildscapes Plants+Designs will talk about how to use native plants in your yard and how to turn your yard into a native lawn.

Laura Reeves from Prairie Shore Botanicals will talk about her experiences in foraging and preparing wild edibles.

Kara Parkinson, who comes from the Gerhard Centre’s Forest and Nature School will talk about connecting children to nature and how this program engages them to appreciate the natural environment around them.

Participants are advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen and insect repellent. Walking conditions may be wet so rubber boots or a change of footwear is suggested for those participating in the guided walks. All activities will take place rain or shine.

The guided walks will take place at the Prairie Shore Trail, about 3 km east of Tolstoi on Provincial Road 209 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Guest presentations will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Gardenton Park and Museum.

Admission for the entire day is $10 per adult. Children are free. Hot food will be available at Gardenton Park but only cash is accepted for admissions and food purchases.