The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is excited to announce the addition of 800 acres of prime wildlife habitat, along with $100,000.00 in cash to the SWF Habitat Trust Program, donated by the late Don Kowalski of Griffin, SK.
“SWF owns and manages over 75,000 acres of wildlife habitat across Saskatchewan thanks to the generous donations of our members and supporters,” stated SWF Provincial President Clark Schultz.
This newest addition to SWF’s habitat portfolio, named “Dianne’s Wildlife Sanctuary” after Mr. Kowalski’s sister, is primarily native prairie habitat. Native prairie grasslands are internationally recognized as one of the most at risk ecosystems in the world and home to numerous species at risk.
“This exceptional property is a haven for local wildlife” said Darren Newberry, the SWF Director of Habitat Lands, who manages the Habitat Trust Program adding that the Kowalski donation is “one of the largest donations we’ve received in our Land Trust’s 40 year history”.
The SWF will manage, in cooperation with the Weyburn Wildlife Federation, Dianne’s Wildlife Sanctuary in perpetuity for the betterment of wildlife. This gift contributed to a record year for the SWF Habitat Trust Fund. In 2020, the SWF acquired over 2500 acres of wildlife habitat and received $200,000.00 in donations.