The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Habitat Trust Fund was established in 1978. To date the program has protected over 75,000 acres. The SWF acquires the land by purchasing identified parcels from the land owner directly and by generous individuals donating land to the Habitat Trust Program. Individuals who donate land to the Habitat Trust Program receive a tax receipt and a cairn will be placed on the property honoring their donation.
All members of the SWF have permission written on the back of your membership card to access Habitat Trust Lands. No further permission is required.
For non members to obtain permission to access SWF lands, they will be required to email permission@swf.sk.ca. Permission will be given with certain restrictions.
Signage All Habitat Trust Fund lands have signs in plain view to show the community Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation’s conservation dollars are at work in their area. These signs are erected as soon as the land is purchased.
Funding Money is raised for the Habitat Trust Fund by individual tax deductible donations, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation branch donations, and fundraising events across the province such as:
-SWF Antler Collection Program
-Adopt an Acre
-Annual Habitat Trust Golf Tournament
–Guns for Habitat
Land Donation and Wills The Habitat Trust Fund has been legally established to accept memorials. Wildlife and our natural resources are held dear to many people in Saskatchewan and often, donations in memory of a loved one are directed to the Habitat Trust Fund. Land or money can also be left in wills and estates by people wishing to preserve our natural heritage. This land is held in perpetuity for wildlife and future generations to enjoy.
Hunting Hunting is allowed on Habitat Trust lands unless it was a condition of a donation not to allow it. Persons hunting on Habitat Trust lands must be an SWF Member, or have written permission to access the land, and be on foot. The hunter must hunt according to regulated season dates and regulations outlined in the current hunting guide. Vehicles may only be used to retrieve big game animals.
Recreation Habitat Trust lands are open all year round for SWF Members or individuals with written permission to observe nature. Youth groups from local branches, school groups, and Scouts have used these parcels as part of their learning experience. They are great areas for bird watching, hiking, berry picking, identifying plants and animal tracks or just to get away from it all.
Geocaching The SWF Habitat lands are a great place to find Geocaches. For SWF geocaches, click here.