A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 5 - 2 0 0 6

W h e r e n a t u r e a n d

c o m m u n i t y m e e t

PHOTO: GORDON WALDNER

M e e w a s i n . . . w h e r e n a t u r e a n d c o m m u n i t y m e e t1

Meewasin has completed 27 years of stewardship

in the Meewasin Valley with continued success in our

mandates of conservation, development and education.

Meewasin signed its fourth conservation easement on

18 acres of land off the Pike Lake Highway with former

Meewasin Chair Ken Pontikes. This will allow for a

public wildlife view point overlooking Brown’s Lake. The

sheep grazing program expanded and continued to

make the national news as a way to increase biodiversity

and control exotic plants. We have put an option on a

riverbank site in Saskatoon’s northeast to secure more

riverfront land for the public.

We continued to develop the Riverfront at River

Landing Phase 1 (between the Traffic Bridge and Senator

Sid Buckwold Bridge), the most exciting public river-

bank project in Saskatoon’s 120-year history; and we

began implementation of plans for the Riverfront Phase

2 (Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge to Victoria Park). We

developed the Cameco Riverfront Campaign to help pay

for the $13 million project; more details will come later.

The Meewasin Skating Rink in Kiwanis Memorial

Park was open a record 100 days to approximately 12,000

skaters, and most recently was named the best outdoor

rink in Canada.

We opened the SaskPower Kilometre connecting

Holiday Park to the Meewasin Trail allowing residents of

the west side to “walk and roll” to the Forestry Farm.

Our education programs continued successfully for

school students and the general public at Beaver Creek

Conservation Area and the Meewasin Valley Centre. We

published and distributed the Saskatoon Natural

Grasslands Ecological Education Guide. We wrote a

history of Meewasin, “25 Years in the Life of a River

Valley”, which will be published in 2006 and will serve

as a demonstration for what communities around the

world can do to conserve a river valley for now and

future generations.

Meewasin took leadership in Road Map 2020, a

program to bring business and industry, government and

institutions together for the purpose of developing a

sustainable community. We partnered with Chief Darcy

Bear and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation community

for enhancing interpretation of Chief Whitecap’s role in

the origins of Saskatoon through snow sculpture, statue

and signs. We participated in the Centennial celebrations

of the province and sat on committees to do the same for

Saskatoon. Our volunteer numbers continued at more

than 20,000 persons annually highlighted by Meewasin

Trail Ambassador Ron Brown who received the Spirit of

Volunteerism Award at Saskatoon’s Volunteer

Recognition and Awards Night.

Meewasin continues to take heart in our support from

the community with our approval rating with the general

public at 96.8%. If there were any disappointments this

past year, it had to be not being successful in our attempts

to renovate or build a new interpretive centre at River

Landing that would interpret both Saskatoon’s history

and the story of our city. Meewasin is badly in need of

major renovations including new displays to serve the

public better. We are the heart of the Meewasin Valley and

the Meewasin Trail. We need to make our displays new,

dynamic and state of the art. As water issues become even

more critical on the prairies, it is important for the

public to understand water issues. We need to expand

our story to include the many cultural groups that have

joined us in Saskatoon and area and the many future

opportunities and challenges we face.

2005-2006 has been a very rewarding but

challenging year for Meewasin. We look forward to

another exciting year with more work on the Riverfront

at River Landing being the most public project we will

undertake. Thank you to all who created this wonderful

concept of Meewasin: our donors, sponsors, volunteers

and supporters who have made Meewasin the much

valued conservation organization that it is.

Chair, Richard Nieman

CEO, Susan Lamb

Message from the Chair and CEO

Our Mission Statement:

To ensure a healthy and

vibrant river valley, with a

balance between human

use and conservation,

and to conserve the natural

and heritage resources

of the valley.

John BrockelbankTerry AlmCEO, Susan LambChair, Richard Nieman

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Meewasin AdvisoryCommittees

Public ownership in decision making is one of Meewasin’s five guiding principles.Meewasin’s advisory committees are invaluableto the work of Meewasin.

Resource Conservation AdvisoryThe Resource Conservation Advisory committee advises the

Meewasin board in its work to ensure the health of the

Meewasin Valley. Committee members include Darwin

Anderson, Greg Fenty, Peter Goode, Tammy Knuttila, Sheri

Praski, Margo Rashley, and Gary Wobeser.Development ReviewThe Development Review Committee provides Meewasin with

unbiased recommendations regarding acceptability of improve-

ments in Meewasin’s jurisdiction. Committee members include

Randy Grauer, Glen Grismer, Keith Henry, Alan Otterbein, Neil

Richardson, Jit Sharma, Doug Tastad, Colin Tennent, and Alan

Wallace. Retired are Laura Hartney, Phil Bruch, and Ken

Dockham.

Ann Coxworth

Meewasin Board of Directors

Hon. David Forbes Jack Vicq

Mayor Don AtchisonDarwin Anderson

Elaine Hnatyshyn Glen Penner Hon. Peter PrebblePeter MacKinnon

Paul Becker

The Meewasin Endowment Fund is managed by The Saskatoon Foundation and as of December 31st 2005 stands at $239,678.00. Audited Meewasin financial statements are available upon request.

Meewasin Financial Highlights as of March 31, 2006

Revenues and Allocations (All Funds) $4,656,305

Construction 64%

Public Programs andFacilities 14%

Administration 10%

Planning and Conservation 7%

Fundraising Programs 4%

Other Expenditures 1%

Government of SaskatchewanGrants 32%

University of SaskatchewanStatutory 17%

Government of SaskatchewanStatutory 14%

City of Saskatoon Statutory 13%

Allocated From Reserve 10%

Donations 7%

Earned Income 3%

City of Saskatoon - Grants 2%Other Grants 2%

Expenditures (All Funds) $4,656,305

Education AdvisoryThe Education Advisory Committee advises the board on policydevelopment in the area of education. Committee members areMax Abraham, Judith Benson, Brendan Bitz, Sylvia Cory,Melanie Elliott, Roxane Melnyk, Kim Newlove, Richard Nieman,and Maurice Postnikoff.Design AdvisoryThe Design Advisory Committee assists the Board in its work toensure the “fit” as defined in the “100-Year Conceptual Plan”.Committee members are Don Cook, Ann Coxworth, Rob Crosby,Derek Kindrachuk, Terry Scaddan, Alan Otterbein, and Jeanna South.

M e e w a s i n . . . w h e r e n a t u r e a n d c o m m u n i t y m e e t3

Conservation

The goal of the resource planning department is to

protect, conserve and restore natural habitat that has

been changed or altered.

Over the years, stewardship groups have worked with

Meewasin to conserve. These include grade 4 students

who work at the Meewasin nursery transplanting

seedlings, learning to understand the need for

conservation and taking ownership of the valley. Other

school groups and community minded organizations

volunteer to plant trees and supervise and clean the

natural areas.

Meewasin completed its first year of a two year sheep

grazing project. Progress was made in reducing shrub

and invasive plants at Cranberry Flats, Beaver Creek and

the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands. Detailed baseline

measurements will help us determine the effectiveness of

grazing with particular emphasis on reduction of

European Buckthorn at the Saskatoon Natural

Grasslands. Meewasin has invested considerable time in

controlling European Buckthorn and is currently pur-

suing publication of a research paper that documents

findings from an eight-year control program. Meewasin

has treated more than 347,000 stems to date and is

about 60% complete in this seed control program.

Meewasin has also initiated the conversion of 20

additional acres of alfalfa at Chief Whitecap Park to

diverse native grass mixture. Other restoration work

includes planting more than 6,000 wildflower and grass

plugs in small restoration patches in native prairie sites

throughout the valley. This work brings youth in direct

contact with our few remaining intact prairies where a

variety of birds and animals continue to thrive.

Meewasin is particularly pleased to have Ecology Camp

for Kids (University of Saskatchewan Extension

Division) and Child Friendly as active generous

community partners.

Conservation EasementRecent federal legislation provides tax incentives to

individuals or corporations wanting to enter into a

conservation agreement with a conservation agency.

Meewasin signed its fourth conservation easement on

December 6th with Ken Pontikes. The easement is

located off Highway 60 (Pike Lake Highway) immedi-

ately south of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The 18

acres include part of the old riverbank escarpment, a

riparian forest, and a portion of the Brown’s Lake marsh.

This is Meewasin’s fourth conservation easement

agreement. This easement will provide an excellent

public view point to watch the annual bird migration.

Development Review

The Meewasin Resource Planning Department strives

to balance conservation with development, and to ensure

development is consistent with Meewasin’s vision for the

river valley. Meewasin received 15 applications in 2005-

2006 for approval to construct improvements in the

Meewasin Valley conservation zone. These included

Archibald Arena renovations, River Landing Phase 1

Riverfront construction, River Landing streetscape and

utilities, Lochhead Studio at the Mendel Art Gallery,

Spadina landfill expansion, 25th Street rehabilitation

project, U of S aquatics toxicology expansion, U of S

chiller plant expansion, a Chief Whitecap Park

interpretive feature, and the Farmer’s Market at River

Landing. Seven applications were approved as presented,

8 with conditions. No applications were denied. The

Riverfront Master Plan Phase 2 was approved as a

Below: Ken Pontikes, second from right, and Meewasin managementcelebrate Meewasin’s 4th Conservation Easement.

Above: Many geese nest along the river in Saskatoon.

Photo: Kent Hartshorn

M e e w a s i n . . . w h e r e n a t u r e a n d c o m m u n i t y m e e t 4

basis for future decision making in the riverfront

area. Meewasin also gave approval for temporary site

improvements at the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan

site until 2010.

Design & Development

The primary focus of design and development in

2005-2006 was again to develop River Landing

Riverfront. The construction program included full

installation of some underground utilities, the start of

the river walk and the pedestrian bridge, site furnishings,

lighting and soft landscaping. The design program

included the amphitheatre, the pavilion and

washrooms, the river basin water play feature and the

floating dock.

Through the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005

program, we were able to commission a sculpture of

Chief Whitecap from artist Lloyd Pinay. The sculpture

will be the beginning of an interpretive feature at Chief

Whitecap Park. An unveiling is set for June 20, 2006.

The department spent a great deal of time developing

proposals for a Western Diversification centennial grant

for the purpose of building a new Meewasin

interpretive centre at River Landing. When Meewasin

was unsuccessful in that application, we developed plans

to renovate the present Meewasin interpretive centre in

Friendship Park. It was disappointing to have both

applications turned down as Meewasin is badly in need of

major improvements to the present facility so that it can

better conserve, educate and develop the Meewasin Valley.

The Rotary Park slump area restoration plan was

begun in 2005. The area was fine graded and planted

with trees, shrubs and dryland turf grass. Access was

improved by installing asphalt pathways and lighting.

Site furniture will be installed in 2006.

Meewasin took a key role in the development of the

Riverfront master plan for Phase 2 of River Landing (the

old A. L. Cole site between the Senator Sid Buckwold

Bridge and Victoria Park). The plan calls for enhanced

pedestrian links, performance and viewing areas, soft

Victoria Bridge

MeewasinCentre

3rd Avenue

Above: Meewasin Manager of Design& Development Lloyd Isaak.

Below: Meewasin took over as project manager of the Riverfront inOctober 2003 when the Government of Saskatchewan provided $4 millionto begin the work.

Above: Meewasin Manager ofResource Conservation John Gerstmaris responsible for Development Review recommendations to theMeewasin Board.

Above: Bride and groom on theMeewasin skating rink, winter 2006.

M e e w a s i n . . . w h e r e n a t u r e a n d c o m m u n i t y m e e t5

landscaping, and restoration of the pump house

building that served the former A.L. Cole power plant.

Other work during 2005-2006 of the design and

development department included identifying, sand-

bagging, and restoring a number of areas of the valley

(including the new Riverfront development) during the

June 2005 flooding conditions that resulted in the

Gardiner Dam having to release water from the

Diefenbaker reservoir at a rate of 1900 cubic meters per

second. The normal water flow in summer in Saskatoon

is about 120 cubic meters per second, and each 100

cubic meters per second increase translates into the river

level through Saskatoon rising approximately one foot.

Meewasin Skating RinkThe outdoor skating rink, located in Kiwanis

Memorial park beside the Delta Bessborough, opened

this season December 19, 2005 and closed March

28, 2006. During the 100-day season 12,000 skaters

enjoyed the rink. Highlights on two occasions included

a newly married bride and groom in full wedding attire

taking a romantic post nuptial skate. Another highlight

was Reader’s Digest magazine naming the Meewasin

Rink the best outdoor skating spot in the country.

WebsiteThe new Meewasin website project began in February

2005 when zu.com communications inc. was contracted

to develop the new site. Over the past year zu.com and

Meewasin staff worked closely to completely revamp the

website. The content is more extensive, user friendly, and

easy to navigate. It was developed around Meewasin

mandates of conservation, development and education

and includes items not previously available through the

old site, such as a document library, calendar of events,

and ability to donate online.

Education

Meewasin offers a number of education programs

that promote conservation of the heritage resources of

the valley, that facilitate the appropriate use and

enjoyment of those resources and that allow the public

to experience and learn about them. These programs

include stewardship and celebration, river festivals,

in-services, Trail Ambassadors, canoe tours, and

partnering with other education and conservation

organizations that have similar goals. Meewasin

accomplishes this through its two interpretive centres,

as well as publications, audio-visual resources, web site,

media commercials and public service announcements,

and appearances at special functions as presenters.

The Meewasin Valley Interpretive Center (MVC)

Where is Meewasin?Meewasin’s jurisdiction centres in

Saskatoon and runs approximately 60 km

along the river through Saskatoon and

Corman Park from Pike Lake in the

southwest to Clarke’s Crossing in the

northeast. It encompasses conservation

areas, parks, museums, interpretive cen-

tres, the university lands, canoe launches,

community links, and over 60 km of

Meewasin Trail. Including the South

Saskatchewan River, there are 25 square

miles in the Meewasin conservation zone.

What is Meewasin Created in 1979 by an Act of the Province

of Saskatchewan, Meewasin is a conserva-

tion agency dedicated to conserving the

cultural and natural resources of the

South Saskatchewan River Valley. It is the

means by which the three participating

parties (the City of Saskatoon, the

University of Saskatchewan, and the

Province of Saskatchewan) have chosen

to manage the Meewasin Valley.

The creation of the Meewasin Valley

Authority was based on the concept that

the partners working together through a

single agency – Meewasin - could accom-

plish more than they could individually.

Above: Excellence On The Waterfront;Meewasin Riverworks Weir project was

recognized for excellence on the waterfront at an international conference

held in Georgia in 2005. Meewasinaccepted the award on behalf of

Meewasin and project landscape architect Crosby Hanna & Associates. As

well The Design Council of Saskatchewanawarded Crosby Hanna & Associates the

Premiers Award of Excellence, the highest honour in Landscape

Architecture for the MeewasinRiverworks Weir Project. It was

described as, “a clear standout, fun, energetic, well detailed and with an

understanding for the varied ways people can use the river bank. Light

towers give the project a special sense of place.”

Photo courtesy Adam Crosby

Above: Education Advisory Committee Tour of the Riverfront.

Above: The crunch of the snow, the crisp air and the haunting beauty can make winter walks by the river a subtly exhilarating experience. Photo by: Kent Hartshorn

Above: Meewasin Staff 2005.

6

focuses on the original areas of urban development in

Saskatoon. It is a place to learn about the Meewasin

Trail system, Saskatoon history, the South Saskatchewan

River, and the future of the Meewasin Valley. In

2005-2006, the centre enjoyed a total of 27,714 visitors

who toured the facility, sought information, or who

participated in the interpretive programs. The Sunday

programs attracted 1,321 visitors, while special group

interpretive programs were offered to 2,605 guests.

Special events and interpretive programs ranged from

the annual Founder’s Day celebrations in Friendship

Park to the River Cinemas on the August and September

long weekends. In addition, the Centre staff supported

other organizations throughout the city including the

Heritage Festival of Saskatoon, the Marr Residence

Management Team, the Saskatoon Heritage Society,

Doors Open Saskatoon, and the Saskatoon CERT

organization. The Meewasin Valley Centre continued to

provide interpretive programs to all grade three students

in Saskatoon, participated in by 2,572 students from the

Saskatoon public, Catholic and regional school boards.

905 youth participated in the MVC’s school break

programs. The MVC art gallery continued to host

bi-monthly shows by local artists and photographers.

The Meewasin Gift Shop provided unique gift ideas for

those who were looking for something naturally or

culturally special.

Beaver Creek Conservation Area (BCCA) is located 13

km south of Saskatoon. A sheltered creek, river valley

and prairie habitat offer a diversity of flora and fauna for

visitors. It is in the microcosm of the Meewasin Valley

and contains one of the few uncultivated short grass

prairie sites in Saskatchewan. An interpretive centre and

staff provide opportunities to discover nature during the

four seasons along a selection of five nature trails. In

2005-2006, 2,790 grade 5 students and 300 teachers and

parent volunteers participated in BCCA’s day long grade

5 environmental programs. More than 9,000 visitors

explored the site on their own or participated in public

programming which included Moon Hikes, Perseid

Meteor Showers, Canada Day-Heritage Hoopla

Celebrations, Interpretive Theatre productions, come-

and-go discovery stations, and self-guided trail activities.

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Beaver Creek Conservation Area continues towards

the accreditation and establishment of a Migratory

Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program

at BCCA and becoming part of an international series

of migratory bird banding stations.

We thank the Saskatoon Nature Society for providing

funding to purchase bird seeders and feeders for the

winter bird feeding program. Many school children were

thrilled to have black chickadees feed directly from their

hands.

Meewasin Interpretive Canoe ToursBeaver Creek is the base for the Meewasin interpre-

tive canoe tour program. An interpreter canoe guide and

a 10-passenger clipper canoe provide a way for the

novice canoeist to learn about the river from the river.

The summer of 2005, more than 400 paddlers experi-

enced tours. Participation was down from the previous

year due to the extreme river flow conditions. Guests and

immigrants from many countries including Somalia,

Sudan, and Afghanistan experienced the 2-3 hour tours

from Beaver Creek onto the South Saskatchewan River.

Sponsored tours supported by the Saskatoon

Foundation, ASUPCA, Centennial Student Employment

Program, the City of Saskatoon and Sask Lotteries were

provided at no cost for non-profit groups that provide

programs for children and families. For other groups

the tours could be chartered for 9 paddlers at a cost of

$150 per canoe.

Meewasin Pelican WatchThe first pelican to touch down between the CP Bridge

and the weir, as observed by official spotters from the

Saskatoon Nature Society, did so Friday, April 15, 2005 at

6:30 pm. It was the 10th year of the contest. Previous

arrival times had been between April 8th and 18th.

Sponsors were Realty Executives, Don’s Photo Shop, the

Pelican Market, the White Pelican Bed & Breakfast, and

Meewasin.

Meewasin-Saskatoon Credit Union Clean-UpThe Meewasin-Saskatoon Credit Union Clean-up

registered about 13,000 participants in the spring of

2005. The news conference kicking off the campaign

took place on Earth Day, Friday, April 22nd, at King

George School. As a commitment to conservation, the

participants engaged in a ceremonial signing of a

Meewasin-Saskatoon Credit Union garbage bag.

Western Red Lily ProjectIn 2000 Meewasin initiated an idea to distribute

western red lilies, the provincial floral emblem, to the

public as a 100-year anniversary project. This began a

long process whereby Meewasin, through the Association

of Urban Parks and Conservation Agencies, promoted

the idea to SaskPower that grew the lilies at its Shand

Greenhouse in Coronach. During the summer of 2005,

Meewasin volunteer groups planted 5,000 lilies in the

valley, and, on behalf of Shand Greenhouse, distributed

another 30,000 seedlings to groups in the Saskatoon

area.

Summer StudentsMeewasin hired 17 summer students who began their

orientation on May 2nd, 2005. Most would work with us

throughout the summer until the end of August as

interpreters, canoe guides, construction workers, valley

stewards, and bylaw enforcement officials. The summer

students showcased their summer accomplishments at

an Open House in August.

Above: Meewasin Interpretive CanoeTour South Saskatchewan River.

Above: Beaver Creek Conservation Area.

Above: Three of the thousands of volunteers who assist in the Annual

Meewasin-Saskatoon Credit UnionClean-up Campaign each year.

M e e w a s i n . . . w h e r e n a t u r e a n d c o m m u n i t y m e e t 8

Vimy MemorialThe re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial Band Shell

was held in Kiwanis Park on Sunday, September 18. The

Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon worked with Meewasin and

took a major role in producing the event which included

the Lieutenant-Governor, a march past of about 400

cadets, and a barbecue. Meewasin, the City of Saskatoon,

and the Kiwanis Club partnered in the Vimy

improvements which included installing a planter

around the band shell, and a paving stone connection to

the Meewasin Trail.

Communities in BloomSaskatoon, having previously received five blooms

(top award) for partnership with community and for

management of the riverbank, hosted the 2005 edition of

Communities in Bloom National Symposium on Parks

and Grounds. Meewasin supported the city in taking a

major role to deliver the September 2005 event, with

technical guided visits to a number of our natural sites.

History Document UpdateWhen we celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2004, we

decided to document the experience of the first quarter

century of the 100-Year Conceptual Master Plan

produced by Raymond Moriyama. The history

document was possible through the efforts of Meewasin

staff, volunteer Ron Lamb, and contractees Paul Hanley

and Roger Denis. It is now in the final stages awaiting

printing. We thank the Saskatchewan Heritage

Foundation for its support.

Saskatoon Natural Grasslands (SNG)Ecological Education Guide

The purpose of the SNG Ecological Education guide is

to provide educational support for the Saskatoon

Natural Grasslands. It provides lesson plans (4 for each

grade) from kindergarten to grade eight. We thank the

Saskatoon public and catholic schools, TD Friends of

the Environment Foundation, Superstore, Nature

Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Nature Society, Partners

FOR Sask River Basin, author Marie Stradeski, editors

Melanie Elliott and Judith Benson, and Rick Wrubleski

and his staff at Mister Print for their work and support of

this program.

Friend of Meewasin Award 2005Gordon Wilson was the 2005 winner of the Friend of

Meewasin Award presented annually to an individual

who has made an outstanding contribution to the

Meewasin programs. Meewasin recognizes Gordon for

his volunteer leadership in Kiwanis Memorial Park

Improvements and celebrations throughout the past 15

years.

Meewasin Conservation Award 2005Claire Bullaro was the winner of the Meewasin

Conservation Award presented annually to an

individual who has made an outstanding contribution

to the heritage resources of the Meewasin Valley. Two

major conservation projects that Claire has been

involved in include the preservation of the Forestry Farm

House and the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station.

Chief Whitecap Snow SculptureThe River Landing roundabout, located at the base

of the Traffic Bridge, was home this winter of 2005-2006

to a Saskatoon centennial snow sculpture. Meewasin

managed the project with funding support from the City

of Saskatoon, Whitecap Dakota First Nations, Allan

Construction Co. Ltd., and the Partnership.

Internationally acclaimed artist Patricia Leguen beganBelow: Whitecap Dakota Community& Friends – January 2006.

Above: Meewasin Chair RichardNieman, Claire Bullaro, Gordon WilsonDecember 2005.

Above: SAI Stewards Plant 800Western Red Lilies Summer 2005.

M e e w a s i n . . . w h e r e n a t u r e a n d c o m m u n i t y m e e t9

working on the sculpture January 26th carving a three-

metre cube of snow into the image of Chief Whitecap.

He provided invaluable advice and support to

Saskatoon’s founder John Lake.

Road Map 2020Climate change will have a huge effect on our river.

It is apparent that we cannot just focus on water

conservation if we are to address this issue; we must be

much broader and work community-wide. Issues

connected with the discussion of energy and greenhouse

gas emissions are fundamental to water quality and

quantity. It is as important to encourage people to turn

off the lights as to turn off the tap if we are to protect

our river.

Meewasin led in launching this visionary project,

Road Map 2020, along with the Saskatchewan

Environmental Society, the City’s Environmental

Advisory Committee and with the support of many

others including the university, government, business

and industry. The purpose of this multi-sector group is

to make Saskatoon a sustainable city by 2020. After a

report card shared at a second forum in November 2005,

the group signed up 17 “Sustainability Champions”—

Above: Walk and Roll The SaskPowerKilometre 2005. Holiday Park linkage

to the Meewasin Trail.

Below: Minister Responsible for Meewasin Hon. David Forbes speaks toStudent Stewards Prior to Meewasin Park Sturgeon Release in June, 2005.

businesses and institutions that provide mentoring for

others. It brought in industry speakers, held two forums,

published a newspaper supplement, supported a climate

change display attended by 4,500 students, and carried

out xeriscaping and rain barrel programs.

Partners FOR Sask River Basin (PFSRB)Founded in 1993 by Meewasin, the national award-

winning PFSRB is a non-profit organization still

managed by Meewasin with a mandate to increase

understanding, awareness, and stewardship of the Sask

River Basin. PFSRB’s mission is to promote watershed

sustainability through “awareness, linkages, and

stewardship” throughout the entire Sask River Basin.

The RIVER is our CLIENT. Current initiatives include

the following:

• Implementing programs like “Water Watchdog”, a

water testing program for youth, and “Click on

Climate”, a new program focused on Climate Change

for youth aged 9 – 14 years. “Click on Climate” will

soon be distributed to 12,000 youth across the basin.

• Communicating current scientific information to

the general public through newsletters, a web page,

and an annual conference.

• Building a network base of over 1,400 supporting

and active members, including 120 sub-watershed

volunteer groups.

The mandate of PFSRB is becoming even more

important as the rapid growth in Alberta means a strain

on water quality and quantity. The large feed lot

operations in Alberta translate to having the

equivalent of 90 million people upstream from

Saskatchewan. Lake Winnipeg, downstream from us, is

struggling with agricultural and urban runoff issues of

which the Sask River Basin is a contributor.

Sturgeon in Schools Program13 Saskatoon schools, Beaver Creek Conservation

Area, and the Meewasin Valley Centre received

“juvenile” (less than one year of age) sturgeon this year

from Sask Environment, to nurture in their school

classrooms and interpretive centres to be released into

the South Saskatchewan River in the spring.

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MEEWASIN PLANT-A-TREE DEDICATION JUNE 2005Meewasin’s 19th annual Plant-A-Tree commemoration was held Saturday,

June 18, 2005 at Innovation Place. The Walter Murray Jazz Band and North

Park Wilson Choir performed. Guest speakers included the Honourable Dr.

Lynda Haverstock Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan; Robert White of

Multi-Faith Saskatoon; and Fran Nutter, Chair of the Meewasin Plant-A-

Tree Committee. Since 1988 Meewasin has

planted 3,149 trees and shrubs in the

valley, sponsored by individual donors.

Since 2000 there have been 127 donations

to the Memorial Forest in Gabriel Dumont

Park, a Meewasin Saskatchewan Centennial

project. In 2005 the Plant-A-Tree program

included sponsorship recognition of

84 trees and shrubs, 11 Meewasin Trail

benches, and 20 bricks at the Rotary

International Peace Plaza.

WILDLAND FIRE STRATEGY DECLARATIONThe Canadian Council of Resource Ministers held a news conference in

Rotary Park in October 2005 to announce the Wildland Fire Strategy

Declaration. Following the unveiling of the declaration, the 14 ministers

had a ceremonial maple tree planting (one for each province and territory).

Fund Development

Meewasin is a registered charity. Approximately 46%

of its budget for 2005/2006 came from non-statutory

sources to support conservation, development, and

education initiatives. Some reasons to support Meewasin

include the following:

• If you wanted a pill to cure 70% of today’s ills, it

would be exercise in a clean nurturing environment

(In Motion);

• 95% of the general public in Saskatoon and area

supports the work of Meewasin and wants that work to

continue;

• 1,000,000 visits are made annually to the Meewasin

Trail;

• Of the $79 million that Meewasin has spent in 26

years, $15 million has come from the local taxpayer.

• The Meewasin Valley Authority concept is known

and studied around the world as a model of what can

be done by a community wishing to conserve a river

valley for the purpose of public health and enjoyment;

for that we were named one of four finalists for the

Thiess Riverprize in Brisbane, Australia.

As a non-profit organization Meewasin raises funds

from the public and private sector to support its

conservation initiatives. We thank our volunteer fund

development committees for their support and contri-

butions.

MEEWASIN TRAIL AMBASSADORS Identified by their green vests, Meewasin Trail Ambassadors are volunteers

who support Meewasin by promoting trail safety and courtesy,

volunteering for special events, learning about and representing Meewasin

in the Saskatoon area and their respective communities. Ambassadors

include Max Abraham, Archie Balon, Jim Best, Brendan Bitz, Ron Brown,

Evelyn Harrow, Lise de Moissac, Milton Derry, Wayne Dyck, Melanie Elliott,

Murray Gross, Kent Hartshorn, Judy Hartshorn, Karen Heise,

Marcia Jackson, Rob Jackson, Rick Kusmirski, Stephen Levy,

Ian MacLennan, Donna Nazar, Joanne Parnetta, Anne Porteous,

Maurice Postnikoff, Karen Potter, Jan Stirling, Michael Stonehouse, Brenda

Wallace, Carl Waterer, Lloyd Widenmaier, Dave Wilton, Rae Wilton and

Nicole Wilton-Elliott.

Above: Bisirat & Tess Ghebremedhin, First Donors to Cameco RiverfrontCampaign. Meewasin ChristmasReception December 2005, MC Doug Porteous.

Above: Four of Meewasin’s TrailAmbassadors, from left to right, AnnePorteous, Wayne Dyck, Darren Lewis,Shelly Agecoutay.

Above: Meewasin-Homestead Ice Cream Party.

Above: Canada's Resource Ministers particpate in a Meewasin tree planting ceremony, June 2005.

Below: Her Honour Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan Dr. LyndaHaverstock & North Park Wilson PlantA Tree Choir in June 2005.

Meewasin FundDevelopment & CamecoRiverfront CampaignCommitteeDon Somers (chair CamecoRiverfront CampaignCommittee), Kathy Hollands(chair Meewasin FundDevelopment Committee),Moira Birney, Chris Dekker, Betty Anne Stevenson (campaign consultant), LisedeMoissac, Sheryl Fox, KentHartshorn, Judy Harwood,Randy Moore, Fran Nutter,Patricia Roe, Tom Symenuk,Bryan Tastad, Sandi Wasylyniuk.

Planned Giving CommitteeTom Symenuk (chair), Moira Birney, Rich Chapman,Aaron Dillman, Terry McBride, Orrin Ritter, Shawn Windrem

Plant-A-Tree CommitteeFran Nutter (chair), DeniseCheke, Wayne Dyck, JayneHudson, Laurence Osachoff, Maurice Postnikoff, Wayne Salloum, Bill Sherwin,Robert White.

MEEWASIN SPONSORS,DONORS, SUPPORTERMeewasin Donors (over $1000)Cameco CorporationGeorge ForsythKinsmen Club of SaskatoonSask Power CorporationThe Samuel & SaidyeBronfman Family FoundationSaskatoon Credit UnionRealty Executives Saskatoon

Saskatoon KiwanisFoundationSaskatchewan Indian & Gaming AuthorityMichael EgnatoffSaskatoon FoundationThe EJLB FoundationKiwanis Club of SaskatoonTD Friends of the EnvironmentGeorge Ann MurrayWest Wind Aviation Inc.Rotary Club of SaskatoonRBC FoundationArt & Janet PostleBridge City CosmopolitanClubRotary Club of SaskatoonNutanaTerri LemkeRonald & Muriel BremnerEstate of Isabel W. ManningSaskatchewan Parks &RecreationRon & Susan LambEwen & Ann CoxworthDynamic Mutual Funds Ltd.George Weston Ltd.Our Lady of the PrairiesFoundationTCU Financial GroupSaskatchewan Blue CrossFred & Linda A. SmithEstate of Adrienne EidemRotary Club of SaskatoonMeewasinGwen & Guy CharmanDennis & Sharon JohnsonBuena Vista SchoolDoug & Anne-Marie PorteousUnilever-Evergreen AquaticStewardshipR. Peter MacKinnonRotary Club of SaskatoonNorth

Wesley BolstadEmbassy of Hope FoundationAffinity Credit Union (PAGE & St. Mary’s)JNE Welding Ltd.Remco Memorials Ltd.Bill PetersonGerald & Bettina GrandeyJohn BrockelbankRichard NiemanJohn ScharfSaskatoon Nature Society Inc.Ecol Laser ServicesHoward & Elva NixonKatherine FraserGreg J. & Olivia YuelCanadian Forestry AssociationChristopher KentOlga PorteousGladys MurphyDarwin AndersonMerle & Douglas BockingNew Community Credit UnionDr. Ivan Jen & Dr. Suzanne YipOutter LimitsPeak Mechanical Ltd.Neil & Marjorie RichardsonDr. Paul BeckerAndrew P. BelykUniversity of SaskatchewanKeith HenryMargaret E. BlairDr. Louis & Ruth HorlickCliff & Betty WrightSharon HnatiukJoan R. HoldstockPeggy M. LaClaireColleen LetilleyMarguerite D. ScottStephen E. LevyDr. Christine Manning

C. Stuart & Mary HoustonColin TennentSaskatoon City EmployeesCredit UnionThe Estate of Ferne GourlayGreg & Arline Frances TrewAllan BlakeneyYvonne CuttleStarbucks Coffee CompanyTree Canada FoundationMoira BirneyRobert & Rita MirwaldTroy Legge FoundationG. N. ArnottDoug & Shelley BorrowmanRobert & Janet BrownNoel A. KailDoris KoylRose LloydStan MacdonaldShelley NewfeldtBill & Carol ShankKathern StroutsMark Neil UpshallFrances MorrisonMary GillilandTom & Jane EvansDouglas R. Knott

Meewasin SponsorsHomestead Ice CreamDowney’s BakeryAcklands Grainger – The RentIt StoreInnovation PlaceMcQuarrie’s Coffee ServiceMeyers Norris Penny LLPSaskatoon Farm and GardenCentreColin DavisHandy Man Rental

In-Kind Donations

Kathy HollandsBetty Anne StevensonSaskatoon Sun NewspaperMr. Print Productions Ltd.zu.com communicationsWeldFabCrosby Hanna & Assoc.Houghton Boston Printers

GrantsEnvironment Canada – EcoActionCity of SaskatoonEnvironment CanadaSEIMAClimate Change SaskatchewanSaskatoon Health RegionProvince of SaskatchewanTourism SaskatoonConseil de la Cooperation de laSaskWestern Economic Diversification CanadaSaskatchewan Culture & YouthThe PartnershipSaskatchewan Environment

Service ClubsKinsmen Club of SaskatoonSaskatoon Kiwanis ClubFoundationKiwanis Club of SaskatoonRotary Club of SaskatoonRotary Club of SaskatoonMeewasinRotary Club of Saskatoon NutanaRotary Club of Saskatoon NorthRotary Club of SaskatoonRiversideBridge City Cosmopolitan ClubSaskatoon Cosmopolitan ClubSaskatoon Cosmopolitan CouplesClub

A s p e c i a l t h a n k y o u t o o u r m a n y s p o n s o r s , d o n o r s a n d s u p p o r t e r s

Meewasin Valley Authority, 402 Third Avenue South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 3G5. Phone: (306) 665-6887. Email: meewasin@meewasin.com Web: www.meewasin.com