| NEEDLE AND THREAD - SASKATCHEWAN'S OFFICIAL GRASS EMBLEM GOOD FOR CATTLE AND WILDLIFE |
| Regina - June 15, 2001 - Needle
and Thread was recently proclaimed as Saskatchewan's official grass species
under the provincial Honours and Emblems Act. As its name implies, Needle
and Thread Grass resembles a threaded needle; a sharp, needle-like seed
sits at the end of a long, thin, awn, which when dried, turns curly. Needle
and Thread (Stipa comata) is a dominant grass of Saskatchewan's Mixed
Grassland Ecoregion and is also common in other parts of the Prairie Ecozone.
It is one of three species of spear grass found in Saskatchewan and common
names include spear grass and Western needle grass. Needle and thread is a protein-rich grass whose seeds are favoured by small mammals who, in turn, are prey for several predators including the endangered swift fox and burrowing owl. This grass also provides important forage for cattle and wild ungulates. It's deep root systems contribute to its drought tolerance and it's ability to hold soil. Needle and thread is often used in native prairie reclamation projects and seed prices range from $50 to $500/kilogram, depending on markets. "The designation of a provincial grass is welcome in that it draws attention to Saskatchewan's remaining native grasslands" says Dr. Paul James, Head of the Ecosystem Science Unit with Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management's Fish and Wildlife Branch. "We have already lost over three quarters of the native prairie and the remainder must be protected from cultivation, not only from the perspective that thousands of species depend on it, but also because thousands of people depend on it. The use of native grasslands by our ranchers is probably the strongest example we have of sustainable development in this country. The ranching industry must be preserved". The nomination was advanced by the Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP), a partnership of over 20 organizations representing industry, federal and provincial government agencies, non-government organizations and Saskatchewan's two universities, that is chaired by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. The vision of all PCAP Partners is that the native prairie be sustained in a healthy state in which natural and human values are respected. PCAP organized a vote among staff and members of PCAP Partner organizations in order to determine the winning candidate. The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan initiated the selection process in 1998 when it put forward Needle and Thread, Western Porcupine, and June Grass as potential candidates. |
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Regina, Saskatchewan Phone (306)352-0472 |
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