The White Butte Museum is excited to introduce the newest addition to its Walking Tour experience in White City: the Wetland Expansion.

Located along the pathway near the pond at Highway 48 and Lott Road East, this self-guided educational experience invites visitors to explore one of Saskatchewan’s most important and often overlooked natural ecosystems. Through a series of interpretive signs, visitors can learn how wetlands support wildlife, improve water quality, reduce flooding, store carbon, and contribute to the health of our communities.

Bringing Nature’s Story to Life

The Wetland Expansion was developed with the expertise of local conservation leader Dale Hjertaas, Conservation Director with Nature Regina, and Museum Board Director Cheryl Russell. Their contributions helped shape the educational content featured throughout the tour, providing visitors with fascinating insights into the plants, animals, and ecological processes that make wetlands so valuable.

From the familiar prairie sloughs that dot southern Saskatchewan to the countless birds, frogs, insects, and aquatic species that depend on them, wetlands are among the most biologically productive environments on Earth.

Why Wetlands Matter

Many people pass by wetlands every day without realizing the critical role they play in our environment.

Wetlands act as natural water filters, helping remove nutrients and sediments before they reach rivers and lakes. They absorb and slowly release water during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. Wetlands also recharge groundwater supplies, moderate local temperatures, and capture significant amounts of carbon, helping combat climate change.

In fact, although wetlands cover only a small portion of the Earth’s surface, they store approximately 20 percent of the world’s organic ecosystem carbon.

Here in Saskatchewan, millions of wetlands work together to support biodiversity, agriculture, water quality, and climate resilience.

A Window into Local Wildlife

Visitors exploring the Wetland Expansion will discover the remarkable diversity of life that thrives in these habitats.

The tour highlights marsh birds such as the striking Redhead duck, the familiar Red-winged Blackbird, the vibrant Yellow-headed Blackbird, and the elusive Sora. Visitors can also learn about the fascinating world beneath the water’s surface, where dragonfly larvae, frogs, and countless aquatic insects form a thriving ecosystem.

A Partnership Rooted in Community

The White Butte Museum gratefully acknowledges the support and sponsorship of the Town of White City, whose partnership was instrumental in bringing this project to life.

The Museum and the Town share a long history of working together to preserve local heritage, enhance community spaces, and create educational opportunities for residents and visitors. The Wetland Expansion continues this tradition of collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, lifelong learning, and celebrating the natural beauty that surrounds our community.

Visit the Wetland Expansion

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, birdwatcher, student, dog-walker, or simply curious about the world around you, the Wetland Expansion offers a unique opportunity to experience and understand the incredible value of wetlands.

We invite everyone to visit the walking trail, explore the new interpretive signs, and discover how these remarkable ecosystems quietly support life across Saskatchewan every day.

Lisa Williams, Executive Director