Climate
Landscape
Soil
Vegetation
Wildlife
Human Use

Climate: Total annual precipitation (mm) 380 Annual snowfall (cm) 110 Water deficit (mm) 425 Mean July temperature (C) +18.8 Mean January temperature (C) -17.9 The climate is dry and warm marked by short, warm summers and long, cold winters. The weather is variable. Landscape: Associated with rougher morainic deposits are numerous small sloughs and ponds. The region slopes gently eastward, drained by the Saskatchewan Qu'Appelle and Souris rivers which link a number of lakes and tributaries. GPS: 51d 53.24m N, 106d 30.94m W, 1609 feet 29 July 96, 11:30 am, Fuji Velvia 50, F8 1/125s This QTVR was shot 25 kms south of Saskatoon on #11. GPS: 53d 05.19m N, 108d 20.75m W, 1906 feet 03 July 96, 6:15 pm, Fuji Velvia 50, F8 1/60s Although the lighthouse serves no real seafaring purpose, it is an interesting landmark with a spectacular view of both Cochin and Jackfish lakes. GPS: 50d 33.76m N, 104d 43.43m W, 1936 feet 29 July 96, 2:20 pm, Fuji Velvia 50, F8 1/125s Condie Nature Refuge, 15 kms northwest of Regina. GPS: 51d 24.99m N, 105d 08.23m W, 1546 feet 17 July 96, 4:45 pm, Fuji Velvia 50, F8 1/100s Last Mountain Lake Wilderness Area, 1 km north of Govan and 7 kms west. Soil: The area is a level to rolling lacustrine and morainic plain. Dark brown, well drained soils predominate. Vegetation: The native vegetation of this area consists of a variety of grasses and herbs. Speargrass and wheatgrass dominate along with a variety of deciduous shrubs including buckbrush, chokecherry, wolf willow and saskatoon. The most common herb is pasture sage (shown left). Western cottonwoods occur along river valleys in the western part of the ecoregion. Small stands of aspen can also be found in areas where the ground water is near the surface. Wildlife: White-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyote, rabbits and ground squirrels are common in this ecoregion. Sharp-tailed grouse (shown left) and non-native grey partridge are quite plentiful. The introduced ring-necked pheasant may be found along drainages. Native songbirds such as Baird's sparrow and vesper sparrow are characteristic to this area. Prairie potholes provide habitat for waterfowl and of course frogs(Check out the sound at the top). Human Use: Farming and ranching are the primary land uses. The natural environment is also used for outdoor recreation. Mining activity includes the extraction of oil, gas, potash and coal.