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Foam Lake Heritage Marsh

Reprinted with permission from The Lure of the Lakes

Foam Lake Heritage Marsh was the third major wetland to be dedicated as part of the Saskatchewan Heritage Marsh Agreement. The indigenous species of waterfowl utilise the wetland and surrounding upland for nesting, moulting and staging. The same habitat provides an environment for a diversity of other aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

The 6500 acre area has been restored as an asset to present and future generations through the cooperation of adjacent landowners, Rural Municipality of Foam Lake, Foam Lake Conservation and Development Area Authority and the signatories of the Saskatchewan Heritage Marsh Agreement.

Engineering works constructed by Ducks Unlimited Canada in 1985 ensure controlled water levels that benefit both wildlife and the farming community.

Upland habitat has been acquired by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation with financial assistance from the Saskatchewan Natural History Society and Ducks Unlimited.

The marsh is located approximately three miles northwest of the Town of Foam Lake and is accessible at three locations: From the south, on the road running north past Tri Way Fertilizer building which is 2 miles west of Foam Lake on Highway 16 or by driving north of Foam Lake along 310 Highway and then west from the corner where the Bertdale School is located (about 3 miles) or drive one more mile north on 310 and then west one mile.

This last described access is where Foam Lake groups are presently constructing a nature observation point and boardwalk.

The marsh is a large staging area in the fall for thousands of geese, ducks, cranes and swans on their southward migration. Hunters from all over North America take advantage of the hunting opportunities presented by the birds, which utilize the Heritage Marsh on their migration.

The Heritage Marsh also presents and excellent opportunity for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who wish to view the wide variety of birds and animals that inhabit the marsh year round

Foam Lake Heritage Marsh Tower Completed.

Reprinted with permission from The Lure of the Lakes

Ecotourism has been labelled "Canada’s fastest growing sector of tourism". With the Town of Foam Lake being a part of the Quill Lakes region (which is a major tourist attraction for Saskatchewan), it has become a popular destination for many tourists travelling across Saskatchewan.

The Foam Lake Heritage Marsh itself has been christened the "gem" of all the Prairie marshes, and because of it’s ideal breeding conditions, has also been dubbed a "duck factory". The Heritage Marsh has become a popular spot for many birdwatchers and all around nature lovers to stop and view the vast number of wildlife living in our area.

It was because of this rapidly growing trend of tourism that the Foam Lake Chamber of Commerce and Tourism developed the idea of placing a viewing tower at the Foam Lake Heritage Marsh. They saw only benefits stemming from this project.

The tower area took five years to build and, after much hard work and dedication, the project is nearly complete. Work remains to be done on the parking lot area around the viewing tower and some landscaping is now in the works. The viewing tower is the first step in a project that will see the construction of a boardwalk into the marsh area itself in the near future. Plans for a nature walk trail to the west of the tower site have already been discussed. This trail would take nature lovers on a tour of a truly rich and diverse marsh ecosystem and enable walkers a chance to see wildlife in it’s natural state.

Foam Lake Heritage Marsh is, without a doubt, a must see spot when travelling in the Foam Lake area. People living in and around Foam Lake are also encouraged to take advantage of their close proximity to such magnificent marshland. Many people feel that you must leave Saskatchewan to see a change of scenery, but what they don’t realize is that some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery is right in their own backyard. Let’s take advantage of the "gem" in the right way and visit the marsh. A whole new world awaits.

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