NEWSLETTER

March - 2024

Do you know what a floating treatment wetland (FTW) is? If you were at the 2024 SAW Annual Conference, you may remember a presentation by Dr. Richard Grosshans from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Dr. Grosshans discussed the application of FTWs for improvement of water quality of ponds in urban areas.

Floating treatment wetlands are artificial platforms that contain aquatic emergent plants. These platforms allow the plants to grow in water that is typically too deep. The roots spread down through the platform and into the water creating columns of roots that are dense and therefore have a lot of surface area. The plants take up nutrients and contaminants and provide a surface area for important microbes to grow.  The microbes form a biofilm layer that filters the water. Another benefit that comes from having floating wetlands, is that they reduce turbulence caused by waves, therefore allowing sediment to settle.

Urban planning generally includes systems to hold storm water, wastewater, or flood waters. These systems are created simply to catch and hold water and contain nutrients and pollutants that are harmful to our water and environment. By creating floating wetlands, you add the potential of capturing the nutrients and pollutants preventing them from entering streams, rivers, and lakes.

There are also additional benefits to FTWs. These platforms add to habitat above and below the water’s surface. Below the surface, communities of fish, algae, bacteria, fungi, insects, and protozoans can thrive. Above the surface, birds and pollinators will benefit from the FTWs.

Today, FTWs are being integrated into urban planning more and more, and are used throughout North America and the world. For example, in 2019, the City of Saskatoon worked with the South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards (SSRWS) to incorporate an FTW into the Evergreen storm pond at the Northeast Swale.  As research and development continues, the benefits and construction of FTWs will grow. Dr. Grosshan’s presentation is available to view through the SAW Website.



We are excited to share the first climate change adaptation demonstration video from this series. This video showcases a regenerative agriculture demonstration workshop and field day that was held on July 19, 2023, in Langenburg, Saskatchewan with producer, Aaron Gray.

On March 21, 2024, SAW will be hosting a catered supper and information session at the Eastend Memorial Hall Tea Room from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM to connect with local landowners and discuss our upcoming fish species at risk program and other SAW programming available. If you are interested in attending this event, or know of someone who might be, please use the link below to register.

Emma Skotheim - Agri-Environmental Coordinator (Northwest District)



My name is Emma Skotheim, and I am taking the position of Agri-Environmental Coordinator for the Northwest district. I have recently graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSA in Environmental Science and a Certificate in Sustainability. My past experiences lie with the agriculture industry, giving me an appreciation for the industry and an understanding of the issues producers encounter. I am eager to dive into this role, working with and helping producers. My responsibilities in this position will involve working with producers in my area to deliver the PWCP Program and expanding SAWs outreach. I come from a farming background, with my family producing barley, wheat, and canola north of Prince Albert. In my free time, I enjoy spending time at the lake fishing, hiking, and camping.

Head Office

817 High St. W

Moose Jaw

Northwest District Office

834 #5 56th St. E

Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds

Mailing Address

Box 1177, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4P9

Head Office Location 

817 High St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 6L7

www.saskwatersheds.ca