Redberry Lake Biosphere Region

What Redberry Lake Biosphere Region does

Redberry Lake Biosphere Region (RLBR) is a Canadian nonprofit organization that manages Saskatchewan's only UNESCO Biosphere Region, a designation granted on January 21, 2000 covering a boreal-grassland transition zone near Hafford. RLBR stewards a portfolio of conservation, education, and tourism programs, including an Indigenous Plant Nursery with capacity for up to 100,000 trees per season, a new Interpretive & Research Centre paired with glamping dome accommodations (grand opening 2025), Saskatchewan's first bird banding experiences, a free Outdoor Gear Library, K-12 school field trip programming, an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) initiative, and a Species at Risk Program anchored by long-term monitoring datasets and a master-banded-bird permit held by Mike Blom (10,000+ birds banded). The organization is governed by a 12-member volunteer board and operates with a small paid staff of approximately five, expanded by three new hires in Spring/Summer 2025.

RLBR's business model is a community-led, event-driven nonprofit funded primarily through multi-year government grants (Environment and Climate Change Canada, PrairiesCan, Saskatchewan Tourism) with secondary revenue from donations, fee-for-service tourism experiences (for example, ~$120 per adult birding experience), glamping accommodation, Indigenous Plant Nursery sales, and a developing membership program. The boundary expansion completed in 2020 broadened the stakeholder base to seven Rural Municipalities alongside First Nations partners, universities, schools, tourists, and 306+ agricultural producers. Go-to-market is largely partnership-driven with provincial tourism authorities, municipal governments, and Indigenous communities, with no AI or proprietary technology platform component; the technical core is ecological field expertise and place-based data accumulation.

The organization is led by Executive Director Terry Gagne (joined 2023) and is preparing to leverage its 25th anniversary in 2025 to scale earned revenue and formalize membership structures, aiming to reduce dependence on a concentrated pool of federal grant providers.

Name

Redberry Lake Biosphere Region

Legal name

Redberry Lake Biosphere Region Inc.

Website

https://www.redberrylake.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Redberry Lake Biosphere Region is a Saskatchewan nonprofit managing the province's only UNESCO Biosphere, delivering conservation, Indigenous plant nursery, birding tourism, and education programs across seven Rural Municipalities and First Nations partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nature, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Conservation (BPADALAE), Urban & Community Reforestation / Street Tree Planting (AFAMACAL), Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

Keywords

• Environmental conservation services
• Ecotourism experiences
• Environmental education programs
• Habitat restoration projects
• Nature-based tourism

Headquarters

HQ city

Hafford

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Redberry Lake Biosphere Region is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that relies heavily on donations from individuals and organizations. They note that in Canada there is no program of core funding for biosphere regions, so all 18 Canadian biosphere regions seek support through grants, bursaries, contribution agreements and donations.
2. Membership and Fee-for-Service: Currently implementing a membership model and fee-for-service to support community needs and become a hub for connections, resources, consulting and knowledge sharing.
3. Equipment Rentals: Outdoor Gear Library lending cross-country skis, boots, poles, snow shoes to individuals, schools and small groups for periods up to 5 days at no charge to remove barriers to winter activity.
4. Tourism Experiences: Revenue from birding experiences including guided tours, bird banding demonstrations, and package deals. Starting at $120 Adult / $40 Under 16 for experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Redberry Lake Biosphere Region is a nonprofit that delivers ecosystem conservation, environmental education, and nature-based tourism centered on Saskatchewan's only UNESCO Biosphere Region. Its core offerings include the Indigenous Plant Nursery for environmental restoration, the Interpretive & Research Centre, certified bird banding experiences, a free Outdoor Gear Library, school field trip programs, and Species at Risk / OECM conservation projects. The organization operates through community partnerships with four First Nations, seven Rural Municipalities, the University of Saskatchewan, and multiple government agencies.

Product overview

Redberry Lake Biosphere Region offers a portfolio of conservation, education, and nature-based tourism services centered around Saskatchewan’s only UNESCO-designated biosphere. Core offerings include the Indigenous Plant Nursery for environmental restoration, the Interpretive & Research Centre for community education, Birding Experiences with certified banding demonstrations, an Outdoor Gear Library for equipment access, and School Field Trip Programs for land-based learning. Conservation initiatives include Species at Risk monitoring and OECM (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures) programs. The organization functions as a nonprofit cooperative model rather than a traditional product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Indigenous Plant Nursery Regional Indigenous Plant Nursery in Hafford producing native trees (Trembling Aspen, Balsam Poplar, White spruce, Paper Birch, Burr Oak), shrubs, perennials, and grasses for environmental restoration across the biosphere region.
• Interpretive & Research Centre New interpretive and research facility overlooking Redberry Lake featuring low-impact geodesic domes, common shower house, and bird banding research centre, serving as a community gathering place for education, wildlife interaction, and nature experiences.
• Birding Experience Guided birding tours and bird banding demonstrations including Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding, with packages such as the Night With Owls Package that include guided tours, banding demonstrations, and locally crafted cuisine. Prices start at $120 Adult / $40 Under 16.
• Outdoor Gear Library Free equipment lending program providing 17 adult cross-country ski sets, 18 kids ski sets, 18 adult snowshoe sets, 18 kids snowshoe sets, 8 kids strap-on skis, kinder shuttle, and snowdome structures to individuals, schools, and small groups for up to 5 days.
• School Field Trips & Education Programs Hands-on outdoor learning experiences for elementary through university students including biosphere education, hiking trails with Nature Bingo, Scavenger Hunts, BioBlitz, traditional games, plant and bird identification, and land-based education connecting Indigenous ways of knowing with scientific knowledge.
• OECM Conservation Program Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures program recognizing areas where conservation occurs as a by-product of management for other purposes such as agriculture, wetlands, forests, and shelterbelts, supporting Canada's goal of 30% conservation by 2030.
• Species at Risk Program Biodiversity and conservation program monitoring approximately 50 species at risk within the region, including work on the Important Bird Area (IBA) designation for Redberry Lake and its four islands (Gull, Pelican, Old Tern, New Tern).
• Biosphere Tourism Experiences Curated tours and tourism experiences through the Experience the Biosphere portal, connecting visitors with diverse cultures, rare species observation, outdoor activities, and birding experiences; bookable on one website with partnerships with local independent operators.

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• University of Saskatchewan (SENS Program)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012School of Environment and Sustainability partnership where graduate and PhD students conduct research and thesis projects on the RLBR. Memorandum of understanding signed in 2012 for expansion of research and education projects.
• Mistawasis NêhiyawakcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2000First Nation community within Treaty 6 Territory and traditional territory of the Cree Peoples. Partner in OECM conservation project and Species at Risk monitoring, blending western science with traditional knowledge shared by First Nation elders.
• Muskeg Lake Cree NationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2000First Nation community partnered in conservation and restoration of habitat for Species at Risk. Collaborates on OECM identification and traditional ecological knowledge integration.
• Lucky Man Cree NationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2000First Nation community within the biosphere region's traditional territories, contributing to the cultural and historical influence of the RLBR.
• Métis Nation (Western Region 2 and 2A)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMétis Nation region that calls the RLBR area home. The biosphere region encompasses the homelands of the Métis Nation.
• Saskatchewan Ministry of EnvironmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership to help identify Crown Ag Land that fits OECM designation, supporting Saskatchewan's commitment to protecting 12% of land and water.
• Tourism SaskatchewancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment tourism partner supporting regional tourism initiative to help visitors customize and book authentic Saskatchewan experiences throughout the biosphere region.
• Saskatchewan Wildlife FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages 9 wildlife habitat lands within the RLBR (purchased with funds from trapping and hunting licenses). Provides access for hunters, bikers, hikers, bird watchers and photographers.
• Ducks Unlimited CanadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization managing quarter sections where public access is permitted for wildlife viewing. Sharp-tailed Grouse lek documented on Ducks Unlimited property.
• Hafford Central SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst educational institution in Saskatchewan to participate in UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPNet), teaching students about the biosphere and nature protection.
• Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association (CBRA)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNational organization that organizes Canada's 18 biosphere regions for mutual support and advocacy.
• North Saskatchewan River Basin Council (NSRBC)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAvailable to help former Redberry Lake AEGP area producers with technical assistance and Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program information.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA): National umbrella organization for Canada's 18 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves including RLBR. Provides mutual support, advocacy, and shared programming — directly comparable as coordinating entity for the same biosphere designation framework.

Direct peers

• Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region: One of Canada's 18 UNESCO Biosphere Regions. Shares the same designation framework, conservation mandate, and Indigenous co-management model as RLBR, making it a directly comparable peer within the Canadian biosphere network.
• Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network: Ontario-based UNESCO Biosphere Region operating as a nonprofit with similar community-led conservation, education, and biodiversity programs. Directly comparable governance structure and mandate to RLBR within the same Canadian biosphere network.
• Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation: Manages 9 wildlife habitat lands within RLBR's territory. Direct operational peer in Saskatchewan habitat management, conservation delivery, and outdoor recreation programming.
• Birds Canada (formerly Bird Studies Canada): Canada's principal bird conservation organization affiliated with BirdLife International. RLBR's Important Bird Area designation is administered through Birds Canada, and Mike Blom's banding work intersects directly with their research mandate.

Regional players

• Meewasin Valley Authority: Saskatchewan conservation authority managing the Meewasin Valley trail system in Saskatoon with conservation, education, and recreation programs. Regionally comparable nonprofit operating environmental programs in the same province as RLBR.
• Wascana Centre Authority: Saskatchewan provincial conservation authority managing Wascana Centre in Regina. Comparable regional nonprofit model for environmental stewardship, education, and public programming in the same province as RLBR.

Broad incumbents

• Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC): Canada's largest private land conservation nonprofit. Broader scope and significantly larger scale, but directly comparable mission of biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, and stewardship — RLBR's OECMs and Species at Risk programs operate in adjacent space.
• Ducks Unlimited Canada: Major Canadian wetland conservation nonprofit and a current RLBR strategic partner managing quarter sections within the biosphere. Comparable wetland and grassland conservation mission at significantly larger scale and budget.

Emerging players

• Ecosystem Restoration Camps Foundation: International nonprofit focused on ecosystem restoration, including reforestation and habitat recovery. Comparable scale of operations and similar tree-planting and restoration model to RLBR's Indigenous Plant Nursery program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/RedberryLake
• Facebookfacebook.com/RedberryBiosphere
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/redberry-lake-biosphere-region
• Instagraminstagram.com/redberrylakebiosphere/?hl=en
• Xx.com/redberrylake

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Redberry Lake Biosphere Region