The mission is finding the Small White Lady’s Slipper. The task of spotting the rare orchid is being taken on by Nature Saskatchewan’s Rare Plant Rescue Program. The six inch tall flower was last seen in 1895, possible near a spring in Indian Head and it may also be found in southeastern Saskatchewan. The orchid known for its white slipper shaped petal that may also have purple flecks likes moist wetlands as well as open areas in woodlands and tall grass. Program staff want to search areas conducive for the flower in the Qu’Appelle Valley and the southeast part of the province with the permission of landowners. They hope to take the Small White Lady’s Slipper off of Canada’s endangered species list and repatriate it from Saskatchewan’s list of extinct plants.
Photo Courtesy: Joshua Mayer