Carol and John Morgan’s lifelong work to protect Canada’s tall grass prairie was celebrated Sept. 6 when Settlers Rails and Trails Heritage Park north of Argyle dedicated a piece of restored prairie in their honour.
Shayne Campbell, president of Settlers Rails and Trails, praised their vision and commitment to protecting Canada’s endangered ecosystems.
Since moving to Argyle in 1987, the Morgans have gone beyond cultivating plants to igniting a movement. Through their company Prairie Habitats — Canada’s first prairie restoration business — they pioneered efforts to restore native grasslands. Their love for tall grass prairie has drawn visitors eager to learn from their expertise and witness the beauty they have nurtured.
Campbell noted that their expertise has been sought by groups across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Whether working with governments or schools, the Morgans have shared knowledge that transcends borders. Visitors from as far as Australia and Norway have toured their farm, leaving inspired with both seeds of hope and practical strategies for ecosystem restoration.
The Morgans expressed gratitude and humility at the dedication. Carol Morgan highlighted the stark reality: “More than 99 per cent of the tall grass prairie has been lost (in Canada).”
“So, every little bit of prairie is important,” she said. “John has spent most of his life preserving prairie, managing restoration projects and teaching at all levels, from schoolchildren to university classes. Big bluestem runs in his blood.”
The Morgans also acknowledged Campbell’s role in establishing Heritage Park’s prairie. With help from Brian Millar, they planted the one-acre piece using local native seed.
As the sign was unveiled, Campbell emphasized their dedication. “This living tribute will grow and flourish just as their legacy has,” he said. “And in the years ahead, with the expansion of the prairie and the addition of life-size silhouettes of native animals, trees and wildflowers, it will be a place where future generations can walk among the prairie and learn about our shared past. Carol and John Morgan have shown us that with vision, innovation and much hard work, two people can really change the world.”
The 12-acre park includes a prairie preserve, recreation lawn, three heritage buildings, roads, agricultural space and a karst sinkhole.
