SASKPOWER SHAND GREENHOUSE CULTIVATES PROVINCIAL LILY

Released on March 16, 2005

The province's floral emblem, the western red lily, may become a more common sight in Saskatchewan, thanks to the SaskPower Shand Greenhouse Western Red Lily Centennial Project.

The greenhouse has grown a special crop of western red lilies to distribute to communities across the province for use in various planting projects.

"I am pleased that the SaskPower Shand Greenhouse is able to participate in this special Centennial project," Minister responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell said. "Through the project, the greenhouse has been able to address environmental concerns regarding the decline in the lily's natural habitat, as well as highlight the cultural significance of our province's floral emblem."

The plants will be distributed to Saskatchewan communities through the assistance of Nature Saskatchewan, the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Conservation Agencies (ASUPCA), Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), the Saskatchewan Horticultural Association and Saskatchewan Learning in June. Lily seedlings are also available to the public through a draw.

"Western red lilies are not often grown successfully in greenhouses, and even more rarely out-planted in large quantities," SaskPower president and CEO Pat Youzwa said. "Our goal with the project was to find a way to cultivate the lily and we are extremely pleased with our success so far."

The western red lily was designated as Saskatchewan's floral emblem in 1941. Lilies are usually found in moist meadows and semi-wooded areas, but the loss of natural habitat and the introduction of exotic species has led to a decline in Saskatchewan's lily population. It is now protected under The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act, which prohibits picking, digging or destroying all or part of a Western red lily in Saskatchewan.

As part of SaskPower's commitment to environmental responsibility, the SaskPower Shand Greenhouse operates on waste heat from the Shand Power Station in Estevan. Since opening in 1991, the greenhouse has grown and distributed millions of tree, grass and shrub seedlings for use in environmental, conservation and land reclamation projects across the province.

Individuals wishing to obtain lilies are encouraged to enter the western red lily draw at saskpower.com or contact the greenhouse at 1-866-SP-TREES (1-866-778-7337) for more information. The deadline to enter is May 2nd, 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306) 566-3167 Cell: (306)536-2886