Since recovery efforts began, more than 154,260 seedlings have been planted throughout Narrow Hills Provincial Park. (Image Credit: Submitted/Parks, Culture and Sport)

By paNOW Staff

Park Rebounds

Thousands of seedlings planted as Narrow Hills recovery continues

Jul 16, 2026 | 12:00 PM

Thousands of tree seedlings have been planted in Narrow Hills Provincial Park as recovery efforts continue following the devastating wildfires that forced the park’s closure last year.

According to the Saskatchewan government, crews planted more than 81,180 tree seedlings in June and completed a large transplant project that moved nearly 1,000 mature trees from highway right-of-ways into campgrounds damaged by the fires.

Officials said the larger trees will help restore shade and improve the visitor experience while newly planted seedlings continue to grow.

“Nature is incredibly resilient, and it is encouraging to know that new growth is already happening at Narrow Hills Provincial Park,” said Brad Crassweller, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. “By supporting this natural recovery with large-scale planting, we are helping the park recover faster so visitors can continue to enjoy it for years to come.”

Wildfires burned through several areas of the park in May 2025, leading to widespread damage and the closure of the park for much of last summer. Provincial officials said recovery is already visible across the landscape, aided by strong winter moisture and a wet spring.

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The latest work builds on restoration efforts completed last year when 73,080 seedlings were planted, primarily around the Pine Lake area. Since recovery efforts began, more than 154,260 seedlings have been planted throughout the park.

Additional restoration work took place in March 2026 when 80 hectares of forest land that had not regenerated sufficiently was aerially seeded with jack pine using drone technology.

Community members have also contributed to the park’s recovery. More than 40 volunteers, including students and local cottagers, participated in a community planting day in June, planting 500 seedlings at the Lower Fishing Lake Campground.

Visitors have already begun returning to the park, with many campgrounds and amenities now open for the season.

“Thanks to all the recovery efforts Narrow Hills reopened this summer, and I know that park staff are delighted to see visitors return for another season,” Crassweller said.

Park officials are asking visitors to respect posted signage and avoid disturbing newly restored areas as recovery work continues.

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by paNOW Staff

Thousands of seedlings planted as Narrow Hills recovery continues

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