This project is about protecting both people and the environment. It’s based on the understanding that humans and nature are deeply connected—what harms the land and water also harms us. By caring for the Earth, we care for ourselves and future generations.
DNA is like a thread that connects all living things. It carries the history of life and shows how everything is linked. Since settlers arrived, many waters have been damaged. This project aims to learn how serious that damage is and help restore balance, especially for future generations.
The PrairieDNA project brings together scientists and Indigenous communities to work on three main areas: natural ecosystems, changed landscapes, and human-built systems. It combines Indigenous knowledge with modern science to better understand and protect the environment.
Using DNA left behind in water, soil, or air—called environmental DNA (eDNA)—the team will monitor rivers, lakes, and city water systems. This helps track changes in nature and spot problems early, so we can keep ecosystems healthy and strong.
