Uncovering Successes and Gaps: Exploring the Landscape of Learning and Knowledge Transfer in Grassland Management

Grasslands are among the most endangered and least protected ecosystems in Canada, yet they are essential to agri-food systems and livestock production. Working grasslands provide essential ecosystem services while supporting rural livelihoods. Despite longstanding conservation efforts, grasslands and the organizations that work within them face mounting pressures from climate variability and competing development interests. In this context, effective learning and knowledge transfer (LKT) are critical for enabling adaptive management, climate-smart innovation, and ensuring practices are grounded in both science and lived experiences. However, the effectiveness of grassland LKT remains uneven. As part of the Grassland Learning Knowledge Hub, this research examines how extension and advisory systems support landowners and managers in sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of grasslands. An environmental scan identified over 70 organizations engaged in grassland LKT efforts across Canada. Directed content analysis categorized 55 different LKT activities using a modified CEPA framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners across Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Preliminary findings highlight a large diversity of LKT activities, with the majority targeting communication and education, while participation-oriented activities were least common. CEPA may be useful for supporting matrix mapping of LKT activities and identifying gaps in programming.