In the Winter of 2024, SAPAA worked with two UofA Student Groups. A field trip was part of the promised exchange of information and benefits. Registration is now closed for the trip.
The University of Alberta’s (UofA) has a hidden gem of a program called the Community Service-Learning (CSL). It offers University of Alberta students the opportunity to work with a local community group, while putting their university experiences in context.
April 14 Field Trip
Overview:
- 0900h: Meet at the Clareview LRT Station traffic loop (east of the station), arrange car pooling.
- 0915h: Wheels Up!
- 1000h: Arrive at Crippsdale Natural Area and poke around.
- 1130h: Drive slightly west to Redwater River Natural Area for a short visit.
- 1230h: Drive slightly south to Halfmoon Lake Natural Area.
- 1300h: Lunch/Snack at Halfmoon Lake NA.
- 1530h: Drive southeast to supper Golden City Bistro in Bon Accord
- 1800h: Return to Clareview.
Why Are We Going?
There are three objectives for the field trip:
- Field Trip. This was part of the value proposition given to the students to select the SAPAA project over other organizations. Beyond making-good on a promise, hopefully this will inform and inspire these young adults to consider visiting the areas and perhaps join SAPAA!
- Field Observation. The sites selected run the gamut of undisturbed, disturbed and curated. This will give the students a sense of the challenges for protected areas and the ‘tragedy of the commons‘.
- Field Test. Hopefully the phone application, one of the project deliverables, will be in a sufficient state of development that it can be field tested by multiple individuals.
Where Are We Going?
A circular path will be traced from Clareview LRT to Crippsdale Natural Area, to Redwater River Natural Area, and then to visit long time Stewards Richard and Veera deSmet at Halfmoon Lake Natural Area.
Who Can Come/Invited?
- UofA Student Teams (see below).
- SAPAA Board Members.
- SAPAA Members and friends.
- Individuals interested in SAPAA but not YET a member.
- Government officials.
What Will I See, What Should I Bring?
Hopefully we will see the early spring crocus emerging from the sandy soils of this area. Other signs of early spring are anticipated such as budding.
Expect very wet conditions so bring good footwear. Temperatures will go from cold at the start to potentially balmy by mid afternoon; layers and a pack to carry the layers. Bring snacks, a light lunch, fluids (water, hot beverage), etc.
How Do I Sign Up?
Registration is now closed for the trip. Thank you for those who pre-registered.
Who Were the Teams?
SAPAA worked with two distinct student teams. One was a capstone project (end of degree) while the other was course based project.
Building a Phone Application
- Program: Computer Science 401 Capstone Project. Software Process and Product Management. All phases of software development are reviewed from a process perspective.
- Project Summary: SAPAA currently has a prototype site inspection form which is web based. SAPAA wants to understand what benefits and costs a phone-based application would provide.
- Deliverables:
- A ‘working proof of concept’ v2024-Winter.
- This tool will be fully functional and may be deployed based on its state of readiness.
- An assessment of the viability, benefits, issues, costs, and challenges of adopting a phone-based site inspection tool.
- Survive the Dragons and Protected Areas – April 4, 12-13h | (myorgbio.org).
Jurisdictional Survey
- Program: Sociology 291, class project: Sociological examination of the relationship between human societies and the natural environment.
- Project: Helping SAPAA understand its future by examining the organization in context to similar programs and reflecting on its proposed vision statement.
- Deliverables:
- Prepare a jurisdictional scan of the Alberta Government’s Volunteer Stewardship program.
- Provide feedback on the proposed vision statement and whether it speaks to the students as individuals and thus is a viable plan.
- Students: Madeline, Ashlee, and Sean.
SAPAA 