The North Saskatchewan watershed is home to about 2,000,000 Canadians, the vast majority (est. 1.3 million) in the metro Edmonton area alone. We play, drink, bathe, and enjoy this water resource. As with all things, the watershed has many competing demands including industrial development, agriculture, recreation, and of course preserving the river’s natural heritage.
The Council of Canadians – Edmonton Chapter hosted a free celebration of the North Saskatchewan River Watershed on June 7, 2026. Attendees enjoyed presentations from various conservation organizations, engaged in discussions about watershed protection, and networked with like-minded individuals and met Nina, a live educational ambassador owl with the Beaverhill Bird Observatory.
Why Attend – What to Expect
Beyond some free nibblies (always nice), attendees heard from other organizations of the work they are doing. Attendees met people with a passion for the watershed, discussed common concerns, and found out how they could help and have fun in Edmonton’s larger backyard.
SAPAA and the North Saskatchewan Watershed
Because of the heavier concentration of protected areas outside of traditional agricultural regions, the North Saskatchewan Watershed has more than 100 sites. Visiting these areas is one way to assess the use and status of the river’s health.
Sites In or Near the Watershed
The following are sites fully or partially within the watershed. As this analysis was based on municipal boundaries, this list is an estimate.
- Clearwater County (24)
- Alexo Natural Area
- Aurora Natural Area
- Buck Lake Creek Natural Area
- Caroline Natural Area (PNT)
- Chedderville Natural Area
- Clearwater Ricinus Natural Area
- Cow Lake Natural Area
- Douglas Fir Natural Area
- Eagle Creek Natural Area (PNT)
- Horseshoe Creek Natural Area
- Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
- Lake of the Falls (CNT) and Landslide Lake (PNT)
- Marshybank Ecological Reserve
- Mill Island Natural Area
- North Ram-Nice Creek (PNT) Natural Area
- O’Chiese Natural Area
- Hargrave Coulees Natural Area
- Riverlot 56 Natural Area
- Scalp Creek Natural Area
- Siffleur Wilderness Area
- Washout Creek Natural Area
- West Stony Creek (PNT) Natural Area
- White Goat Wilderness Area
- Parkland County (8)
- Lac St. Anne County (12)
- Note, Athabasca watershed included
- Bilby Natural Area
- Isle Lake Natural Area
- Kakina Lake Natural Area
- Kilini Creek (PNT) Natural Area
- Lac La Nonne Natural Area
- Lily Lake Natural Area
- Majeau Lake Natural Area
- Matthews Crossing Natural Area
- Paddle River Natural Area
- Park Court Natural Area
- Prefontaine Brock Lakes Natural Area
- Lamont County (2)
- Beaver County (4)
- Note, Battle River Watershed included
- Beaver Lake (PNTs) and Old Canoe Island (PNT) Natural Area (2 – PNTs)
- Beaverhill Natural Area
- Beaverhill Lake Heritage Rangeland Natural Area
- St. Paul County (1)
- Bonnyville MD (1)
- Yellowhead County (9)
- Brazeau County (10)
- Wetaskiwin County (8)
- Leduc County (7)
- Note, Battle River Watershed included
- Genesee Natural Area
- Pigeon Lake (PNT) Natural Area
- St. Francis Natural Area
- Strawberry Creek (PNT) Natural Area
- Telfordville (PNT) Natural Area
- Thorsby Natural Area
- Sturgeon County (2)
- Thorhild County (7)
- Smoky Lake County (5)
- Vermillion County (2)
- Watershed Counties without Sites:
- Camrose County (0)
- Minburn County (0)
- Two Hills County (0)
- Westlock County (likely Athabasca Watershed)
Who Was There and Presentation Links
Introductions and Welcome
Video 1: Presentations
- BLESS – Big Lake Environmental Support Society.
- Beaverhill Bird Observatory.
- Medieval Manor Gardens.
- Onoway River Valley Conservation Association.
Video 2: Presentations
- Coyote Lake Lodge.
- Mayatan Lake Management Association.
- SAPAA (us!).
- Spring Lake Environmental Advisory Committee.
- Wabamun Watershed Management Council.
Video 3: Presentations
- Beaverhills Watershed Stewardship Society.
- Friends of Blindman River.
- Medicine River Watershed Society.
- Nature Conservancy of Canada.