Grant MacEwan University students will participate in a Summer 2025 project extracting iNaturalist data to integrate it into SAPAA’s operations, emphasizing data management and visualization. The project encourages mentorship and professional networking.
Continue readingAuthor Archives: Phrank SAPAA
Site Inspection Training
SAPAA has conducted over 90 site inspections. Simplified and full inspection forms are available. iNaturalist will be utilized for biophysical data collection, and training sessions will be offered to enhance member engagement and support.
Continue readingMinisters Report – 2025
SAPAA’s second annual report highlights volunteer-led inspections of Alberta’s protected areas, covering over 25% of WAERNAHR Natural Areas. While 80% of sites rated good to excellent, 20% faced issues like dumping and off-highway vehicles.
Continue readingMiistakis Report – January 30 Debrief
The Alberta Government commissioned the Miistakis Institute to evaluate the Volunteer Steward Program, resulting in the ‘Miistakis Report’. SAPAA is hosting a private debriefing for members and guests to discuss the findings. Registration is needed for the meeting link, but not for report access.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zra-moma-kms.
January 30, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
Continue readingCSL Projects – SUST 202
SAPAA partners with the UofA CSL program and runs student projects. For the winter semester, we are welcoming about 7 individuals from the Sustainability 202 course. For students unfamiliar with SAPAA, see the Annex at the end of this post.
Continue reading2024-12-19: UofA Field Trip to Riverlot 56
The University of Alberta’s Community Service-Learning program connects students with local community groups. A fall field trip involved snowshoeing and learning about volunteering from experienced stewards, fostering enthusiasm and new perspectives among participants.
Continue readingCBC Story – Volunteer Stewardship Program
The Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Association (SAPAA) appreciates CBC’s coverage of volunteer stewardship efforts in Alberta. SAPAA is collaborating with the government to revive stewardship initiatives and encourages public support through donations and volunteering. Plans for 2025 include enhancing partnerships and improving site inspection processes for natural area protection.
Continue reading2024-10-07: Nestow – Field Trip
Nestow’s inspection on October 7, 2024, revealed moderate disturbances primarily from invasive species and OHV tracks in the northern region, while the southern area exhibited tree cutting and legacy-dumping near. There is a need for cleanup, fencing, and public awareness to protect the site’s natural beauty.
Continue readingGWS and SAPAA in 2025
Google Workspace (GWS) is a powerful tool generously provided for free to nonprofits by Google. This is the anticipate strategy for using GWS to support SAPAA’s program efforts.
Continue readingVolunteer Stewardship – Backgrounder
A quick reference guide for those interested in the Alberta Volunteer Stewardship and our organization, the Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Association (SAPAA).
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