Alberta’s updated Plan for Parks aims to enhance conservation and recreation on provincial lands, focusing on collaboration with various stakeholders. While it emphasizes parks for public enjoyment, there are concerns about the lack of detail on conservation efforts and the role of the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy, which prioritizes development over true conservation.
Continue readingAs of November 21, 2025, SAPAA reported over 3,100 site inspection reports (SIRs) regarding Alberta’s natural areas since 1988. With significant volunteer contributions, this effort highlights both frequently and seldom visited sites, as well as 87 locations awaiting first reports. SAPAA encourages participation in future inspections to foster biodiversity preservation.
Continue readingIn 2025, we worked on SAPAA 2.0, transitioning from government stewardship to developing programs for remaining and new stewards while enhancing knowledge. Not all of the ten priorities were a success but SAPAA should be proud of the progress made.
Continue readingThe post discusses the Historical Site Inspection Reports (SIR) and the process for individuals to reclaim their redacted submissions. If interested parties submit the form by November 1, 2025, SAPAA will compile and present results at the Annual General Meeting.
Continue readingThe Government of Alberta’s site inspection data spans 40 years, revealing a decline in annual reports from 120 in the ’90s to 30 more recently. Approximately 25,000 volunteer hours contributed to this data, which the SAPAA aims to improve for better conservation outcomes. Government Stewards can reclaim their inspection reports.
Continue readingUnfortunately, a change in research priorities has resulted in this project being cancelled. Ferf wishes to thank everyone who expressed interest and encourages you to go out an iNaturalist anyway.
The white spruce, Picea glauca, is a familiar conifer. A UofA researcher needs SAPAA’s help identifying stands of white spruce this summer through iNaturalist observations. While you are there, why not submit a Site Inspection report!
Continue readingLong time member, Patsy Cotterill reflects on SAPAA’s early days, people, and reasons for existence. This is also a way to honour Alison Dinwoodie 1932-2024 who passed away recently and was a driving force behind the organization for many years.
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SAPAA 