Category Archives: Site Visits

SIR-SAPAA v1.0 User Guide

SAPAA has conducted over 100 site inspections. For those granted access, SIR-SAPAA is the preferred reporting method otherwise a Google Form is available. iNaturalist will be utilized for biophysical data collection. Orientations and training sessions are available upon request.

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2026-05-09 – NW Bruderheim Field Trip

Due to a late spring, the May 9, 2026 field is being moved to Northwest of Bruderheim Natural Area. Participants can pre-register. Members and those interested in becoming a member are all invited. Long time Steward, Hubert Taube will be on hand to provide 30+ years of reflections on this site.

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SIR Dragon – March 19, 2026 – 1200pm

For the Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas of Alberta (SAPAA), the Site Inspection Report (SIR) is a key activity to better understand the state of these protected areas. SAPAA took over the SIR function from the Alberta government in 2023 and created a manual process. Collaborating with the University of Alberta, SAPAA is developing an application that streamlines the reporting process. A presentation at the 2026 Dragon’s Den virtual meeting will showcase its features while inviting expert feedback.

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2026-01-31 – Student Field Trip – RL56

See you This Saturday!

A field trip organized for the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University students to explore Riverlot 56 Natural Area. Set for January 31, 2026, it encourages a better understanding of the Stewardship and Site Inspection Process.

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2025-AGM Site Inspection Reports Update

As 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.

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2025-11-01 – Student Field Trip – RL56

See you This Saturday!

A field trip organized for the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University students to explore Riverlot 56 Natural Area. Set for November 1, 2025, it encourages nature observation and community interaction. Pre-registration is necessary due to potential weather cancellations.

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Bellis Lake NA, September 22, 2025

Patsy Cotterill and Manna Parseyan explored the Bellis area and discovered Yellow, Green and Blue: Aspen Forests, Jack Pines and Lakes. They recorded over 100 plant species amidst various ecosystems, including aspen and jack pine forests. Their trip highlights the area’s potential for future exploration, particularly regarding wetlands and diverse vegetation.

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Paddling Toward Stewardship

Alberta’s paddling community can contribute to the body of knowledge about the province’s protected areas… while stretching their legs. Many protected areas have potential for canoeing, kayaking, environmental stewardship, and creating lasting memories of past trips!

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