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 readingCategory Archives: Site Visits
Ministers 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 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 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 reading2024-09-30: Lloyd Creek NA – Field Trip
On September 30, 2024, SAPAA Field Trip partricipants conducted an inspection at Lloyd Creek Natural Area. The rolling terrain supports aspen forest with a diverse understory giving the Natural Area a high naturalness score (3/4). Invasives are confined to the trails, created and still used by ATV riders. Recommendations are for weed control and improved signage.

2024 (Interim) Site Inspection Report
This is an interim report of Site Inspections for the SAPAA Annual General Meeting. It will be updated and finalized in January, 2025 and represents cumulative inspections conducted since June 2023.
Continue reading2024-10-07: Tawatinaw NA
Six individuals submitted four site inspection reports for Tawatinaw Natural Area. While mostly consistent, those with a botanical background noted significant invasive plant species colonization of the area.
Continue reading2024-10-14: Snakes Head PNT – Tony
Tony returns to Snakes Head but this time on the West side of the river. See 2024-10-03: Snakes Head (PNT); Tony B. for his survey of the East side of the Red Deer River.
Continue reading2024-11-06: Coyote Lake OC-North – Phrank
The North OC parcel of Coyote Lake NA is tucked away and not subject to human disturbances. Unfortunately a full survey was cut short by a flooded boot.
Continue reading2024-10-29: Coyote Lake PNT – Phrank
A site inspection for the ‘NCC-Corner’ of Coyote Lake PNTs. Significant disturbances caused by cattle grazing, though these have limited other disturbances (e.g. dumping).
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