• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed Winter 2026. Rural MLAs and SAPAA – 2026-03-20. While engagement was not as fulsome as hoped, the project sparked the conversation with the political process.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: Grant MacEwan University.
  • Gabriel Ambutong (student team lead)
  • Francheska Monzones
• WHAT: The constituents of Rural MLAs are a potential beneficiary of improved monitoring of protected areas. What are the value propositions for both audiences and how best to enlist their assistance in support of SAPAA?
• DELIVERABLE(S):
  • Conduct a market assessment of both rural MLAs and local residents vis-à-vis the benefit of protected areas and the problems they encounter.
  • Develop a prospect list and marketing plan based on the above assessment; recommend next steps and seek approval to proceed.
  • Implement at least a test marketing effort in support of the above.
• RESUME FODDER: Conducted a market assessment that included both rural landowners who lived in proximity to natural areas and their Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Development a marketing plan and tested its efficacy.
• ACADEMIC FOCUS(es): Marketing, Communications, or Political Science.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed Winter 2026. 2025 or third annual report continued to improve with incorporation of better data and linkage of the report to the Minister’s letter.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: Grant MacEwan University.
  • Aditi Gujar (Project Lead)
  • Nolan Gray
• WHAT: For the third year in a row (see the 2024 and 2025 reports), SAPAA will provide to the responsible provincial Ministers a report on the state of Alberta’s protected areas. This project is a multi-disciplined effort to prepare the report.
• DELIVERABLE(S):
  • Write up to the final draft of the 2025 Minister’s report and support the final version.
  • Incorporate a three discipline approach into the report, namely:
    • 1. Economics/Political Science: This individual(s) will be the student lead on the project and will consider what does the Minister(s) need to know and what will be of most interest to them.
    • 2. Information Technology: Having a data analytics/science background allows this individual to generate both evidence based tables and visualizations consumable by senior executives.
    • 3. Environmental Sciences: As the content expert, ensures both the report and the presentation adheres to sound scientific principles.
    • Other skills: communications for report presentation, psychology to make the data/report consumable to the public and media.
    • AI Option: Use available artificial intelligence to support the above. This will include retrofitting historical data with current data methodologies.
  • Develop documentation for SAPAA to recreate in subsequent years.
  • This team in particular will be run as a ‘gig-consultant’ project.
• DETAILS:
  • Review the rolling 3-year site inspection data and previous reports and recommend enhancements, changes, and other modifications to the 2026 report.
  • Conduct data analysis and generate findings/visuals.
  • Assist in the drafting of the report.
  • Develop and potentially deliver live and recorded summaries of the report findings.
• RESUME FODDER: Analyzed three years of data to support the findings of a report to provincial Ministers responsible for the environment. Recommended data visualization to improve the messaging for a variety of political, public, and peer audiences.
• ACADEMIC FOCUS(es): Computer Science, Humanities, Communications, Statistics, or Graphic Design.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Launch planned for May 9, 2026. Called ‘SIR-SAPAA’, this web based application provides AS-IS and much better functionality than the Google Form based process it replaced. This launch built on previous CMPT 401 projects.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: University of Alberta, SAPAA thanks Dr. Mark Polak and CMPT 401. Thanks also to Gabriel Bautista and Mehrdad Matin who acted as mentors to the group.

• WHAT: Previously SAPAA collected its site inspection data via Google Sheets and stored the data is a Microsoft Access database (Access). This technical infrastructure was great for system and data modeling but not for collaboration. This project picked up where two former Computer Science 401 projects left off. The focus was on a web based application that was deployed for the 2026 field season.
• DELIVERABLE(S): Determine how best to store SAPAA data.
  • Review pre-existing development done by CMPT 401 groups and understand the design and technical decisions made.
  • Launch and perform a field test.
  • Analyzed the SAPAA Data model particularly in consideration of scalability.
  • Implemented an image management method to replace a manual process.
  • Analyzed and implemented and improved data model in the Supabase Backend.
  • Propose a design to completely replace the existing Google Form SIR process with a web based application hosted on the existing WordPress site.
  • Propose a design for Android phones with iOS as a secondary consideration.
  • Using Agile developments, plan to deploy for field testing in early March 2026.
  • Provide recommendations as to what are next steps and further development needed.
  • Continued development and use of Access must be an option.
• RESUME FODDER: Conducted a comprehensive market scan of data systems associated with protected areas and evaluated them as to their fit for purpose for managing site inspection data.
• ACADEMIC FOCUS(es): Computer Science.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully but not delivered. The team accessed the challenges of the necessary methodology and delivered a report on the same. Unfortunately, relative to the funding available for their time, the ran out of this commodity. Nevertheless, a future team is well positioned to restart this work based on the team’s documentation.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: SAPAA wishes to thank Skills for the Future with IBM SkillsBuild delivered via Riipen.
  • Phylisia Smiley (Student Team Lead)
  • Manroop Sidhu

What: Analyze 130 recently submitted reports to derive a Naturalness score methodology for Alberta’s protected areas, apply to 3,000 legacy reports, and deliver a report, slide deck, and presentation.

Deliverables:

• Participants will gain a basic understanding Alberta’s protected area system and the site inspection questions
• Machine learn from the 130 reports having a naturalness score and validate any methodologies.
• Apply methodology to legacy reports. Manage data anomalies, insufficient data, and continuity incongruences across the protected area sites and reports.
• Finalize results and recommend naturalness scores to be applied retrospectively that meet a minimum probability of data correctness.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Created a preliminary phone based application to replace the manual Google Form based Site Inspection Report methodology. This included a data environment, basic form functionality, and data conversion. Version was not deployed due to its immaturity but was a successful proof of concept.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: University of Alberta, SAPAA thanks Dr. Mark Polak and CMPT 401.
• WHAT:

WHAT: The following projects were completed.

• Project 1 – Review AS-IS Site Inspection Business Process
• Project 5a – Database Replacement for Access
• Project 5b – Planning for Data Store
• Project 5c – Implement the SAPAA Data Store
• Project 6a – Revisit SAPAA Safety and Visit Application
• Project 6b – Field Notes Reader

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. This group scanned the Alberta landscape for potential peer organizations. This resulted in both a marketing plan as well as assets such as a list of such organizations and a rudimentary CRM tool to manage them. A huge thank you to Hannah Elding who designed the SAPAA logo.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: SAPAA thanks Matt Kingston and SEM 638 UofA. Thank you to Madeline Mayes who acted as a mentor to the group.

• WHAT: Individual volunteers conducting site inspections is problematic for SAPAA due to the associated costs and risks. An alternative are organizations running field trips that may be interested in submitting a site inspection report. These organizations may already be visiting the area or choose to visit new sites. The student team will prepare a market opportunity scan.
• DELIVERABLE(S):
  • Review SAPAA’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan for context of this market.
  • Develop a list of prospective organizations that may visit one or more of Alberta’s Protected Areas.
  • Develop a marketing plan considering things such as audience, marketing channels, messaging, transition to from prospect to sales, and how to close.
• RESUME FODDER: Create a market plan for nonprofits where the organization’s programming priorities align with the client’s strategic objectives.
• ACADEMIC FOCUS(es): Business or Marketing.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. Material to support a Scouts Canada sustainability badge developed. This led to a presentation to local Scouters in May 2025.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: Thank you to Madeline Mayes and Tyler Norris who acted as mentors to the group.
  • Catherine Schmidt (Student Team Lead)
  • Asha Jama, Sanna Kumar

• WHAT: Support SAPAA in running a proof of concept education program for the 1st St. Albert Scouts. This group will test a program, visit a natural area (River Lot 56), and submit one or more Site Inspection Reports.
• DELIVERABLE(S): Under the direction of the board member and SAPAA volunteers:
• Prepare an analysis and recommendation for the continued involvement of youth programs, and Scouts Canada in particular, in SAPAA’s inspection and educational activities.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. The students delivered a comprehensive program to plan for and carry out communications with nearby residents as well as fellow visitors. This included such diverse use cases as a farmer, a youth, or a hunter. The group delivered scripts and other creative assets.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: Thank you to Dr. Valerie Ouedraogo, Grant MacEwan University, SOWK 303.
  • Ash Bates (Student Team Lead)
  • Alexys Chan
  • Alicia Grafton
  • John Rivera
  • Karyss Albert
• WHAT: Nearby residents of a protected area represent the nearest and best Stewards due to their proximity and interest in the area’s well being. Potential initial reaction on contact ranges from keen interest to hostility. How to engage prospective residents and convert their interest into becoming a Steward. How to manage the risks to volunteers whose contact with a resident is untoward or hostile.
• DELIVERABLE(S):
  • Perform a market scan of similar nonprofits as well as commercial enterprises cold calling rural residents and learn what methods and messaging works best.
  • Develop use-cases for a variety of prospects.
  • Develop sales scripts for the use cases and material to help respond to both good and untoward interactions.
  • Present communication material to SAPAA for review and potential implementation.
• RESUME FODDER: Developed sales scripts for volunteers who are cold calling rural residents to recruit them for a social enterprise. Considered and developed multiple scenarios for an easy close through to an overtly hostile response.
• ACADEMIC FOCUS(es): Social work and other social sciences.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. The team delivered an assessment of the costs, risks, and opportunities of the proposed SAPAA Safety program. A peer review was held with similar organizations and an expert review complemented the assessment.
• INSTITUTION & INSTRUCTOR: SAPAA wishes to thank Kristian Bainey for his leadership and insights instructing the group of students.
• WHAT: Support and help to deliver a best practice virtual/in-person conference on best practices in volunteer safety and SAPAA’s proposed program. Event(s) to be held in March 2026 and open to SAPAA members (individuals and organizations), Nature Alberta’s affiliated clubs, environmental organizations, and nonprofits.
• DELIVERABLE(S):
  • Review and analyze the SAPAA operational and safety program; provide suggestions for immediate and low-cost enhancements.
  • Working with SAPAA, conduct a peer review of the state of their safety protocols.
  • Assist in the design and development of a peer review of SAPAA’s program including determining format (virtual/in person), duration, audience, agenda, audio visual tools, etc.
  • Assist in the delivery, debrief, and documentation of the conference.
• RESUME FODDER: Performed a peer review of better and best practices related to operations and worker safety. Assist in the delivery and documentation of a conference attended by XX industry experts on operations and worker safety.
• ACADEMIC FOCUS(es): Occupational, Health, and Safety.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. A list of potential funding organizations was developed in addition various artefacts such as an application calendar. Information was used in a subsequent Webinar on Grant Management.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: Kate Lehner and Ibrahim Shad.

What: The Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Association (SAPAA) aims to establish a volunteer inspection core dedicated to safeguarding Alberta’s protected areas. To support this initiative, SAPAA seeks to

• Identify potential funding sources from Canadian or Alberta-based grants and donations.
• Researching and compiling a list of funders whose objectives align with SAPAA’s mission.
• Analyze funding criteria, application processes, and deadlines.
• This project offers an opportunity to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications, enhancing skills in research, analysis, and strategic planning.
• The ultimate goal is to provide SAPAA with a comprehensive list of viable funding opportunities to support their volunteer program.

Deliverables:

• Detailed Report Listing Potential Grants and Donations:
  • A comprehensive report that includes a curated list of funding sources such as grants, foundations, and donations, aligned with SAPAA’s mission. This will detail the eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines for each potential funding opportunity.
• Application Guidelines and Deadlines:
  • The report will also include specific application instructions and deadlines for each identified funding source, ensuring that SAPAA can easily navigate the application process for each opportunity.
• Presentation Summarizing Key Findings and Recommendations:
  • A presentation that summarizes the key findings from the research, including recommended funding sources, their potential fit with SAPAA’s objectives, and an overview of the next steps for SAPAA to apply for the identified funding. This will provide a strategic roadmap for securing the necessary funding.

Expected Skills Development:

• Research and Analysis: Develop research skills by identifying and analyzing potential funding sources and evaluating the alignment of each with SAPAA’s mission.
• Strategic Planning: Gain experience in strategic planning by selecting the most relevant funding opportunities based on SAPAA’s needs and program objectives.
• Data Organization and Reporting: Learn to compile complex data into a well-organized, clear, and actionable report for decision-makers.
• Presentation Skills: Enhance communication skills by preparing and delivering a presentation summarizing the key findings and strategic recommendations.
• Grant Application Knowledge: Gain practical experience in understanding the intricacies of grant applications, including deadlines, processes, and requirements.

Final Deliverables:

• A detailed report listing potential grants and donations, complete with eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines.
• A presentation summarizing the key findings, recommended funding sources, and next steps for SAPAA.
• Actionable insights for SAPAA to apply for funding that supports their volunteer inspection core.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. Identified potential peer organizations who could participate in site inspections. Developed a proof of concept for Scouts Canada (and subsequently the basis for the 2025 student project).
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: SAPAA thanks Dr. Webb Dussome and MARK 455/655 for hosting this course. MARK 455 – Sustainability and Responsible Marketing at the University of Alberta
  • Tyler Norris (Student Team Lead)
  • Brenna Hanson and Ossama Reddah.
• WHAT: Individual volunteers conducting site inspections is problematic for SAPAA due to the associated costs and risks. An alternative are organizations running field trips that may be interested in submitting a site inspection report. These organizations may already be visiting the area or choose to visit new sites. The student team will prepare a market opportunity scan.

• STATUS and RESULTS: Completed successfully. Report delivered.
• INSTITUTION & STUDENTS: University of Alberta, Sociology 291, class project: Sociological examination of the relationship between human societies and the natural environment.
  • Madeline Mayes (Student Team Lead)
  • Ashlee Vriend, and Sean Hansed.
• WHAT: Helping SAPAA understand its future by examining the organization in context to similar programs and reflecting on its proposed vision statement.
• Deliverables:
  • Prepare a jurisdictional scan of the Alberta Government’s Volunteer Stewardship program.
  • Provide feedback on the proposed vision statement and whether it speaks to the students as individuals and thus is a viable plan.