SAPAA has developed a user-friendly web tool set for launch. Users are invited to test the system and provide feedback by March 16, 2026. Pre-registration is essential required.
Continue readingTesting SIR SAPAA
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Plan for Parks – SAPAA’s Thoughts
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 reading2026-05-09 – Mt. Butte Field Trip
SAPAA is organizing a field trip to Mount Butte Natural Area on May 9, 2026. Participants can pre-register for free if they are members or pay $30 otherwise. The day includes a walk in a unique ecological area and potential alternative locations if conditions are poor.
Continue readingSIR 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.
Continue reading2026-01-31 – 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.
Continue reading2025-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.
Continue reading2025 Web and Social Media Report
Happy 5th Birthday to the ‘new website’. It was born on November 4, 2020, and, like any good five-year-old, has been growing! The 2025 report looks back at the site with some (hopefully) interesting statistics!
Continue reading2025 President’s AGM Report
In 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 readingRecent Natural Area Remediation Projects
Alberta Forestry and Parks is playing catch up in remediate sites that have fallen into disrepair or abuse. Efforts included trail management plans, infrastructure upgrades, and improved signage at various natural areas. 5 Natural Areas (out of 138) have benefitted from these enhancements to ensure visitor safety and ecological protection.
Continue reading2025-11-01 – 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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