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 readingCBC Story – Volunteer Stewardship Program
The Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Association (SAPAA) appreciates CBC’s coverage of volunteer stewardship efforts in Alberta. SAPAA is collaborating with the government to revive stewardship initiatives and encourages public support through donations and volunteering. Plans for 2025 include enhancing partnerships and improving site inspection processes for natural area protection.
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.

GWS and SAPAA in 2025
Google Workspace (GWS) is a powerful tool generously provided for free to nonprofits by Google. This is the anticipate strategy for using GWS to support SAPAA’s program efforts.
Continue readingVolunteer Stewardship – Backgrounder
A quick reference guide for those interested in the Alberta Volunteer Stewardship and our organization, the Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Association (SAPAA).
Continue reading2024 (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 Social Media and Web Report
2024 was another growth year for SAPAA’s Social Media presence. Social media refers to both our website (sapaastewards.com) and a Facebook.com site.
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 readingRemembering Karsten Heuer
Karsten Heuer, a renowned conservationist, biologist, and filmmaker, passed away at 56 from a rare neurological disease. He was pivotal in promoting the Yellowstone to Yukon Wildlife Corridor and the reintroduction of bison to Banff National Park. He leaves a legacy of activism, including the film Finding Farley, produced with his partner Leanne Allison.
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