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 readingSee 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.
Continue readingPatsy 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.
Continue readingAlberta’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!
Continue readingThis session’s theme was replaced with one on Grant Management.
Be sure to register for Oct 2 – Taking Nature for Granted.
What is Citizen Science and how can the Organizational Steward support and benefit from a ‘CitSci’ project? Stephanie Weizenbach, Executive Director of Nature Alberta and founding member of Citizen Science Alberta joins other guests as we explore this topic through this virtual session.
Continue readingThe content discusses how Alberta’s protected areas, managed under WAERNAHR, offer resources for Scouts to engage with nature. Utilizing the iNaturalist application, Scouts can contribute to citizen science, learn land ownership principles, and participate in site inspections, enhancing their outdoor experience while fulfilling badge requirements effectively.
Continue readingThe May 13, 2025, meeting of the Organizational Steward Community of Practice focused on technology and stewardship. Presentations included BLESS’s QR code system for reporting park issues and iNaturalist’s use for citizen science in tracking biodiversity. Participants discussed enhancing conservation efforts through technology and shared organizational insights.
Continue readingUnfortunately, a change in research priorities has resulted in this project being cancelled. Ferf wishes to thank everyone who expressed interest and encourages you to go out an iNaturalist anyway.
The white spruce, Picea glauca, is a familiar conifer. A UofA researcher needs SAPAA’s help identifying stands of white spruce this summer through iNaturalist observations. While you are there, why not submit a Site Inspection report!
Continue readingSAPAA 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 readingSAPAA will host 1-3 best practice sessions in 2025 for organizations managing nature areas. The first session will include a presentation on QR Code technology by Miles Constable, enhancing reporting in Lois Hole Provincial Park.
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