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 readingThe 2022 Miistakis Report evaluated Alberta’s lapsed Volunteer Steward Program, revealing significant weaknesses like insufficient support and lack of data on conservation impacts. It recommends reintroducing citizen science, enhancing government capacity, and employing modern technology for data management. This Post provides notes on from the Miistakis Report – January 30 Debrief.]
Continue readingThe 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 readingThe 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 readingNestow’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 readingOn 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.
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 readingThis 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 readingTony 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 readingThe 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.
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SAPAA 