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 readingSAPAA 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 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 January 31, 2026, it encourages a better understanding of the Stewardship and Site Inspection Process.
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 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 readingSAPAA is evolving through its SAPAA 2.0 initiative, focusing on functions previously handled by the Alberta Government. This multi-year effort aims to ensure an Occupational Health and Safety compliant volunteer program by 2025. Challenges include funding and volunteer availability, but the board remains optimistic about progress and community support.
Continue readingKarsten 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.
Continue readingLong time member, Patsy Cotterill reflects on SAPAA’s early days, people, and reasons for existence. This is also a way to honour Alison Dinwoodie 1932-2024 who passed away recently and was a driving force behind the organization for many years.
Continue reading
SAPAA 