SAPAA is organizing a field trip to Open Creek Natural Area on June 15, 2026. Located SW of Edmonton, pre-registration is required. Wear rubber boots and bring bug juice! Tony B., Steward extraordinaire, is the trip leader.
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Rural MLAs and SAPAA – 2026-03-20
The March 20, 2026, session informed Alberta’s MLAs about the WAERNAHR Act, emphasizing the importance of protected areas for biodiversity and local economies. It aimed to raise awareness of challenges these areas face and promote responsible use. SAPAA plays a key role in stewardship and monitoring these lands.
Download: Briefing Note for this meeting; Riding & Site Count: RuralMLA_SiteCount.
Riding/Protected Areas Map (same as the Annex Below)
Say Hello to SIR-SAPAA!
SAPAA’s new Site Inspection Report tool, is launching on May 9, 2026. The system allows members to log in, report recent visits, review past inspections, and upload images. Access must be requested.
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 reading2025-11-01 – 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.
Continue readingScouts Canada Presentation
The 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 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: 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.
Continue readingA Short Selected History of SAPAA
Long 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.
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