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 readingSAPAA’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 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 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.
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 readingThe Milk River NA runs from the US Border North to nearly TWP 22. Access from the North stops at the river unless you are prepared to cross it. The site provides scenic views but limited access, primarily across private land with no facilities available.
Continue readingThe site is remote, characterized by mixed forests and undulating topography. No recent human activities or agricultural impacts were observed.
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