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  • Agroforestry for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Mitigation

    Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, while also facing increasing pressure from a changing climate. Finding ways to produce food while protecting the environment is critical to long-term sustainability. Researchers at the University of Alberta have spent more than a decade developing practical land management approaches that integrate trees, crops, and livestock.…

  • Edmonton’s Volunteer Weed Pull Program

    Invasive plants are one of the leading threats to biodiversity, often outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems. In Edmonton, managing these species is complex, especially while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and increasing public awareness of their impact. The City of Edmonton’s Volunteer Weed Pull Program brings community members directly into the solution. Through hands-on…

  • Connecting Albertans with Native Plant Suppliers

    Interest in native plant gardening and restoration is growing across Alberta, but access to locally appropriate plants and seeds remains a major barrier. Without reliable sources and guidance, planting projects can be delayed, less effective, or rely on species that are not well-suited to local conditions. The Alberta Native Plant Council is addressing this gap…

  • Keeping it Clean: The Gold Star Standard

    Composting programs only work when the materials collected from residents are clean and free of non-compostable items. Even small amounts of contamination can affect the quality of compost, harm agricultural use, and lead to valuable organic waste being sent to landfill. After noting a 12-15% green-cart contamination rate in 2015, Strathcona County launched the Gold…

  • Learning From the Land: Building Environmental Stewardship in Canadian Rockies Schools

    Many young people are spending less time outdoors, leading to a growing disconnect from the natural world. While educators recognize the value of outdoor learning, barriers like limited time, resources, and confidence can make it difficult to bring students outside in meaningful ways. The Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre is addressing this through a curriculum-linked…

  • Natural Science at W.P. Wagner High School

    Many students have a limited understanding of where their food comes from, creating a disconnect from the natural systems that sustain them. Natural Science at W.P. Wagner High School addresses this challenge by reconnecting students to both their food and the environment it depends on. Through hands-on learning in a 5,000 square foot greenhouse, outdoor…

  • Alberta AG-Plastic. Recycle It! Advancing an Agricultural Plastics Circular Economy

    As the use of agricultural plastics has increased, many Alberta farmers are looking for accessible recycling options, as opposed to burning or burying on-site with harmful environmental impacts. The ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!’ program brings together partners from across the agricultural value chain to create a coordinated, province-wide recycling system. With 173 collection sites, the…

  • Razphalt®: A Scalable Solution to Transform Roofing Waste into Durable Surfaces

    Asphalt shingles are one of Alberta’s largest and most persistent garbage streams, often ending up in landfills despite being fully recyclable. This creates long-term environmental challenges while valuable material remains unused. Razphalt® is changing that by transforming discarded shingles into a cost-effective solution for rural roads, commercial lots, and driveways. Made entirely from recycled materials…

  • Beyond the River – Indigenous emerging leaders championing freshwater stewardship in amiskwacîwâskahikan

    In urban environments, waterways are often overlooked, and Indigenous youth face limited opportunities to lead in freshwater stewardship or reconnect with the lands and waters that have sustained their communities for generations. Beyond the River brings Indigenous youth to the forefront of caring for the North Saskatchewan River and its surrounding ecosystem. Led by First…

  • Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in Freshwater: Microplastics in a Complex Urban Watershed

    Microplastics are an emerging concern in freshwater systems, but until recently, there was little reliable data on how much is present in Alberta’s rivers or how it moves through them. Without clear information, it has been difficult for researchers, communities, and decision-makers to fully understand or respond to this growing issue. NAIT Applied Research set…