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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….
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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…
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Provincial Leadership in Biological Control for Invasive Plants
Invasive plants pose a significant threat to Alberta’s ecosystems, agriculture, and economy, often spreading in areas where traditional control methods are difficult or unsuitable. Maintaining effective, long-term management requires coordination between research, policy, and on-the-ground action. When federal delivery of biological control programs was no longer sustainable, the Alberta Invasive Species Council stepped in to…
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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…
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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…
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Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors
As visitation to the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country continues to grow, so does the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Increased recreation, development, and changing environmental conditions are putting added pressure on wildlife, while many visitors lack the knowledge needed to safely share these spaces. The Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador Program addresses this gap through peer-to-peer education…
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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…
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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…
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Come Grow With Us Passive Solar Greenhouse
As Normandeau School expanded to serve students from Kindergarten through Grade 8, gaps in hands-on learning emerged, leaving many students without opportunities to explore real-world environmental solutions. The Come Grow With Us Passive Solar Greenhouse was created to address these challenges, offering a living classroom where students engage directly with food production, environmental systems, and…
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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…
