For over five decades, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has been a trusted partner in land conservation across Alberta, protecting more than 468,000 hectares of the province’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Through collaboration with ranchers, landowners, Indigenous Nations and communities, businesses, organizations, and governments, NCC has played a pivotal role in conserving, restoring, and managing landscapes that are critical to biodiversity, air and water quality, and the long-term resilience of Alberta’s natural environment.
Since the acquisition of Wagner Natural Area in 1970 (135 hectares), NCC has extended its efforts across Alberta. From the boreal forests near Edmonton to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and across the vast prairie grasslands of the Milk River Ridge, NCC has led and delivered large-scale conservation initiatives.
Historic milestones, such as the conservation of McIntyre Ranch (22,000+ hectares) and Waldron Ranch (12,000+ hectares), represent just a few of the many successful projects that have safeguarded vital wildlife habitats, protected endangered species, and preserved critical water sources.
NCC’s conservation work spans Alberta’s diverse ecosystems, focusing on high-priority conservation areas that are crucial to the long-term health and sustainability of the province’s natural heritage. These efforts not only protect critical ecosystems but also support essential ecological services that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
Alberta’s landscapes sustain us all, offering spaces where Albertans can live, work, and connect with nature. Through bold and collaborative action, NCC is creating a world where both nature and people thrive together.
