Habitat loss and fragmentation is the single largest threat to biodiversity conservation in an urban area. As large contiguous habitats are quickly converted into smaller more isolated remnants the value of maintaining functioning ecological connections between patches increases significantly. With the help of a multidisciplinary team, The City of Edmonton incorporated ecological infrastructure with human networks, creating the Wildlife Passage Engineering Design Guidelines (WPEDG), an educational publication that provides clear …
The Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Program
In 2013, the Alberta government launched a pilot program focused on the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem” in order to address the risks of specific AIS zebra and quagga mussels, as well as Eurasian water milfoil. It became evident there was a need for expansion due to the ecologic and economic risks facing the entire province. In response, the Government of Alberta created the AIS Program, which focuses on the …
Caribou Patrol Program
For decades, AWN, the “Rocky Mountain People,” have witnessed the decline of woodland caribou. Following the advice of the Elders who said, “We must speak for those that have no voice,” AWN created CPP, providing a conduit to share traditional ecological knowledge and to demonstrate their core value of Protection and Preservation of the Environment in a hands-on, meaningful way. The CPP has effectively reduced vehicle collisions with …
The People for Energy & Environmental Literacy (PEEL) Program
Forty-two Grade 4 students from Westmount Charter School, their two teachers and one highly-committed parent volunteer created PEEL, a literacy program that empowers students to understand the environmental, social and economic challenges and opportunities around energy consumption, climate change and sustainability. With the support of over 25 energy-sector organizations, PEEL has inspired students and parents to evaluate their energy usage through environmental initiatives such as an EcoFair, weekly nature field …
Warriors of the Rainbow
According to Cree legend, “Leaders will be those whose actions speak the loudest; the ones that have demonstrated wisdom and courage and have proven that they work for the benefit of all.” Adopting this philosophy, Clandonald School created Warriors of the Rainbow, a clan of environmental stewards dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the natural world. For the past 12 years, the Warriors of the Rainbow have established a …
Green Commuting Hubs
Many schools in Alberta are challenged with vehicle congestion and idling around school drop-off and pick-up points. A student-leadership group at Captain Nichola Goddard School found a solution to this environmental and safety risk. The Green Commuting Hubs program invites students to meet in various established hubs and, accompanied by a Grade 9 hub leader, walk to school together. The initiative improves air quality and reduces the school’s eco-footprint, while …
Green Energy Futures
This Alberta-based online multi-media storytelling project documents the clean energy revolution by sharing inspiring, fact-based stories of people engaged with clean energy solutions in their homes, businesses and communities. In three years, GEF has created the single-best collection of video, audio and written content on clean energy in Canada. This popular suite of online content has helped educators, individuals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders and media understand, appreciate and get involved with …
Quest/Destination Conservation Program
Since 2007, ConocoPhillips Canada School Environmental Quest has partnered with the Elements Society to fund the Destination Conservation Program, assisting schools in fostering an eco-friendly culture by reducing their global footprint and establishing student-led environmental projects and programs. Supporting 145 schools annually in Alberta, northeastern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, the program grants schools $1,000 to implement environmental and energy-saving programs, and provides resources and workshops to educators on …
Youth Wavemakers
This unique program equips educators with resources, curriculum support and professional development workshops on local and global water issues, teaching youth about efficient water use, raising awareness, and inspiring independent action. In 2014, students involved in Youth Wavemakers conserved over 200,000 litres of water and reached over 14,000 Albertans with action projects on water and sanitation. Youth Wavemakers also provides an annual Youth Summit, classroom workshops, and action grants for …
Verge Permaculture
Rob and Michelle Avis envisioned Verge Permaculture as a way to provide real-world solutions to create more sustainable homes, resilient communities and a healthy eco-system; however, what they have accomplished goes far beyond teaching and gardening. Through their accredited Permaculture Design Courses, Verge Permaculture has produced a generation of graduates who apply this new integrated design philosophy with the pragmatic entrepreneurial spirit to the communities they serve. Rob and Michelle’s …