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Uniting Rural Producers and Urban Consumers

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Uniting Rural Producers and Urban Consumers

Uniting Rural Producers and Urban Consumers is a multi-year project that aims to educate, engage, and inform urban consumers in southern Alberta about agricultural practices and watershed stewardship through a suite of communications materials. The program connects those who are not involved in food production systems, with those who are. It has been inspiring to hear stories from producers firsthand and learn more about the innovative work that is being done in our region to tackle challenges around food production.

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Watershed Legacy Program

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Watershed Legacy Program

Our Watershed Legacy Program (WLP) provides the tools necessary for watershed stewardship groups (WSGs) and landowner cooperatives to take steps toward sustainable land management. By coordinating efforts throughout the basin, the WLP aims to conserve and enhance our natural resources and the rural way of life. The Watershed Legacy Program provides the resources for landowners to continue the tradition of stewardship.

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Indigenous Partnerships

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Indigenous Partnerships

OWC advocates for the decolonization of environmental initiatives by supporting Indigenous-led projects that seek to restore land and culture alike. The traditions and culture of the Blackfoot are rooted in respect for the Earth and there is much we can learn about sustainability from our Indigenous partners. We are honoured to follow their leadership, wisdom, and knowledge. Our partners from Siksikaitsitapi, Kainai Nation, and Piikani Nation are leaders in demonstrating how to braid traditional ecological knowledge and western scientific knowledge together.

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Alberta WPACs Collaboration Initiative

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Alberta WPACs Collaboration Initiative

OWC is one of 11 Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils Of Alberta (WPACs) in Alberta. WPACs meet regularly to learn from each other and to maintain a strong voice for Alberta. Together we shape the role and future of WPACs as leaders in watershed management, stakeholder engagement, and environmental education. In 2022, the OWC started the Alberta WPACs Collaboration Initiative. The initiative strengthens relationships between WPACs, allow for mutual support, and assist us in addressing province-wide topics of mutual interest.

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IWMP Goals & Planning

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IWMP Goals & Planning

The Oldman Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) is a collaborative effort of the entire watershed community. It is informed by scientific research and achieved through stakeholder-led, action-oriented goals. The IWMP includes 8 goals based on the State of the Watershed Report, surveys, interviews, online questionnaires, and watershed risk assessments that were undertaken in an extensive stakeholder consultation process. Simply put, the IWMP is based on you, and your vision for the future of our watershed.

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Weed Pulls

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Weed Pulls

Invasive plants, or "weeds", are plants that are not native to their current habitat and encroach on native species' food and/or habitat. When native species are displaced by non-natives, this has a negative impact on the health of our watershed. They also cost our economy by reducing crop yields, endangering livestock, and lowering property values. OWC supports and organizes the weed control efforts in our watershed. Thanks to the many activities undertaken by dedicated groups and individuals, we all get to enjoy the benefits of a healthier, cleaner watershed!

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Community Collaboration

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Community Collaboration

The OWC is a proud partner in many projects, organizations, and collaborative initiatives. As a community-based non-profit, it is important that we are involved in collective efforts and are a voice for the watershed and the people who live here.

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Priority Mapping

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Priority Mapping

With our growing population, the quality of water in southern Alberta has never been more important. Yet many of our activities have a negative impact on how water interacts with the landscape. This project identifies those areas that if kept intact should provide the greatest benefit as it relates to water quality, flood mitigation, and drought resiliency. These maps help organizations focus their efforts on areas important for water, and can also be used by governments to assess the appropriateness of different land uses as they relate to water.

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Prairie Urban Garden

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Prairie Urban Garden

We’re big fans of drought-friendly gardening, and we have everything you need to get started! Xeriscaping is a landscaping method for arid and semi-arid climates that uses water-conserving techniques, mulch, and efficient irrigation. By planting native and drought-tolerant varieties that naturally thrive in the dry prairie environment, you use less water and little to no pesticides or fertilizers. That helps protect water quality! You can enjoy a beautiful yard, complete with gorgeous blooms, save on your monthly water bill, and, do very little maintenance on it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The OWC is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization with lots of ways to get involved. 

Help fund our work.

Make a difference.

Knowledge is power.