OWC is committed to ecological restoration work in this and every other version of reality.
What do we mean by that? No, we’re not talking about Matrix 5: Neo’s Creek (fun as that would be); we’re talking about the OWC’s custom-made watershed stewardship virtual reality program supported by the RBC Foundation.
The ease of access to virtual reality technology has increased exponentially in recent years. Maybe you’ve visited a VR arcade (more than a few have popped up in southern Alberta, including two in Lethbridge), know a friend with a headset, or even have a system of your own. For those less tech-inclined, virtual reality is the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that you can interact with physically, by way of a headset with a screen, and remotes or gloves equipped with special sensors.
Never ones to buck a trend, we at OWC began to work in earnest on our Profiling the Watershed project in 2020. This is a high-tech experiential learning project, and our VR training program is a key component. When you enter the experience, you complete training for stewardship work in the headwaters, including invasive species removal and willow staking. After your training, you head out to a beautifully designed virtual headwaters area and put your new skills to use. You will be equipped with knowledge and skills that will deepen your relationship with our watershed through gamified learning. We’re hoping that we can get people jazzed about watershed stewardship by creating a learning opportunity that resembles their favourite video game.
Some other fun and immersive parts of the experience come from exploring an expansive landscape based on features in our own watershed, looking for unattended campfires to extinguish, and spotting different animals in the woods. When complete, you may not know kung fu, but you’ll know the ins and outs of watershed stewardship—and if you’re lucky, you may have even caught a glimpse of Bigfoot!
Screen captures from the OWC virtual reality watershed stewardship experience.
Why Virtual Reality?
It’s important to us here at OWC that folks from all walks of life in the Oldman watershed understand the work that is being done to restore our headwaters. We all have a stake in our watershed, but we aren’t all able to stake willows. The physical work of restoration is demanding, and not everyone has the disposable time or money to volunteer or donate—perhaps that applies to you reading this blog.
Crucially, this virtual reality program can be experienced by people of almost any physical ability and age. It’s been sampled by kids as young as six years old, and by plenty of seniors as well! A project like this one promotes inclusivity of watershed stewardship by engaging and educating everyone in the work.
Locals try the OWC Virtual Watershed Stewardship program at the Piikani Nation Lands Department Open House on July 20, 2022. Left photo by Shannon Frank, right photo by Dryden Roesch.
How do you build a VR game?
Having a good idea is one thing, but building a custom virtual reality experience from scratch is another. With the leadership and intensive game development work of our intrepid Communications Manager Jon Martin, and the use of the Unity game engine, we developed the framework and initial interactive experiences in the first year of the project. Then we refined and enriched the VR experience in the second year, creating a better user interface, all while trialing and testing the interactive system along the way.
This year, we’re excited to bring the project to light. Jon, along with Sofie Forsström, OWC's Education Program Manager, had the opportunity to share aspects of the Profiling the Watershed project at the 11th World Environmental Education Congress in Prague in March of this year. It was a great chance for OWC to share the ideas, technology, and principles behind the project with an international audience.
Local high school students help OWC plant willows along Beaver Creek on Piikani Nation, July 21, 2022. Photo by Dryden Roesch.
How can I get involved?
We want anyone and everyone to get a taste of the important work completed by OWC staff and volunteers by trying out the VR training, and if you’re able, join us at a weed pull or willow planting event soon (in real life). You may ask, what am I in for if I volunteer at an event like this?
Along the edges of streams, creeks, riverbanks, floodplains, and shorelines are areas called riparian zones, where water-loving vegetation lives and fulfills important functions. These plants stabilize the banks with their roots, preventing erosion. In addition to providing natural rebar, they also serve as natural water filters by filtering runoff. They provide shade to keep water cool—in our watershed specifically, they give important shade cover to the threatened Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. Plus, they help with flood resiliency by slowing any overflowing water.
The trouble is, these super-heroic plants are often damaged by human, animal, and vehicle traffic. Without targeted restoration or time for regrowth, they aren't able to recover naturally. That's where we come in! We routinely hold willow staking events and often partner with other stakeholder groups—we’re looking for folks who can swing a sledgehammer, trek through rocky and uneven creeks, and have an all-around desire to be outdoors. A locally sourced lunch and good vibes are always guaranteed!
Blind Canyon Weed Pull on July 20, 2022. Photo by Conlan Donahue.
As for weed pulling, the reasoning behind this is a bit simpler. What we call ‘weeds’ are typically invasive plants—they aren’t native to this habitat and have a negative effect on the ecosystem. They encroach on the food and space of native species. And when native species struggle, this has a negative impact on the health of our watershed. They cost our economy by reducing crop yields, endangering livestock, and lowering property values. Let’s get them outta here! We host our own weed pulls and support the events of other organizations. Stay tuned to social media for when one is happening in your area.
A local discovers the OWC virtual reality watershed stewardship experience at the Piikani Nation Lands Department Open House on July 20, 2022. Photo by Dryden Roesch.
How can I try the VR experience?
Our virtual headwaters experience is constantly being refined—soon we will have mobile tablets that are linked to the headset and allow spectators to follow along and see exactly what the VR participant is seeing in real-time. They will also help staff guide participants through the experience. In the coming year, we will be delivering the program to locals and providing a greater degree of public access. It will be available at in-person events and at the OWC office. Watch our social channels to try out our interactive program at an event near you, or contact our office to book a private VR experience.
Anyone that lives, works, or plays in the Oldman Watershed is capable of helping sustain our watershed health, be it as part of organized groups or through individual action. Will the VR experience be your gateway to watershed stewardship?
Thank you to the RBC Foundation for their generous support of this project through their Tech for Nature program.
