Guest Blog

Magrath Nature Trail Student Project

Magrath Nature Trail Student Project

This guest blog is about the Magrath Nature Trail Project, which was created by grandfather-granddaughter duo Don and Hazel. They are focusing on ways to enhance the trail to benefit the Northern Leopard Frog, and Hazel is learning about environmental stewardship and the democratic process along the way!

Protecting What We Love

Protecting What We Love

The eastern slopes should be a place for OHV users, campers, anglers, hunters, hikers and everyone in between. But in order for that to happen, activities need to be supported accordingly. Under the current framework that simply isn’t possible. The draft plans released March 27, 2018 offer a path forward.

HEMP HELPS PREVENT FLOODS

HEMP HELPS PREVENT FLOODS

Southern Alberta relies on intensive agriculture and livestock production. When you drive through the countryside, what do you see? Lots of people want to know that their food is safe - but how much attention do we pay to what happens on our fields? There is real innovation happening in the Oldman watershed - and here's a story about hemp use and a special kind of recycling - another #SAWC17 project!

Southern Alberta - Are We "Smart Enough"?!

Southern Alberta - Are We "Smart Enough"?!

Lethbridge is set to grow in population - so is the rest of Southern Alberta. Can we be smart about it? Guest blogger Ryan Carriere, Parks Planning Manager of the City of Lethbridge - Infrastructure Services ponders the question, and the OWC offers some insight as well. Alberta is projected to add close to 1.8 million residents over the next 25 years, reaching 6 million by 2041. Now, more than ever before, we must bring watershed vocabulary into our thoughts and actions.

Taber Irrigation District - #SAWC17

Taber Irrigation District - #SAWC17

Big backhoes out in the countryside? Can only mean bad news for the watershed, right? The Southern Alberta Water Charter (#SAWC17) showcases works great and small - some of them as big as a backhoe. Sometimes big projects require big machines. Taber Irrigation doesn't have just one but three big projects lined up as their contribution to the Southern Alberta Water Charter!  Find out what's going on ...

Backyard Wilderness - #SAWC17

Backyard Wilderness - #SAWC17

What has the Backyard Wilderness project been up to?  Here's a brief update on this #SAWC17 participant's current findings and future plans with her ongoing research project touching on urban wildlife. CLOSING CEREMONY: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17th at Lethbridge City Hall!

The Coulees Get Rid of The Old Boot - #SAWC2017

The Coulees Get Rid of The Old Boot - #SAWC2017

Can you imagine what kind of stuff can be pulled out of the coulees with just one garbage cleanup?  Citizens across Southern Alberta are rallying together this summer by committing to one small action (sometimes even big actions!).  Environment Lethbridge tells us what they found...

Weeds in southwest Alberta: new research findings

Weeds in southwest Alberta: new research findings

Dr Sonia Graham from Australia has submitted a guest article about a study in southern Alberta. Ranchers, private companies, government organisations and non-government organisations (NGOs) were interviewed as part of a social research project titled “Collective Weed Management in Canada”. Read more about this weedy subject ...

Backyard Wilderness: Lethbridge Backyard Trail Camera Project

Backyard Wilderness: Lethbridge Backyard Trail Camera Project

It was pre-dawn and, for some reason I have subsequently forgotten, I was driving down an East Vancouver side street. The light had that amazing quality it has just before the sun crests the horizon and everything was eerily still and quiet...

Hot Potato OHVs

Hot Potato OHVs

If there's one hot potato out there, it's the subject of motorized recreation in the backcountry. The debate is loud, raucous and not always respectful. Here's a guest blog from one of our readers with his opinion .... Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments section ... 

Why the prairies are absolute heaven

Why the prairies are absolute heaven

As we pause between Christmas and the new year, many of us finally have the time to count our blessings and think about what gifts we have been given that may not have come from Santa's sled. Fix a hot chocolate and curl up with an article from OWC volunteer and Guest Blogger, Ted Naninga. He's a wildlife biologist, and new to the Lethbridge area.  He explains why the Oldman watershed is the greatest gift of all. We agree! There are still two days left in 2016 if you'd like to donate. https://oldmanwatershed-council.squarespace.com/donating

Are you a well user? Don't get your water from the public system?

Are you a well user? Don't get your water from the public system?

A lot of people don't get their water from the public system. In fact, many people in rural Alberta use wells, boreholes, and cisterns for their drinking water. If you are one of them, here's a simple, easy way for you to contribute to watershed research AND get a $100 gift card! 

A rancher's experience with solar energy in Southwest Alberta

A rancher's experience with solar energy in Southwest Alberta

New guest blogpost by Quentin Stevick! Now is your chance to have a say in how the AB gov't will invest in energy efficiency programs. Energy Efficiency Alberta is a new agency that will promote and support energy efficiency and energy systems for homes, businesses and communities. Quentin Stevick tells his thoughts on energy efficiency, the current system and what should change from a rural perspective that will benefit all Albertans...