Read our Outreach Assistants’ reflections on their contribution to Ed Gregor Stewardship Day in the Crowsnest Pass, and the importance of building bridges - physically as well as figuratively.
Water Builds Community
“The Oldman Watershed Council allows everyone to have a voice and tell their story,” was Kyle Gouw’s answer as to why they chose to donate to the Oldman Watershed Council. “Everyone has a story about water. Water is not one person’s responsibility; it is everyone’s responsibility. Water ties us together. Water builds community.”
OWC Rallies for Oldman Watershed Through GivingTuesday!
Oldman Watershed Council launches GivingTuesday movement in support of Oldman watershed restoration efforts. GivingTuesday is “the opening day of the giving season”. Giving is a lifelong commitment, and a giving day is a special celebration, a reminder to all of us to think of others and our communities as well as ourselves. GivingTuesday is more than a moment, it’s a movement.
WATER KEEPERS ON THE BLOOD RESERVE - #SAWC17
When we think of agriculture in Southern Alberta, perhaps huge farms out east come to mind with sophisticated irrigation pivots and loads of potatoes or corn. Here's what two dedicated watershed stewards are doing on the Blood Reserve to rehabilitate some of their agricultural land. William Singer III and Lori Brave Rock are signatories of the Southern Alberta Water Charter #SAWC17. The closing ceremony is coming up on November 17th - who will be getting completion awards?
En Garde! Protecting Riparian Zones
The Good, The Bad, and the Weedy
Please help OWC fight the aliens. There are opportunities to get out on the land all summer! Did you know that there are some plants that can devastate our water security in Alberta? Read on to understand the threat that these invaders pose to our drinking water and to learn more about what is being done, and what you can do to help!
6 Reasons To Be Optimistic
Voices of the Oldman: Taber Success, on to Twin Butte!
A great turn out at the first Voices of the Oldman: Ag Matters session in Taber last week. Lots of great discussion on watershed stewardship. We look forward to the upcoming Twin Butte & Area session on Feb 10. Check out first hand here - the experts who will be providing updates on stewardship initiatives in that area and what outcomes to expect in participating in the roundtable discussions yourself!
"Voices of the Oldman" Kicks Off in Taber
Find out a little bit more about the experts providing panel updates on agricultural stewardship activities that they are currently working on at the first Voices of the Oldman: Agriculture Matters session in Taber on Jan 31, 2017 from 2-5pm. Plus, more details on what outcomes can be expected by those participating.
Voices of the Oldman: Agriculture Matters
Please join us in Taber January 31, Twin Butte February 10 or Stavely March 1!
The Oldman Watershed Council is excited to introduce a new brand of events called Voices of the Oldman. These events are an important opportunity to have your voice heard both locally and provincially. What we hear at these events will shape our projects and also the advice we give to the Government of Alberta.
'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' in 2017
How I Got "Smarter"... in 2 Days!
You can get "smarter" too with the 5 things that Taren learned at the Farming Smarter Conference and Tradeshow 2016. The connection between urban and rural was a big theme, so whether you live in town or in the country, take a few moments and check out this blog on everything from crop research, to 4-H to facts about flax, and no-till practices - and why it matters for the food you eat and the health of the watershed.
Livingstone Landowners Guild Showcases Local Non-profits
Recently, the Livingstone Landowners Guild hosted a “Who’s Who and What they Do” event to introduce local landowners to the many non-profit organizations operating in their area.
At the event, much of the open discussion focused on headwaters management and what impact the Government of Alberta Livingstone and Porcupine Hills Land Footprint Management Plan and Recreation Management Plans that are currently underway will have.
How to Grow Lunch from Fish Waste - Aquaponics & Other Agricultural Innovations
If you're an urbanite, you probably don't care about BMPs or know what they are. But I bet you've been to restaurants downtown and have eaten some pretty special veg!!! So whether you're a farmer, a rancher, or a city resident who just wants to understand where your food (Read: water) comes from .... read on! This article details lots of great resources in regards to sustainability in agriculture.
City will Participate in Water Charter
The Oldman Watershed Council hopes to unite municipalities and organizations to protect the local water supply.
On Monday, Lethbridge City Council agreed to add their name to a Southern Alberta Water Charter proposed by the OWC. Signing the charter pledges action and commitment to the betterment of the health of the Oldman watershed.
Watershed Legacy Program in the Porcupine Hills
Believe it or not, cattle are fussy critters. Yessiree, if there's a choice between drinking from a mucky old hole, or a fresh bubbling water source - guess which they pick? Keeping cows away from streams is something that the OWC is actively supporting: not only in word, but indeed! (pun intended) So funders are sought and funding is awarded for projects ...
Riparian Restoration Event!
Last chance to get out in the backcountry this season and show some love for the Oldman! Join us for the big bioengineering event of the year - no experience necessary - just a willing attitude and helping hands. Hot lunch and carpooling available - bring a friend or two and make a day of it! You do need to register, but it is free ...
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...
WLP Palmer Ranch
Innovation in Irrigation
Well, the long weekend is coming up and people will be heading for the hills. But what about our dedicated farmers? It is their busy season right now, and hail and rainstorms have not helped matters. Agriculture is the lifeblood of southern Alberta. That lifeblood is the Oldman. Irrigation has made its mark on our economy and on our landscape and users of irrigation water in southern Alberta are always searching for innovative ways to improve efficiencies. Here's a little tribute to our growers, and all the rural people who steward the land ...