By partnering with other land managers, including Blood Tribe Land Management, Piikani Nation Land Management, and Cows and Fish, the focus is on restorative action to support Indigenous cultural revival, boost resilience to climate change, improve access to quality water, and enhance biodiversity. The project restores key grassland and riparian ecosystems and builds the capacity of partners to bring Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) knowledge and western science together.
The Headwaters Restoration Project arose out of the successful Engaging Recreationists Project. The audience was expanded to include land users beyond recreationists and offered more in-person restoration and educational programs. It focussed on the education and engagement of adult land users, such as fishers, farmers, ranchers, and landowners, among others.
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.
Profiling the Watershed is our high-tech, virtual reality, and experiential learning project. Made possible by RBC Foundation’s Tech for Nature grant program, this future-looking project has two primary components: a custom watershed stewardship virtual reality (VR) training program and an immersive environment with climate monitoring through 360° and ambisonic audio location captures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The headwaters of the Oldman River watershed run east from the Rocky Mountains of southwest Alberta to join the South Saskatchewan River and eventually, Hudson Bay. They provide 90% of the water that feeds our streams, lakes, and groundwater! The Headwaters Action Plan is the community’s plan to maintain and protect the integrity of the Oldman headwaters and source waters through collaborative stewardship work that will address key issues to headwater health over time.
Engaging Recreationists is a collaborative, on-the-ground project designed to reduce threats to the headwaters—threats that include the cumulative effects of linear features, such as roads and recreational trails. Through stakeholder engagement, education, community-based social marketing, streambank restoration, and stewardship activities, we are encouraging motorized recreationists to keep wheels out of the water and thereby protect our headwaters, water quality, and critical habitat for endangered species.
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.
