educational Programs
The Oldman Watershed Council has a number of resources available for use by local educators, including an interactive puzzle, water cycle and watershed models, board game, and books. OWC is also pleased to offer the following educational programs; contact OWC’s Education Program Manager for more information.
Now offered in the Oldman watershed! Free inquiry-based field program led by local experts to connect Gr. 8-12 students to their local watershed. Students participate in hands-on, scientific inquiry by collecting biological, chemical, and physical data on the water and surrounding land. Content is curriculum- and place-based.
This contest asks students in Grades 7-12 to submit a proposal answering the question, "What can you do to improve your watershed?" Cash prizes and funding are available to implement students’ ideas! Contact OWC's Education Program Manager for a free classroom presentation or for more information.
Past winners and finalists from the Oldman Watershed include Tyson Bonnert, Cassandra Schinkle (twice), Kelsey Armstrong, and Nicholas Locken and Brayden Brausse (check out their video on microbeads).
Embark on an interactive guided virtual tour of Alberta’s grasslands. Geared for grades 4-7. Download the poster for information on how to book this distance learning program.
Join OWC on a journey of discovery about Alberta’s freshwater, including its uses and distribution, and the watershed we call home. Developed in partnership with Alberta Parks for grades 3-7, this interactive program can be delivered virtually or in person. It is a great introductory program for students to get their feet wet, and ‘flows’ well into the Caring for our Watersheds presentation!
Project WET Canada offers training and resources so educators can deliver fun, hands-on water education programs to K-12 students. Contact OWC to set up a training workshop!
CABIN Field Certification: A 2-day practical field course providing certification in CABIN sampling methods.
Initiatives
Adopt a Stormdrain
Help keep our neighbourhoods and Oldman River free of debris, healthy and clean. A City of Lethbridge initiative.
Gutter Buddy Program
A City of Lethbridge initiative that encourages residents to keep their stormdrains and gutters free of debris.
Free Water Testing Kits
A great idea for for people on well water, in first nations communities,
and schools.
Publications
Greens, Browns and Water Policy Reform in Southern Alberta - 2011
By B. Timothy Heinmiller, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Brock University.
Geologic Nitrate in Groundwater in the Oldman River Watershed - 2014
By Joan Rodvang McNeil (LandWise Inc.) and Dr. Cathryn Ryan (Geoscience, University of Calgary).
Also see:
Schematic Figure
Map of Glacial Advance
Assessing Institutions for Aquatic Ecosystem Protection: A Case Study of the Oldman River Basin Alberta - 2008
PhD Thesis by Bryan Poirier
Southern Alberta’s Watersheds: An Overview - 2005
By Kim Lalonde, Bill Corbett, and Cheryl Bradley, Prairie Conservation Forum.
The most relevant section is 5.0 Human Uses of Water and Watersheds, which includes a section 5.3 Governance (p. 39).
Emerging Issues in Water Governance and Legislation in the Canadian Provinces and Territories - 2010
By Carey Hilla, Kathryn Furlong, Karen Bakker, and Alice Cohen.
The Abc’s of Environmental Jurisdiction - 2003
An Alberta guide to federal, provincial, and municipal responsibility.
Alberta's Wetlands: A Law and Policy Guide - 2002
This publication contains information on laws, policies, and regulatory processes that can affect Alberta's wetlands.
Albertans’ Values and Attitudes toward Recreation and Wilderness - 2015
A survey by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
Water and Hydraulic Fracturing Report - 2015
By the Canadian Water Network.
Helping to Restore Alberta’s Bull Trout - 2022
By Trout Unlimited Canada.
Who Owns the Water? - 2012
By Jason Unger, Staff Counsel, Environmental Law Centre.
Articles
Water Conservation Throughout the Home - 2019
From Home Advisor
Southern Alberta could soon have Texas Weather - 2016
Alberta Farmer Express
A new view of the Lake Winnipeg watershed - 2016
Canadian Geographic
What's a Watershed? - 2024
From Alberta Water Portal
What is Drought? - 2014
From Alberta Water Portal
10 Things for new MLAs to know about Water Management in Alberta - 2015
From Alberta Water Portal
The Story of Hypoxia - 2019
A diagram of what happens when freshwater bodies are in a low state of oxygen by the GLERL.
