BARRHEAD –The Agi-Enviro Showcase brings Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS), the Athabasca Watershed(AWC) and the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) together to share knowledge and contribute to a healthier Alberta.
There were 40 people from these three important organizations gathered together at the Cherhill Ranch for a day on the land to collaborate with a focus on water, wildlife and working lands on June 13.
Jake Burlet and Jennifer Wood, Cherhill Ranch landowners, hosted the event on their property.
“It was a day of connection, land-based learning, and celebration,” said Becky Devaleriola, ALUS Coordinator for Lac Ste. Anne County, organizer of the event.
The group toured three different project areas focusing on wetlands and watershed health, habitat corridors, forest and wetland restoration zones.
Burlet led the group through the property where wetlands are protected, and they have been working to expand the size of the protected wetlands.
He said that land use planning benefits their agricultural business and their dedication to a healthy ecosystem.
Lisa Bard from the County of Barrhead ALUS, supporting Barrhead, Athabasca and Westlock, talked about how exclusion fencing and natural buffers enable both cattle and wildlife to flourish.
Burlet, Shayla Watson (AWC) and Caity Zimmerman (AWC) shared a wealth of information describing watershed health including project planning and how valuable long-term restoration can be.
Alexandra Zybinova (APOS) shared organization information and its connection to conservation initiatives.
The group shared a delicious farm-to-table lunch by Red Seal Chef Marcia Gatensby that highlighted the abundance from the land improved by conservation.
The group was privileged to view a heritage plaque in honour of Jacob’s Place, built in 1912 by the original homesteaders.
ALUS focuses on empowering farmers and ranchers to produce ecosystems including cleaner water, healthier soil, and biodiversity on their land.
“ALUS is supporting local producers in restoring wetlands, enhancing biodiversity and building climate resilience,” said Devaleriola.
“We have collaborated in the past on extension events, but this one was on a whole different scale of knowledge sharing,” said Bard, Barrhead ALUS.
They work directly with landowners to implement projects such as wetland restoration, riparian area fencing, tree and shrub planting, and creation of pollinator habitats.
Riparian areas are the unique strips of land directly along bodies of water like rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.
The Athabasca Watershed Council is dedicated to making sure the Athabasca River and all the connecting streams, lakes, and groundwater are healthy and well managed.
They study water quality, water quantity, what’s in the water and the health of plants and animals that live in and around the water.
APOS has a vested interest in sustainable wildlife populations and habitats.
They promote responsible hunting and manage hunting opportunities to keep wildlife populations healthy.
The three organizations have a shared vision for healthy ecosystems impacting the well-being of Alberta.
“I think all in attendance left with a feeling of appreciation for our local agriculture producers that are keen, not only to provide these ecosystem services but also have pride in doing so,” said Bard.
