Oldman River Native Grasslands project. (Photo: Emily Purvis)

By Haven Thibert

$4M announced to conserve Southern Alberta’s landscapes

Mar 14, 2025 | 10:39 AM

Alberta’s government is directing over $4 million to conservation efforts in southern Alberta, helping protect thousands of acres of grasslands, wetlands, and watersheds while supporting local farmers and ranchers.

The Southern Alberta Land Trust Society will receive $2.15 million, and the Western Sky Land Trust Society will receive nearly $1.9 million. The 12 conservation projects in southern Alberta total 18,764 acres.

All projects account for the majority of the province’s $5 million Land Trust Grant Program funding this year.

The local initiatives:

• Jumpingpound Watershed Project (Rocky View County) 1,198 acres $783,750.00
• Pekisko Native Grasslands Project (Foothills County) 250 acres $219,400.00
• Willow Creek Watershed Project (M.D. of Willow Creek) 417 acres $209,400.00
• Lundbreck Hills Wildlife Habitat Project (M.D. of Pincher Creek) 316 acres $189,400.00
• Oldman River Native Grasslands Project (Lethbridge County) 1,280 acres $500,000.00
• Manyberries Sage Grouse Project (Cypress County) 12,375 acres $250,000.00
• Bullshead Creek Ensminger Project (Cypress Country) 321 acres $185,180.00
• Foothills County Ranch Project 1 (Foothills County) 613 acres $482,000.00
• Martin Project (Wheatland County) 338 acres $345,720.00
• Matzhiwin Creek Ensminger Project (County of Newell) 350 acres $195,725.00
• Cypress County Ranch Project 1 1,759 acres $351,000.00
• Cypress County Ranch Project 2 320 acres $150,000.00
• Oxley Creek Egger/Blake Ranch Project (M.D. of Willow Creek) 325 acres $186,500.0

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All the projects are listed here: Land Trust Grant Program 2024/25 Successful Grant Applicants.

Executive director of Western Sky Land Trust Society, Max Fritz, says, “This program, unique in Canada, allows land trusts in partnership with landowners to ensure Alberta’s irreplaceable landscapes are conserved forever. “

Since 2019, the Land Trust Grant Program has awarded more than $50 million to land trusts, helping conserve over 142,000 acres of private land across Alberta.

The program aims to balance conservation with agricultural sustainability, protecting ecosystems without disrupting local communities.

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