Boots on the ground restoration: Restoration projects within the North Saskatchewan River watershed involve lake shore planting. This involves a site assessment, a planting plan and precrural of native flowering plants, shrubs, and trees. 

Participant sites become educational demonstration sites to showcase natural lakeshores. The sites are publicly accessible and are monitored for improvements to ecosystem services, such as biodiversity and improved water quality.

Planting Projects

Riparian areas are the transition zones between water and land, they slow and clean water before it enters an aquatic system; they also stabilize shorelines with their deep roots and provide critical habitat and food for an array of species.

To raise awareness and re-establish biodiversity in these important ecosystems, the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance hosts planting projects with the help of partners. These projects provide a great hands-on experience for community members to learn about the importance of riparian health in the watershed. This project was made possible through the generous support of Pembina Pipeline.

Hastings Lake Shoreland Enhancement Project

NSWA partnered with the Beaver Hill Watershed Stewardship Society (BHWSS) and the Hasting’s Lake Bible Camp who supported the planning and assisted in guiding the day’s activities to complete a successful community-focused planting event. 

We had volunteers come out as well as grade 4 students from St. Luke Catholic School to become stewards of the watershed! Planting ~150 wildflowers, trees, and shrubs on the shoreland of Hastings Lake. The local school looks forward to infusing more environmental initiatives into their programming. Involving students in hands-on environmental work helps cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship from a young age. This collaborative effort not only contributed to the supporting biodiversity of Hastings Lake watershed but also fostered a deeper connection between participants and the local ecosystem. 

Great Divide Tree Planting Celebration & Blessing

NSWA and BRWA partnered with Global Foundation’s new Miquelon Watershed Stewardship Committee to organize and implement the meaningful event. 

Highlights included recognizing the significance of the historical Gene Eisert Wildlands and noting the area is where the Battle River watershed and North Saskatchewan watershed divide. The property is also situated in the region of the highest elevation of the Beaver Hills Biosphere. Participants were delighted to take part in an Indigenous blessing to invoke the spiritual aspect of reconnecting and healing the land.  Around 170 plants were installed, marking a meaningful step toward improving watershed resiliency, enhancing wildlife habitat, and promoting long-term ecological health. Events like this serve as reminders that when communities come together, they can create lasting positive change for both people and the planet.