(AB) Connect and Protect – Conservation Work Day – June 27 2026

Event Details

Continuing “Connect and Protect” series in partnership with Freshwater Conservation Canada, we are excited to host another event in Alberta.

Project background: Olin Creek is a small tributary of the Oldman River, which is currently struggling with habitat degradation and a lack of water. It does not flow year-round, but there is evidence that it used to, with the aid of local beavers. To help restore the creek, the Freshwater Conservation Canada team will lead participants through a day of beaver dam analogue building! Beaver dams slow the flow of water, holding water back on the surface in ponds, and forcing water to seep into the ground to recharge groundwater aquifers. This re-wets the landscape, restores local climate resiliency, and allows water-loving plants like willows to thrive. After many years, FCC also hopes that by restoring moisture to Olin Creek, the region will become suitable for beavers once again, who will help maintain creek health in perpetuity!

Meeting Location: Range Road 13B (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnUcyxxsXZw9x5QW8?g_st=am)

Meeting time: 9.30am

Build location: Olin Creek, within the Oldman River basin

There will be no cell service at this site. FCC staff will have inReach devices, which can send out an SOS in an emergency.

Each participant will receive a $50 stipend (use at your own discretion – lunch, carpool, care package, etc)

The restoration activity will likely occur between 10am-12:30pm. We will then break for lunch, and do a group activity (hike or bird watching).

While this event is primarily created for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. If you have an ally family member or friend who you would like to join along with you and can offer carpool, please ask them to fill in the form.

Registration deadline is June 23.

• Specific activities as part of the restoration activity are listed below. Some accommodations for physical ability can be made (i.e. not all participants need to lift and move heavy objects, or use mauls), but everyone should be prepared to walk on uneven ground and use shovels.
• A short walk (<5 mins) down a valley, on wet and uneven ground
• Lifting and moving woody debris (i.e. whole or partial trees and branches), weighing between 2-10kg
• Using sharp tools (loppers, pruning shears, hand saws) to cut trees and branches down to use
• Lots of digging with pickaxes and shovels
• Using mauls to pound posts into the ground

We will provide the following gear for event participants:

• All tools for restoration
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses, hard hats, and hearing protection (as needed, particularly for folks who would like to help with post-pounding)
• A jug of water to refill water bottles

Participants are expected to bring:

• Weather appropriate clothing, including raingear if needed
• Sturdy footwear that can get dirty and damp
• Water, snacks, and lunch
• Sunscreen (optional)
• Bear spray (optional, FCC staff will also carry bear spray on their persons)
• Cameras and/or binoculars to document/observe the day (optional)!

Transportation: We will be organizing a carpool and will need folks who can drive others to join. We will ask you to share driving expenses (carpool).

If you have any questions that might influence your decision to join, please email us at info@colourthetrails.com

We’re excited to be working in partnership with Freshwater Conservation Canada to bring our community outdoors and learn more about the conservation efforts of Freshwater Conservation Canada and how it helps restore and rehabilitate the watershed in Alberta.

This is an amazing opportunity to engage with Conservationists, learn about their efforts, and how to be a part of the change. If you’re interested in learning more about conservation efforts and spending a day on the field doing hands-on restorative work with the Colour the Trails community, then this event is for you!

We believe in giving back, learning, connecting, and exploring opportunities in outdoor and conservation areas. While this event entails physical work, it is important to see what effort goes into maintaining natural areas. We have done trail work in the past in BC, and it is fulfilling to see positive impact of your work.

Inclusion Policy: 

At Colour the Trails, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that champions inclusivity, respect, and equality. We want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of anti-Blackness, anti-Indigenous attitudes, racism, homophobia, ableism or transphobia within our organization or community. We firmly stand against discrimination and prejudice, and we are committed to creating a safe and affirming space for individuals of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and gender identities. Together, we strive to promote unity, understanding, and support for all trail enthusiasts, regardless of their background or identity. As a Black-owned and Black-led business, we recognize the greater prevalence of anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity and will always prioritize support and protection for Black and Indigenous communities.