(AB) Connect and Protect – Conservation Work Day – May 30 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: Waiparous Creek and its tributaries are critical habitat for two threatened species of native trout: Bull Trout (Alberta’s provincial fish!) and Westslope Cutthroat Trout. At this tributary of Waiparous Creek, decades of mixed land uses and pressures have degraded the creek, and put its fishy residents at risk. Since 2019, Freshwater Conservation Canada (FCC) has been working to restore this creek, and safeguard the native trout that call it home. Past activities in this watershed have included fish population inventories, culvert replacements, off-highway vehicle trail rehabilitation, and beaver dam analogue installation.

Restoration activity: FCC staff will lead participants through a morning of willow staking. Willows have adapted to their lives in flood-prone riparian areas, and can grow into new plants from just a cutting from a branch! By planting willow stakes in a degraded section of the creek’s riparian area, participants will help to kick-start the revegetation process at this site, and restore much needed shade and habitat for the birds, mammals, and fish at Waiparous Creek.

Meeting location: Waiparous Creek ATV Staging Area (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVGF6AXq9qpPXVLo9)

Meeting time: 9.30am

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 May 25.

Compared to the other workdays we’ve done, willow staking is a relatively low-exertion activity. It basically involves poking a hole in the ground, putting a stick in it, and backfilling the hole with dirt. These are usually pretty chill and chatty workdays! Also, it will be a shorter workday – approx 2.5 hours.

• The primary activity for this workday will be harvesting and planting willow and poplar stakes. This will involve:
  • Using loppers and hand loppers (sharp tools)
  • Using metal planting bars, weighing 2-5 pounds
  • Lifting and dragging bundles of stakes, weighing 10-30 pounds (optional, can be avoided for some people)
  • Using pickaxes to move dirt (optional)
  • Walking on uneven ground
  • Working near water, but not in water
• We will provide all tools and some work gloves for the project. We ask that folks bring:
  • Sturdy footwear that can get dirty (hikers are fine)
  • Appropriate clothing for the weather, including raingear, and lots of layers
  • A change of socks and shoes for the drive home
  • Plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch
  • 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.

Cost

There is no charge for joining the event. We will ask you to share driving expenses (carpool).

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.