The Edmonton and Area Land Trust (EALT) stands out as a premier conservation organization in Canada, dedicated to preserving vital natural spaces in the Edmonton region. Its work focuses on safeguarding ecosystems, boosting biodiversity, and building a sustainable environment for both wildlife and people. Volunteers and locals are the backbone of these efforts, actively rolling up their sleeves for conservation projects. EALT also heavily invests in environmental education to instill a sense of ecological responsibility in future generations. You can dive deeper into the organization’s history, mission, and ongoing projects at edmonton.name.
The Mission and Role of the Edmonton and Area Land Trust in Protecting Natural Areas
EALT’s core mission is clear: protect the land to preserve its biodiversity while connecting people with nature. The trust safeguards parkland and boreal ecosystems as a lasting legacy for future generations. It champions the environment not just for what it provides, but for its intrinsic value to all living creatures. Day in and day out, the EALT team strives to honour the trust placed in them by volunteers, donors, and partners. This collaborative approach effectively bridges the gap between people, communities, and the great outdoors. As a regional land trust, EALT champions conservation by managing properties within the city and up to 150 kilometres outside its borders.
Organization History and Conservation Lands in Edmonton and the Surrounding Area
EALT was established in 2007 through a collaborative effort involving the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton Community Foundation, the Edmonton Nature Club, the Canadian Centre for Land Stewardship, the Urban Development Institute, and the Legacy Lands Conservation Society. In its formative years, the organization successfully secured several vital conservation sites. The first was the Hicks property, protected in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). Golden Ranches followed closely, acquired through a joint effort with the NCC, the Alberta Conservation Association, and the Alberta Fish and Game Association. The Ministik conservation lands were added to the roster shortly after. All three of these properties sit within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—a critical haven for waterfowl and other wildlife. EALT’s managed lands in this area are a key piece of a much larger, interconnected network of protected spaces. Momentum continued with the quick acquisition of two additional sites: Glory Hills-maskihkîy meskanaw and Pipestone Creek.
Environmental Education, Volunteer Programs, and EALT’s Awards
By 2013, EALT’s dedication to land acquisition, diligent stewardship, and active community outreach paid off. The organization won an Alberta Emerald Award for outstanding environmental achievements and partnership building. This prestigious accolade celebrates true innovation in eco-initiatives.
Over the next five years, the organization acquired several more conservation areas, including:
- Boisvert’s GreenWoods.
- Coates and Bunchberry Meadows (in partnership with the NCC).
- Larch Sanctuary (in partnership with the City of Edmonton).
- Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary.
Each of these areas holds unique value, offering locals a chance to visit and reconnect with nature. EALT also launched an educational initiative called the Protecting Pollinators program. Through presentations and hands-on workshops on building “bee hotels,” the program raises awareness about the crucial role pollinators play and the importance of preserving their habitats.
After its first decade, EALT secured the Smith Blackburn Homestead, located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It also established a conservation easement in Parkland County and two more within the city of Edmonton—New Jubilee and Evelyn’s Acres. In 2019, the organization brought home another Alberta Emerald Award for its outstanding environmental achievements. Despite the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, EALT expanded its volunteer capacity by launching two new programs: Conservation Land Stewards and Citizen Science. Making history in 2022, the organization purchased a brand-new conservation site outright—the JBJ McDonald property. It sits just 800 metres away from the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary.
Once land is donated, EALT becomes its legal owner and takes full responsibility for its stewardship. From there, the organization’s experts draft a comprehensive conservation management plan. This blueprint outlines specific goals for habitat preservation, public access, infrastructure development, and long-term site management.