As Alberta’s prairie landscapes continue to face pressure from land use changes, understanding where biodiversity remains and how it can be supported is increasingly important. Mapping Biodiversity in Prairie Canada is an article that explores how scientific modelling is helping researchers, conservation organizations, and landowners better understand the relationship between agricultural land use and habitats across the Prairies. It highlights how even small amounts of retained natural habitat can make a meaningful difference for species richness and long-term ecological health.
Nature Alberta releases a quarterly magazine. Each issue offers informative, educational, and engaging nature writing and photography that inspires readers to venture out and directly experience nature, deepens their connection with the natural world, and strengthens their commitment to protecting Alberta’s local habitats and wild places. The magazine is available digitally and in print. More information can be found here: Magazine - Nature Alberta
To support biodiversity in the prairies, there are numerous programs available to assist landowners and agricultural producers. ALUS Canada is a national, community-driven program that works with farmers and ranchers across Canada to support projects that produce ecological services on their land. It engages producers in creating, restoring, and enhancing acres of nature on marginal agricultural lands to address local environmental challenges, build community resilience, and contribute to efforts to increase biodiversity. By recognizing environmental stewardship, ALUS gives producers a practical way to enhance the ecological value of their land while supporting its long-term health and sustainability.
The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program is a Rocky View County delivered initiative, in partnership with ALUS Canada, which aims to improve ecological services such as clean air, clean water, flood mitigation, climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, species at risk habitat and support for native bees and pollinators. For more information or to apply, please visit the Rocky View County Agricultural programs and grants page.