Volunteer Stewards are individuals and organizations committed to developing a world-class network of parks and protected areas. They assist with site management and operation of a number of protected areas throughout the province (see Listing of Steward Sites). Over 270 individual stewards and nearly 60 steward organization are currently involved in the program. Individuals, non-profit societies, municipalities, corporations and other groups can apply to become volunteer stewards.

What It Means to be a Volunteer Steward

Volunteer Stewards:

• encourage public participation in site management and operations;
• enhance public understanding of, and commitment to, conservation and protected areas programs; and
• foster communication between the public, local government and Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture .

With the continued involvement of the public, the future of stewardship is assured. We hope to expand stewardship opportunities into additional parks and protected areas over the next decade.

Your steward duties:

Volunteer stewards help us monitor conditions at select parks and protected areas, many of which are remote or undeveloped. Volunteer stewards have no enforcement responsibilities. Although they do not represent the government legally, their observations alert us to the unique management needs of the sites they care for.

There are two ways to become involved in volunteer stewardship as a roving steward or as a steward assigned to one or more sites.

Roving stewards are not assigned to a specific site, but are free to move from site to site and take on special projects that are short or long in duration. Roving steward’s duties can be as easy as going from site to site monitoring, taking photographs or installing signs. It can also involve using their specialized skills and interests to assist other stewards or staff to undertake special projects. Some examples of special projects could involve trail development, scientific or market research or public education.

Stewards assigned to sites are required to visit their assigned site(s) at least twice per year to:

• observe, record and report on natural conditions and human activities, including any site destruction or alteration, and unauthorized activities;
• install and maintain signs along the site boundary, where applicable; and
• complete and submit site-inspection forms, which the department uses to update its site database.

The Inspection Report Form is available on-line for your convenience.

Special Report Form

To accommodate the wide variety of projects that stewards participate in, there is now a new form that can be used for submitting information to us. You can use the current inspection report form or the new special projects form. The new special projects form can be used to document the details of additional projects completed on your assigned site(s). Stewards must obtain prior approval for these projects from their field coordinator and permission to waive the inspection report and submit the special projects form.

Examples of projects completed by stewards include:

• site clean ups and work bees
• reclamation projects
• installation and maintenance of signs along the protected area boundary
• trail development and parking areas
• public education and promotion
• biophysical inventories and other research projects
• fundraising

The Special Project Report Form is available for download for your convenience.

Steward talents and interests benefit all...

Many stewards take the initiative to extend their duties to include special projects, depending upon their individual interests and expertise, and site requirements. They make major contributions to conservation efforts in Alberta and in the parks and protected areas network. Without their talent and motivation, many of these projects would not be possible.Examples include:

Natural History

• conducting breeding bird surveys
• installing bird houses
• mapping special features and rare species
• developing comprehensive species lists (plants, birds, animals, etc.)

Site Management

• organizing annual site clean-up
• planning and developing site improvements (parking lots, trails, etc.)
• making minor fence repairs
• providing input into site management plans
• conducting fund raising activities

Interpretation and Environmental Education

• planning and leading educational programs
• developing interpretative trails and signs
• designing interpretative brochures

Our Stewards

What support do we provide our stewards?

Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture acknowledges the contributions that stewards make to conservation; we are committed to responding to their concerns and recommendations. The department:

• matches stewards with appropriate sites;
• equips stewards with identification cards and site information kits consisting of maps, air photos, site information, legislation, inspection forms and brochures;
• gives technical advice and support on site monitoring;
• provides an opportunity for stewards to participate in the annual volunteer conference
• supplies copies of the "Partners in Preservation" newsletter, published semi-annually

Who makes a good steward?

Stewards come from all walks of life, have diverse backgrounds and share a common interest in protecting Alberta's natural heritage. Being a volunteer steward can increase your enjoyment of an area by allowing you to take an active role in its preservation.

Eligible individuals must be:

• 18 years or older, (if you are under the age of 18, written permission from a parent or guardian is required)
• able to make a 2 year commitment
• capable of performing stewardship duties
• have a cell phone available for their use
• comfortable in an outdoor setting
• have access to transportation as required
• share a stewardship philosophy that is compatible with the goals of the Parks and Protected Areas Program

Eligible non-profit groups must be:

• a registered society under the Alberta Societies Act
• and if required, be able to obtain liability insurance coverage

If you are keenly interested in preserving and conserving nature, our volunteer steward program will meet your needs! You will:

• work in beautiful natural settings;
• contribute to your community;
• meet new people with similar interests;
• work as part of a dedicated team; and
• apply your skills and abilities in a meaningful way.

How do you get involved?

There are a number of parks and protected areas in need of volunteer stewards. See Listing of Steward Sites or simply write, call or email Coral Grove, the Volunteer Steward Co-ordinator (Coral.Grove@gov.ab.ca to receive an information package. The package includes an application form to help you and our staff select a suitable site for you or your group.

Applications for roving stewards are also welcomed. These volunteers contribute their skills and knowledge to particular projects, like trail construction or research but are not assigned to a specific site.

Forming A Society

At some locations, stewards have formed non-profit societies, legally registered under the Societies Act. This is an excellent way to bring together members of your community, people who share a common interest in their local protected area. Some of the advantages are:

• you are directly involved in protecting an important part of Alberta's natural heritage;
• you are eligible to apply for grants and may undertake other fund raising activities; and
• as a registered charity, you may be eligible to offer tax benefits to donors.

For more information on Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Steward program you can download the Volunteer Steward Handbook or contact:

Volunteer Steward Co-ordinator
Parks and Protected Areas Division
2nd Floor, Oxbridge Place
9820 - 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T5K 2J6

Phone: (780) 427-8515
Fax: (780) 427-5980

E-mail: Coral.Grove@gov.ab.ca