The Conservation Land Stewards program has been included in the shortlist for the 35th Annual Emerald Awards, presented by the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), recognizing environmental excellence across the province. The shortlist represents the top projects and organizations selected from this year’s nominations, highlighting Alberta’s impact, innovation, and leadership in the environmental space.
Now in its 35th year, the Emerald Awards are among Alberta’s most recognized environmental honours, celebrating the individuals, organizations, and projects driving meaningful change across the province.
Laarni, a Conservation Land Steward in the pollinator garden at the Smith Blackburn Homestead. Photo by Graeme McCrady - CLS.
About the Conservation Land Stewards Program
Nominated in the Biodiversity and Habitat Category, EALT is celebrating the crucial role of Conservation Land Steward volunteers in stewarding natural areas in the capital region. In one of Alberta’s most developed areas, EALT protects natural areas that remain through private land conservation. Once conserved, lands are protected in perpetuity, and Conservation Land Stewards are integral to the long-term stewardship of them.
Since 2021, Conservation Land Stewards have volunteered across 11 conservation lands, conserving diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, creeks, and wetlands. Their stewardship work improves and maintains habitat quality, reduces hazards for wildlife, and prevents activities that could harm the habitat. So far, 223 volunteers have been involved in the program, contributing over 3,500 hours of stewardship work.
Examples of stewardship work that CLS complete to protect habitat.
You can see more examples and highlights from CLS volunteers in our Volunteer Report.
The nomination also celebrates the Conservation Land Stewards program as a promising model to expand stewardship and operational capacity for other environmental agencies. EALT celebrates the vision we share with our volunteers and supporters to conserve nature across Alberta.
“We are excited to celebrate the dedication of these volunteers and the passion we share for conserving habitat. We hope this award will bring more people out to the conservation lands closest to them, to connect, and to consider their role as a steward of the land.”
The Awards Ceremony
The Emerald Awards create a unique space where leaders from industry, non-profit, academia, and government come together with community members from across Alberta to celebrate and elevate the work shaping a more sustainable future.
The 35th Annual Emerald Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Calgary Central Library. The event will also be live-streamed through the AEF’s YouTube channel, ensuring accessibility to audiences across the province and beyond.
Tickets to the awards ceremony can be purchased here. EALT will be present; we hope to see some familiar faces there!
Ways to Support EALT
Share about this shortlist announcement!
Join the Volunteer Team
Donate - our general stewardship fund is dedicated towards the ongoing maintenance of our conservation lands by both staff and volunteers
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