We are thrilled to announce the securement of two new conservation lands -- New Jubilee Conservation Land and Evelyn’s Acres Conservation Land.
Settled along the North Saskatchewan River in northeast Edmonton, New Jubilee and Evelyn’s Acres span 233 acres of forests and farmland. These treasured lands have 80 acres of native habitat and 125 acres of agricultural lands -- and a remarkable history.
In 1956, Clarence and Jennie Visser established a farm and raised six children along this curve of the North Saskatchewan River. They were respected figures in their church and community, and their commitment to service translated to the land they tirelessly cared for. The couple held a deep connection with their land which they treated as a sacred trust.
Honouring his parent’s wishes for the land to be protected, Doug Visser worked with the Edmonton and Area Land Trust to place conservation easements on title. The easements safeguard the conservation values of the forests and farmland in perpetuity.
The name New Jubilee holds special meaning for Doug. It signifies the coming together of the farmer and the community for the benefit of everyone and the land. It is a fine name and a fine tribute to land that brings such ecological and social value to Edmonton and area. Learn more about what makes this a special place here.
Evelyn’s Acres is home to Riverbend Gardens, a local, small-scale family farm operated by Janelle and Aaron Herbert. Committed to ecologically and socially responsible farm practices, Riverbend Gardens offers fresh vegetables and community-supported agriculture in Edmonton and area. Learn more about Evelyn’s Acres here.
Protecting New Jubilee Conservation Land and Evelyn’s Acres Conservation Land took tremendous community effort. We extend a sincere thank you to Doug Visser, Kelly Mills, and Janelle and Aaron Herbert, and to all individual donors, the Edmonton Community Foundation, Community Leagues of Area 17 Council, and the Alberta Land Trust Grant Program.
Both conservation lands are privately owned. Please find opportunities to connect with New Jubilee through Lady Flower Gardens and Evelyn’s Acres through Riverbend Gardens.
“For generations, these special lands in NE Edmonton have been very good to our farming family. But the lands were here long before we became the stewards and need to be protected for the generations of people who come after us.
The conservation easements will ensure that these unique lands, within Edmonton’s city limits, are protected so the combination of special characteristics will always be here to help people learn how to live sustainably with the land and each other, now, and for time immemorial.
We are grateful for the ethic of land stewardship handed down from our parents. We thank EALT, and all who shared this vision to conserve these lands now and forever.”
Harvesters work in the Lady Flower Garden fields
Agricultural Legacy Endowment Fund
This fund supports EALT efforts to protect farmlands in Edmonton and area. Conserving lands suited for local food production will ensure that, as the city and region grow, future generations will have opportunities to enjoy local food and connect with the lands that sustain us.
Donations to this fund help support activities to secure and steward conservation easements on farmlands in Edmonton and Area. You can give a donation here.