Western Sky's Bow Initiative

What is the Bow Initiative?

With the successful completion of the Agrium-Nodwell Nature Preserve, Western Sky Land Trust (Western Sky) is now focused on creating additional conservation opportunities along the stretch of the Bow River from Calgary to Siksika fitting Environment Canada’s designation as an Environmentally Significant Area of International Importance.

The Bow River is one of Alberta’s most prominent treasures drawing both residents and international visitors with its natural features and recreational opportunities. It is also habitat for wildlife, a source of drinking water, and a resource for agricultural and industrial activity. By identifying the importance of land conservation and its link to the health of this watershed, we have developed the Bow Initiative. The Bow Initiative is a collective of efforts to promote voluntary land conservation both on this stretch of the Bow River and elsewhere in the watersheds of our region.

If you value the Bow River as a precious resource – support Western Sky now to facilitate these conservation efforts!

Join Us at the Landowner Information Forum 2009!

Western Sky is pleased to host a Landowner Forum on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 am, at the Carseland Community Hall. The forum is free of charge and will feature a number of presentations on the mandate of Western Sky, land conservation easements, charitable tax benefits, estate planning, and how voluntary conservation tools can assist with conserving landscapes for future generations. For more information on this event, please contact us.

Gone Fishing

At our most recent AGM (June 2009) Western Sky acknowledged the completion of terms by three of our Board members and welcomed many new individuals to our Board. A heartfelt and sincere thanks to Jerry Brunen, Jean LeSourd and Steve Edwards. Your dedication and hard work, which began even before we formally opened the doors of our organization, have been remarkable. A warm welcome to our new Board members!

Jerry Brunen (Past Chair) has been a passionate supporter of Western Sky from the building stages of our organization (he even came up with our name!)  to our first successful project – the Agrium-Nodwell Nature Preserve. He provided countless hours as a volunteer from 2002 to 2009, offering leadership and guidance to fellow volunteers, and bringing a wealth of knowledge on watershed management, agricultural sustainability, and other environmental aspects. He was also our second Chair on the Board from 2006 to 2009 and continues to provide guidance to our organization.

Jean LeSourd (Past Committee Chair) joined the inaugural Board of Western Sky in 2004 and has led our Outreach & Awareness committee since then. Her professional experience as a consultant in the marketing field provided Western Sky with exceptional guidance on how to successfully reach out to our key stakeholders and audiences.  Jean has been a valuable volunteer for our organization – Western Sky cannot thank her enough for all of her efforts and looks forward to her continuing contribution as an Outreach & Awareness Committee member!

Steve Edwards (Past Committee Chair) joined the inaugural board of Western Sky in 2004, first serving as Chair of the Lands Committee, followed by Chairing our Governance & Nominating Committee. Steve has provided strategy and direction to Western Sky, driven by his managerial background and experience as a director with a number of other organizations. Steve is the driving force behind the recruitment of many of our valuable volunteers. We greatly appreciate everything he has done and continues to do as a committee member on the Governance and Nominating Committee to further the cause of Western Sky.

Gone Fishing…  not quite!

Western Sky’s day-to-day work would be impossible without the effort of our dedicated office staff.  Janielle Simard, Angela Lori and Sasha Hayden, have delivered outstanding work as Project Assistants and have helped us advance our work in all areas.

We regret saying good-bye, but are excited for their new endeavours.  In May, Janielle welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Genevieve and Public Relations students, Angela and Sasha have returned to Mount Royal University to complete their studies. 

Thank you for your outstanding work and best wishes!