FALL 2021 | 

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 03

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

AN APPRENTICE... PAGE 4

BATS AND FARMS... PAGE 8

PREPARE FOR DROUGHT WITH

REGENERATIVE AG MINDSET... PAGE 10

SEEDING AT NAAPI'S GARDEN... PAGE 14

LAND ACCESS SUPPORT IS

COMING TO ALBERTA... PAGE 16
 FALL 2021 VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 03

MISSION: To represent and support EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Alberta's entire organic industry.
VISION: A strong, sustainable and
united organic community in of whom were Organic Alberta
Alberta.
members. Since then, they have
trained an additional 41 apprentices!
EDITOR/SUBMISSIONS Check out the article on page four to
Cari Hartt learn more about the life of an
587-521-2400 apprentice!
[email protected]
ADVERTISING Organic Alberta has also been part of
Cari Hartt
an agriculture extension collaborative
587-521-2400
that brings together Young Agrarians,
[email protected]
GRAPHIC DESIGNER  Rural Routes to Climate Solutions,
Cari Hartt Peace Country Beef and Forage
587-521-2400 Association, ALUS, and Cows and Fish.
[email protected] This collaboration has allowed us to
expand our network of farmers and
also our knowledge. It is also where
BOARD MEMBERS
we learned about how important bats
Representatives elected by region:
(N) North (S) South (C) Central
are for farming systems (see page
Hello everyone!
(M) Member at Large eight ). This article makes me think of
President: Charles Newell (AB section 5.2.4 of the Canadian Organic
It seems like an unpopular thing to say,
Federal Level): Standards: Management practices
but Fall is definitely my favourite
780-809-2247 shall include measures to promote
season. Not only do I love the colourful
[email protected]
and protect ecosystem health.
Vice Chair: Tracey Smith (M): leaves, the crisp air, and sunny days, but
780-802-4073 things seem to slow down from the
frantic pace of summer. We reconnect We are very excited to announce that
[email protected]
Treasurer: Becky Doherty (M): with our families and communities with Melisa Zapisocky and Samantha
587-673-1077 Fall suppers and Thanksgiving. This past Flasha have both returned to the
[email protected]
summer brought us a set of challenges Organic Alberta team! They will be
Secretary: Andrew Mans (S): working on programming for the
(drought, heat dome, and grasshoppers
403-360-5663
to name a few) and now in the Fall, we Mackenzie County region. Melisa will
[email protected]
have a bit of a reprieve. I hope you can be based out of Edmonton, while
James Thiessen (N):
take some time to catch up with Samantha will be located in High
603-480-1158
[email protected] Organic Alberta and the organic sector Level. Stay tuned for more
Kirk Riste (S): with the latest edition of our magazine. information on their work in the
403-501-4692 region.
[email protected]
Fall 2021 is a mix of ongoing and new
Frank Maddock (M): Other items to put on your radar for
activities at Organic Alberta. With Tierra
780-727-2333
Stokes at the helm as Prairie Regional the fall and winter include an exciting
[email protected]
coordinator of the Bauta Initiative on webinar series, and the 2022 Organic
Ed Szymanek (C):
403-350-2677 Canadian Seed Security, we are a decade Alberta conference (which will be
[email protected] into our partnership and commitment to looking a bit different this year).
Pierre Fillion (N): seed work and varieties. We also
780-925-2909 continue to host the Young Agrarians That’s it for now. As always, please
[email protected] feel free to reach out to us. You can
program, a program I have been so
excited to see grow since I first started reach me via email at
at Organic Alberta in 2016. I witnessed [email protected] or by
Winter 2021 deadline is November
19th. Please send comments, the launch of their Apprenticeship calling 587-521-2400.
suggestions, ads, and/or articles to program in 2017, starting with seven
[email protected]  apprentices and seven mentors, many Take care!

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN APPRENTICE:

ANNALISE BEAULIEU – STEEL PONY FARM

By Michelle Lam, New Farmer The Application Process ways of growing food. The YA
Engagement Coordinator, Young At the age of 34, Annalise is in the Apprenticeship program was a way to
Agrarians middle of a career transition. As part of bridge that gap in knowledge.
her career development in food security,
Steel Pony Farm is a vegetable farm in she enrolled in the Horticulture “I poked around the website to see if
Red Deer, AB that lives up to its values of program at Olds College to gain there was any mention of age limits. And
growing fresh, chemical-free food for the credibility for future jobs in the field. it was just like, ‘anyone’s welcome to
local community in a sustainable The program requires students to join’.” – Annalise Beaulieu, YA Apprentice.
manner. It’s led by Mike Kozlowski who is participate in a summer placement with
praised by his peers for prioritizing a mentor — a perfect fit with the YA To apply, potential candidates fill out a
mindfulness and mutual understanding Apprenticeship program. form and are asked to answer a question
amongst the farm team. There are that can be answered in the form of a
currently two Young Agrarians (YA) Farm “I was thinking about what my goals video or essay — Annalise opted for the
Apprentices at Steel Pony Farm, one of were for that summer placement, [and] video option. The completed application
which is Annalise Beaulieu, who proudly it was to learn the things I wanted to is then sent to the farm mentors, which in
shares her passion for increasing food know that I knew we wouldn’t get in Annalise’s case, was Mike. Mike
security. school.” interviewed Annalise and within 3 weeks
of submitting the application, she was
Annalise previously worked in When speaking about the college accepted. A month later, in the beginning
healthcare, helping out in dental offices, program, she describes a lack of of May, she started her Apprenticeship at
but wanted a change of pace. With the coverage on topics like soil health, Steel Pony Farm.
rise of the pandemic, she landed a job ecosystem services, and alternative
with Siksika Health Services, The Day-To-Day
coordinating the Emergency Food Steel Pony Farm has a Farm Share (CSA –
Security program. She describes her community supported agriculture)
position as a “very, very steep learning program that serves 220 households on a
curve”, but it’s evident that her personal weekly basis. They also work with YYC
drive to build food-resilient communities Growers. Annalise and the team of five
pushed her through the challenges people at Steel Pony Farm work Monday
along the way. Through the position, she through Friday, starting each morning
helped launch a food bank in Siksika with a check-in.
while leading a team that ranged from 3
to 16 people. Morning Meetings
The day starts at 7 AM. “Everyone walks in,
“At the end of a really stressful day, [I there’s a lot of hugging (people are very
knew] the work I had done had gotten huggy) and then we all sit in a circle,”
food into the household of people who described Annalise. Mike begins the
needed it.“ – Annalise Beaulieu, YA morning by asking a question of the day:
Apprentice If you were a food what food would you

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be? What was the best thing that Thursday: Orders are packed into were doing about things like pest control,
happened to you yesterday? What’s your paper bags and door deliveries are crop rotation or any of it,” said Annalise,
intention for today? made for CSA customers. describing the hobby farm. Irrigation,
Friday: The team continues with tasks machinery operation, dugouts and
“The purpose for the check in is to around the farm (weeding, shelterbelts — there was a lot for her to
remind us that we are all showing up as harvesting, etc.) until 4 pm. learn from Steel Pony Farm. On top of this,
people and as our whole selves,” she highlights her experience observing
Annalise said. “Everyone is very Unlike other farms in the area, the Steel Mike and learning his techniques for
accepting of where other people are. Pony Farm team doesn’t work on managing CSA subscriptions. “He does a
And then throughout the day, it’s just weekends. “Mike’s just like, ‘I don’t want really good job of dealing with upset
like, I know where I’m at, I know where to work. You don’t want to work. Let’s people and figuring out how to calm them
this other person is.” not work.’” down or manage whatever crisis,” she
explained.
Whether they come to work with a lot or Food and Accommodation
little energy, sore bodies, good or bad The Apprentices at Steel Pony Farm are Starting in September, Annalise will
moods — everyone is open and honest responsible for finding their own continue onto her second year of the
about themselves. accommodation in Red Deer. Annalise Horticulture program at Olds College while
chose to commute from Olds, AB, where continuing to work for the farm full-time.
As it is currently harvest season, the she was renting an affordable place This will go on for about 8 weeks, with the

team starts harvesting after the while studying at Olds College. Meals are Apprenticeship ending around October 31.

morning meeting until 2 pm. At noon, also on their own, although each YA She plans to continue pursuing her career

they break for a 45-minute lunch. Apprentice gets their own vegetable box in food security, with the hopes of showing
(farm share) as a bonus of being on the youth how to grow their own vegetables,
Steel Pony team. As each Apprenticeship getting them outside and involved.
The afternoon work schedule varies
varies, it’s best to read the descriptions
depending on the days of the week:
for the farm and speak directly to the “In my perfect world, I would be helping
mentors about food and accommodation people grow food that they like and be
Monday: Work continues till 5 pm on
details during the application process. excited about growing it. And that
the farm.
translates into excitement about eating it.”
Tuesday/Wednesday: The Team packs
Major Learnings and Next Steps – Annalise Beaulieu, YA Apprentice.
up at 2 pm, loads up the
Annalise grew up on a hobby farm which
trucks/trailers, and heads to the drop
hosted a large garden, some cattle, and Learn more about the Apprenticeship
site (where CSA customers pick up
a few horses. “We didn’t know what we program at www.youngagrarians.org.
their orders).

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BATS AND FARMS

By Susan Holroyd, Regional Coordinator, (grubs, cutworms, caterpillars). Europe found bat activity around cattle
Alberta Community Bat Program. Photo Reducing damage from larval pests also increased with larger herd size. Reduction
courtesy of Jason Headley. produces a significant decrease in of blood-sucking pests feeding on
fungal infections in corn crops which livestock can decrease potentially harmful
Bats can save farms money. Insect enter through areas of pest damage. effects, such as reduced growth rate of
control is a major expense for many Echolocating bats can have an indirect calves, lower milk production, and
farmers and all nine of Alberta’s bat effect simply by being present on farms. transmission of insect-borne disease.
species eat insects. The ultimate Bats can significantly reduce the egg-
opportunists, bats will eat whatever laying behaviour of “tympanate” or Currently, WCS Canada’s Alberta
night-flying insect they can find. “eared” moths, which have the ability to Community Bat Program (ACBP) is
Abundant hatches of insects, typical of detect bat echolocation calls. Biologists collaborating with the Department of
pest insect outbreaks that can occur dubbed this phenomenon the Veterinary Medicine at the University of
over crops, provide the perfect resource “soundscape of fear” to describe how Calgary to look at bat activity around
patch for hungry bats. American night skies filled with screaming bats cattle. Using advanced DNA analysis,
researchers calculated the value of bats will literally scare moths away from an guano samples collected from bat roosts
consuming agricultural pests ranges area and prevent egg-laying. near agricultural areas will be analysed to
somewhere between $2.7 and $53 billion Echolocating bats are incredibly loud determine which insect species bats are
annually. These numbers are based on (with calls up to 120 dB, equivalent to consuming. Bats may also be used to
estimates of bat population sizes, as well the sound of a fire alarm) but are also survey farms for pest outbreaks and the
as the fact that bats commonly consume high frequency (20 to 40 kHz or higher) presence of invasive pest species.
their own body weight in insects each making them inaudible to human ears. "Chirosurveillance” would use wild
night (breeding females consume the foraging bats capable of covering
most insects to support pregnancy and Agroforestry can benefit economically distances of five to twenty-five kilometres
lactation). In some areas, the estimated as a result of increased predation by away from their roost to sample insect
value of insect control provided by bats bats during insect outbreaks. populations present on any given night.
was equivalent to the cost of applying Researchers in British Columbia have DNA analysis of fresh bat guano samples
pesticides! Additionally, while insects found that Myotis bats eat could theoretically indicate the presence
can become resistant to some types of proportionally more spruce budworm of pest insect species of interest, flagging
pesticides, bats will remain consistent moths during outbreaks. However, the need for action if the presence of a
insect consumers. This estimated value further research is needed to determine particularly concerning insect is detected.
of bats in agriculture does not include actual numbers of moths consumed by It gives a whole new meaning to activating
the beneficial environmental bats. the bat-signal! Results of this research will
implications of reduced pesticide use be available in 2022 and posted on our
when bats are present. Livestock producers may also benefit website.
from the presence of bats. In some
Bats reduce agricultural pest areas, bats have been found feeding off Tough Times for Bats
populations by eating adult flying the insects which are attracted to cattle Most people misunderstand bat biology.
insects, preventing them from laying and deer, including mosquitoes, biting Although bats are small mammals and
eggs that hatch into plant-eating larvae midges, and black flies. A study in often compared to mice, their life

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expectancy is similar to that of large processes during hibernation, resulting intensive and moderate agricultural
mammals. Most bat species produce only in more frequent arousals from practices.
a single pup each season, with only half hibernation, which depletes their fat
of those pups making it through their reserves, leading to starvation and Install bat houses.
first winter, and most first year females death. WNS has killed millions of bats In areas where large, old trees or other
do not successfully produce a pup. and threatens to cause the extirpation natural bat roost features are absent or
However, bats have inordinately long and or extinction of several hibernating lacking, bat houses can supplement
lifespans for a small mammal. Alberta bat species. roosting needs. Bat houses primarily
holds the longevity record for Little benefit Big Brown Bats and Little Brown
Brown Myotis (from a banded bat) at 39 In response to mass mortalities, three Myotis. Install multiple bat houses with a
years old. Successfully producing species (Little Brown and Northern variety of sun exposures so that bats can
offspring is a task spread over a long Myotis and Tricolored Bat) were move around to find the best conditions to
lifespan. assessed as Endangered in 2014 under meet their needs.
the federal Species At Risk Act. A
Bat population losses can take decades number of our western bat species have Use the free resources created by the

to recover, and can result from disease, yet to encounter the fungus and the Alberta Community Bat Program.
We advocate for “bat-friendly” bat
vandalism, improper exclusion, effects on their populations are as of yet
management and have produced
accidental entrapment in buildings, unknown.
brochures and guidebooks including best
habitat loss, mortality from domestic
practices for agriculture to conserve bats,
cats, wind turbines, as well as loss of What Can Farms Do To Help Bats?
guidance for managing bats in buildings,
wetlands and foraging habitat. Potential
and best practices for wildlife control
impacts on bats specific to agriculture Diversify farmland and reduce pesticide
operators. Some bats are especially fond of
include: the removal of roost sites (such use.
using buildings for summer maternity
as trees or building roosts), the reduction Large, extensive areas of monocultures
roosts and these sites often house larger
of insect prey, loss or degradation of often result in the loss of natural habitat
colony sizes than what has been recorded
foraging habitat by replacing native and may seriously fragment habitats. In
in natural roosting sites (like old trees or
habitats with cropland, exposure to toxic a Canadian study, mixed farmland (with
rock crevices). Learn how to identify and
compounds such as agrochemicals, and crop areas of 3 square kilometres or
reduce hazards such as drowning in rain
changes in the spatial arrangement of smaller) had more insects and bats than
barrels, cat predation, and entrapment
necessary habitat features that promote areas with large homogeneous farmland
with our “Bat Friendly Communities
connectivity on the landscape. typical of intensive farm practices. As
Guidebook”. Further information,
well, organic farms and shaded
guidebooks, and free bat house plans are
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease agroforestry were found to have greater
available on our website:
that affects bats during hibernation and numbers of bat species than farms
www.albertabats.ca.
is caused by a foreign, invasive fungal using intensive farming practices.
species first reported in northeastern
Alberta Community Bat Program's mission is
USA in 2006. The fungus can be spread Retain water features and connective to raise awareness of bat conservation issues,
via microscopic spores in contaminated elements such as shelterbelts. provide information to help residents
soils on muddy boots, equipment, or Farm areas that include natural responsibly manage bats in buildings, and to
clothing but seems to spread primarily woodlands or semi-natural habitats collect data needed to monitor and better
from bat-to-bat. The fungus has spread within the arable land areas provide understand bats in the province.
westward across North America to better bat habitat than those that do
Saskatchewan and the American not. Bats need water features for Now a program of WCS Canada, the Alberta
Midwest and made a leap in 2016, when drinking and foraging, and use lines of Community Bat Program was initiated in

it was detected near Seattle. The trees or shrubs as safe cover when flying 2016 in collaboration with Alberta
Environment and Parks, and participants of
distribution of the fungus seems to move between roosting and foraging habitat.
the Alberta Bat Action Team (ABAT). The
westward about 250 kilometres annually Shelterbelts may also be productive
ACBP was modeled after highly successful
and is expected to arrive in Alberta any feeding areas for bats.
community bat programs in British Columbia
year.
(www.bcbats.ca) and continues to work
Retain roosting features for bats such
closely with counterparts in BC for the
Biologists with WCS Canada have been as large, old trees, or large rock development of program materials.
collecting bat guano under bridges in features with crevices.
Alberta and Saskatchewan to test for the Keeping these features will ensure bats Community bat programs in BC, as well as
presence of the fungus. As of August are able to remain present to respond to Bat Action Teams in both BC and Alberta,
2021, the disease has not been detected any future pest insect outbreaks. The have been instrumental in creating science-
in Alberta, but was found in eastern creation and management of habitats based guidelines and best practices widely
Saskatchewan. Bats die when the fungus used by bats may offset the impacts and used by government, industry and
disrupts their normal physiological loss of biodiversity associated with conservation groups in both provinces.

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PREPARE FOR DROUGHT WITH REGENERATIVE AG MINDSET

By Hugh Aljoe. Republished with producers usually have contingency more resilient during drought (and floods).
permission from Noble Research plans in place to nimbly deviate from
Institute. their “ideal” management plan and Manage Pastures With Livestock, Not For
adapt to unfavorable weather patterns. Livestock
Drought is a natural and regular event in Regenerative graziers actually manage
grazing lands. A drought is a period of As a bonus, producers practicing their pastures and forage inventories with
time when an area or region experiences regenerative agriculture and grazing livestock instead of their pastures for
below-normal precipitation. The lack of typically manage through droughts livestock — pasture and grazing
adequate precipitation can cause more easily with fewer adverse impacts management are the priorities. There is a
reduced soil moisture or groundwater, on their land and profitability. Their distinction here that indicates a different,
diminished stream flow, crop damage, grazing lands also recover more rapidly forward-thinking mindset.
and a general water shortage. For than other lands, where regenerative
livestock producers and managers of grazing is not routinely practiced. The distinct advantage regenerative
grazing lands, this means lower forage grazing producers have over other
production and potential livestock water Build Organic Matter livestock producers is they are prepared to
shortages. The successful long-term application of adjust stocking rates with forage
regenerative agriculture and availability and growing conditions. At the
In terms of climate, we experience regenerative grazing results in onset of drought, they begin adjusting
alternating periods of dry and wet improvements in the soil and plant their management plan and stock
weather. The southern Great Plains in communities that make the soils more numbers based on preset criteria and
particular has experienced a favorable resilient and drought tolerant. triggers outlined in a drought contingency
wet period over the last few years. plan. They actively monitor both moisture
However, meteorologists are now saying Managing soils regeneratively results in conditions and forage production, and
weather patterns are changing and the the building of organic matter above, at then they adjust stock numbers to reflect
long-range forecast predicts drier and below the soil surface. Regenerative actual conditions. Regenerative producers
conditions ahead, perhaps for the next grazing complements the soil health are both mentally and logistically
few years. principles but only because the grazing prepared to make sound, proactive
is managed in a way that matches stock management decisions for the short- and
Drought Resilience With Regenerative numbers to forage biomass, manages long-term benefit of the land resource and
Agriculture for short grazing periods, uses moderate ranching operation when droughts occur.
In observing producers implementing grazing during the active growing
regenerative agricultural practices, we season, leaves adequate plant cover Have a Plan
find a unique mindset toward drought. after each grazing event, and follows As stated earlier, meteorologists have
We find producers who routinely each grazing event with adequate begun providing evidence that the
manage operations proactively, meaning planned recovery. Over time, soil favorable precipitation patterns are now
they operate in relation with the weather organic matter, soil health and water changing, shifting to what is expected to
conditions. They manage anticipating holding capacity improves. Pastures be a drier period. Producers practicing
drought long before it occurs. These become more productive, vigorous, and regenerative grazing for many years are

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monitoring their forage production now What is Regenerative Agriculture? What is Regenerative Grazing?
and know the capabilities of their Regenerative agriculture is the process As one can deduce, regenerative grazing
pastures to withstand short- or long-term of restoring degraded soils using complements the soil health principles. It
dry spells. They are prepared to practices based on ecological principles. is the essence of the principle, “integrate
implement drought plans to protect the Regenerative agriculture promotes: livestock properly.”
land resource when severe drought sets
in. They have managed their pastures and Building soil organic matter and On grazing lands, regenerative grazing
stocking rate proactively and are biodiversity means:
accustomed to balancing livestock Healthier and more productive soil
demand to forage production. As a result, that is drought- and flood-resilient. Grazing for short periods.
their grazing lands are more resilient with Decreased use of chemical inputs Grazing moderately in the growing
improved soil health and soil organic and subsequent pollution season.
matter, increased water holding capacity, Cleaner air and water Leaving adequate plant cover followed
and enhanced forage production Enhanced wildlife habitat by adequate, planned recovery that is
capabilities. Rainfall that occurs during a Capturing carbon in the soil to facilitated by effective multipaddock
drought is more effective. combat climate change grazing management protocols.
Adjusting stock numbers to match
Once drought breaks and favorable The above listed outcomes result from forage biomass.
precipitation patterns return, these strategically applying management
grazing lands that have been managed practices based upon the five principles In other words, the grazing is planned,
according to the soil health principles and of soil health, which are: managed and in sync with the growing
regenerative grazing will respond much conditions at any given period of time.
more readily to rainfall events with little Keep the soil covered
or no evidence of adverse effects from the Minimize soil disturbance Noble Research Institute is an independent
drought. The mindset of a producer Keep living roots in the soil all year nonprofit agricultural research organization
dedicated to delivering solutions to great
practicing regenerative grazing is Increase plant diversity
agricultural challenges. Visit noble.org for more
certainly better prepared for drought. Integrate livestock properly
information.

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CLASSIFIED ADS
For Sale from Nature’s Way Farm: Forage Seed: Alfalfa
varieties (ranked top in research trials for yield and long-
lived), Lundgard Tap, Lundgard Falcata (yellow blossom
alfalfa, extremely long-lived, bloatfree pastures). Also
available: Grass seed. Contact [email protected] or 780-
835-1765.
Regen Eco Ag: Precise soil nutrient management “Albrecht
Principals”. Maximize soil biology, organic matter, water
holding capacity and plant nutrient availability. Healthy soil
equals healthy profits. Complete soil lab nutrient analysis
and soil nutrient recommendations. Contact Peter
Lundgard, Agronomist/Consultant at [email protected]
or 780-835-1765.

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SEEDING AT NAAPI'S GARDEN

By Jessica Tinholt, Republished with wildlife sightings. Randy saw his first watershed, and is even incorporated into
permission from Oldman Watershed ever pronghorn, and we later passed a OWC’s logo.
Council. Photos by Brandon Regier and healthy coyote panting in the heat. As
Jessica Tinholt. we travelled further into the Nation, we Ten years ago, Api’soomaahka told us, he
passed St. Paul’s residential school, decided to restore the land that had
On June 2, 2021, OWC’s Outreach which closed in 1975. Recent events previously been cultivated and return it to
Assistants were invited by elevated our unease and grief upon a natural grassland. Passing around jars of
Api’soomaahka (William Singer III) to join seeing one of 139 residential schools in seeds, he described each species in
Blood Tribe Land Management in person. We recognize the strength, relation to its importance to Blackfoot
planting native seeds in Naapi’s Garden. wisdom, and kindness of our Indigenous traditions. These included seeds of
This project is an important step towards friends, colleagues, and family members Saokipisatsinikimm (nodding onion),
the restoration and conservation of our who, despite unimaginable oppression, Aohtoksooki (common yarrow), Opitahtsi
native prairie, and the Blackfoot way of have survived and are sharing their (biscuit root/prairie parsley), and
life. stories to make sure these shameful Sooyaiaiihtsi (three flowered avens), which
acts are not repeated. had been collected on the Blood Reserve
We live amongst one of the rarest and and Timber Limit in the summer and fall of
most endangered ecosystems in the Api’soomaahka welcomed us outside his 2020. There was also a seed mix courtesy
world. It is not the rainforest or coral home and began sharing the history of of ALCLA Native Plants, which contained
reefs, but our temperate grasslands. Only Naapi’s Garden. Blackfoot oral history Ki'piaapi (prairie crocus), blanket flower,
about one per cent of the grasslands in teaches that Naapi is the Old Man, a black-eyed susan, yellow prairie
Alberta is protected. This leaves the onus trickster tasked by the Creator with coneflower, and fringed sage.
on individuals and private landowners to making the Earth and its creatures.
take action. Native prairie is losing Naapi is the namesake of our river, our The area we were planting that day had
ground to development, agriculture, and been burned two weeks prior and was
invasive species such as leafy spurge. perfect for seeding. Api’soomaahka
Leafy spurge in particular is harming introduced us to the Blood Tribe Land
native medicinal plants like sage and Management crew, consisting of Truman
sweetgrass. The grasslands, vital to the Big Swallow, Alvin First River, and summer
health of the Oldman watershed and student Colby Sanspariel. He prepared the
traditional practices of the Blackfoot seed mix, and we all filled our buckets
people, are worth protecting. with native grass seeds.

Seeding Day The grass seed mix consisted of:

There is nothing like a sunny day on the Idaho fescue
prairie. Despite the heat wave passing Western wheatgrass
through Southern Alberta, we were Junegrass
excited to slather on some sunscreen Green needle grass
and spend a day on Kainai Nation. The Northern wheatgrass
afternoon drive was scattered with Bluebunch wheatgrass

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The bulk of the seed was provided in must be quite successful, based on how staff, Truman Big Swallow, Alvin First River,
2020 by Tannas Conservation; the quickly we gobbled up the tasty trail and Colby Sanspariel, for a wonderful day,
remainder of the grass seeds were grown mix. and inviting us to share in the stewardship
and collected by hand at Naapi's Garden. of our grasslands.
Get Involved
The seeding started with a Blackfoot More information on Naapi’s Garden can About the Oldman Watershed Council
prayer and tobacco offering, then the be found on their website and on The Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) is
work began. Everyone lined up along the Instagram (@naapis_garden). Besides a not-for-profit organization in Southern
burned section of ground designated for volunteering and donating, there is Alberta, Canada. We are one of 11
planting and scattered the seed mix as something you can do in your own Watershed Planning and Advisory
they walked. The wind scattered seeds backyard to make a difference and help Councils in Alberta, mandated by the
near and far (the fluffy seeds of the protect our native grasslands: plant a provincial government to provide an
three-flowered avens often went very prairie urban garden! If you are independent voice for watershed
far), but the majority found their way to interested in a low-maintenance yard management and health under the
the fertile soil. The breeze was welcome that showcases beautiful native flowers, province’s Water For Life Strategy.
as we walked beneath the hot prairie creates valuable habitat, and requires
sun! very little water, fertilizer, or pesticides, The Council consists of the staff and OWC
then check out OWC’s Prairie Urban members who work collaboratively with
After we had refilled our buckets and Garden project on how to design your all stakeholders to improve the Oldman
passed over the area several times, the own prairie urban garden. River watershed by:
new section of Naapi’s Garden was Improving and sharing knowledge
seeded and ready to grow. We are rapidly losing what natural Building and strengthening
Api’soomaahka invited everyone into the grasslands we have, but they do not stakeholder partnerships
shade for cool water and snacks, have to disappear. By following the Providing a science-based forum for all
including traditional trail mix made by wisdom and guidance of Indigenous voices to be heard
Api’soomaahka himself. Red-winged and peoples and their traditional knowledge, Promoting and facilitating community
yellow-headed blackbirds flitted around we can better understand and conserve and institutional action and
us as we reflected on the afternoon’s the land that we share. As residents of stewardship
success. Api’soomaahka went on to the Oldman watershed, we all have a Developing and implementing
describe his work in schools and how he part to play. integrated land and water plans
uses traditional food and plants to
connect with children and teach them Once more, we thank Api’soomaahka Learn more at
the Blackfoot way. We thought that he and Blood Tribe Land Management https://oldmanwatershed.ca/

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LAND ACCESS SUPPORT IS COMING TO ALBERTA

“Vi,” owns a property one mile from the Ella is dedicated to building a community —
By Michelle Lam, New Farmer Engagement
City of Leduc that was purchased in 1983 a network for farmers. She loves to talk
Coordinator, Young Agrarians
with her late husband. During his time on about the bigger picture, the sharing of
the property, he planted more than 4,000 knowledge, and bringing together people
The future of food systems lies in the
trees to protect the land against ever- who are working with the land.
hands of our next generation of farmers —
changing environmental factors such as
but what do we do when our future
wind and sun. The property contains five, “How are we going to grow our food in that
farmers don’t have access to land? Young
two-acre plots, each surrounded by these landscape?” she questions, speaking on the
Agrarians (YA) hopes to offer solutions that
trees and has everything a farmer needs changing conditions due to climate change.
will bridge the gap between landholders
to get started; there’s a cooler, washing She continues, “When I asked myself that
and land seekers with two Land Linking
facilities, tractors, and farm tools that are question, the only thing that comes to mind
Workshops coming to Leduc County later
ready to be used on the farm. is [that] we have to do things differently.
this year.
And we have to talk to one another and we
The pair ran a market garden and u-pick have to learn from each other. And we have
These online workshops are being
operation, but since Doug’s passing last to start networking in different ways, and
modelled off of the YA B.C. Land Matching
winter, Vi is hoping to turn to new, building better communities.”
Program, which provides personalized
experienced farmers to take on these
land matching and business support
services for both farmers looking for land plots as their own. “I don’t want them to She envisions being able to support four,

to start or expand their farm and be working for me. I want them to be full-time couples on her property. During

landholders interested in finding someone independent, and it would be their this season, the couple made a good living

to farm their land. responsibility to produce the crops,” Vi farming on a quarter of the land that was
explains. She plans on continuing to live available. Ella is open to other options too —
The workshops in partnership with Leduc on the property, working on smaller there’s an additional three acres in pasture
County, Lac Ste. Anne County and the City projects such as her rose garden. available for a potential livestock farmer.
of Leduc are part of a program, supported “I’m open. And I think when you are open,
by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, to Nearby lives Ella Chesterman, a business and you just speak what you’re looking for,
bring a similar land matching program to consultant who owns eight acres of land whatever is perfect will show up,” she says,
Alberta, alongside the help of Alberta Land in Leduc County. She met a young couple explaining her philosophy of finding suitable
Access Coordinator, Melisa Zapisocky. who worked in the restaurant industry in land seekers.
“Through the two workshops, YA hopes to 2020 and hired them for some paid work
provide a space for landowners and land on the farm. “We got along famously,” she Vi and Ella are just two examples of
seekers to share their stories and identify says, describing her relationship with the landholders in Leduc County who are
the next steps in their land access couple. Over time, it evolved into a unique looking to open up their properties to the
journey,” states Melisa. Violet Bretin and land-sharing opportunity — Ella provided right land seekers. Through the Land
Ella Chesterman are two examples of the land, tools and equipment and the Linking Workshops, Leduc County, Lac Ste.
landowners in Leduc County who are couple provided the labour. After drafting Anne County, the City of Leduc and Young
exploring ideas in how they can share their an agreement, they successfully shared Agrarians hope to build a network for others
land with other farmers. the land and the profits were split 50/50. in similar positions at upcoming online
“They got educated, I got educated,” Ella events offered on November 24 and
Violet Bretin, known in her community as explained. December 1, 2021.

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