Who We Are

The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s mission is to safeguard, connect, and expand Alberta’s parks and wilderness. Our vision is a landscape with a growing abundance of parks, protected areas and wilderness, where nature thrives because of the conservation efforts of and for all Albertans. We work toward these goals through education, engagement, and collaboration with Albertans of all backgrounds.

What We Do

Founded in 1967, CPAWS Southern Alberta works with other non-profits, First Nations, government, industry and individuals throughout this region to safeguard our lands and waters. We believe that nature, wilderness and wild places have intrinsic value – and that healthy ecosystems have a positive impact on human wellness. When ecosystems are healthy, functioning, resilient and diverse, nature is thriving – and so are we!

To that end, we’ve supported the construction of the now world-famous wildlife crossing structures in Banff National Park, protected 175 provincial parks and recreation areas from being removed from Alberta’s provincial park system, and helped to reverse the cancellation of the 1976 Coal Policy.

Moreover, we recognize that decolonization and social justice are the future of conservation: If we want to protect Alberta’s landscape, we need to see inclusive conservation efforts and commit to reducing barriers and amplifying diverse voices in conservation.

How You Can Help

We appreciate general donations that support our work, and which allow us to direct funds where they are needed most, but if you’d like to support a specific project, please consider one of our current initiatives:

Help Fund the Future for Outdoor Education in Alberta

Since 1997, our nature-based education programs have inspired students, seniors, faith groups, New Canadians and communities across Alberta! That’s 25 years of delivering fun, hands-on programming (like guided hikes up Yamnuska Mountain or snowshoe tours in Kananaskis Country!) to over 165,000 Albertans– and we’re excited to see what the next quarter century has in store – but we need your help to do so.

Our education team delivers programming for reduced and subsidized rates, or for free. We believe that outdoor learning, environmental literacy and science-based education have the power to change our world for the better – and that when we understand the value of Southern Alberta’s wild spaces and species, we act to protect them.