A cow stands in a grassy meadow filled with colorful wildflowers, with mountains in the background.

Alberta

Active projects

304

Species-at-risk protected

46

Hectares conserved

486,000

Alberta at a Glance

Since 1970, we have been conserving the landscapes that make Alberta special — from the Rocky Mountains to sweeping grasslands and dense forests. Together, we can safeguard the natural places that define this province and create a healthier future for wildlife and communities.

  • Driven by experts: Science, Indigenous Knowledge and local community insights guide our work to conserve, restore and steward Alberta’s natural areas.
  • Scale of protection: To date, we have conserved more than 480,000 hectares across the province, ensuring the species that live there can thrive while sustaining the natural systems that surrounding communities depend on.
  • Species at risk: We conserve habitat for species at risk, including burrowing owl, swift fox and greater sage-grouse.
  • Critical ecosystems: From native grasslands, wetlands and badlands to boreal and montane forests, Alberta is home to a diverse array of ecosystems that sustain wildlife and communities. By focusing our work on priority areas, we are conserving local biodiversity and building a more resilient future for Albertans.
An aerial view of a winding river surrounded by autumn-colored trees and rolling hills.

Creating lasting impact in Alberta

Alberta’s diverse landscapes are home to an incredible variety of wildlife and hold deep ecological and cultural significance. As these ecosystems face growing pressures, so does our collective need to safeguard them. That’s why we work with partners to conserve, restore and connect habitats across the province.

Sustaining Alberta’s native grasslands

Alberta’s native prairie grasslands are one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. These grasslands support healthy soils, store carbon, filter our drinking water and provide habitat for species at risk such as burrowing owl, swift fox and greater sage-grouse. That’s why we work with ranching families, landowners and Indigenous communities to conserve these working landscapes, safeguarding their ecological and cultural values while supporting the people, wildlife and communities who care for and depend on them.

Conserving the Rocky Mountain Front

The Rocky Mountain Front is a defining part of Alberta. This spectacular landscape, where the prairies meet the mountains, is home to species like bighorn sheep, elk and bull trout, as well as rare native plants. With growing development pressures putting this habitat at risk, we’re focused on conserving this remarkable landscape for the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

Conserving natural areas around Edmonton

In and around Edmonton, we’re conserving forests, wetlands and grasslands that provide communities with clean water, reduce flooding and give local wildlife space to move safely in a growing urban region. By conserving these natural areas, we’re ensuring nature and communities can thrive together for generations to come.

Safeguarding the Red Deer River corridor

The Red Deer River is one of Alberta’s most important waterways, providing a vital pathway for wildlife and an important source of drinking water for nearby communities. Its lush riparian areas offer critical habitat for species in one of the province’s drier regions. By conserving the surrounding landscapes, we’re protecting the river and the life it supports.



Conserving the lands that define Alberta

A herd of cattle grazes in a vast grassland near a lake.
A herd of brown cattle stands on a grassy hill under a blue sky.

Working together for nature

Conserving Alberta’s natural areas is a shared effort. By working with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments, and conservation organizations, we bring together diverse knowledge and expertise to achieve lasting conservation impact. Partnerships like the Waldron Grazing Co-operative ensure we secure and care for the places that matter most.

Two people ride horses across a grassy meadow with cattle grazing in the distance near a forested hill.

Working landscapes

Across the Canadian Prairies, we work closely with ranchers and land stewards to support healthy native grasslands, safeguard wildlife habitat and strengthen sustainable, productive working lands that benefit both nature and communities.

A close-up of a reddish-brown cow in a field.

Our partners

Conserving Alberta’s grasslands is only possible with ranching families, Indigenous communities, supporters, and conservation partners who share a commitment to the prairie.

  • Text and a Canadian flag acknowledging financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Questions about conservation in Alberta?

Whether you want to support our work, learn about local projects or get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us
NCC staff members in matching green shirts standing in a grassy, hilly landscape.
NCC staff members pose for a photo in a mountainous landscape near a lake.