Adopt-a-Patch launch at Bunchberry Meadows June 13
Healthy ecosystems start with invasive species management. Volunteers are needed to help control invasive plant species through our season-long Adopt-a-Patch program at Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area southwest of Edmonton. Please email ab.volunteers@natureconservancy.ca to apply.
Invasive species are not naturally found in an ecosystem and are likely to negatively impact native species, livestock and/or people. They often have no natural predators and can quickly establish in an area and spread rapidly, competing with native species for resources, such as light, nutrients, water and space.
Managing invasive species can be very time-consuming and expensive, and there are areas where ecosystems are too sensitive for herbicides to be used. We need all hands on deck at Bunchberry Meadows to help control invasive species and provide the best conditions possible for native species to flourish.
Volunteers will be assigned their own patch of weeds to control at the property that they wish to volunteer on. After an initial day of in-person training, they will return on their own time, navigate to their assigned patch area and use hand tools to remove invasive plant species. As volunteers work, they will map the area where they removed invasive species using the Survey123 app and submit the data to NCC for analysis. This data will be used to inform future invasive species management on these lands and guide program expansion.
This volunteer role will be supported by the volunteer program manager and the natural area manager for northwest Alberta. They will be available to support participants by phone and email throughout the volunteer placement.
The volunteer commitment can be completed alone or with a friend or family. Please indicate when you sign up if you would like to be assigned to the same patch as someone you know who will also be signing up. This season-long volunteer project runs from June until the end of August.
Duties and responsibilities
Volunteers must:
- be able to provide their own transportation to and from Bunchberry Meadows.
- have a smartphone to access the Survey123 app.
- be comfortable working outdoors, completing repetitive physical tasks, walking up to one kilometre and lifting up to 10 kilograms.
- Be able to commit to 20 hours of volunteering between the launch date on June 13 and August 31, 2026
Volunteers are required to attend an in-person training day at Bunchberry Meadows on Saturday, June 13. Details will be provided to Adopt-a-Patch applicants.
During the training day, volunteers will be trained on the following topics:
- health and safety
- invasive species identification
- Survey123 data collection and submission
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Fitness | Toilet | Food and Beverages | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate fitness level required. | There are two outhouses next to the parking lot. | Snacks will be made available as will water to refill your water bottles. | All tools will be provided by NCC. |
Please note
Minors interested in Adopt-a-Patch must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while volunteering.
Limited volunteer spaces are available. Applications for the position close on May 11, 2026. After the closing date, the volunteer program manager will follow-up with each applicant to inform them if they have been selected for the position. Priority for placements will be given to those who meet the requirements of the position and in the order in which applications are received.
We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work toward common goals. We strive for a conservation movement where equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.
Location
Questions? Interested in applying to be an Adopt-a-Patch volunteer?
Please email ab.volunteers@natureconservancy.ca. You will receive an email reply within three business days.