Since 1992, Alberta Ecotrust has invested more than $2,850,000 in 303 projects that have helped ensure a future for Alberta's wildlife and wilderness.There are few experiences more inspiring than catching a glimpse of a grizzly bear foraging for food in its natural wilderness home. And yet the grizzly bear and many other species are threatened by the impacts of urban, recreational and industrial development, which threaten the health of wildlife populations and the habitat on which they depend.

Alberta Ecotrust will favour initiatives that identify and protect remaining natural areas (or critical areas capable of being restored to more natural conditions), improve the management of critical wildlife habitats, provide ecological connections among "core" wildlife areas, and demonstrate compatibility of human activities with wildlife conservation in areas where those activities already occur, including sustainable urban and suburban planning.

Preference will be given to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, riparian corridors, remnant prairie and coulee areas capable of sustained ecological contribution, boreal areas and critical habitats adjacent to existing protected areas.

Projects addressing protection of critical lands could include:

• Scientific analysis of wildlife - road interaction in key wildlife corridors;

• Engagement of landowners in understanding and implementing land management practices beneficial for wildlife;

• The development of tools to facilitate effective public engagement in land use discussions;

• Public education programs on the benefit of wildlife corridors and intact wilderness areas for maintaining biodiversity.

Visit our project database to learn about current and past projects related to wildlife and wilderness conservation and protection.