Made-in-Alberta Nature-based Solutions
Between 2018 and 2025, Alberta’s Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (WRRP) enabled the delivery of more than 9,300 acres of nature-based watershed projects through ALUS communities across the province.
The 9,300 acres represent wetlands restored and enhanced in cultivated fields, riparian areas stabilized along working streams, grasslands managed to reduce erosion, and natural water storage features built back into landscapes that produce food and fibre. They exist within active agricultural operations; planned and maintained by producers who understand both the land and the water that moves across it.
Each project addresses a specific watershed function. Wetlands retain water, recharge aquifers, and reduce drought and downstream flooding. Riparian enhancements filter runoff, stabilize banks, and improve aquatic habitat. Grasslands increase infiltration, reduce erosion, and sequester soil carbon. Natural water storage features mitigate drought and flood extremes. Habitat restoration improves water quantity, water quality, and biodiversity.
Collectively, these projects demonstrate how working lands can serve as essential infrastructure, delivering public watershed benefits while remaining productive for agricultural operations.
The scale of implementation: 9,300+ acres improved, 200+ participating farmers and ranchers, and 21 municipalities engaged, reflects both the readiness of producers to participate and the effectiveness of WRRP’s enabling support.
Producers at the Centre
Over the eight-year period, more than 200 Alberta farmers and ranchers entered into conservation agreements through WRRP-funded ALUS projects.
Geographically, this work has extended across 21 municipalities where ALUS projects were funded by WRRP. In parallel, outreach and introductory sessions reached approximately 90% of Alberta municipalities, expanding awareness of natural infrastructure approaches in local water planning and decision-making.
Leveraging Public Investment
WRRP funding operated as a catalyst. For every dollar invested, an average of $1.75 in additional contributions was leveraged from municipalities, corporate partners, NGOs, and philanthropic sources, nearly tripling public investment.
This co-investment structure increased the scale of projects and supported long-term monitoring and renewal. Contributing partners included Capital Power, Tolko Industries, Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, Results Driven Agriculture Research, Foothills Forage and Grazing, and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Data, Monitoring, and Innovation
WRRP support extended beyond implementation. It strengthened technical collaboration and data transparency across more than 20 local and provincial partnerships.
Partnerships included collaborative water initiatives with Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, Oldman Watershed Council, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance conducted riparian monitoring and provided public access to watershed data. Cows & Fish delivered complementary riparian health assessments. WaterSMART Solutions Ltd., EcoMetrics and Alberta Innovates worked with ALUS to develop an Agroecosystems Water Calculator to quantify water outcomes.
Ready to Deliver More
Communities in Alberta are ready to continue and expand this work. Municipalities are on waitlists to enter the ALUS program. Partnerships are established and growing. With additional opportunity for investment, Alberta’s agricultural communities stand ready to scale proven, made-in-Alberta nature-based solutions.
