Canada’s first outdoor hands-on site for boreal wetlands training, research, and demonstrations

We acknowledge Treaty 8 territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree and Dene. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions 1, 4, 5 and 6 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.  We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting. 

See the wetland centre in this video from our 2022 Fall Open House

The Wetland Centre at Evergreen Park in Treaty 8 territory (the County of Grande Prairie, Alberta) provides a unique opportunity for multiple user groups to engage with boreal forest and wetland science projects. The site has been managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) National Boreal Program since 2022.

Outdoor, hands-on demonstration centres are important for providing on-the-ground examples of innovative industry solutions, demonstrating avoidance and minimization practices, testing out new ideas, and educating visitors about critical habitat and environmental stewardship. The Wetland Centre will be unique in boreal Canada by providing a central demonstration location that facilitates information sharing and provides opportunities for knowledge exchange among diverse user groups including Indigenous rights holders, industry, research academia, education groups and the public-at-large.

How to get involved

To learn more about project progress, news and events at the Wetland Centre, explore the website for more details. If interested in volunteer or partnership opportunities at the Wetland Centre, please inquire by email to Catherine or Rick.

Why a Wetland Centre?

Boreal wetlands are important areas for biodiversity and ecosystem services. From filtering water and storing carbon, to providing important plant and wildlife habitat, wetlands are prominent features in the boreal forest and are often part of interconnected systems that link all boreal ecosystems.

In addition, northern Alberta is a hub for resource development and is an area rich in diverse wetlands. These wetlands present opportunities and challenges to industry, governments, Indigenous communities, and other groups working in and near boreal wetlands.

The Wetland Centre will provide a physical location allowing diverse groups to share information about wetlands, discuss challenges, and work together to develop solutions.

Thank you to our funders

Primary funding for the Wetland Centre project is generously provided by the Forest Resources Improvement Association of Alberta.

Additional funding for the Wetland Centre is thanks to: