Don't Forget...Upcoming Events You Don't Want to Miss

All grey text words are hot links to more info etc.
February 3, 2012 (Friday):

• Emerald Day in Red Deer.  The Alberta Emerald Foundation (which looks after the Emerald Awards) is taking its celebration of stewardship on the road, and coming to Red Deer.
• The purpose of this event is to bring environmental stewards together in Red Deer, to celebrate their efforts.
• The Off the Creek Program will be on hand with a display.
• Details: 2:30 to 6:30, at Red Deer College, in "the Forum".
• NOTE: all are invited.  If other stewardship groups or initiative want to participate, please contact Emmy Stuebing at the Alberta Emerald Foundation: 780-413-9629 or emmy@emeraldfoundation.ca
• Click for more info: Red Deer Emerald Day 

February 6, 2012 (Monday):

• The Medicine River Watershed Society Annual Open House

February 13,14,21,22

• Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Integrated Watershed Management Plan Stakeholder Workshops

February 16, 2012 (Thursday):

• Ranching Opportunities 2012

February 27, 2012 (Monday):

• Working Well Workshop in Red Deer County.  Call Judy Murphy to register 403-350-2163.  Click here for more info about the Working Well Program.

March 7, 2012 (Wednesday):

• Managing Your Woodlot for Long-Term Forest Health and Forester Wealth (not really the title...we're still working on that)
• This excellent workshop, hosted by Clearwater County, Clear Water Landcare, Red Deer County and the Alberta Woodlot Extension Society, will take place in Benalto, starting with a light supper at 5:30.
• Topics include: Carbon Offsets (for trees and for forage); Tree Pests and Diseases, Value-adding to your woodlots, and more!
• To Register, call Ken at Red Deer County at 403-342-8653

Many more excellent Agriculture and Conservation events are posted here (on Ropin' the Web):

http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app55/events

Off the Creek is Off and Running in 2012!

The other day, I was talking with a lady who asked me "what do you do?"  I told her I worked for Red Deer County, and my job was to assist farmers, ranchers and other landowners, in doing things to look after their land, their businesses, and the environment.

Like many people, she asked me how that was going...I told her I am continually impressed by the knowledge local landowners have about the environment, their operation, and the interactions between the two.  I gave her some examples of the many actions landowners are taking to benefit the environment.

Since 2006, 56 landowners have completed 75 projects.  The Landowners who completed projects from 2006 to 2010 were recognized with an Emerald Award for their efforts. 

A number of the landowners who completed Off the Creek Projects in 2011 were just recognized as "Watershed Ambassadors" by the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance.  Look to the February edition of the County News, or the next newsletter from the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance, to see who these people are.

Hint: One of these Landowners is highlighted in the last video posted on Off the Creek TV...check it out if you haven't already: Taking Livestock Watering to New Heights

Already in 2012, a riparian fencing project and a winter watering system have been supported by the Off the Creek Program.

2012 is shaping up to be a great year...please encourage any Red Deer County landowner you know, to consider participating in the Off the Creek Program.