Date/Time
Date(s) - Mon Oct 05 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Notes:
Decades of land-use impacts in Alberta’s Foothills and Rocky Mountains have led to a decline in the area’s natural habitat and its ability to sustain its historical ecological roles. From logging to coal mining to development and recreational use, our Eastern Slopes are facing more burdens from human use than they can sustain. Learn about the policies driving these changes, and how they are impacting species at risk and vulnerable habitats. Sara will discuss the history and impacts of some of these land uses, how these areas could be better managed, and how you can speak up for the Eastern Slopes.
About Sara Heerema:
Sara is a Conservation Outreach Specialist with Alberta Wilderness Association. She obtained a BSc in Geography at the University of Calgary with an emphasis on anthropogenic climate change impacts, as well as a Master of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo where she specialized in climate change governance and Indigenous-led environmental land management. She gained field experience working in the grasslands and the boreal forest before joining AWA. While navigating the complex relationships between people and the environment, it became clear to her that systems of social and economic inequity create and reinforce environmental degradation processes. Sara works to bring more people out into our natural world and share how we can work to protect our Public Lands in Alberta. Sara also works on species-at-risk issues and other conservation work including wildlife management and coal mining.