Community Land Stewardship Day at Ellis Nature Centre
Date: July 26, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: Treaty 6 Territory – Ellis Nature Centre, 39502 Range Rd 260, Lacombe County, AB

Join Young Agrarians for a day of community building and land stewardship education at Ellis Nature Centre, a non-profit hub for conservation, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture. Nestled in Lacombe County and rooted in the original 1906 Ellis family homestead, the Centre manages over 480 acres of agricultural land while advancing wildlife research, adaptive grazing practices, and environmental programming.

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) will lead a dynamic talk about rotational grazing systems. Learn what rotational grazing is, why it’s important for conservation, and how it can be implemented effectively on prairie landscapes. Carolyn Ross, site manager at Ellis Nature Centre, will guide a tour of the site’s regenerative farm practices and conservation initiatives, including Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing, on-farm honey production, and poultry integration into ecological systems. Participants will also explore demonstration gardens, restored wetlands, and bird habitat areas, all highlighting the Centre’s model of agricultural and ecological co-existence.

This event offers a chance to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and nature lovers, and is ideal for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and conservation. Bring your questions, curiosity, and something for the community potluck.

Following the event, guests are welcome to attend a Bat Conservation evening at 8:00 PM with a talk and interactive outdoor bat count from 9:30 to 10:30 PM. Registration is required for the bat event and costs $10/person.

Directions: From Hwy 2, take Hwy 597 East toward Joffre. Continue to Prentiss Road (Range Road 260), turn north (left) for 5 km. The Ellis Nature Centre driveway is directly across from the MEGlobal-DOW plant.

Schedule:
– 1:00 PM: Arrival, check-in, and welcome circle
– 1:45 PM: Sustainable Grazing talk with CFGA
– 2:30 PM: Overview of Ellis Nature Centre’s work
– 2:45 PM: Site tour
– 3:45 PM: Community potluck
– 4:30 PM: Departure

What to Bring:
– A fully prepared dish for the potluck (include an ingredient card if possible)
– Your own plate, cutlery, and cup
– A water bottle, sun protection, insect repellent, and weather-appropriate farm attire
– Note that cold storage is available at the site, and picnic tables, seating areas, and restrooms are provided

Accessibility:
– If you have specific needs, contact [email protected] in advance

Important Notes:
– This is a free event open to everyone
– Supervised children are welcome
– Please leave pets at home
– Do not attend if you are feeling unwell
– Clean your footwear before visiting, especially if you’ve been on another farm
– Alcohol is not permitted
– Feel free to share this event with other interested producers

About Ellis Nature Centre:
Ellis Nature Centre was established in 1982 to honour the legacy of Charlie and Winnie Ellis, pioneer conservationists who dedicated their lives to protecting native birds. Their Lacombe-area farm became known for supporting the highest nest density ever recorded for mountain bluebirds. In partnership with industry (initially Union Carbide, now MEGlobal Canada), their land was set aside for conservation, education, and stewardship. Formerly Ellis Bird Farm, the Centre now includes research and programming for cavity-nesting birds, regenerative agriculture, and environmental education. It features the original farmhouse, visitor centre, demonstration gardens, wetlands, and bird habitats.

About CFGA:
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association formed in 2010 to represent all Canadians involved in hay and forage production. It supports the domestic and export forage markets and promotes improved grazing systems. CFGA’s Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) program offers online education for producers and agronomic professionals to support rotational grazing that improves soil health, biodiversity, and resilience.

Presented by:
Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program – a paid on-farm learning opportunity that connects new farmers with mentors, and builds knowledge through community events.

Stay Connected:
– Website: www.ellisnaturecentre.ca
– Facebook: facebook.com/EllisNatureCentre
– Instagram: @ellisnaturecentre
– Join the Young Agrarians Alberta Facebook group for updates
– Subscribe to the Young Agrarians e-newsletter for upcoming events

Contact:
– General questions: [email protected]
– Day-of inquiries: [email protected] or (403) 506-0965
– Cancellations: through Eventbrite, your confirmation email, or by emailing Lourdes at [email protected]