Holiday Greetings from the ASCCA!
Snow is settling at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, and we are looking at the wrap up of another year, a year of change still marked by an ongoing pandemic, but with optimism and anticipation for 2022. This past winter was one of our most challenging, and spring brought another wave of cases and increased restrictions. However, with vaccination and health measures, as well as the encouraging fact that vaccines are available to children, we are in a much better position than we started with. We are still cautious, but remain hopeful and resilient.
Not unlike similar organizations, the ASCCA has faced change and we have had to make difficult decisions, particularly with regards to our education programs. We remain limited in the educational opportunities that we can offer, and we are navigating a complex and changing landscape. Despite all of this, staff and volunteers have stepped up to allow us to continue Ann and Sandy’s vision for environmental education and enrichment for people of all ages.
In August, we brought back our much- loved BioBlitz, which was a wonderful success despite the smoke and heat. Continuing our work as a nocturnal preserve, we organized a Star Night supported by RASC and the Rothney Observatory and several guided hikes. Most notably, we had the opportunity to deliver our first in-person program since the start of the pandemic, and hope to be able to organize more soon. Unfortunately, we have withdrawn from the Open Minds program due to the difficulty in meeting our commitments to the program and our inability to provide week-long on site opportunities. We would like to thank Chevron for years of support. We will continue to work within our changing landscape, and will collaborate with educators to provide further events and programs.
As head into 2022, we hope we can count on the continued support of our volunteers and donors. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please visit our website for more information about being involved and send us an application. There are opportunities to support education programs, to help steward the land and get involved with hands-on habitat management projects.
If you are able to make a donation at this time, please visit our page on CanadaHelps, call us at (403) 931-1042 or email info@ crossconservation.org. If you prefer to send a cheque, please make it out to the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area at 20-194001 160 Street W, Foothills AB T1S 4K9.
We wish everyone a very merry happy Christmas and New Year 2022. Please note that our office will be closed for holiday break from December 24 until January 9.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Greg Shyba, Reg Rempel and
Anna Aldridge & Board of Directors
