Whispering Pines Project Extended Version

Hey! We’re Freshwater Conservation Canada, and we work to conserve, protect, and restore Canada's freshwater ecosystems. Our work is directed toward achieving this mission, guided by science and research, and fueled by the unwavering support of our community volunteers and professional staff. One project we’re very proud of is the restoration work we’ve been doing along a couple of tributaries of Waiparous Creek. We call these the Whispering Pines tributaries and the project Reconnecting Waiparous Creek. Waiparous Creek is one of the few remaining places in Alberta where both native trout species are found together. They are both key indicator species that allow us to understand the landscape's health. However, both species are under threat, and we risk losing them entirely, which makes this a high-priority area for recovery action. This is why we are investing our time, energy, and money into restoring the streams and landscape to ensure their survival. The restoration work in the Whispering Pines area is one of Freshwater Conservation Canada's most significant rehabilitation projects. Between 2018-2023, we carried out a watershed-scale rehabilitation project involving the community and partner organizations. Over 300 volunteers, 6 local contractors, and 18 funders and partners contributed over $1.2 million to complete this incredible and necessary work. Freshwater Conservation Canada thanks the hard work and contributions of the many project partners, funders, and suppliers to get this incredible collaborative project done. None of this would have been possible without everyone at the table, and we look forward to watching this work grow over the years!