On August 10th, AREF Staff and members of the Board of Governors travelled to Lethbridge to meet with potential partners in the area. While there, we learned a great deal about the strengths and opportunities in Southern Alberta including some of the research occurring at the University of Lethbridge with respect to Alberta climate change and its effects on agriculture and on the effects of communities on watersheds and land use. We also discussed the challenges and possible solutions Lethbridge faces with population retention, and how skills in the arts and entrepreneurship together with technology offer unique possibilities for rural communities.

AREF also stopped by the Helen Schuler Nature Centre to tour the remarkable facility and to see the Prairie Roof, an intensive living roof to which AREF granted funding for in 2013. The roof features a stunning display of rugged and well adapted grassland plants. Should you find yourself in the Lethbridge area, we strongly encourage dropping by the Helen Schuler Nature Centre to learn more of what nature can teach us about ourselves and how to build and live more sustainably.

Thank you to all of those who met with AREF Staff and Board for their hospitality. While AREF has strong and important partnerships in the Calgary and Edmonton areas, we hope to engage more with other communities and organizations throughout Alberta.

For more information on the Helen Schuler Nature Centre

For more information on the University of Lethbridge

For more information on the City of Lethbridge