The Beaver Hills is a geographical area located east of Edmonton, Alberta. It has been recognized internationally as a Biosphere Region and encompasses land from the municipalities of Strathcona, Leduc, Beaver, Lamont and Camrose. The northern border of the Beaver Hills extends just past Elk Island National Park and the southern border is below Miquelon Lake Provincial Park.

Yes, our sites are open for foot access. 

To find a property and see access information, visit Connect2Nature.ca.

A Biosphere Region is a UNESCO designation and is internationally recognized for promoting management, research and education around conservation and its balance with sustainable human use.

Currently, there are over 701 Biosphere Regions in 124 countries around the world. Alberta contains two of Canada’s 18 biospheres, the other one being Waterton Lakes National Park, which was established in 1979.

Learn more about the Beaver Hills Biosphere here.

Yes, most Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) properties are open to the public for foot traffic only. We encourage hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other low impact activities. Motorized vehicles, overnight camping and open fires are not permitted.

Please be aware that many of our conservation sites do not allow dogs, as these properties provide safe refuge for many sensitive species.

To find an NCC site in Alberta, visit Connect2Nature.ca.

All work done with NCC is voluntary. We offer options for landowners to conserve their ecologically sensitive properties and it is their choice whether they want to work with us. NCC operates in two main ways on privately owned land:

Fee simple: a landowner sells their land to NCC, donates it or does a combination of both. NCC now owns this property and is responsible for managing and caring for it.

Conservation easement: A conservation easement (or conservation agreement) is the voluntary restriction of certain development rights. A landowner retains ownership of their property, but certain development rights are given to NCC.

This is a legally binding contract and is registered on the land title. If the land changes hands in the future, the agreed-upon restrictions remain in place. Each easement is different, but some of the more common restrictions include the inability to subdivide the property, to cultivate native grasslands or to drain wetlands.

• Donate to support the campaign.

• Attend a Conservation Volunteers event.

• Plan your legacy and leave a gift to NCC in your will.