About Agrium-Nodwell Nature Preserve
With the aid of an array of partners, in 2008 we were successful in conserving a 59-acre parcel of land now known as Western Sky Land Trust's Agrium-Nodwell Nature Preserve. This vital piece of land, located in Wheatland County 40 km east of Calgary city limits, is adjacent to Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park and lies within an environmentally significant area of international importance along the Bow River (extending from Calgary to the Siksika Nation Reserve).
Anchored by a world renowned rainbow trout fishery, this land encompasses 59 acres of unfragmented mixed-grass prairie ecosystems, escarpments and river valley which provide habitat for over 158 species of plants, large and diverse native bird populations, waterfowl, deer and moose.
Agrium-Nodwell Nature Preserve Partnership Celebration
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Tracy Tarves - Executive Director, Western Sky Land Trust / Jerry Brunen - Chair, Western Sky Land Trust / Jack Nodwell - Landowner / Leslie O’Donoghue - Agrium / Armand & Michelle Magotiaux - Bow River Shuttles / Mr. Arno Doerksen - MLA Strathmore-Brooks / David Bissett - Donor / Emma Gowers - Pengrowth Energy Trust / Brian Keating & Kevin Strange - Calgary Zoo Conservation Fund / Craig Cooper - Bow River Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada / Jamie Noakes - Nature Calgary (formerly Calgary Field Naturalists)
To officially unveil to the Agrium-Nodwell Nature Preserve, we will be holding an on-site celebration later this spring.
Support Offered In Many Forms
 Operating on the Bow River for 21 years, Bow River Shuttles identifies this waterway as one of the most productive self-sustaining fisheries in the world.
The vehicle shuttle service the group provides, allows boaters and fly fishers to maximize the time they spend on this beautiful waterway.
"Many of our fly fishing clients share the same concerns about the future of our local streams and rivers, especially the Bow River," says Michelle Magotiaux of Bow River Shuttles. "The work of Western Sky is important because it creates opportunities to preserve, for our children and grandchildren, some of the beautiful, natural riparian landscapes that many of us have enjoyed on canoe trips in the past."
Since learning about the campaign to secure our first project, their efforts to help Western Sky get the word out about our cause have been overwhelming. Through its e-newsletters and contacts with local media, Bow River Shuttles is helping us build our profile and grow our mandate. In addition, Bow River Shuttles has launched a new annual initiative, the Back Cast Fly Fishing Film Festival
, designating Western Sky Land Trust as the beneficiary of the proceeds from the event. Their efforts have been tremendously valuable in gaining exposure for our organization. On behalf of all of us at Western Sky, we would like to thank Bow River Shuttles for the immeasurable support!
 A Big Thank You…
Jerry Brunen has been with us since the idea of Western Sky was just that — an idea. For over six years, the last three in the role of Chair, Jerry has devoted his time and expertise to moving our organization forward. His contribution has been invaluable. Western Sky's mandate strongly resonates with Jerry because of his passion for nature and the great outdoors — fishing and hiking are two of his favourite pastimes. From all of us at Western Sky, thank you for your untiring dedication and passion!!
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Yet, few local organizations exist who are dedicated to gathering and applying the resources of community leaders like you, people who understand the importance of conserving these landscapes.