Flagship Program
A long-term program that works with landowners, producers, and partners to care for the “blue” lungs of the prairie—wetlands, creeks, and riparian areas that keep the landscape alive. Blue Prairie supports practical, on-the-ground watershed stewardship across rural Southeast Alberta.
Blue Prairie Initiative
The term “Blue Prairie” reflects the idea that wetlands, coulees, and prairie waters are the lungs of the landscape. They quietly filter water, support biodiversity, buffer drought and flood, and sustain people, crops, and livestock.
Rather than seeing the prairie only as “dry country,” the Blue Prairie Initiative celebrates its creeks, wetlands, and riparian areas—and focuses on grounded, practical stewardship that fits with working lands.
The program is funded through a mix of grants, donors, and partnerships that can shift over time. As new projects, funders, and collaborators come on board, the initiative is designed to grow and adapt.
Note: Specific funding partners and project sites vary over time as grants and opportunities change.
The initiative is organized into three interconnected branches. Each branch can host multiple projects and evolve as new funding and partners come on board.
Supports projects that restore, enhance, or protect wetlands, creeks, and riparian areas. Work may include fencing, planting, erosion control, or other on-the-ground measures that benefit water quality, habitat, and flood/drought resilience.
Focuses on grazing management, soil health, and water-use practices that keep ranches and farms productive while protecting watershed function. Projects are developed in collaboration with producers to fit their operation.
Highlights real-world examples of watershed stewardship on the prairie. Field days, tours, and outreach activities help neighbours see what works, ask questions, and share ideas.
How projects come together
Blue Prairie projects typically start with a conversation. SEAWA staff work one-on-one with landowners, producers, and partners to understand site conditions, goals, and what’s realistic on the ground. From there, the program explores potential funding and technical support.
Because funding sources and partners change over time, each project is tailored to current opportunities, local needs, and what will provide the greatest benefit to watershed health.
Initial conversation
Landowners or partners contact SEAWA to discuss their land, concerns, or ideas.
Site review & options
Staff review available information, may visit the site, and identify potential project options under one or more Blue Prairie branches.
Funding & partnerships
SEAWA explores current grant programs, partnerships, and timelines to see what support may be available.
Project delivery
Where a good fit is found, projects move ahead with agreed roles, timelines, and on-the-ground actions.
Note: Not every inquiry will result in a funded project, but conversations help SEAWA understand needs and shape future programming.
Get involved
At this time, SEAWA connects with landowners and partners through conversations, field visits, and email—not through an online application form. If you think your land, operation, or project idea might be a fit, reach out to start the conversation.
Please include a brief description of your land or idea, and the general area or legal land description if possible.
