About Us
In 1988, the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society emerged with a vision to foster collaboration and excellence in wildlife science and management within the province. The founding committee, comprised of passionate individuals dedicated to advancing the understanding and conservation of Alberta’s wildlife, played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of the chapter.
The founding committee members included: Morley Barrett, Mike Dorrance, Bill Glasgow, and Bill Samuel.
These visionaries shared a commitment to the principles of wildlife conservation and recognized the need for a dedicated platform that would bring together professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts in the field. Their collective efforts laid the groundwork for an organization that would serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and research collaboration for the protection of Alberta’s diverse wildlife.
Their initiative paved the way for the establishment of a dynamic chapter that continues to thrive today. The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society remains steadfast in its mission to promote the stewardship of wildlife and their habitats through science-based approaches, building upon the legacy set forth by the dedicated individuals who founded it in 1988.
Learn more about the ACTWS history here.
Our Mission
To inspire and empower wildlife professionals* to engage in science-based management and conservation of wild animals and their habitats.
Our Members
Wildlife biology professionals, scientists, academics, students, communicators and citizen advocates throughout Alberta and western Canada.
Our Organization
We are a non-profit Chapter of the US-based The Wildlife Society. We have over 550 members and are governed by a volunteer board and coordinated by an executive director.
Our Activities
Create and foster a collaborative wildlife community of students, scientists, managers, and enthusiasts
Promote application of robust science in wildlife and habitat-related decision making
Enhance and empower our membership through diverse services and student supports
Develop, maintain, and model organizational efficiency
The key role of the ACTWS is to foster a professional culture among wildlife biologists that promotes science-based management and conservation of wildlife throughout Alberta.
Our Achievements
32 CONFERENCES
for wildlife professionals and students
30+ YEARS and >400 MEMBERS
advocating for science in wildlife management across Alberta
$175K+
of scholarships, travel grants, and student presentation awards given
20+ CAMPAIGNS
on wildlife and habitat issues from coal mining to species at risk management. Success in wetland policy, CWD testing, forestry planning, caribou recovery, and more
TWS LEADER
in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
2019
TWS Chapter of the Year
Executive
Lacey Hébert
Director
Remington Bracher
Student Director & Education and Information
Mark Boyce
Conservation Committee Chair
Volunteer Committees
So much of our work is addressed and accomplished with the help of dedicated members who volunteer their time and expertise to meet our mission. Our active committees are:
- Conservation Affairs
- Education and Information
- Membership
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Learn more about them on our Volunteer Committees page.
ACTWS Speakers Bureau
Provide a database of qualified scientists and managers to speak at an array of events and to groups of all ages. Please see our Speakers Bureau below to find a speaker perfect for your event. If you’re an expert, please sign up for our Bureau in the Members’ Area
First Name | Last Name | City | Discipline | Areas of Expertise | Website | Email |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John | Wilmshurst | Jasper | Wildlife | Wildlife conservation, grazing dynamics, protected areas management | jfwilmshurst@gmail.com | |
margo | pybus | Ardrossan | Wildlife | Integrating wildlife diseases & parasites into wildlife management decisions, policies, programs, and activities. Natural history of many things wild. | https://www.alberta.ca/wildlife-diseases-in-alberta.aspx | margo.pybus@gov.ab.ca |
Aerin | Jacob | Canmore | Wildlife | landscape ecology, conservation biology, conservation and land-use planning, ecosystem services, human-wildlife conflict, species-at-risk, Yellowstone to Yukon region | www.y2y.net | aerin@y2y.net |
Matt | Besko | Edmonton | Wildlife, Forestry | Wildlife Allocation and Use, Hunting, Management of Game species, forest wildlife ecology; public speaking, human cultural dimensions of wildlife management; Government Policy and Wildlife Management, historical ecology and use of natural foods, Biologist Humour, Cooking game and preparing/eating Wild Foods from around the world. Mostly eating. I’m an expert at eating. | Just Google: ‘Matt Besko Alberta’ | Matt.Besko@gov.ab.ca |
Sarah | Elmeligi | Canmore | Wildlife | parks and protected areas, large carnivore ecology, interdisciplinary research | www.saraheconsulting.com | saraheconsulting@gmail.com |
