Annual Report 2025
Verdant Quest Launch April 2025
Thank you for being a Friend!
Our Focus
Advancing nature appreciation in Southern Alberta!
Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society supports a community of environmentally-responsible citizens with interactive, nature-based educational experiences.
Our Society builds appreciation and connection with nature by:
Supporting environmental education programs and special projects;
Enhancing the resources of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre;
Fostering the importance of nature!
Our Society advances education by providing workshops and presentations about the local natural environment to the public.
We are proud to partner with a network of nature and environment focused organizations to offer and support nature-based programming in our community.
We are always seeking grant and partnership opportunities for our programs, projects, and initiatives for nature-based education in Lethbridge.
In many ways our efforts make the Nature Centre better! However, our Society does not offset the capital and operational requirements of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. Instead, we provide enhancements for the benefit of the community that would not otherwise be available.
A young Coulee Clean-up team trek through a coulee, 2025
Greetings from our Board of Directors
"Joining the HSNC Board for the first time has been a deeply meaningful journey. As an Indigenous (Nlaka’pamux) person, I carry a perspective rooted in reciprocal relationships with the land and guided by the principle of seven generations, mindful that the decisions we make today shape the experiences of those who come after us.
Over the past year, I have been inspired to see children, families, and long-time volunteers come together in curiosity, learning, and inter-generational knowledge exchange, reinforcing how the Society nurtures lasting connections with nature and community.” Rosie Digout - Director
"I’m thrilled to be a new board member this past year and have the opportunity to learn more about the innovative and inspiring work and programming of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. It is a pleasure to work and engage with the staff and board members representing this organization. They are a good and energetic group." Pat Lowell - Director
“It's been quite a year (2025) with the major distraction of having the roof of our house removed (then praying for no rain!) as part of a six-month renovation to add a studio. Thankfully the rain, when it came, did only minor damage and the Nature Centre provided a much-needed diversion. Ah, the solace of nature! Whenever the world starts getting you down, come along to the river valley, cruise the exhibits at the Nature Centre and walk the trails. There's nothing like it!” John Usher - Past President
"The Outdoor Nature Play Pods continue to be well-loved by so many children. Their creativity knows no bounds; from stacked up tires being a bank with golf ball money, a restaurant serving “soup” and a golf course, along with wooden stacking pieces and huge tubes for rolling balls in. I look forward to seeing what the Friends of Helen Schuler Nature Centre Board can contribute to this upcoming year.” Deb Kellett - Director
“Serving on the board this past year has been both an honour and a privilege. Guided by my commitment to advancing community wellbeing through volunteerism, I sought an organization aligned with my values and found that alignment at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
I have witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication behind programs and events that enrich the Lethbridge community. Our work meaningfully contributes to the aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering connection with nature and strengthening community resilience.
I am proud to serve alongside a diverse, inclusive, and highly committed board. As an environmental and sustainability professional, I find deep fulfillment in preserving natural spaces while delivering measurable community impact. I invite all who are able to continue supporting our mission as we strive to do more, be more, and achieve more together.” Nnamdi Chiadikobi - Director
New OKI sign at the Nature Centre, by artist Mariah “Omahkaistaawakaakii” Gladstone
Notable accomplishments in 2025
This past year, our collective efforts boosted support for nature‑focused programs, enabled important enhancements at the Nature Centre, and expanded our presence within the community.
At our Society’s AGM in March, we were delighted to welcome six new board members representing a wide diversity in experience and perspectives. Our 2025 board included members who are current Nature Centre volunteers, program participants, philanthropists, and community champions.
In April, we once again took part in the City Nature Challenge (CNC) 2025: Lethbridge, joining communities around the world in a massive bioblitz.
2,007 observations were made;
485 species were observed;
30 observers took part.
Will you join us in aiming even higher for next year?
Twice this year, in March and October, we partnered with Environment Lethbridge to bring together the Lethbridge Urban Nature & Environment Round-table (LUNER) partners. These sessions provide an opportunity for nature and environment-focused organizations to share information and encourage collaboration within our local sector.
Due to significant donations in support of Conservation Programs in late 2024 (particularly thanks to the Prairie Race Association), we were able to support a new program introduced to increase participation in programs beyond Coulee Clean-up, called Verdant Quest. This program had 126 total entrants, with about 25% who had never before participated in a City of Lethbridge or Helen Schuler Nature Centre conservation program previously. Coulee Clean-up continues to be a strong program with 909 volunteers participating to clean up 79 coulee areas. Shoreline Clean-up received a boost to participation this year, with 138 participants. Two successful Russian Olive removal projects were also completed.
Group of volunteers removing invasive Dame’s Rocket from the river valley
An Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt (Outdoor Adventure on the Trail) was developed and ran, with terrific uptake, for the month of July in the Nature Reserve! It was a dual-purpose activity, providing both an after-hours extension to the Nature Centre’s interpretive programs and supporting the objective of raising awareness of Conservation programs. This project was made possible by funds raised during 2024’s Birdies for Kids campaign.
In June, the Friends’ board joined the fun at the Nature Centre’s vibrant Nature Play Fest at Henderson Lake. With activities ranging from kayaking adventures to creative loose‑parts play, families had countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Board members had a wonderful time hosting the photo booth and connecting with participants, soaking up the enthusiasm of this beloved community event.
We were proud to once again participate in Rogers Birdies for Kids, presented by AltaLink, a fundraising initiative of the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation that matches up to 50% of all donations. Thanks to the generosity of our Friends, $4,936 was contributed and matched for a total impact of $7,404. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this fundraising effort such a success!
This fall, the Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society once again partnered with the Rotary Club of Lethbridge East to present the Inspired by Nature: Youth Art Exhibition from early October through early November. This annual program celebrates creative works by young artists under 18 and shines a spotlight on emerging local talent. The 2025 exhibition featured 29 participants, two‑thirds of whom were returning artists. Since the program began in 2015, we have supported 308 youth artists! We are delighted to share that Rotary has confirmed its continued support through 2026.
Kevin Van Tigham speaking at Word on the Street
In September, we were proud to co-sponsor an author for Lethbridge’s Word on the Street with the Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (SAGE). The sponsored author was Alberta author Kevin Van Tighem and his new book Understory: An Ecologist’s Memoir of Loss and Hope. Since 2017 we have sponsored an author reading and presentation to ensure important environmental topics are part of the Word on the Street Festival event.
The fall months brought the launch of another season of our Travel Adventures series, offering attendees a chance to experience global nature adventures from the comfort of the Nature Centre. The program highlighted a diverse range of travel themes and locations. We extend our gratitude to this year’s presenters – Ken and Deb Kellett (New Zealand - from Top to Bottom), Chelsea Sherbut (The Garden Island, Kauai) and Amanda Fernandes (Exploring the Biomes of Brazil: From Rainforest to Savanna). A total of 73 guests attended the sessions, helping raise more than $680 in support of the Nature Centre’s endowment fund, held with the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.
Our Society provided letters of support for Environment Lethbridge in their application for funding through the EcoAction Community Funding Program as well as the Watershed Resiliency and Recovery Program. Their proposed project looks to support Lethbridge homeowners and assist them in installing drought-resilient landscaping in their yards.
Winter Nature Play Pop-up
Nature Play Pop‑ups, championed by the Friends since 2024, blossomed even further in 2025. More than 1,300 children and their families came out to play; exploring loose‑parts activities, embracing every season, and discovering the joy of being outdoors in all kinds of weather. Pop‑ups were held on the play square by the Nature Centre every single month of the year! This year’s success was made possible through the enthusiastic partnership of the Nature Centre, Building Brains Together, YMCA, and the Lethbridge School Division, with transportation support once again generously provided through funds raised through the Birdies for Kids campaign. Building Brains Together leveraged the transportation bursary even further by adding an interpretive led program, and offered a parent learning session during their year-end celebration with families from Lethbridge Housing Authority.
Starting in 2022, the Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society has worked to support river valley access programs designed for new Canadians. The Welcome to Canada program supports recent immigrants in connecting with Lethbridge's amazing natural spaces. The program aims to develop comfort and familiarity in spending time outside. Thanks to the partnership developed with Lethbridge Family Services - Immigrant Services, 125 new Canadians had the opportunity to take part in 6 fieldtrips to the Nature Centre in 2025. These individuals experienced everything from Nature Play Pop Ups to interpreter led programs to the simple joys of spotting wildlife on the trails.
Summary of Activities & Events in 2025
Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society is active year-round - delivering programs, grant-writing and fundraising, engaging in advocacy, and building our capacity.
Travel Adventures Presentations
New Zealand - from Top to Bottom with Ken and Deb Kellett (Sept 19, 2025)
The Garden Island, Kauai with Chelsea Sherbut (Oct 17, 2025)
Exploring the Biomes of Brazil: From Rainforest to Savanna with Amanda Fernandes (Nov 21, 2025)
Conservation Initiatives
Coulee Cleanup – Sponsorship (April 22 - May 31, 2025)
Shoreline Cleanup – Sponsorship (12 clean-ups completed)
Invasive Weed Pull – Sponsorship (May 28 and June 18, 2025)
Community Events, Outreach, Programs, & Workshops
Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink fundraiser (Mar 1 – Aug 31, 2025)
Lethbridge Urban Nature and Environment Roundtable (Mar 24, 2025 and Oct 20, 2025)
Welcome to Canada with Lethbridge Family Services Immigration Department - program sponsor (6 fieldtrips to the Nature Centre in 2025, with a combined 125 new Canadian participants)
City Nature Challenge – Community-wide Citizen Science BioBlitz (Apr 25 - 28)
Nature Play Pop Ups with YMCA, Building Brains Together, and Lethbridge School Division – Program Sponsorship (37 Play pop-ups held throughout the year, engaging over 1300 participants)
Outdoor Adventure on the Trail – Invasive Weeds Scavenger Hunt (July 2025)
Word on the Street – Kevin Van Tighem, Understory: An Ecologist’s Memoir of Loss and Hope - Author Presentation (Sept 20, 2025)
Inspired by Nature: Youth Art Exhibition – Program Sponsorship (Oct 6 – Nov 7, 2025)
Inspired by Nature: Youth Art Exhibition – Gallery Closing Event (Nov 8, 2025)
Environment Lethbridge Letters of Support for a Watershed Resiliency grant and EcoAction Community Funding grant (Sept, 2025)
Governance
Annual General Meeting (March 16)
Executive Meeting (January 18)
Executive Meeting (April 10)
Executive Meeting (July 29)
Executive Meeting (September 29)
Learn about our upcoming programs and events online at NatureCentre.ca/events
Inspired by Nature artwork, “If I could Fly” by Palliser Home Ed. Group
Get involved!
Join us in our mission to connect people to the benefits of the great outdoors!
Become a Friends Member
Donate
Volunteer with us
Consider joining our Board of Directors
Attend a program, event, or workshop
Visit the Nature Centre
Share a testimonial about the Nature Centre
Spend more time outside
Encourage your friends and family to join you