Todd Loewen

Dads are special!

They’re often our first teachers. They show us what selflessness truly is. Through the big moments and the everyday ones.

My dad would work through the night to help me out when I needed it. The most valuable gift, the gift of time, even when it was most precious. The sacrifices that never came with an invoice. Dads just do what needs to be done.

To the dads and grandpas across Alberta: Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for everything you do.

What a pleasure it was to be in Wanham yesterday for the Plowing Match!

Make sure you come down and check out the festivities this weekend! You could even give plowing a try!!

Events like this are a reminder of why I love getting out into rural Alberta and connecting with the people who make this province great. The skill, dedication, and pride on display yesterday was something to see. Farmers and competitors who truly understand the land and what it means to work it.

Agriculture is the backbone of this province, and gatherings like the Wanham Plowing Match are a celebration of that legacy.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who came out to make it such a memorable event!!

Feral horses are part of Alberta's heritage. They share the landscape with wildlife, livestock, recreation, forestry, and other land uses.

That shared use matters. As horse populations grow, so does the pressure they place on grasslands, forage, and habitat. Thoughtful management isn't about removing horses from the landscape. It's about keeping horse populations healthy and in balance with the land they depend on.

Every person who lives in Alberta has an effect on the landscape. Your existence displaces wildlife and alters habitat. Because of that effect, we, as stewards of the land are responsible for managing those effects to the best of our knowledge and abilities.

Alberta's science-based approach uses population monitoring, research, fertility control, and responsible adoption programs, developed with input from Indigenous communities, horse advocates, conservation organizations, and academic experts.

When feral horse populations are well managed, the horses themselves benefit. The same as the other species that are on the landscape. Sustainable numbers on a landscape that can actually support them long-term.

Good management isn't a threat to feral horses. It's what makes their future on Alberta's public lands possible.

Check out this group I saw near Four Mile Creek!

From mountain meadows and rolling foothills to prairie grasslands and forest clearings, Alberta comes alive with colour during wildflower season.

Throughout the summer months, visitors can spot a variety of blooms including wild rose, Indian paintbrush, lupines, fireweed, and countless other native species that brighten the landscape and provide important habitat for pollinators.

Summer is a beautiful time to experience Alberta's natural landscapes in full bloom

The pronghorn is one of Alberta's most iconic prairie animals, built for speed and survival across the sweeping grasslands of the south. Capable of reaching speeds up to 90km/h, it holds the title of fastest land animal in North America, a fitting crown for a creature shaped by the wide open spaces of the Canadian prairies.

What makes the pronghorn truly remarkable is not speed alone but the combination of raw agility and exceptional eyesight, allowing it to spot predators from kilometers away long before danger gets close.

Recognizable by its tan coat, white belly, throat, and jaw, the pronghorn is a natural fit for the rolling foothills and open range country that exist in southern Alberta. Out on the prairie, with nothing but big sky and short grass in every direction, the pronghorn thrives, trusting its senses and speed over cover and concealment.

For anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one bolting across a back road south of Calgary, it is one of those unmistakably Alberta moments.

If you ever find yourself near Kananaskis, do yourself a favour and take the time to check out the Blackshale Suspension Bridge.

Part of the High Rockies Trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, this 73 meter long bridge is worth the hike for the breathtaking views of Kananaskis and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic outing, this spot offers a memorable way to experience Alberta’s backcountry.

Rycroft Agricultural Society is hosting two special events tomorrow and Wednesday.
Empowering Minds is a bold new initiative supporting Alberta’s rural communities to tackle mental health challenges with courage, care, and local leadership.

Young Adults event Tuesday June 16 at 5:30 at the Rycroft Ag Society building.

Public supper and event, on Wednesday June 17 at 5:30 at the Rycroft Ag Society building.

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) has partnered with internationally recognized social innovator and mental health advocate, Ian Hill, to launch Empowering Minds: The First Identifiers Initiative across 60 rural Alberta communities.

Supper is free and it’s important to further our knowledge and awareness around su***de and mental health struggles as a community. Ian Hill is motivated, engaging and passionate about helping rural communities.

The more people who come, the better we all are!

Please rsvp here! 👇

Empowering Minds Rycroft - First Identifier Training and Community Supper Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

A severe storm/tornado passed through Girouxville tonight. No injuries reported as of yet. Property damage and trees down. Power is out in much of the community.
I was able to do a quick tour of the area. Emergency crews are out and the residents are cleaning and repairing what they can.
Stay safe out there.🙏

All stocked up and ready for fishing season!

Located in the beautiful Nordegg region West of Red Deer, Goldeye lake has recently been stocked with Rainbow Trout, making it a fantastic destination for anglers looking to enjoy Alberta’s mountain landscapes and fresh waters.

With a nearby campground, scenic surroundings, and access to hiking trails around the lake, Goldeye is an excellent spot for a relaxing overnight fishing trip or weekend getaway.

If you have access to a boat, it’s well worth bringing along as the lake features a convenient boat launch.

Whether you’re casting from shore or exploring the water by boat, Goldeye Lake is a perfect place to spend time outdoors this season.

Just outside St. Albert, Riverlot 56 Natural Area offers a peaceful escape into nature without having to travel far from the city.

This beautiful natural area protects a diverse landscape of aspen forest, open meadows, and winding trails along the Sturgeon River. Visitors can spend the day hiking, trail running, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the quiet scenery surrounded by Alberta wildlife and native plants.

Riverlot 56 is especially popular for its tranquil atmosphere and well used trail network, making it a favourite destination for locals year round. In the winter, the area transforms into a scenic spot for cross-country skiing, while in the summer months it serves as a great dog walking trail.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing nature walk, a peaceful photography spot, or an easy outdoor adventure close to home, Riverlot 56 is a hidden gem worth exploring. 🌲🍃