The Bow Bioregion Regeneration Initiative (BBRI) is located in the South Saskatchewan River Basin, specifically within the Bow Bioregion of Alberta, Canada. This landscape is characterised by Rocky Mountain headwaters, rolling foothills, riparian wetlands, and native grasslands, forming a critical ecological corridor that sustains wildlife and downstream water supplies for over 1.5 million people, including Calgary and numerous Indigenous communities.

Historically, the region has suffered from intensive logging, land fragmentation, and soil degradation due to unsustainable forestry, agriculture, and expanding infrastructure. Clear-cut logging has compromised hydrological cycles, leading to increased erosion, sedimentation, and loss of biodiversity, threatening vulnerable species like grizzly bears, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and Bull Trout.

Our goal is to restore ecological integrity, regenerate forest cover, rehabilitate riparian zones, and reintroduce regenerative land management practices. We prioritize Indigenous-led stewardship, community-driven conservation, and ecosystem-based restoration approaches. By integrating native plant propagation, strategic reforestation, watershed monitoring, and community engagement, we aim to enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and support local livelihoods.

Our vision is to create a thriving bioregional network that fosters socio-ecological resilience, equitable governance, and sustainable economic alternatives rooted in conservation finance and regenerative land-use planning. Through grassroots collaboration, we seek to redefine land management to prioritize long-term ecosystem health over short-term resource extraction.

Impact Story

The Ecosystem Restoration Working Group (ERWG) has made remarkable strides in fostering collaboration and advancing nature-based solutions across Southern Alberta’s watersheds. Since its inception, ERWG has convened diverse interest-holders, including Indigenous leaders, watershed groups, and conservation organizations, to align restoration efforts and share resources. With growing momentum, the group has hosted multiple collaborative meetings, identified key regional priorities, and initiated plans for scaling ecosystem restoration projects. These efforts are strengthening partnerships, mobilizing funding, and setting the stage for large-scale ecological impact. ERWG’s progress reflects a shared commitment to restoring landscapes, improving water quality, and building climate resilience.