|
THE BIWEEKLY
APRIL 15, 2026
Published by the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
| | |
Nothing like a good scritch to chase away the itch!
This contented fellow was photographed by Ouseph Alphonsea, P. Biol., who specializes in biodiversity, environmental management and regulatory compliance.
| | |
ASPB Salary Survey
will open May 1, 2026
The ASPB Salary Survey (covering 2025) will open on May 1, 2026, and will be available through the Member Dashboard. The survey is short and anonymous and will remain open for member response until May 18, 2026.
Participation in the survey is open to most registration categories, including Temporary Withdrawn and Associated members, but excluding Students. We encourage all eligible members to participate so the ASPB can gather accurate and meaningful data on member compensation across the profession.
| | |
Membership Application
Process Update
As part of recent updates to the application process, applicants for membership in the ASPB are now required to enter their work experience, as well as their academic courses and credits, directly within the online application format.
| |
ASPB CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS
ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
As always, it is our valuable sponsors who provide the power
to drive the standard of excellence
for which our conferences are known.
For full information, please go to 2026 Sponsorship Packages
| |
University of Calgary to host eighth annual
Together | Ensemble Conference
on May 19 and 20, 2026
Together | Ensemble is Canada’s leading national conference for collaborating and accelerating progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brings together inter-generational Indigenous Peoples, youth, academia, government, business, and community leaders to turn global goals into local action and address Canada’s toughest sustainability challenges.
For more information and registration, please HERE.
| | |
Multi-species Action Plan for
Alberta At-risk Native Trout
Rainbow Trout (Athabasca River populations), Bull Trout (Saskatchewan – Nelson Rivers populations), and Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Alberta population) were listed on schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as endangered in 2019, threatened in 2019, and threatened in 2013, respectively.
The Consultation period is open 2026-03-26 to 2026-05-25.
| | |
Updates:
Projects Near Water website
DFO is pleased to announce that three new interim standards have been developed to guide project proponents in the design and implementation of mitigation measures considered critical to the protection of fish and fish habitat. The following are now published on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Projects Near Water website and they can be accessed here.
| | |
CONFERENCE 2026
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS:
The theme of the ASPB 2026 Conference (November 4-6, 2026) is Supporting Biologists: in the Field and Beyond
and the call for abstracts is now open and will close on June 1, 2026.
For details please go to 2026 Conference Abstract Info
| | |
Some notes about:
The Columbia Mountains
Institute of Applied Ecology
The Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (or more simply “CMI”) is a non-profit organization that started as a research hub in interior BC, and has since evolved into a hub for professional development in applied ecology.
While our events target the learning and land management needs of interior BC (the Columbia Mountains region), these activities prove useful far beyond, as evidenced by CMI's growing membership in Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and a number of northern states in the USA.
CMI offers a mix of in-person and online courses, workshops, webinars, and conferences addressing everything from data science to field-based research skills. Some of the most popular courses cover the topics of ornithology, plant ID, soils description, wetland classification, camera trap data analysis, and R software.
More complex land management conundrums are tackled through multi-day conferences which bring together leading scientists, land managers, First Nations, ecology practitioners, stewardship groups, and community groups such as recreation clubs, hunters and anglers, ranchers and farmers.
Proceedings Documents are available from all of CMI"s major events, including the Annual Researchers' Forums. Recordings are also available from the popular CREDtalks series (the Columbia Region Ecological Discussions.) People can sign up for CMI's monthly newsletter here to learn more about upcoming training opportunities, other news and activities pertinent from CMI's network of partner organizations, ecological job postings, and more. Find CMI upcoming events here.
This article was supplied by Hailey Ross, Executive Director at CMI
| | |
Field Law complimentary webinars:
Trends Shaping Your Workplace in 2026
These complimentary recordings are designed to help organizations stay ahead of emerging risks, refine internal policies, and maintain compliance. Gain practical guidance on recent case law and legislative changes affecting operations, governance, and workforce management in the year ahead.
-
For more information on Part 1 (Labour, Employment, Privacy), click here.
-
For more information on Part 2 (Occupational Health + Safety, Human Rights, Artificial Intelligence), click here.
| | |
SEMINARS, WEBINARS & COURSES
APRIL
| |
|
Fishes of Alberta
Field Identification Workshops
April 18, 2026 (Edmonton)
May 2, 2026 (Calgary)
This popular workshop is delivered by Shona Derlukewich (“School of Fish”) and guides participants through the fundamental morphological traits, geographic distribution, and habitat preferences of fish found in Alberta.
The course is designed to benefit anyone interested in fisheries, at all experience levels, from those just getting started to seasoned experts. The Alberta Field Guide is included in the workshop.
This course will be held at MacEwan University on Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2026., and also at Mount Royal University on Saturday afternoon May 2, 2026. Specific details will be provided for paid participants; the cost is $175 per student, and payment is due BEFORE the workshop. Credit cards are subject to a 3.5% service charge; you can also E-transfer to derlukew@ualberta.ca. Cell phone: 780-722-9884. Email: derlukew@ualberta.ca
| |
SEMINARS, WEBINARS & COURSES
MAY
| |
2026 Alberta Soils Tour:
Exploring Palliser's Triangle
The Alberta Soils Tour, presented on May 27 through May 29, 2026 by the Alberta Soil Science Workshop Organizing Committee, is an excellent training opportunity for those working with soils, whether the focus is soil conservation, land reclamation, or agronomy. Experts will provide background on soil formation and the various soil profiles for each of the landscapes encountered during the tour. The tour provides hands-on field opportunities for professional development, learning, and collaboration.
The 2026 Alberta Soils Tour would require two or three overnight stays in Medicine Hat, AB. To book your accommodation, or to see the tour poster, please visit http://www.soilsworkshop.ab.ca/tour.html
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 01, 2026
| | |
ANPC Annual Workshop
Join us on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Wild Rose Brewery in Calgary, Alberta as we highlight the works of inspiring people and organizations making a difference for native plants and their habitat in our province. Register on the ANPC website or using the QR code. The Early Bird rate ends April 4!
Our presentation schedule is jam packed with four speaker sessions with topics ranging from plant rescues to rough fescue restoration to citizen-led seed collection projects and so much more! Attendees can also expect vendor tables including ALCLA Native Plants, CPAWS and Grassland Restoration Forum, a book sale, silent auction and door prizes. On Sunday May 3rd, we are organizing a morning walk in a nearby nature reserve to learn about local native plants.
| | |
Don't Forget!!
The 2026 Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference
takes place May 5 - 7, 2026 in Saskatoon, SK.
Make sure to check out the tours and workshops that are also available.
www.prairiecesc.ca/
| | |
Track & Sign Specialist Certification
May 23 & 24, 2026, Lardeau Valley, British Columbia
This 2-day field-based workshop offers participants the opportunity to earn a Track & Sign Specialist Certification, the highest level of Track & Sign certification available within the CyberTracker system.
Sage Raymond and David Moskowitz will lead the workshop.
(This workshop is meant for expert trackers)
Learn more here
| | |
Vertex Professional Training
Bryophyte and Wetlands Courses
COURSE 1 May 25 -26 – Wetland Bryophyte Identification
COURSE 2 May 27-28 – Upland Bryophyte Identification
Details and links to register: Vertex - Professional Training 2026
| | |
SEMINARS, WEBINARS & COURSES
JUNE
| | |
Vertex Professional Training
Bryophyte and Wetlands Courses
COURSE 3 June 1-2 – Wetland Bryophyte Identification
COURSE 4 June 3-5 – Boreal Wetlands Field Course
Details and links to register: Vertex - Professional Training 2026
| | |
BSc & MSc degrees in Ecological Restoration
at
THE BC INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
If you’re passionate about helping ecosystems recover and thrive, the BSc & MSc Programs in Ecological Restoration at BCIT are worth exploring. The programs blend scientific knowledge with practical, field-based experience and offer both part-time and full-time options. Learn more about how the programs can support your career goals:
https://www.bcit.ca/programs/ecological-restoration/
| | |
NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Introduction to Forest Composition and Structure – Online – April 14th & 16th, 2026
Plant Identification — Level 2 - Online - April 15th, 2026
Introduction to Fish Habitat Measurement and Assessment - Online - April 17th, 2026
Habitat Restoration Technician Program — Foundations of Ecological Restoration – April 20th – 22nd & April 27th – 28th, 2026 – Online
Species at Risk - Online, April 21st - 22nd, 2026
Understanding How Site Factors Shape Forests - Online - April 21st & 23rd, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Cranbrook, April 23rd, 2026
Water Safety for Environmental Fieldwork - Online - April 24th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, April 24th, 2026
Ichthyology – Online, April 27th – 28th, 2026
Birding 101 — Foundations of Field Bird Identification - Online - April 28th, 2026
Assessing Tree & Forest Health - Online - April 30th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Prince George – May 1st, 2026
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) May 1st & Cochrane - May 7th & 8th, 2026
Interpreting Fish Habitat Assessment Information - Online - May 1st, 2026
Environmental Project Management – May 4th-6th, 2026 – Online
Habitat Restoration Technician Program — Aquatic Ecosystems and Lake Restoration – May 4th -7th, 2026 – Online
Land Guardian Program - May 4th - June 5th, 2026
Construction Monitoring — Wildlife Mitigation - Online - May 5th, 2026
Bird Nest Surveys — Beyond Standard Approaches - Online - May 7th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Terrace - May 7th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver - May 8th, 2026
Winning Proposals — Writing to Secure Funding - Online - May 8th, 2026
Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario - Online & Cambridge - May 11th - 15th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Merritt - May 12th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Saskatoon - May 12th, 2026
Habitat Restoration Technician Program — Terrestrial/Riparian Ecosystems and Invasive Plant
Restoration – May 12th – 15th, 2026 – Online
Native Prairie Restoration - Online - May 13th, 2026
Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods - Online - May 21st - 22nd, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Winnipeg - May 22nd, 2026
Technical Writing for Professionals - Online - May 25th - 26th, 2026
Wetland Assessment - Online - May 26th - 27th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Courtenay - May 29th, 2026
Electrofishing Certification - Online (self-paced) & Terrace - May 29th, 2026
For the full calendar of upcoming courses, and course details, follow this link:
https://nrtraininggroup.com/schedule/
| |
COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology
Revelstoke BC
| |
Amphibian Identification and Survey Techniques. Online lecture April 15 - 15, with in-person field session options June 15 (Squamish) and June 18 (Revelstoke)
Introduction to `R` Software. Online course April 28 - May 1.
Intro to Coding in Bayesian Models. Online course, Wed mornings, May 6 - June 10
Field Ornithology: Improving Bird ID and Survey Skills through Sound. In-person course, Revelstoke BC. May 25-28.
Field Soil Description & Classification Course. In-person course, Revelstoke BC. May 25-28.
Introduction to Describing Wetlands in the Field. In-person course June 15-17.
QGIS Mapping. Online, flexible dates.
Plant Families from an Alpine Wildflower Perspective. Intro-level plant family ID, but in the Alpine! July 27-28, Revelstoke BC
Willow Identification, an Introduction. Willows can be tricky, this course will certainly help! July 29-30, Revelstoke BC
| | |
RECENT
EMPLOYMENT POSTINGS
Environmental Coordinator
Intermediate Vegetation Ecologist
Intermediate Wildlife Biologist
Senior Wildlife Technical Lead
Regulatory Compliance Officer
Junior Aquatic Biologist -
Environment Field Advisor
Intermediate Reclamation Specialist/Soil Scientist
FIND INFORMATION ON
THESE AND OTHER POSITIONS, GO TO THE
JOB BOARD
| | |
This week’s banner photo:
This contented critter was photographed by
Ouseph Alphonsea, P. Biol.
PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGISTS PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST
In Alberta, Professional Biologists are registrants of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), and are subject to a code of ethics, continuing competency requirements, and a disciplinary process. The ASPB is a self-regulated organization under legislation in the Province of Alberta, meaning its purpose is to protect the public of Alberta by ensuring biologists are qualified to practice biology in accordance with that legislation. The society is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its registrants.
You are probably receiving this newsletter because you are an ASPB Registrant. This newsletter provides relevant information and professional development opportunities for our members, as well as essential member-related society business; if you are registered with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, please DO NOT unsubscribe.
For more information about the Society or to contact the administration, please visit the website: https://www.aspb.ab.ca
Opinions and general news published in this e-newsletter
do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Society or its Board of Directors.
Communications from the ASPB may include AI generated content.
2026
| | | | |
