Studying conservation and reclamation programs

Lakeland College, first reclamation post secondary diploma offered at Vermilion forty years ago

Quinn Hlus collects a sample from an auger during a class in 2017.
Lakeland College offered land reclamation programs since 1978. The Environmental Conservation and Reclamation Diploma program (ECR) was specifically designed to train people as professionals to support firms and agencies involved in the minimization of long term environmental effects of construction projects, mining operations, pipeline spills and other oil and gas infrastructure. 

This program focused on soil science and specialized reclamation techniques while incorporating vegetation management techniques for reclamation and land conservation. The strength of Lakeland’s Environmental Conservation and Reclamation major comes from its hands-on field labs and contact with industry through field trips and conferences. Students learn knowledge and field skills required for reclamation jobs from instructors and industry, in the classroom and in the field, providing a solid reputation for the program. The ECR program was accredited in December 2012 by ECO Canada.

Studying conservation and reclamation programs

Lakeland College, first reclamation post secondary diploma offered at Vermilion forty years ago

Lakeland College offered land reclamation programs since 1978. The Environmental Conservation and Reclamation Diploma program (ECR) was specifically designed to train people as professionals to support firms and agencies involved in the minimization of long term environmental effects of construction projects, mining operations, pipeline spills and other oil and gas infrastructure. 

This program focused on soil science and specialized reclamation techniques while incorporating vegetation management techniques for reclamation and land conservation. The strength of Lakeland’s Environmental Conservation and Reclamation major comes from its hands-on field labs and contact with industry through field trips and conferences. Students learn knowledge and field skills required for reclamation jobs from instructors and industry, in the classroom and in the field, providing a solid reputation for the program. The ECR program was accredited in December 2012 by ECO Canada.
Quinn Hlus collects a sample from an auger during a class in 2017.
The Environmental Conservation and Restoration Ecology major (CARE) was developed from the successful long running Environmental Conservation and Reclamation Diploma. The CARE diploma was created initially to provide a program with a greater focus on plant ecology, especially the integrated vegetation management technology skills needed for reclamation, and for land management and conservation in natural areas that were impacted from disturbance. 
The diploma was introduced in 2004 as the Conservation and Vegetation Management Technology Diploma. The program quickly evolved over a very short time period to incorporate more ecology and ecosystem management courses for restoration, conservation, and management of natural ecosystems. In 2006, the course was renamed the Conservation and Restoration Ecology Diploma. 
Today the focus ensures students have a well-developed background in forestry, prairie, parkland and wetland ecological processes with emphasis on plant ecology. The program integrated plant ecology and processes with habitat restoration and enhancement, soils, wildlife, rare species, and community health, functions and classification. The program emphasizes restoration, conservation and management techniques and field skills for natural areas impacted by agriculture, forestry, the energy sector and urbanization. 
Conservation and Reclamation students participating in a field trip in the late 1980s.
Paige Lemmen, Class of 2017, participating in a plant identification lab.
The major averages 20 graduates annually, with over half of the graduates continuing their education with transfer agreements to University of Alberta, or University of Saskatchewan, as examples, or continue at Lakeland College BASEM in reclamation. 
In 2009/2010, Lakeland College created one Environmental Sciences Diploma with four majors. Today CARE is a successful major with Environmental Sciences at Lakeland College. 
The College continually reviews its courses and works with industry to ensure program content reflects industry expectations. Faculty provide networking opportunities for students with industry through field trips and guest speakers.
Julia Shapka and Jaycee Meimer work on soil classification during a lab south of Vermilion in September 2018.
These Conservation and Reclamation students complete a vegetation assessment in the late 1980s.