World pioneer in land reclamation education

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES)

Candace and Heather doing revegetation assessments.
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES) at the University of Alberta has a long history of research and curriculum to address land reclamation. Although the faculty name changed several times and programs evolved, the foundation and evolution of the land reclamation program and its predecessors places ALES as a pioneer in land reclamation education, in Alberta, Canada and the world.

Prior to the 1990s soils research and education was a major part of the faculty’s agriculture and forestry programs. Soils majors populated consulting firms, government and industry, where the rapidly evolving land reclamation science was developing. The sustainable use of natural resources became a tenet of the faculty. 

World pioneer in land reclamation education

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES)

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES) at the University of Alberta has a long history of research and curriculum to address land reclamation. Although the faculty name changed several times and programs evolved, the foundation and evolution of the land reclamation program and its predecessors places ALES as a pioneer in land reclamation education, in Alberta, Canada and the world.

Prior to the 1990s soils research and education was a major part of the faculty’s agriculture and forestry programs. Soils majors populated consulting firms, government and industry, where the rapidly evolving land reclamation science was developing. The sustainable use of natural resources became a tenet of the faculty. 
Candace and Heather doing revegetation assessments.
Martin Robinson doing tree height measurements.
In the late 1990s, there was greater discussion around global environmental issues and addressing them through science and policy. ALES developed the Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ENCS) baccalaureate degree program, with a major in land reclamation, the first in Canada. There was strong endorsement from government and industry and in fall 1993 the first cohort of students began. The program was immediately popular with 20% of faculty enrollment in the first year. Over 1000 students have now graduated from the land reclamation major.
Participating in a round table with Aboriginal partners.
Valerie working in the greenhouse.
Among ENCS program objectives was to understand and minimize impacts of anthropogenic activities on natural resources, with emphasis on soil, water and plants. While the program has its roots in soil sciences, it evolved to provide an ecosystem approach to reclamation to ensure structure and functions were returned to disturbed lands, leading to resilient reclaimed land and water systems, while addressing policy, cultural and societal concerns. 

The faculty has numerous award winning professors supervising graduate students in various aspects of land reclamation. The faculty offers widely popular MSc and PhD programs in land reclamation.
In 2011, the Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) was established with a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council CREATE program. It is dedicated to developing highly qualified scientists and practitioners, providing value added collaborative and multidisciplinary training in land reclamation science. The school offers lectures by invited experts, short courses, field trips and professional development modules. Its successful mentorship program pairs students with land reclamation professionals throughout their studies. 
LRIGS facilitates development of land reclamation professionals and rapid transfer and implementation of reclamation knowledge into regulatory and industrial regimes. Participants go on to successful land and water reclamation careers in academia, government, industry and consulting. In 2014 LRIGS was presented with the CLRA Edward M Watkins award in recognition of innovation and excellence in graduate student education and promotion of land reclamation internationally.
Holly making agarose gel.