who we are

At Crowsnest Conservation Society, we believe in the power of collective action to protect our natural world. We are a dedicated charitable organization committed to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the Crowsnest Pass and its surrounding areas. Our mission is to inspire and engage individuals, businesses, and communities to take meaningful steps towards environmental conservation.

Crowsnest Conservation Society comprises a diverse community of individuals deeply passionate about the natural beauty of the Crowsnest Pass. Our collective is driven by a robust conservation ethic, firmly committed to integrating it seamlessly into our community's core.

​We actively initiate and support programs dedicated to the preservation, protection, and enhancement of our cherished landscapes and the environment, all while fostering the growth of a vibrant community. 

Our Vision

​Crowsnest Conservation Society envisions a Crowsnest Pass where:
  • We work together with community partners to ensure a healthy future for the natural environment and the people who live in it.
  • Wildlife can live and move within a healthy landscape.
  • A range of recreational activities coexist with users and wildlife in a respectful and sustainable manner.
  • Private and public decisions about land development are made with the long terms needs of wildlife and sustainable community as key factors.
  • People celebrate our rich and unique natural heritage.​

OUR PEOPLE
Our group of dedicated volunteers and staff make our advocacy, outreach and programming possible. Learn more about our current Board of Directors and Staff members.

Brenda DAvison

President
Brenda Davison is a teacher who spent her career in Canmore, where she was active in environmental issues, particularly those concerning wildlife corridors. Since retiring and moving to Burmis 12 years ago, she has enjoyed discovering new wild spaces in the Crowsnest Pass. She is happy whenever she can be outside - hiking, gardening, or just watching the sunlight and shadow in their dance along a hill.

Tara hellewell

Vice-President
Tara Hellewell has been a strong advocate for the welfare of animals through her ten-year role as Executive Director of Central Alberta Humane Society and former Humane Canada Board Director. Her 20-year career and volunteerism specializing in fund development, marketing, and management has actively furthered the missions of the central Alberta charitable sector in domestic violence, seniors' long-term care, and animal welfare. Tara currently holds the role of Director of Donor Relations and National Engagement at Humane Canada, where she supports the welfare of companion animals, wildlife, and farmed animals across the country. ​

SUSAN WAGNER

​Treasurer
​Susan Wagner is a retired professor of nursing from Saskatoon who moved here for the outdoor recreation opportunities. She was a member of several health care boards and on the Crowsnest Pass Municipal Planning Commission for almost three terms. Susan and her husband built a log house on an island in northern Saskatchewan and lived there for 19 summers. Together, she and her husband have been committed to environmental issues and advocacy for the past few decades.

Grace O'Leary

Secretary
Grace O'Leary was born and raised in Ontario where she graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming as a Fish and Wildlife Technician. Grace travelled all over the world and has settled in the Crowsnest Pass. Grace has alway had a passion for the outdoors, she enjoys fishing, hiking and camping. Grace has worked for Parks Canada, managed remote wilderness lodges in the Northwest Territories and worked as an Aquaculture Technician. ​

HEATHER MCCUBBIN

Board Member
Heather McCubbin has a passion for the outdoors and education. She has lived in Crowsnest Pass since 2012. After spending every summer here as a kid, she knew it was a place she wanted to live, explore and connect with even more. She continued to educate herself on what is in the environment around her and is always excited to share her knowledge with others. In her free time, she loves to hike, fish, explore and capture our beautiful scenery on her camera.

Herald Kane

Board Member
Herald Kane was born in Lethbridge to two parents from the CNP and lived in Hillcrest until graduating from Bellevue High School. He studied chemistry at the U of A and completed two graduate degrees in Los Angeles. He finally retired from a college teaching career in 2005 to move back to Hillcrest. Herald focused his professional interests on creating science curricula for higher education, teaching and mentoring a ​broad range of diverse college students. He is interested in good health and habits, music of all genres, and an active spiritual life. He enjoys outgoing and people-oriented  activities like volunteering, advocacy, and community support.​​

Jenaya Launstein 

Board Member
Jenaya is an award-winning professional wildlife photographer based in Crowsnest Pass. She has a strong interest in conservation, especially regarding bears, caribou and Alberta's native trout species. Jenaya loves sharing her passion for wildlife with others, whether that be through photography seminars or chatting with visitors at her family's wildlife art gallery in Blairmore. In her spare time, Jenaya can often be found exploring the backcountry, fly fishing the area's pristine rivers and streams, or horseback riding.

Emily MacMullin

Board Member
Bio coming soon.

Interested in joining our board?

We love providing opportunities for  members to give back to their community.

We are currently seeking two nature enthusiasts to join our board. Monthly time commitment includes (1) one online board meeting; and (2) two committee meetings.

Bring your ideas and join our board of directors. Contact our President, Brenda Davison, today to learn more.
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