Environmental Gathering
Join us in Calgary, November 17-18, for the 2026 Gathering: Connected by Nature.
Environmental Gathering 2026: Connected by Nature
Since 2016, Alberta Ecotrust’s annual Environmental Gathering has been a hub for connection, learning, and collaboration on climate and environmental solutions in Alberta. The Gathering brings together people from all sectors, including non-profits, government, the building industry, energy, academia, and Indigenous and local communities, who are passionate about sustainability in Alberta.
The 2026 Gathering will explore how restoring and protecting nature strengthens Alberta’s communities. With a focus on nature-based solutions and conservation, we’ll look at how healthy ecosystems support climate resilience, local economies, cultural continuity and community well-being.
Through real-world examples and shared dialogue, we’ll highlight the deep connections between people and the land, and how investing in nature helps Albertans thrive.
When: November 17-18, 2026
Where: Calgary, AB | cSPACE Marda Loop and Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre
Program
High-level agenda of what you can expect at this year's event! See our registration page for more details.
2026 Environmental Gathering conference programming
Nov 18
|
Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre
|
9030 Macleod Trail, Calgary AB, T2H 0M4
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Breakfast and doors open
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Opening comments and blessing
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Keynote: The Ecological Buffalo
Speaker: Wes Olson (Author)
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Morning break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout #1: Keeping nature connected - Exploring the role of municipalities in maintaining ecological connectivity
Speakers: Tracy Lee (Director of Conservation Research at Miistakis Institute), Devin LaFleche (Regional Planning Manager at Rocky View County), City of Calgary
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout #2: Watershed security in action - Scaling natural infrastructure in Alberta
Speakers: Shannon Frank (Chief Executive Officer at Oldman Watershed Council), Holly Kinas (Conservation Analyst at Miistakis Institute (Working with Beavers)), City of Calgary
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout #3: Alberta's nature positive economy - Connecting nature and economics
Speakers: Kecia Kerr (Executive Director at Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Northern Alberta Chapter (CPAWSNAB)), Jason Wong (Economic Analyst at Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS))
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Address from our sponsor
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Breakout #4: Regenerative buildings - The power to heal and renew
Speakers: Matt Grace (P.Eng, LEED Fellow, Built Green HD Verifier, DDes Candidate), Greg Hart (Adjunct Professor at University of Calgary)
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Breakout #5: 5X for Nature - Opportunity pathways for Alberta’s nature finance market
Speaker: Priya Bala-Miller (Managing Director at Nature Investment Hub)
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Breakout #6: The value of working lands - Conservation on private land
Speakers: Teigan Kopec (Director, Operations & Communications at Alberta Real Estate Foundation), Miistakis Institute, Southern Alberta Land Trust, Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society of Alberta
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Plenary: Indigenous conservation knowledge and stewardship
Speaker: Alvin Firstrider (Environmental Manager at Blood Tribe Land Management)
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Keynote: Working with nature - A regenerative path forward
Speaker: Derek Leahy (Executive Director at Rural Routes to Climate Solutions)
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Closing comments
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking reception
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now.
Regular price ticket
$375
Available until October 31!
Discounts available for group purchases.
2026 Gathering sponsorship spots still available!
We still have sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Environmental Gathering: Connected by Nature.
The Gathering is only possible with the support of sponsors. Supporting the Gathering is a meaningful way to be part of this shared work and connect with a diverse network of people across sectors.
Download the sponsorship package to explore opportunities, or reach out to Gabriela Pino, Development Director, to start the conversation.
Highlights from the 2025 Gathering
Questions about the 2026 Gathering?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us today with any questions or comments.