Join us for a day of community building and land stewardship education at Ellis Nature Centre!
Young Agrarians invites you to an inspiring afternoon at Ellis Nature Centre, a non-profit hub for conservation, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture nestled in the heart of Lacombe County. With roots in the original 1906 Ellis family homestead, this vibrant site manages over 480 acres of agricultural land while advancing wildlife research, adaptive grazing practices, and community education.
We are excited to be joined by the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA), who will lead with an engaging talk about rotational grazing systems. They will dive into what rotational grazing is, why it's important for conservation, and how to implement this system on the prairies.
What to expect:
Led by site manager Carolyn Ross, the tour will spotlight key areas of their regenerative farm practices and conservation work, including:
🐄 Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) Grazing – Learn how rotational grazing supports both livestock and ecosystems, enhances soil health, improves biodiversity, and helps build climate resilience.
🍯 On-Farm Honey Production – Explore the Centre’s bee program and how pollinators contribute to land stewardship.
🐔 Chicken Workshops – Learn the basics of poultry care and how it fits into ecological farm systems.
Enjoy a walk through their demonstration gardens, restored wetlands, and bird habitat areas, while hearing how Ellis Nature Centre models the co-existence of agriculture, conservation, and community.
This event is for you if you are looking for an opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and nature lovers while learning about practices that regenerate the land.
Bring your curiosity and regenerative farming questions!
WHEN: July 26, 2025 | 1-4:30 pm
LOCATION: Treaty 6 Territory | Ellis Nature Centre | 39502 Range Rd 260 Lacombe County, AB
DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 2 take Hwy 597 East (signs to Joffre) near Blackfalds. Continue on Hwy 597 to Prentiss Road-Range Road 260, turn north (left) for 5km. Turn into Ellis Nature Centre driveway (directly across from the MEGlobal-DOW plant).
REGISTER:
https://youngagrarians.org/july-26-2025-lacombe-country-ab-farm-tour-and-grazing-workshop-with-ellis-nature-centre/
SCHEDULE (times are approximate):
1pm Arrival, check-in and welcome circle
1:45 Sustainable Grazing talk by Canadian Forage and Grassland Association
2:30 Overview of Ellis Nature Centre’s work
2:45 Tour of Ellis Nature Centre
3:45 Potluck
4:30 Departure
Note: There is a Bat Conservation event in the evening including a talk at 8:00pm and an outdoor interactive bat count from 9:30pm -10:30pm. Farm tour attendees can attend, but registration is required. The event is $10/person and registration will open in June.
BRING: You are invited to bring a food item to contribute to the potluck. If you can, please include a little card with ingredients, for folks with food sensitivities. Please bring fully prepared dishes only. Cold storage is available at the Nature Centre.
To enjoy the potluck, please bring your plate, cutlery and cup. There will be a place to clean dishes if you need to. Bring a water bottle, and any sunscreen and insect repellant you might need. Make sure to wear weather and farm-suitable clothing and footwear. There are picnic tables, a seating area and restroom facilities onsite.
ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any accessibility needs, please get in touch with us at
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About Ellis Nature Centre
Ellis Nature Centre was established as a non-profit company in 1982 to carry on the legacy of pioneer conservationists, brother and sister Charlie and Winnie Ellis. They dedicated their lives to native birds and their Lacombe-area farm was renowned for supporting the highest nest density ever recorded for mountain bluebirds.
In partnership with industry (Union Carbide in 1982, now MEGlobal Canada), their farm was set aside to be a place for Charlie’s mountain bluebirds. Ellis Nature Centre has established environmental education and conservation programs for secondary cavity nesting bird species, regenerative agriculture and scientific research. In 2024, they updated their name from Ellis Bird Farm to Ellis Nature Centre.
Today, Ellis Nature Centre educates and inspires people to connect with nature and continue the Ellis’ stewardship legacy. They monitor and conduct research on mountain bluebirds, tree swallows and purple martins, and manage over 480 acres of agricultural land. The Visitor Centre, original farmhouse, demonstration gardens and wetlands are set aside for wildlife and public enjoyment. Join in the many activities and events of the season including the annual Bug Jamboree and Bluebird Festival!
Website: www.ellisnaturecentre.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/EllisNatureCentre
Instagram: @ellisnaturecentre
About Canadian Forage and Grassland Association
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) is the national voice for all sectors of the forage and grassland industry. The CFGA formed in 2010 to provide a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products, and for those whose production is dependent upon forage and grassland production. Its main role is to uphold the robust forage industry and realize the potential of the domestic and export forage market.
Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) is an online course for farm producers and grazing mentors (agronomic professionals) to learn the basic techniques of rotational grazing and improve their grazing systems. An advanced grazing system (AGS) uses rotational grazing practices adapted to the landscape, and considers important factors such as rest period, graze time, animal impact, stock density, soil health and biodiversity.
This public event is part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program (YAAP). The program matches energetic new entrants with paid opportunities on farms. These farms are committed to helping train the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Farmers and apprentices participating in the program are invited to learn more about agriculture through networking and community building events like this one.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
-This event is free and open to everyone! Supervised children are welcome
-Please leave furry friends at home
-Please stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms
-Please wash your shoes before visiting the farm, especially if you work on or have visited a farm recently
-Please do not bring alcohol to this event
-Please share this event with other producers who may be interested!
Stay in Touch
-Sign up for our e-newsletter to get events and opportunities for your region delivered straight to your inbox.
https://youngagrarians.org/newsletter/
-Join our Young Agrarians Alberta Facebook Group to stay up to date with all events in the region.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/youngagrariansalberta
-We welcome cancellations at any time – you can do so through Eventbrite, through the link in your registration confirmation email, or by contacting Lourdes at
cHJhaXJpZXNuZXR3b3JrIHwgeW91bmdhZ3JhcmlhbnMgISBvcmc=. Please let us know if you aren’t able to attend.
-Questions about the event? Email Steve Olsen at
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-Need help on the day of the event? You can contact Steven or Carolyn Ross at
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You may also like the following events from Young Agrarians:
- This Saturday, 26th July, 10:00 am, July 26 & 27, 2025: Vancouver, BC – Bison Hide Tanning, Potluck and Foodlands Gathering in Vancouver
- This Saturday, 26th July, 10:00 am, Farm Tour and Sheep Farming 101 at Nine West Farms in Melfort
- Next month, 21st August, 05:30 pm, AUG 21, 2025: DUNCAN, BC – Farm Tour and Potluck at Blue Grouse Estate Winery in Cowichan Bay
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