The Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association (FOESA), a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to outdoor recreation and environmental conservation, marked its 30th anniversary with a significant celebration on April 13. The milestone event encapsulated three decades of stewardship since the group’s inception in 1994.
Established as a not-for-profit entity, FOESA initiated its journey with the management of Bighorn Campground at the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. This first project came after successful negotiations with Parks Canada, setting a precedent for future stewardship that would expand significantly over the years.
Throughout the past 30 years, FOESA has extended its guardianship to several other recreational and environmental sites, including Elk Creek Campground, Elk Creek Fish Pond, and campgrounds along the James Wilson, Cartier Creek, and Deer Creek areas, as well as the Red Deer River North and South campgrounds.
The 30th-anniversary banquet was held in Olds at the Regional Exhibition building, coinciding with the group’s annual general meeting. The event drew a record-breaking crowd of nearly 500 attendees, according to Saige Jackson, the director of FOESA. “We had nearly 500 people in attendance, which made it a record-breaking year,” Jackson conveyed in an email response, as quoted in a Mountain View Today report.
Significant moments included the presentation of gifts to seven founding executives, acknowledging their pivotal roles in the organization’s history. Additionally, five framed Ya Ha Tinda Ranch prints were awarded to individuals and businesses that have shown steadfast support over the years.
The banquet also set the stage for revealing the year’s successes. “This year overall was a record-breaking year for us,” Jackson noted. The association saw its highest-ever membership sales, nearly reaching 3,000, and raised more than CA$50,000 through its fundraising efforts.
Looking ahead to 2024, FOESA has a robust agenda. Projects include completing the Bighorn flood mitigation initiative and upgrading facilities at the Red Deer River North and South campgrounds. New outhouses at the 7 Mile Campground and other enhancements are also on the schedule.
In addition to scheduled improvements, the association will continue its tradition of volunteer-led campground cleanups, with dates and details available on their website.
As FOESA moves into its next decade, the organization remains committed to its multifaceted mission of promoting recreational use, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices within Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.