Meet the Edmonton WCE! Launched in spring 2022, students from Bellerose Composite High School work to steward the John E Poole wetland, DUC's interpretive wetland in St. Albert.

The WCE students have ambitious plans to host clean ups, test water quality and plant native trees to improve habitat. IB Biology Teacher Clayton Wowk is looking forward to letting students explore concepts like biodiversity and water quality outdoors at the wetland. Their conservation projects will also help create a sense of empowerment and belonging in the community.

The John E Poole Wetland is named after John Edward Poole, PCL co-founder and long-time supporter of community endeavours in Alberta. He and his wife Barbara were major partners in the largest private conservation initiative in Canadian history with the protection of 259km2 of wilderness at the edge of Waterton Park.

Facts & Highlights

• The Edmonton WCE is Alberta's first Wetland Centre of Excellence.
• The John E Poole wetland includes a boardwalk, interpretive signs and critter dipping stations. 
• The wetland connects to the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park and forms part of the Big Lake shoreline.
• Big Lake is a globally recognized Important Bird Area and provides critical habitat for thousands of nesting and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.

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