Josh Killeen is the Conservation Science and Programs Manager with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s Southern Alberta Chapter, an organization that has worked since 1967 to protect Alberta’s lands and waters, from Banff National Park to the Whaleback and the Castle. After years spent in consulting on behalf of government and forestry companies, Josh felt he couldn’t be the voice for change that endangered species and ecosystems desperately needed, so in 2023, he joined CPAWS to help fill that gap.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
We are a non-profit conservation organization working to promote thriving, healthy, and diverse lands and waters in Alberta. Since 1967, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Southern Alberta Chapter has led conservation efforts to protect areas in Banff National Park, Kananaskis, the Whaleback and the Castle. Our chapter is also a leader in environmental education, offering award-winning programs to help build the next generation of environmental stewards.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Thriving ecosystems support biodiversity, provide natural solutions for climate change impacts, and promote a healthy, wild Alberta. Unfortunately, our natural world is under ever-increasing pressure. We aim to support healthy ecosystems and the benefits they provide, like clean water.
When did you start/join it?
I joined CPAWS Southern Alberta in 2023.
What made you want to get involved?
I’d been working in consulting, mostly on behalf of government and forestry companies. In that position, I felt that I wasn’t able to be the voice for change that was needed to better protect our endangered species and ecosystems. I’d already come across CPAWS and admired the work they do to protect Alberta’s incredible biodiversity, so I knew it would be a good fit for me.
What was the situation like when you started?
CPAWS Southern Alberta has been around since 1967, so the organization is well established. I was lucky enough to jump straight into an amazing and experienced team. But there is no doubt there were many big environmental challenges then and now. It can be a tough job advocating on behalf of the environment.
How has it changed since?
Since 2023, we’ve expanded our work in the southern East Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, with a special focus on protecting our headwaters (where almost all our freshwater comes from!), species at risk like Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout, and on addressing some of the impacts from clearcut forestry in the region.
What more needs to be done?
We urgently need to protect more of Alberta’s lands – currently only about 15% of Alberta’s land is formally classified as protected – well short of Canada’s internationally recognized goal of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030. Protected areas are not only important for conserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change, they are also an important economic driver as well. There is strong public support for increasing protection and halting biodiversity loss – we need to act.
How can our readers help?
Visit our website to learn more about what we do, come to an event, support our campaigns, follow us on social media, or donate to our charity.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes, see on our website or follow us on social media @cpawssab.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
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