Author: Candace Gutsche

Special Areas hosted an information session in Cereal on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 pm. This public meeting shared options related to the operation of the CJ Peacock Centre, as well as answering questions the community had regarding the facility. A survey was created to help...

Special Areas completed annual ratepayer meetings on June 30, 2026, hosting meetings throughout May and June. The tour covered more than 1,200 kilometres, giving residents across the region an opportunity to meet with their Advisory Councillors and members of Administration in their own communities. Annual ratepayer...

Congratulations to all the families in Special Areas who received the 2026 BMO Farm Family Award. Special Area No. 2 - WaltonFamily (Walton Land & Cattle) Special Area No. 3 - Andrew Family (Andrew Ranches) These families are nominated by their local Agriculture Service Boards. Every year the...

Community members, students from Youngstown School, and Special Areas representatives gathered at Blood Indian Park on June 17 to celebrate a major milestone: the unveiling of the Special Areas logo on a STARS air ambulance helicopter. The event celebrated over 30 years of partnership between STARS...

Let's feature White Cockle for this weeks Weed Wednesday! White Cockle is a noxious weed spreading across Alberta, commonly found in cultivated fields, pastures, and disturbed areas. Early identification is key to managing its spread. How to identify it: Upright plant growing 30–90 cm tall Narrow, lance-shaped...

This weeks Weed Wednesday feature is: Leafy Spurge! Leafy Spurge is a noxious weed that continues to spread across Alberta, especially in pastures, rangelands, and disturbed areas. Early detection is crucial to prevent large infestations. How to identify it: Bright green, narrow leaves arranged alternately along the...

Common Mullein is a noxious weed spreading across Alberta, often found in disturbed areas like roadsides, pastures, and railroads. Early detection and management are essential. How to identify it: Large, soft, gray-green, fuzzy leaves arranged in a rosette at the base Tall flowering stalks that can...

Article by Amanda Jorgensen, M.Sc., ATT Insect Management Specialist, Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation Warm conditions last fall mean that cutworms and grasshoppers had an ideal egg laying period. Even with a cool, slow spring, there still is risk from these species.   Grasshoppers  Grasshopper numbers were high in Special...