The Beaver Hills is globally recognized landscape just east of Edmonton. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2016, the Beaver Hills covers about 160,000 hectares and is known for its stunning mix of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and shallow lakes.  This landscape was shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a gently rolling terrain filled with small depressions—often called “knob and kettle” topography—that naturally hold water.  The result is a rich patchwork of wetlands and upland habitats that support an exceptional range of wildlife, including moose, deer, beaver, and hundreds of bird species.

The watershed is a “lived‑in landscape,” where farms, rural communities, conservation areas, and protected lands exist side by side. The Beaver Hills Biosphere is built on collaboration—bringing together Indigenous communities, landowners, municipalities, and organizations to balance environmental stewardship with sustainable development.  Today, stewardship efforts in the Beaverhill Creek watershed focus on protecting wetlands, improving water flow, and maintaining the natural connections that support a healthy, resilient landscape for both people and nature.