Volunteers contribute numerous hours to Alberta's parks system annually. They bring talent, enthusiasm and new ideas that enrich our program and help us achieve our goals. We recognize and appreciate the efforts of every volunteer. The following showcase those individuals, groups and staff, who have gone above and beyond and have received provincial awards in appreciation for their time and talent supporting Alberta Parks’ voluntary engagement.

Parks and Protected Areas Achievement Award

• Presented to an individual
• Recognizing a special or significant achievement for a park, protected area, staff, customers, project or program from volunteer efforts

Parks and Protected Areas Junior Achievement Award

• Presented to a youth
• Recognizing volunteer activities affecting a park, protected area, staff, customers, project or program in a special or significant way

Host Hospitality Award

• Presented to an individual or couple
• Recognizing consistent outstanding hospitality as Campground Hosts
• Nominees have volunteered considerable hours either within seasons or over a number of years at one or more sites

Inclusion Award

• Presented to an individual or organization
• Recognizes those who have made exceptional efforts to ensuring all Albertans experience the awe and wonder of our treasured natural spaces.

Facility Enhancement Award

• Presented to an individual or organization
• Recognizing significant contributions to maintenance or enhancement of park facility infrastructure like trails, signs and buildings

Partnership Appreciation Award

• Presented to a co-operating association, partnering agency or group
• Recognizing considerable contributions to park programs, services or facilities

Outstanding Group Steward Award

• Presented to a group or organization.
• Recognizing recent efforts, contributed considerably to the preservation and/or appreciation of a protected area (e.g. time, special project)

Outstanding Individual Steward Award

• Presented to an individual, couple or family participating in the Steward Program
• Recognizing recent efforts with significant contributions to the preservation and/or appreciation of a protected area

Steward Service Excellence Award

• Presented to an individual or a group participating in the Steward Program
• Recognizing Long-term commitment and consistent demonstration of the spirit of stewardship
• Dedication, positive attitude and actions benefiting their protected area and the Steward Program

Green Shield Award

• Presented to an individual or organization
• Recognizing significant contributions to preservation and conservation of land, water, ecosystems and/or the plants and animals that that depend on them
• Nominees have invested extensive time, often spanning many years
• Created in 2001 to honor the International Year of the Volunteer

Lifetime Volunteerism Achievement Award

• Presented to an individual or couple
• Recognizes a lengthy and continuous service to parks and protected areas
• Nominees are a shining example of the difference one person can make, one day at a time, over a period spanning decades

Staff Awards for Contributions to Volunteerism

Volunteer Leadership Award

• Presented to a staff member
• Recognizing exceptional leadership contributing in a significant way to the success of park volunteerism. Efforts, at a local or provincial level, exceed the expectations of their employment

Staff Lifetime Volunteerism Achievement Award

• Presented to a staff member who has previously received the Volunteer Leadership Award.
• Recognizing cumulative accomplishments spanning their career. Have made a significant impact on park volunteerism, customer service, or preservation of natural history.
• Presented to an individual or couple
• A long standing commitment to Alberta Parks, spanning more than 25 years
• Have been previously recognized with another provincial award above