Every year at FortWhyte Alive, we are reminded that no two journeys look the same, but many begin in the same place. For some, it starts with a childhood visit or a walk on the trails. For others, it’s a program, a volunteer opportunity or a chance to try something new. Over time, those first experiences grow into something deeper: a sense of connection, confidence and belonging that carries forward in unexpected ways.
In the stories ahead, you’ll meet people whose lives have been shaped by that experience. Lifelong volunteers and families who have made FortWhyte part of their story, young people discovering new skills and confidence, and community partners creating space for healing and reconnection. Each story reflects the many ways this place continues to matter. This year also marked an important milestone. With the opening of Buffalo Crossing – the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre, FortWhyte Alive has entered a new chapter. It allows us to welcome more people, expand our programs and create more opportunities for connection, learning and growth.
While the landscape continues to evolve, what makes FortWhyte meaningful remains the same. It is a place where people come to learn, to share, to reconnect and to return – again and again. Because of the generous support of our community, these experiences continue to grow, reaching more individuals, families and communities each year. Thank you for being part of this shared journey and for helping ensure that FortWhyte Alive remains a place where people can connect with nature, with each other and with themselves.
– With gratitude,
Liz Wilson, President & CEO, FortWhyte Alive
Creating a piece of home in Nature
Your support brings community to those who need it. When the Native Clan Organization began searching for a place for their relatives at Manitou House to reconnect with the land, privacy and a supportive community partner were at the top of their wish list. At the centre of their community work is Manitou House, an intermediate stage on the journey toward reintegration for formerly incarcerated Indigenous community members. Access to nature, and the sense of home and connection to culture it brings, is an essential part of the healing process for their relatives. Amber Dicks, Journey Helper Team Lead, sees the value of this time on the land with every visit to FortWhyte. “We’ve created a place that can be a piece of home, where our relatives can find the relationships, value, and community they crave.” Because of you, that grounding time on the land is possible.
Granny Janny’s Legacy Learning Centre
For Jan Shute, FortWhyte Alive is a place her family returns to again and again, to walk the trails, spend time by the water and share experiences that stay with them. Over the years, it has become deeply personal. Three memorial benches, placed side by side in honour of her father, mother and grandmother, offer a quiet place for reflection – a space her family continues to return to together. Those experiences now extend to a new generation. Last summer, all six of Jan’s grandchildren attended camp at FortWhyte Alive, coming home full of stories, energy and a growing connection to the natural world. The dedication of Granny Janny’s Legacy Learning Centre within Buffalo Crossing was a complete surprise, a gift from her loving honey, Doug Harvey.
Designed to support school programs and camps, the space helps more young people learn by doing. It opens the door to experiences beyond the classroom – building confidence, curiosity and a lasting sense of belonging. Jan says this incredible gesture meant a great deal to her, and that it’s special to have a space her kids and grandchildren can also enjoy for years to come. From this space, students will head out into nature, returning with new questions, new understanding and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Lifelong Connection: Stan and Jack
Stan’s journey with FortWhyte Alive began in the mid-1980s, rooted in a simple desire to spend time outdoors with his three daughters. What started as family visits soon grew into a deep commitment to the land; as he watched his girls grow up at FortWhyte, Stan transitioned into a dedicated volunteer, handling everything from general maintenance to specialized wildlife care. For Stan, the “magic” of FortWhyte was always in the learning—whether he was being challenged by seasoned birders or discovering the quiet beauty of the boardwalks, he found a community that felt like family.
His memories now span decades—from wading through the swamp to bottle-feed orphaned fawns while his daughters watched, to capturing the magic of a migration through his camera lens. Stan notes that while the landscape has changed, the spirit of the community remains the same. “People here come from all walks of life, but we all share a common love of the wild,” Stan reflects. This connection led to a 40-year friendship with fellow volunteer Jack Larcombe. Today, Stan continues that legacy by bringing Jack back to the trails to “recharge” and listen to the birds. For Stan, FortWhyte is more than a place to volunteer; it is a sanctuary where like-minded people build friendships that truly last a lifetime.
“People here come from all walks of life, but we all share a common love of the wild,” Stan Shute
Liam’s Professional and Volunteer Journey at FortWhyte Farms
Liam Eidse first came to FortWhyte Farms through the youth leadership program, part of the Farm’s comprehensive four-stage program designed to help youth build skills and gain meaningful employment. In the woodshop, Liam refined his technical abilities through a variety of hands-on projects, from building toolboxes and wooden stars to more intricate work like a carved mallard.
Today, he’s giving back to the supportive environment where he developed tangible carpentry and leadership skills while immersed in sustainability practices. Liam dedicates the last Thursday of each month to volunteering in the Ben & Rose Puchniak Woodshop. Liam’s growth extends beyond the workbench; he has embraced life skills like cooking—specifically mastering a healthy mac and cheese that features farm-fresh vegetables. The mentorship he received from staff has motivated him to tackle building a cabin with his friends and develop a clear vision for his future. He plans to enroll in the carpentry program at Red River College Polytech and work toward Red Seal certification.
“Being outside, you’re genuinely doing fun work and you don’t get tired of it, I could do it forever. It’s different and that’s what makes it pretty special out there.” – Liam