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Meet theLandownerGlen and Kelly Hall of Timber Ridgephoto: Michael Short• by Elize Smit, ACAImagine going for a walk andseeing moose, elk, mule deer,a black bear, a blue-wingedteal brood, mallard ducks andwaxwings—all in an hour or two.There are waving grasslands, trees,creeks, springs, and rolling hills. Upahead, a ridgeline. It seems gentlefrom afar but makes you work forits spectacular reward: a beautifulwestern view of the PorcupineHills. Turn around to see a stretchof farmed prairie, and to thenorthwest, the Livingstone Range.Nearby a spring bubbles with waterso pure you can refill your waterbottle. Sound too perfect? It’s not.photo: Brad Taylor, ACAThis experience awaits anyone visitingthe new Timber Ridge ConservationSite near Calgary. If you’re lucky,you’ll run into Glen and Kelly Hall, full-timestewards of this amazing place where, as Glensays eloquently, agriculture and conservation“are going down the same track…we’reparallel.”The Halls are ranchers with a mixed farmingoperation. They’re passionate about keepingthe land intact and ranching sustainably.Conserving the native grassland and springson their land is very important. MikeUchikura, biologist with ACA, describesthem as proactive and forward-thinking:“Over the past decade or so they’ve reallyembraced what conservation and stewardshipmean, holding onto their principles ofknowing what they do on their landscapeaffects the larger community.”Kelly cuts to the chase when she says, “Wehave a little piece of heaven out here.” Glenadds, “It’s been a goal of ours ever since webought the land: that we keep it like it is.”Trust in a visionTimber Ridge is the first time ACA haspartnered with private landowners on buyinga site. It requires trust, but after severalmeetings, both ACA and the Halls concludedthat the benefits in this partnership definitelyoutweigh the risks. Under the umbrella ofconservation, Timber Ridge is a wonderfulopportunity to explore how sustainablefarming practices and smart landscapemanagement benefit the community andwildlife. The dream: having school buses fullof kids visit so they can experience natureand see firsthand where their food and watercome from, and what it takes to provide itresponsibly.Water is where it’s atSpeaking of water, the springs on TimberRidge are incredible. Forming part of theheadwaters for Nanton Creek, the springsare vital to many people, including the Townof Nanton. Instead of letting their cattlemuck it up, the Halls installed undergroundpiping that channels the water into developedtroughs. Beyond having an incredible daywalking in breathtaking rangeland anddrinking pure spring water, Timber Ridgecreates an awareness of the care the Halls taketo make things better for everyone. Thosesprings are in great shape because the Hallsrecognize that how they are treated affectseveryone downstream. That’s praiseworthy.Visiting Timber RidgeTimber Ridge is an active farming operation,so you must call ahead to book a time. TheHalls will tell you what to expect and areas toavoid. It also ensures a special experience foryou since only one group per day is allowed.Remember: use respect. Leave the land betterthan you found it. If you open a gate, close itbehind you. Be aware of your surroundings—from grouse to grizzlies, treat wildlife withrespect. Interested? Call 403-646-5813.Timber Ridge is designated as a ConservationSite. For more details search Timber Ridge atab-conservation.com/guide. nWILD ON THE WEBab-conservation.com/magHear more about Timber Ridge in our interview withGlen and Kelly Hall.join the wild bunch.Every single gift is a chance—for habitat, for wildlife, forour generations of tomorrow to enjoy a wild and thrivingAlberta. Explore the many options available and considerhelping us in the way that best suits you. Together we canconserve and enhance the special place we call home.www.ab-conservation.com/give14CONSERVATION MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2012