Nature’s Guardians

Local resident devoted to helping protect Natural Grasslands in the Medicine Hat area.

Gerry Ehlert, a local resident and environmental steward, embodies a profound dedication and love for his community. His journey began after moving from South Farmington, Nova Scotia, to be closer to family. Since 2018, Gerry has devoted a lot of his retirement to volunteering with the Grasslands Naturalists (GN), a community-based, non-profit conservation organization. 

In partnership with the City and various Non-Government Organizations, GN addresses invasive species, promotes environmental stewardship, and contributes to the development of city plans for recreation and environmental protection.

"Medicine Hat has a unique charm that captured my heart from the moment I arrived,” Gerry reflects. “For me, protecting our environment is more than a responsibility; it's a way to express my love for this city and to ensure that its beauty and vitality are preserved for future generations. When I see healthy nature, my heart soars.”

To address Medicine Hat's environmental challenges, a team comprising of Gerry, John Slater, Paul Thibault, David Gue, Len Moser, Phil Horch, and Hugh Armstrong launched the 'Scenic Views of Medicine Hat' project. This initiative, funded by the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, City of Medicine Hat, Tourism Medicine Hat, and supported by numerous volunteer hours, aims to educate, and inspire residents. Its goal is to motivate citizens in Medicine Hat to engage in environmental stewardship and contribute meaningfully to protecting the environment.

“I believe that by helping to care for our natural spaces, we're not only leaving a legacy for our youth but also teaching them the importance of stewardship actions, and the profound positive impacts we can have on our local community and world,” says Gerry. “My hope is that through our collective efforts, we can continue to protect the natural wonders of Medicine Hat. This benefits our economy, health and wellness, and our environment for present and future generations.”

A critical aspect of conservation is promoting responsible behaviour in natural spaces. Gerry highlights the need for actions like litter and waste removal, which keeps natural spaces clean and beautiful while safeguarding wildlife and ecosystems from pollution and harm. Community involvement is key, and residents are encouraged to join City and NGO-led litter clean-up campaigns, widely promoted each summer. The public's efforts deserve recognition, as evidenced by the noticeable reduction in litter across the City. Successful community initiatives like GN’s ‘Adopt a Pond and Path’, SEAWA’s riparian clean-up, and the City’s Earth Day programs are making a tangible impact.

Recreational users like walkers and cyclists are encouraged to use designated trails to minimize erosion and preserve wildlife habitats. Unplanned paths can lead to soil erosion, habitat loss, and the spread of invasive species like Baby’s Breath, Downy Brome Grass, Purple Loosestrife, Common Buckthorn, and Russian Olive. These invasive species threaten local plant and animal diversity and degrade the environment. Also, property owners can further help to control the establishment and spread of invasive species in Parks and open spaces by controlling them in our home yards, boulevards and back allies. Put them in the black cart so they go to the landfill.  Invasive species seeds from our properties can spread via our vehicles, clothing, and pets.  

Gerry's passion for learning and environmental protection has transformed him from a concerned resident into an enthusiastic volunteer and advocate. These volunteer efforts illustrate the remarkable impact an individual and teamwork approach can have. Resulting in a integrated outcome of environmental protection, management, monitoring, recreation enjoyment, health and wellness, and economy. 

For more information about the environmental efforts in Medicine Hat, visit:

• Grasslands Naturalists and Scenic Views
• Medicine Hat Interpretive Program at Police Point Park
• SEAWA
• City of Medicine Hat Maps