A family’s lasting care for a working landscape
Northwest of Stavely, Audrey and Cliff Egger’s connection to the land reaches back through generations of ranching, family memory, and care. Through a conservation easement with Western Sky Land Trust, this irreplaceable piece of foothills rangeland will remain protected for the future.
Audrey and Cliff Egger signing the conservation easement with Western Sky Land Trust.
Northwest of Stavely, a piece of foothills rangeland with deep family roots will continue to remain intact for generations to come.
For Audrey and Cliff Egger, this land has never been just a property. It is part of a family story that reaches back more than a century, tied to ranching, memory, hard work, wildlife, weather, and a deep respect for the landscape.
Through a conservation easement with Western Sky Land Trust, Audrey and Cliff chose to ensure this working landscape will continue to support native grasslands, wildlife, water, and future generations.
In a story recently shared by the Claresholm Local Press, Audrey reflected on the long family connection to the land:
For Audrey and Cliff Egger, this land has never been just a property. It is part of a family story that reaches back more than a century, tied to ranching, memory, hard work, wildlife, weather, and a deep respect for the landscape.
Through a conservation easement with Western Sky Land Trust, Audrey and Cliff chose to ensure this working landscape will continue to support native grasslands, wildlife, water, and future generations.
In a story recently shared by the Claresholm Local Press, Audrey reflected on the long family connection to the land:
“This irreplaceable piece of foothills rangeland became a part of my Grandfather, George Blake's DB ranch in 1897 when it was purchased from the C & E Land Company. My father, Roy Blake, valued this land for its native pasture, hay production and dense willow shelter at calving time. In his footsteps, my husband, Cliff Egger, and I continued to respect those values. We have observed and treasured the seasonal patterns of wildlife, bird migration, vegetation and of course weather.”
That connection is at the heart of this story.
The land has supported native pasture, hay production, cattle, wildlife, bird migration, and the seasonal rhythms of ranching life. It has been shaped by generations of care, and by people who understood its value not only as productive land, but as a living landscape.
For many families, working lands carry more than economic value. They hold memory. They reflect relationships between people, animals, water, weather, and place. They connect one generation to the next.
Audrey also spoke clearly about why the decision to protect this land mattered:
The land has supported native pasture, hay production, cattle, wildlife, bird migration, and the seasonal rhythms of ranching life. It has been shaped by generations of care, and by people who understood its value not only as productive land, but as a living landscape.
For many families, working lands carry more than economic value. They hold memory. They reflect relationships between people, animals, water, weather, and place. They connect one generation to the next.
Audrey also spoke clearly about why the decision to protect this land mattered:
“In past years, it has grieved us deeply to observe rich, productive farm and pastureland being gobbled up by solar farms, wind farms, non-productive acreage and industry. For the sake of mankind, it must stop somewhere! Our partnership with Western Sky Land Trust assured us that this small piece of the Eastern Slopes will be protected, in perpetuity, from violation. Native grasslands are the most endangered ecosystem on the planet.”
Her words reflect a concern shared by many people across southern Alberta: that the landscapes which support ranching, wildlife, water, and community can be difficult to regain once they are lost or fragmented.
A conservation easement is one way landowners can make a voluntary, long-term choice for the future of their land. It allows the land to remain privately owned and managed, while protecting the natural and agricultural values that make it important.
In the case of the Egger ranch, that means the land can continue as a working landscape while helping protect native grasslands, foothills rangeland, wildlife habitat, and the connections that make this place so meaningful.
This balance matters.
Caring for land does not always mean removing people from the landscape. In many cases, it means supporting the people who have known, worked, and cared for that land over time. Farms and ranches are part of southern Alberta’s character, history, economy, and future. When landowners choose to protect these places, they are making a decision that reaches far beyond a single property line.
They are helping carry a landscape forward.
For Western Sky Land Trust, this work begins with relationships. Every property is different. Every family has its own story. Every landowner brings their own connection to the place they call home.
Audrey and Cliff’s story is a reminder that long-term land care is often rooted in love, memory, responsibility, and hope. It is about pastures, hills, willows, birds, weather, livestock, family history, and the quiet commitment to leave something meaningful for those who come next.
Western Sky is grateful to Audrey and Cliff Egger for their care, vision, and trust.
Because of their decision, this irreplaceable piece of foothills rangeland northwest of Stavely will remain protected in perpetuity.
A conservation easement is one way landowners can make a voluntary, long-term choice for the future of their land. It allows the land to remain privately owned and managed, while protecting the natural and agricultural values that make it important.
In the case of the Egger ranch, that means the land can continue as a working landscape while helping protect native grasslands, foothills rangeland, wildlife habitat, and the connections that make this place so meaningful.
This balance matters.
Caring for land does not always mean removing people from the landscape. In many cases, it means supporting the people who have known, worked, and cared for that land over time. Farms and ranches are part of southern Alberta’s character, history, economy, and future. When landowners choose to protect these places, they are making a decision that reaches far beyond a single property line.
They are helping carry a landscape forward.
For Western Sky Land Trust, this work begins with relationships. Every property is different. Every family has its own story. Every landowner brings their own connection to the place they call home.
Audrey and Cliff’s story is a reminder that long-term land care is often rooted in love, memory, responsibility, and hope. It is about pastures, hills, willows, birds, weather, livestock, family history, and the quiet commitment to leave something meaningful for those who come next.
Western Sky is grateful to Audrey and Cliff Egger for their care, vision, and trust.
Because of their decision, this irreplaceable piece of foothills rangeland northwest of Stavely will remain protected in perpetuity.
A closer look at the land protected through Audrey and Cliff Egger’s conservation easement
Curious about what could work for your land?
You do not need to have decided what you want, and you do not need to know whether an option will fit your property. If you are thinking about the future of your land or simply want to understand what may be possible, we would be glad to listen.
An initial conversation is confidential, informal and does not commit you to taking further action.
An initial conversation is confidential, informal and does not commit you to taking further action.