Venturers Society marks 40 years helping adults with developmental disabilities build careers outdoors

A group helping adults with developmental disabilities find work outdoors is celebrating 40 years of taking care of Alberta's trails.

For 40 years, the Venturers Society of Calgary has quietly maintained parks, trails and campgrounds across southern Alberta while providing meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

The non-profit organization marked the milestone Tuesday with a public demonstration of its work at Buena Ventura Ranch northwest of Calgary.

While many Albertans might not recognize the group’s name, they’ve likely benefited from its work.

Venturers maintain trails in Kananaskis Country, care for dedication benches in Fish Creek Provincial Park, help maintain campgrounds in Cypress Hills and produce firewood for backcountry campgrounds.

They also perform groundskeeping, garbage collection and recycling services in Alberta Parks locations and take on private contracts for wildfire mitigation and tree-clearing projects.

“Lots of Calgarians visit Big Hill Springs and don’t know that we do the parking lot maintenance and the washroom maintenance, and we’re out there three to five times a week,” said executive director Mark Hergott.

The organization serves adults with developmental disabilities through provincially funded programming that combines paid work, outdoor recreation and community involvement.

Hergott says the program gives participants a sense of purpose and belonging while allowing them to make a visible contribution to their communities.

“You know, they get a real sense of purpose and a real sense of happiness in coming out and helping as a team,” he said.

Alberta Parks says the group’s contributions have become an important part of maintaining public spaces.

“The Venturers Society is an incredible organization with over 40 years of experience,” said Shalane Friesen of Alberta Parks.

“Alberta Parks would not look like what it does today without the amazing contributions of the participants.”

Friesen says she is continually impressed by the skill and dedication participants bring to their work.

“Honestly, I don’t think I could do that type of work, and to watch them, they’re so skilled and so focused, and it takes a lot of passion and talent to do what they do, and we’re so grateful for all that they do for Alberta Parks,” she said.

Friesen said Venturers help with trail care, firewood production, dedication benches and other maintenance work throughout the parks system.

Private landowners have also become regular clients.

Debora Rice-Salomons, owner of Buena Ventura Ranch, has hired Venturers for the past three years to help with tree clearing and FireSmart projects on her property.

“They are people with developmental disabilities that have a purpose. They have a great job, and they’re happy,” she said.

“I see them smiling and laughing and joking, and they are just absolutely amazing.”

For many participants, the work offers more than a paycheque.

Seamus Howlett, who has been involved with the organization for decades, says he enjoys helping others and working outdoors.

“I split wood, and in the wintertime I shovel snow,” he said.

Mark Evans joined the organization after high school and has spent the past 20 years helping maintain trails, clear trees and complete other outdoor projects.

He says the work challenges assumptions about what people with developmental disabilities can accomplish.

“People that have a disability are capable of putting their minds to the job and proving themselves,” he said.

“To show that, ‘Hey, I’m worthy of working. … Give me a chance to show what I can do.’”

The Venturers Society currently operates crews in the Calgary area, Kananaskis Country and Cypress Hills.

In addition to its outdoor work programs, participants take part in activities such as fishing, hiking and skiing, and many are Special Olympians.

You can find out more about the organization, its services and participation opportunities at www.venturers.ca.