A bull snake basks in the crevice of a concrete block at the Medicine Hat Amrize Canada site.--Submitted photo
Amrize Canada’s Medicine Hat location has been named the recipient of the 2025 Snakes on a Plain Stewardship Award.
The award recognizes commitment to wildlife stewardship and coexistence with native snake species, and was awarded following Amrize’s year-long commitment to safely managing a population of bull snakes that had established a seasonal basking site within an active work area.
Instead of removing or harming the snakes, the company worked closely with Snakes on a Plain to implement a solution.
“This project is a textbook example of what good stewardship looks like in an industrial setting,” said Snakes on a Plain founder Sheri Monk. “It took patience, planning and a willingness to learn. Amrize Canada’s Medicine Hat staff didn’t just solve a short-term issue – they invested in a long-term coexistence strategy that benefits both people and wildlife.”
Work included safely relocating the snake population as well as gradual modification of the original site to make it less attractive for snake use, while constructing a purpose-built basking habitat to give the snakes an alternative site.
Employees also received snake conservation education delivered by Snakes on a Plain, improving on-site awareness, safety and understanding of Alberta’s native snakes and their ecological role.
This award was first launched in 2025 to show appreciation to agricultural producers, landowners and industry partners in the region who demonstrate leadership in native snake conservation. Amrize is the inaugural recipient.
“This award shows that conservation and industry are not opposing forces,” said Monk. “With the right approach, they can – and should – work together.”
