Noel Edey, CochraneNow.com | Thursday, Jan 08 2026, 5:00 AM
The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation has named Cheryl Munson as its new executive director, marking a new chapter focused on expanding public awareness, strengthening community connections, and growing fundraising support for one of Alberta’s most treasured natural spaces.
“The Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park connects our past with our future,” Munson said. “It is one of Alberta’s most meaningful natural and historical assets — holding the stories of this land, the people who cared for it, and the generations who will depend on us to protect it.
“It offers a rare combination of ecological protection, living history, and accessible outdoor recreation right on Calgary’s doorstep. My top priority is helping people understand its value — and how essential community support is to its future.”
A third-generation Calgarian with a background in government relations and fundraising, Munson also spent two decades in the fitness industry. She said the role connects deeply to her own family history.
“My great-grandfather, Alex Fleming, managed the Cochrane Ranch in the late 1890s,” she said. “So it’s incredibly meaningful to my family for me to take on this role with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.”
Georg Paffrath, former board chair and interim CEO, said the foundation sought someone who combines government relations experience with a passion for the park to replace Jeromy Farkas, who was recently elected mayor of Calgary.
“Recognizing the unique relationship the foundation has with the Alberta government, it was important for the board to select someone with that special combination of government relations experience and a strong passion for the park,” he said.
Under Munson’s leadership, Paffrath said the foundation will prioritize donor engagement, public education, and stronger relationships between the park and the communities it serves — ensuring the park remains protected, accessible, and vibrant for generations to come.
“Our goal is to make the park a place people feel deeply connected to,” Munson added. “When people understand what this land protects — and what it offers — they want to be part of it.”
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park spans more than 1,300 hectares, protecting sensitive grasslands and historic ranching lands, while offering educational and interpretive programming that connects school-aged children, families, and visitors to Alberta’s natural and cultural heritage.
The park welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually. While the province owns the land, the foundation relies primarily on corporate sponsorships and individual donations to support operations.
Learn more at grpf.ca.
