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Join us for a coffee and chat with Alana Tollenaar, Owner of Backyard Birds Nature Shop.

Alana Tollenaar’s path to owning Backyard Birds Nature Shop was paved by her childhood as the daughter of a zookeeper, where she helped hand-raise snowy owls. Though she briefly considered engineering, a university course in Environmental Management revealed her true calling: a perfect blend of math, science, and nature. In May 2021, she and her father launched their business in Spruce Grove selling birdseed and birdfeeders. Today, the shop is a thriving community hub featuring over 150 vendors, offering nature-based classes, and producing their own bird seed logs. It’s also home to Sweets, a rescued stray who transitioned from a pregnant parking lot find to a professional shop cat with her own business card.

Beyond the storefront, Alana is a dedicated educator who loves sharing the quirks of the 215 bird species found around Edmonton. Whether she’s discussing her favorite Alberta wetland bird, the Sora, or explaining how vultures aid public health by consuming disease, her enthusiasm is contagious. She even successfully converted her husband—a local physiotherapist—into a dedicated birder who now chases rare sightings across the province.

Through her shop and community outreach, Alana continues to foster a deep appreciation for the outdoors, proving that a passion for the environment is best shared with those around you.

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