Big Pond (59.0 km)
Big Pond, located about 8 km west of Bashaw, is a 160-acre natural area featuring a mix of wetland, grassland, and bush habitat. The site is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, and waterfowl, as well as songbirds such as the Clay-colored Sparrow and Yellow Warbler. Birdwatchers may also spot species like the Black-necked Stilt, Red-necked Grebe, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Cinnamon Teal, and Wilson's Phalarope. The large central wetland and smaller ponds throughout the area provide essential water sources and nesting sites for shorebirds and waterfowl. The landscape also supports a variety of plant species, including trembling aspen, balsam poplar, bunchberry, sweet clover, harebell, and wild rose. While there are no official trails, visitors can walk around the pond, though they may need to cross some barbed wire fences. The area is open for day use only, and livestock may be present. For more information, call 403-352-9395.
Access: Head west from Bashaw on Highway 605, then turn south onto Range Road 223. After 1.2 km, the site will be on your east.
Partners: DUC
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-132
Big Pond, located about 8 km west of Bashaw, is a 160-acre natural area featuring a mix of wetland, grassland, and bush habitat. The site is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, and waterfowl, as well as songbirds such as the Clay-colored Sparrow and Yellow Warbler. Birdwatchers may also spot species like the Black-necked Stilt, Red-necked Grebe, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Cinnamon Teal, and Wilson's Phalarope. The large central wetland and smaller ponds throughout the area provide essential water sources and nesting sites for shorebirds and waterfowl. The landscape also supports a variety of plant species, including trembling aspen, balsam poplar, bunchberry, sweet clover, harebell, and wild rose. While there are no official trails, visitors can walk around the pond, though they may need to cross some barbed wire fences. The area is open for day use only, and livestock may be present. For more information, call 403-352-9395.
Access: Head west from Bashaw on Highway 605, then turn south onto Range Road 223. After 1.2 km, the site will be on your east.
Partners: DUC
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-132
