J.J. Collett Natural Area (41.8 km)
JJ Collett Natural Area, located near Morningside, Alberta, spans 635 acres of aspen parkland, wetlands, and grasslands with over 18 km of well-marked trails. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, beavers, and a variety of bird species such as the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Wilson's Snipe, and Ovenbird. It also features a range of plants like wild strawberries and marsh marigold. The natural area is managed for conservation, helping protect species that are vulnerable in agricultural areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, with basic amenities like outhouses and resting areas along the trails. The area is a popular spot for outdoor activities year-round, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Access: To reach JJ Collett Natural Area from Red Deer, take Queen Elizabeth II Highway north, then turn east onto Township Road 412 (Milton/Gadsby Road). Continue north on Range Road 261, turn west onto Township Road 414, and the parking lot will be on your right.
Partners: AEP, Lacombe County, & J.J. Collett Provincial Natural Area Foundation
Alberta Discover Guide: No
JJ Collett Natural Area, located near Morningside, Alberta, spans 635 acres of aspen parkland, wetlands, and grasslands with over 18 km of well-marked trails. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, beavers, and a variety of bird species such as the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Wilson's Snipe, and Ovenbird. It also features a range of plants like wild strawberries and marsh marigold. The natural area is managed for conservation, helping protect species that are vulnerable in agricultural areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, with basic amenities like outhouses and resting areas along the trails. The area is a popular spot for outdoor activities year-round, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Access: To reach JJ Collett Natural Area from Red Deer, take Queen Elizabeth II Highway north, then turn east onto Township Road 412 (Milton/Gadsby Road). Continue north on Range Road 261, turn west onto Township Road 414, and the parking lot will be on your right.
Partners: AEP, Lacombe County, & J.J. Collett Provincial Natural Area Foundation
Alberta Discover Guide: No
