Larches (63.8 km)
Larches is a 148-acre natural area located 19 km north of Sundre, near the James River. The site features dry grasslands, forests, and boggy areas, with vegetation such as black spruce, tamarack, bog birch, aspen, and lodgepole pine. It provides habitat for wildlife including elk, moose, white-tailed and mule deer, and grouse. Birds in the area include Alder Flycatchers, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Eastern Kingbirds, Mountain Bluebirds, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ovenbirds, Brown Creepers, and Red-eyed Vireos. Plants like bog cranberry, paintbrush, tall blueberry, Labrador tea, wood lily, and ferns can also be found. The terrain can be challenging due to moisture, but several cutlines provide access. The area is home to species such as Canadian toads and wood frogs, making it a valuable spot for wildlife observation.
Access: Head west on Highway 587 from Bowden for 39 km, then north on Range Road 51 to the end. Proceed on foot across the pipeline right-of-way to the site's southeast corner.
Partners: ACA, AFGA, & Western Sky Land Trust Society
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-164
Larches is a 148-acre natural area located 19 km north of Sundre, near the James River. The site features dry grasslands, forests, and boggy areas, with vegetation such as black spruce, tamarack, bog birch, aspen, and lodgepole pine. It provides habitat for wildlife including elk, moose, white-tailed and mule deer, and grouse. Birds in the area include Alder Flycatchers, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Eastern Kingbirds, Mountain Bluebirds, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ovenbirds, Brown Creepers, and Red-eyed Vireos. Plants like bog cranberry, paintbrush, tall blueberry, Labrador tea, wood lily, and ferns can also be found. The terrain can be challenging due to moisture, but several cutlines provide access. The area is home to species such as Canadian toads and wood frogs, making it a valuable spot for wildlife observation.
Access: Head west on Highway 587 from Bowden for 39 km, then north on Range Road 51 to the end. Proceed on foot across the pipeline right-of-way to the site's southeast corner.
Partners: ACA, AFGA, & Western Sky Land Trust Society
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-164
