​Kuhnen Natural Area - Nature Walk - July 2021

 We were delighted that Dr. Rick Schneider, ED of Nature Alberta, and his wife, Alina, were able to join Shaye Hill's Saturday walk at the Kuhnen Natural Area. 


It was a smoky morning with a chill in the air, but no shortage of excitement. As a Hermit Thrush trilled through the canopy. The natural area offered 23 bird species while the group moved along the pathway. Another exciting find was an American Redstart that fluttered unseen but heard through a willow patch near a beaver made wetland. Near the end of the nature walk we had a chance to peek at the elusive Hermit Thrush  on a branch just barely visible as it bellowed its song. 

The pathway starts mowed for the first half until a beaver run where mowers cannot access. However, there is still a distinct pathway just with some overgrown grasses and shrubs overtaking it. The pathway leads down to the Red Deer River where the group got to watch an American White Pelican soar overhead. 

Overall, a wonderful day spent with wonderful people enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. 

​Wild about Bees - July 14 2021

What a great day with Entomologist Charity Briere, at Kuhnen Park, learning about pollinators! 

Shout out to the keen and knowledgeable families that participated in this event. The kids each got to make their own pollinator garden signs and recieved a native seed mix from Lacombe County to attract pollinators to their own backyard.

This program will run again on Wednesday, August 18th 2021, see you there!

Nature Central held a CELEBRATION & UPDATE event on July 1, at the beautiful Mary & Cliff Soper Natural Area, just east of Blackfalds.  The event celebrated accomplishments to date & an update was given to RDRN members, partners & stakeholders, by announcing a summer line-up of family friendly programs.

Sopers donated the 25 acre property to Lacombe County about 4 years ago.  Local volunteers have since created a stewardship group called the "GreenSpaces Preservation Society", to help preserve this serene place so close to town.

Nature Central was initiated in joint partnership by the Red Deer River Naturalists (RDRN) & Nature AB.  It was launched May 1, 2021.

Shaye Hill, Naturalist in Residence & Sherry Scheunert, Assistant Naturalist, were hired to develop a variety of non-consumptive, citizen science programs, which encourage people of all ages to get out & enjoy wild protected areas.
Shaye & Sherry have visited 60 natural areas/conservation sites within 100 kms of Red Deer so far.  They highlight the special places they've explored, and acknowledge the organizations that partner to protect & manage them.
e.g. Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited, Fish & Game Association, AB Environment & Parks. 

Site locations, & descriptions are all listed online:
www.albertadiscoverguide.com

The Naturalists are half way through their contract and anticipate exploring many more areas throughout July & August, so stay tuned.  A summer newsletter will be coming out soon too.

This Intergenerational event was by invitation only, however the Soper Natural Area is always open for the public to enjoy.  Dogs must be kept on leash.

Property stakeholders, funders (including EcoCanada), RDRN members & NATURE AB board members, were all invited.  Mandy Couve from Rocky Mt House attended on behalf of the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA).

25 adults and 8 children attended - ages 1 to 80+.
Everyone enjoyed mid-mirning nature walks in the forest's shade;  this natural area has never been logged & it provides endless educational & wellness opportunities.  Cliff Soper shared the history of the property and his wish to see it preserved forever. 

Following guided walks, led by Myrna Pearman & Shaye Hill, cold beverages & a special carrot cake, baked & decorated by the Lacombe CoOp Bakery, was served.