|
Nature Central's Past Event Highlights
Educational events and activities |
Barrett Park Bee Walk
On August 20th, Nature Central was thrilled to have 18 people join us for an educational journey into the world of bees and bugs. 🐝🦋Charity Brière, a bee expert, and biology instructor from Red Deer Polytechnic, provided us with an in-depth exploration of the fascinating lives, anatomy, and behavior of these insects. 🐞🔍 A special thank you to her and everyone who participated! #EveningBeeWalk #NatureEducation #NatureCentral
On August 20th, Nature Central was thrilled to have 18 people join us for an educational journey into the world of bees and bugs. 🐝🦋Charity Brière, a bee expert, and biology instructor from Red Deer Polytechnic, provided us with an in-depth exploration of the fascinating lives, anatomy, and behavior of these insects. 🐞🔍 A special thank you to her and everyone who participated! #EveningBeeWalk #NatureEducation #NatureCentral
Haunted Lake Paddle
On August 2nd, Natural Central organized a delightful evening paddle near Alix on Haunted Lake, led by Myrna Pearman and Claudia Lipski. A total of 21 kayakers participated in the event, taking the opportunity to learn about the local species of birds and wildlife in the area. Despite some windy conditions on the lake, attendees had the pleasure of sighting various bird species, including the Black Tern, Gull sp., Killdeer, Sora, Greater Yellowlegs, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Black-crowned Night Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Tree Swallow, Purple Martin, Red-necked Grebe, and Spotted Sandpiper.
On August 2nd, Natural Central organized a delightful evening paddle near Alix on Haunted Lake, led by Myrna Pearman and Claudia Lipski. A total of 21 kayakers participated in the event, taking the opportunity to learn about the local species of birds and wildlife in the area. Despite some windy conditions on the lake, attendees had the pleasure of sighting various bird species, including the Black Tern, Gull sp., Killdeer, Sora, Greater Yellowlegs, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Black-crowned Night Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Tree Swallow, Purple Martin, Red-necked Grebe, and Spotted Sandpiper.
Paddle with David Delafield
On July 23rd, Nature Central hosted a morning paddle at Magee Lake, led by outdoor expert David Delafield. A total of 16 enthusiastic kayakers and canoeists enjoyed excellent conditions while learning about the lake's cultural and natural history. David, who is an outdoor survival expert, also shared some botany tips (e.g., use Common Plantain [Plantago major] on insect bites; Pineapple-Weed (Matricaria discoidea) makes an excellent tea). Bird species seen included Common Goldeneye, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, American White Pelican, Solitary Sandpiper, Alder Flycatcher and Cedar Waxwing.
Nature Central would like to thank David for sharing his wealth of knowledge with us!
On July 23rd, Nature Central hosted a morning paddle at Magee Lake, led by outdoor expert David Delafield. A total of 16 enthusiastic kayakers and canoeists enjoyed excellent conditions while learning about the lake's cultural and natural history. David, who is an outdoor survival expert, also shared some botany tips (e.g., use Common Plantain [Plantago major] on insect bites; Pineapple-Weed (Matricaria discoidea) makes an excellent tea). Bird species seen included Common Goldeneye, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, American White Pelican, Solitary Sandpiper, Alder Flycatcher and Cedar Waxwing.
Nature Central would like to thank David for sharing his wealth of knowledge with us!
Family Nature Night 2023: Birds & Bugs
On Wednesday, July 12, RDRN’s Nature Central team participated in Family Nature Night, hosted by KWNC and Nature Alberta. The event featured guided nature walks through Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary as well as education stations showcasing Alberta butterflies and raptors. Myrna Pearman, RDRN Liaison and Abbey Van Heuvel, our Naturalist-In-Residence, enjoyed educating families about birds of prey by showing participants a mounted Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl (supplied by KWNC). After a short talk, each child had the exciting opportunity to take apart an owl pellet. As the children, and their parents (!) excitedly examined these pellets, they uncovered the secrets of owl diets and behaviour. The children were also happy to be able to take home their bones.
A total of 76 participants attended the event, giving them the opportunity to connect with nature and embrace its wonders. RDRN would like to thank KWNC and Nature Alberta for organizing and hosting this event. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations, contributing to the promotion of nature awareness and appreciation.
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park Butterfly Count 2023
On Sunday, our Naturalist-In-Residence joined the Buffalo Lake Naturalists for their annual Butterfly Count Event at Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. During this expedition, participants captured a diverse range of butterflies, such as the Swallowtail, Crescent, Fritillary, and Cabbage White species!
On Sunday, our Naturalist-In-Residence joined the Buffalo Lake Naturalists for their annual Butterfly Count Event at Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. During this expedition, participants captured a diverse range of butterflies, such as the Swallowtail, Crescent, Fritillary, and Cabbage White species!
Bjorge Family's Annual Ferry Point Birding Event
This weekend, our the RDRN Liaison and Naturalist-In-Residence had the opportunity to join the Bjorge family for their annual Ferry Point Birding Event. Attendees were treated to a wide-array of songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors - including the Mountain Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Meadow Lark, Spotted Towhee, Cliff Swallow, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Bald Eagle, and Turkey Vulture. Not only did the birds capture the attention of onlookers, but the scenery was also absolutely captivating, displaying an abundance of lush native grasses, vegetation, and the early formations of a badland-type habitat. This weekend was genuinely unforgettable, and like many other participants, the team eagerly awaits its recurrence next year!
This weekend, our the RDRN Liaison and Naturalist-In-Residence had the opportunity to join the Bjorge family for their annual Ferry Point Birding Event. Attendees were treated to a wide-array of songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors - including the Mountain Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Meadow Lark, Spotted Towhee, Cliff Swallow, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Bald Eagle, and Turkey Vulture. Not only did the birds capture the attention of onlookers, but the scenery was also absolutely captivating, displaying an abundance of lush native grasses, vegetation, and the early formations of a badland-type habitat. This weekend was genuinely unforgettable, and like many other participants, the team eagerly awaits its recurrence next year!
Family Nature Walk
Flowers from Mary & Cliff Soper Natural Area and Radar Hill. Wood lily and northern bedstraw, pink wintergreen, yarrow, orchard grass, Canada violet, wild strawberry, strawberry blite, variegated red elderberry!
Flowers from Mary & Cliff Soper Natural Area and Radar Hill. Wood lily and northern bedstraw, pink wintergreen, yarrow, orchard grass, Canada violet, wild strawberry, strawberry blite, variegated red elderberry!
SATURDAY, JUNE 17 - Plant Walk with Tony Blake
Reflecting on an enchanting plant walk with our plant expert Tony Blake. The captivating beauty of spring blooms came alive as we explored Alberta's native plants together. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this insightful journey through nature's wonders. Stay tuned for more exciting events coming your way!
Reflecting on an enchanting plant walk with our plant expert Tony Blake. The captivating beauty of spring blooms came alive as we explored Alberta's native plants together. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this insightful journey through nature's wonders. Stay tuned for more exciting events coming your way!
SATURDAY, MAY 27 - May Species Count (MSC)
Armed with binoculars and a sense of adventure, locals immersed themselves in the beauty of nature last Saturday to document the rich biodiversity of central Alberta!
|
|
SATURDAY, MARCH 11 - Lockerby Snowshoe Trip
Had a fun Saturday snowshoeing near Pinelake. It was a beautiful blue bird day with perfect temperatures. We didn't end up exploring Lockerby, but instead explored a new section of land in the area with the permission of the landowner.
Photos to be uploaded soon!
Had a fun Saturday snowshoeing near Pinelake. It was a beautiful blue bird day with perfect temperatures. We didn't end up exploring Lockerby, but instead explored a new section of land in the area with the permission of the landowner.
Photos to be uploaded soon!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
What an amazing event to wrap up our summer programming! The Youth-focused and Family Friendly Junior Biologist for a Day educational event was attended by approximately 50 participants of all ages. Young biology fans gained first-hand experience through a series of active learning stations including a Pond Dip, Owl Pellet Dissection, and demonstration of Horns, Antlers, and Skulls.
Thank you to all that participated and the station leaders: Myrna Pearman, Claudia Lipski, Tim Schowalter, Gabriela Ibarguchi, Graeme Gissing, and Caitlyn Howard. Special thanks to DNA Gardens for hosting this great event.
What an amazing event to wrap up our summer programming! The Youth-focused and Family Friendly Junior Biologist for a Day educational event was attended by approximately 50 participants of all ages. Young biology fans gained first-hand experience through a series of active learning stations including a Pond Dip, Owl Pellet Dissection, and demonstration of Horns, Antlers, and Skulls.
Thank you to all that participated and the station leaders: Myrna Pearman, Claudia Lipski, Tim Schowalter, Gabriela Ibarguchi, Graeme Gissing, and Caitlyn Howard. Special thanks to DNA Gardens for hosting this great event.
|
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
What an amazing Morning Nature Paddle we all had on Magee Lake. This was a Family Friendly event and we were thrilled to have nearly 30 paddlers participate with 15 boats on the water. Special thanks to David Delafield (Assistant Professor of Outdoor Leadership - Burman University) who did an incredible job leading this adventure and provided fascinating information throughout the journey. Thank you to all that participated in this wonderful event. |
|
|
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
When fire swept through the Kinvig Natural Area earlier this year, who knew that it would bounce back in such a magnificent way. We would like to thank Eileen Ford and Maureen Carey for providing an outstanding guided tour to experience Revival After Fire first hand. This nature walk was definitely one of the highlights of Nature Central and the Red deer River Naturalists summer programming. Thank you to those that made the journey out to the Kinvig Natural Area to experience this engaging and highly educational event. |
|
|
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
A dozen nature and kayak/canoe enthusiasts participated in the Nature Central Lacombe Lake paddle on the evening of July 27th. The event started with a short presentation by Anto Davis, who is actively involved in the Lacombe Lake Watershed Stewardship Society. She described how this volunteer group assists with water and aquatic plant monitoring of Lacombe Lake, and described their recent efforts--lobbying to ensure that water from Whelp Creek (which is susceptible to agricultural runoff) is not diverted into the lake and raising concerns that a major stormwater project in Blackfalds has the potential to allow runoff to reach the lake in flood conditions. The group then paddled the lake, enjoying a picture-perfect evening and brilliant sunset. Wildlife highlights included watching Black Terns and Forster's Terns fly overhead, enjoying Red-Necked Grebes feeding their young along the water's edge, and the frequent serenading by Common Loons. |
|
|
SUNDAY, JULY 24
Over a dozen people joined biologist Charity Briere (Instructor, Biology - Red Deer Polytechnic) on for a guided afternoon "Pollinator Walk" on Saturday, July 24, at Barrett park in Red Deer to learn all about bees and other pollinating insects. In addition to catching (and releasing) several different insect species, Charity covered a wide variety of topics, including how we can support native insects (especially native bees) in our yards and gardens. Thank you to those that attended, and to Charity for leading such a fascinating, informative, and highly educational outing! |
|
|
SATURDAY, JULY 16
Nine enthusiastic participants joined Nature Central for the first "Wetland Critter Caper" of the season at Kuhnen Park. Hosted by Environmental Educators Joey Temple and Janessa Matthew, participants got a first-hand look at the little critters that live and thrive in healthy wetland ecosystems. It is always such a pleasure to see the next generation of nature enthusiasts participate in these events. Thank you to all of those that attended and to Joey and Janessa for making the Pond Dip such a fun and educational event! |
|
|
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
What an amazing evening! The Red Deer River Naturalists / Nature Central helped celebrate Nature Alberta’s Family Nature Night on July 13th at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red Deer, Alberta. Fifty attendees learned all about Incredible Ecosystems by taking guided tours of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, investigating the difference between antlers and horns (and herbivores and carnivores) with the Red Deer River Naturalists, and got to meet a live Great Horned Owl with the Medicine River Wildlife Centre. We were thrilled to participate in this wonderful event and highly recommend it for next year as a great family fun and educational event. Photo credits: Abigail Stosky-Rahman and Stephanie Weizenbach
|
|
|
SATURDAY, JULY 9
Nine participants joined Nature Central / Red Deer River Naturalists for a fascinating “Parasite Walk” where we learned all about parasitic relationships in nature. One of the main discoveries was that parasites are everywhere in nature! Special thanks to Anne Dempsey (Instructor, Biology - Red Deer Polytechnic) who really brought the amazing variety of parasites to life by pointing out many example throughout the walk. Just to mention a few: black knot fungus, spittle bugs, and rose galls. Join us next year as this is definitely a Nature Walk you should attend. |
|
|
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
We kicked off the 2022 event calendar with a wonderful interpretive Nature Walk at the Nova Community Nature Trail with 8 enthusiastic participants. Created in 2015, this nature trail winds through a variety of early successional forest and wetland habitats. An excellent example of a wetland ecosystem that is bouncing back and, once again, providing all the ecosystem services that healthy wetlands do such as cleaning and purifying water, flood mitigation, and providing wildlife habitat. Well worth a visit for a trail walk of up to 4 km. Thanks to all of those that attended!     |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
