Nature Central's Past Event Highlights
Educational events and activities
Educational events and activities
Past Events in May 2024
Saturday, May 11 – Migratory Bird Day; join the RDRN bird focus group walk at Raven Brood Trout Station; 10am to 1pm, see RDRN website for details
Thursday, May 16 – Shuckburgh Slough Bird Survey with Buffalo Lake Nature Club, Stettler @ 6pm
Saturday, May 18 – Join the RDRN bird focus group walk at Alix Lake Nature Trail, meet at the municipal campground; 10am to 1pm, see RDRN website for details.
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26 – May Species Count; see RDRN website for details
Sunday, May 26 – JJ Collett Natural Area Spring Walk with Buffalo Lake Nature Club
Saturday, May 11 – Migratory Bird Day; join the RDRN bird focus group walk at Raven Brood Trout Station; 10am to 1pm, see RDRN website for details
Thursday, May 16 – Shuckburgh Slough Bird Survey with Buffalo Lake Nature Club, Stettler @ 6pm
Saturday, May 18 – Join the RDRN bird focus group walk at Alix Lake Nature Trail, meet at the municipal campground; 10am to 1pm, see RDRN website for details.
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26 – May Species Count; see RDRN website for details
Sunday, May 26 – JJ Collett Natural Area Spring Walk with Buffalo Lake Nature Club
Open Creek Natural Area
A total of 10 participants enjoyed an educational and interesting mild spring walk on March 16 through the Open Creek Natural Area, located 25 km west of Rimbey. Most of us learned new terminology about the patterned peatlands that we walked through: linear strings and farks form a ribbed pattern from water that flows through the gently sloping terrain. It was interesting to see those features come to life as we hiked northwards toward the creek. This area was filled with tamarack (larch) trees and is best accessed during the winter when the ground and wet pools are frozen.
Once we reached Open Creek, we could see the difference between the larch-dominated forest to the south and the mixed-wood forest to the north. We walked along the winding frozen creek for about one km and then followed an old trail back to our vehicles.
We enjoyed several stops along the way to listen to birds and to take a closer look at the mosses, lichen and plants. Labrador Tea poked up from the snow in abundance just south of the creek. Another phenomenon that caught our attention were several areas that looked like "dirty" snow. Upon closer inspection, we could see that the "dirt" was actually snow fleas! These tiny, wingless insects are usually consuming leaf litter on the forest floor but often appear on the snow surface as they search for mold and other decomposing matter to consume.
Thank you to Ed Karpuk, Tony Blake and Myrna Pearman for sharing information about the landforms, mosses, lichen and more.
A total of 10 participants enjoyed an educational and interesting mild spring walk on March 16 through the Open Creek Natural Area, located 25 km west of Rimbey. Most of us learned new terminology about the patterned peatlands that we walked through: linear strings and farks form a ribbed pattern from water that flows through the gently sloping terrain. It was interesting to see those features come to life as we hiked northwards toward the creek. This area was filled with tamarack (larch) trees and is best accessed during the winter when the ground and wet pools are frozen.
Once we reached Open Creek, we could see the difference between the larch-dominated forest to the south and the mixed-wood forest to the north. We walked along the winding frozen creek for about one km and then followed an old trail back to our vehicles.
We enjoyed several stops along the way to listen to birds and to take a closer look at the mosses, lichen and plants. Labrador Tea poked up from the snow in abundance just south of the creek. Another phenomenon that caught our attention were several areas that looked like "dirty" snow. Upon closer inspection, we could see that the "dirt" was actually snow fleas! These tiny, wingless insects are usually consuming leaf litter on the forest floor but often appear on the snow surface as they search for mold and other decomposing matter to consume.
Thank you to Ed Karpuk, Tony Blake and Myrna Pearman for sharing information about the landforms, mosses, lichen and more.
Kelly Ranches
Eleven participants joined our snowshoeing/winter walk at the Kelly Ranches conservation area on Feb 17. This property is approximately 20 minutes from Red Deer, located east on Hwy 42 and one km south of the Ghost Pine General Store. Our walk took us through meadows, beaver ponds and boreal forest. There has been some selective logging in the past and grazing still occurs during parts of the year. Tamarack trees and labrador tea were a highlight. Some participants spotted white tailed deer and we saw signs of more deer and moose. Five blue jays chattered away and flew over the group twice! Thanks to Tony, Jim and Steve for sharing information about the area and leading the way. We ended the walk with tailgate hot chocolate and homemade cookies!
Permission is required to access this property, you can book online with Nature Conservancy of Canada. https://connect2nature.ca. There are several access points for this property. We drove east on Hwy 42, south on Range Rd 253 (for about 0.8km) and west on TWP Rd 364 and parked on the shoulder. There is a marked access on the south side of the road.
Eleven participants joined our snowshoeing/winter walk at the Kelly Ranches conservation area on Feb 17. This property is approximately 20 minutes from Red Deer, located east on Hwy 42 and one km south of the Ghost Pine General Store. Our walk took us through meadows, beaver ponds and boreal forest. There has been some selective logging in the past and grazing still occurs during parts of the year. Tamarack trees and labrador tea were a highlight. Some participants spotted white tailed deer and we saw signs of more deer and moose. Five blue jays chattered away and flew over the group twice! Thanks to Tony, Jim and Steve for sharing information about the area and leading the way. We ended the walk with tailgate hot chocolate and homemade cookies!
Permission is required to access this property, you can book online with Nature Conservancy of Canada. https://connect2nature.ca. There are several access points for this property. We drove east on Hwy 42, south on Range Rd 253 (for about 0.8km) and west on TWP Rd 364 and parked on the shoulder. There is a marked access on the south side of the road.
Burns Nature Park
We launched our winter outings at Burns Nature Park, on the north end of Sylvan Lake, on Saturday January 11. It was a frosty morning, but we enjoyed a walk through this new natural area, which was donated by the Burns family to Lacombe County.
More information can be found at https://www.lacombecounty.com/en/living-here/parks-trails-and-lakes.aspx
We launched our winter outings at Burns Nature Park, on the north end of Sylvan Lake, on Saturday January 11. It was a frosty morning, but we enjoyed a walk through this new natural area, which was donated by the Burns family to Lacombe County.
More information can be found at https://www.lacombecounty.com/en/living-here/parks-trails-and-lakes.aspx
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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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
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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. |
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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!     |
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