Site of the Month
Exploring and Documenting Central Alberta's Protected Areas
The following is a list of some of the beautiful properties located in Central Alberta.
Exploring and Documenting Central Alberta's Protected Areas
The following is a list of some of the beautiful properties located in Central Alberta.
Kelly Ranches: (2023/09/01)
This property features groves with white spruce, trembling aspen, and balsam poplar trees, along with open grassland areas. The site is generally straightforward to navigate due to open spaces created by logging. Wood piles can be found scattered across the location, resulting from its previous use as a sawmill site. Creeks, marshes, and wetlands dot the landscape, giving home to species such as the Pileated Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, and Chipping Sparrow. For those with a taste for adventure, certain areas of Kelly Ranches offer opportunities for strawberry picking. It is worth mentioning that a farmer frequently uses the site for grazing cattle.
Access: head south from Ghost Pine General Store for 0.8 km on Range Road 254. You'll find Kelly Ranches on the west side of the road allowance.
Partners: NCC
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
This property features groves with white spruce, trembling aspen, and balsam poplar trees, along with open grassland areas. The site is generally straightforward to navigate due to open spaces created by logging. Wood piles can be found scattered across the location, resulting from its previous use as a sawmill site. Creeks, marshes, and wetlands dot the landscape, giving home to species such as the Pileated Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, and Chipping Sparrow. For those with a taste for adventure, certain areas of Kelly Ranches offer opportunities for strawberry picking. It is worth mentioning that a farmer frequently uses the site for grazing cattle.
Access: head south from Ghost Pine General Store for 0.8 km on Range Road 254. You'll find Kelly Ranches on the west side of the road allowance.
Partners: NCC
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Kneehill Creek: 2023/08/24
Located just 35 km from Red Deer, Kneehill Creek is a protected area waiting to be explored! This site boasts groves of aspen, poplar, and willow. By heading east on the property, you will find an abundance of wetlands as well as a creek, bustling with a beaver community. In the distance, hills with aspen stand visible, yet reaching them may pose a challenge without crossing the creek. Make sure not to miss the opportunity to spot an array of birds, including the Red-tailed Hawk, the Great Horned Owl, and the Red-eyed Vireo. Even on rainy days, Kneehill Creek offers plenty to see, however, the terrain can be quite boggy and wet.
Access: Starting from Innisfail, head east along Highway 590 for approximately 16 km. Upon reaching Range Road 270, make a right turn and continue for 6.4 km. Take a left turn onto Township Road 35-0, and after a short distance of 0.4 km, you'll encounter a road allowance on the south side. Note that during wet conditions, the undeveloped road might not be accessible by vehicle. In such cases, it's recommended to proceed on foot from this point until you reach the northeast corner of the property.
Partners: ACA, AFGA, Sarcee Fish & Game
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-82
By-the-Park Lake: 2023/08/14
Just a short drive from Wetaskiwin lies By-the-Lake Park, our featured site this week. This park offers a simple 2.4 km paved loop trail that's easy for everyone to access. The trail circles the lake, providing pleasant views of the water and forest. Benches are conveniently placed throughout the park, inviting you to pause, reflect, and enjoy the presence of waterfowl that inhabit the area. Bird species in the area include the Bald Eagle, Purple Martin, Mallard Duck, and Double-crested Cormorant. Children's laughter will resonate as they explore the playground. Take a moment to appreciate the aerated fountain on the lake's surface. Accessible washroom facilities ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable.
Access: To reach the park, simply travel west from Wetaskiwin on 56 Ave for 1.2 km, and you'll find the entrance on your right-hand side.
Partners: City of Wetaskiwin
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Just a short drive from Wetaskiwin lies By-the-Lake Park, our featured site this week. This park offers a simple 2.4 km paved loop trail that's easy for everyone to access. The trail circles the lake, providing pleasant views of the water and forest. Benches are conveniently placed throughout the park, inviting you to pause, reflect, and enjoy the presence of waterfowl that inhabit the area. Bird species in the area include the Bald Eagle, Purple Martin, Mallard Duck, and Double-crested Cormorant. Children's laughter will resonate as they explore the playground. Take a moment to appreciate the aerated fountain on the lake's surface. Accessible washroom facilities ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable.
Access: To reach the park, simply travel west from Wetaskiwin on 56 Ave for 1.2 km, and you'll find the entrance on your right-hand side.
Partners: City of Wetaskiwin
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Parlby Creek: 2023/08/03
This week's featured site is Parlby Creek, located approximately 4 km northwest of Alix and covering 82 acres. This property offers a diverse mix of wetland, grassland, and bush habitats. The northern half of the site is adorned with a gently flowing creek, flanked by lush willow vegetation and beaver activity. As you walk in that direction, you will encounter aspen forests, willows, and expansive marsh areas, making it an ideal sanctuary for moose. Evidence of their presence is scattered throughout, from recently pressed-over grass to extensive browsing on bushes and smaller trees. While the site lacks established trails, it promises exciting adventures for the intrepid explorer, with tall grasses and bushwhacking in some areas. However, your hard work will pay off with the presence of raspberry bushes, perfect for berry-picking and eating. The western side is marked by train tracks, while easy access and parking for one vehicle are available via the approach.
Access: Travel northwest from Alix along Highway 12. After covering a distance of 4.3 km, you will find the site situated on your right. Pull into the approach to park, but exercise caution while crossing the train tracks.
Partners: DUC
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-108
Totem Trail: 2023/07/27
This week, we present Totem Trail, which was originally designated as an ESA in the 1990s. This trail offers a scenic route leading to the beautiful Red Deer River below, providing excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. Along the trail, you'll encounter great viewpoints, such as Willy's Point, offering an elevated view of the river. The trail is surrounded by a mix of aspen, poplar, and spruce forest, with occasional deadfall and the chance for berry picking. Please note this area is limited to foot access only, however, the neighbours occasionally mow the old road allowance to keep it accessible. Prepare for a leisurely 30-minute walk and be mindful of closing any gates you come across, as there might be cattle in the area. Keep a look-out for birds, including the Spotted Towhee, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, and Bald Eagle.
Access: To reach Totem Trail, head north on Highway 21 from Delburne. Then turn west onto Highway 595 and continue along this route for approximately 7.3 km until you reach Range Road 243. Take a right turn and follow this road for 2.4 km to arrive at the destination, which is identifiable by two gates. Please use the left gate, which may appear locked initially.
Partners: N/A
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
This week, we present Totem Trail, which was originally designated as an ESA in the 1990s. This trail offers a scenic route leading to the beautiful Red Deer River below, providing excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. Along the trail, you'll encounter great viewpoints, such as Willy's Point, offering an elevated view of the river. The trail is surrounded by a mix of aspen, poplar, and spruce forest, with occasional deadfall and the chance for berry picking. Please note this area is limited to foot access only, however, the neighbours occasionally mow the old road allowance to keep it accessible. Prepare for a leisurely 30-minute walk and be mindful of closing any gates you come across, as there might be cattle in the area. Keep a look-out for birds, including the Spotted Towhee, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, and Bald Eagle.
Access: To reach Totem Trail, head north on Highway 21 from Delburne. Then turn west onto Highway 595 and continue along this route for approximately 7.3 km until you reach Range Road 243. Take a right turn and follow this road for 2.4 km to arrive at the destination, which is identifiable by two gates. Please use the left gate, which may appear locked initially.
Partners: N/A
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Bigelow Reservoir: 2023/07/19
Located 22 km west of Huxley along Highway 587, this expansive 1,018-acre site features a large treeless reservoir encircled by cultivated fields and a few shelter belts. The border surrounding the reservoir is predominantly covered with grassland vegetation, interspersed with willow thickets, caragana bushes and aspen forests. This area offers an excellent opportunity to observe waterfowl, including the Common Loon, Redneck and Eared Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and American White Pelican. While there are some pathways in the area, they tend to be relatively short in length. Most of the exploration involves walking along previously established game trails that follow the edges of the reservoir. Additionally, ACA uses this conservation site serves as a Pheasant Release Site.
Access 1: To reach the site, travel west on Hwy 587 from Highway 21 for approximately 16.1 km until you reach Range Road 25-3. From there, turn north and drive just 0.1 km to reach the designated pull-off area.
Access 2: Alternatively, head east on Hwy 587 to Range Road 25-2. Proceed south until you reach the T-intersection (Township Road 34-0), then turn west and drive for about 1.0 km. Please note that the entrance is not clearly signed and might be easy to miss.
Partners: ACA, AEP
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-43
Located 22 km west of Huxley along Highway 587, this expansive 1,018-acre site features a large treeless reservoir encircled by cultivated fields and a few shelter belts. The border surrounding the reservoir is predominantly covered with grassland vegetation, interspersed with willow thickets, caragana bushes and aspen forests. This area offers an excellent opportunity to observe waterfowl, including the Common Loon, Redneck and Eared Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and American White Pelican. While there are some pathways in the area, they tend to be relatively short in length. Most of the exploration involves walking along previously established game trails that follow the edges of the reservoir. Additionally, ACA uses this conservation site serves as a Pheasant Release Site.
Access 1: To reach the site, travel west on Hwy 587 from Highway 21 for approximately 16.1 km until you reach Range Road 25-3. From there, turn north and drive just 0.1 km to reach the designated pull-off area.
Access 2: Alternatively, head east on Hwy 587 to Range Road 25-2. Proceed south until you reach the T-intersection (Township Road 34-0), then turn west and drive for about 1.0 km. Please note that the entrance is not clearly signed and might be easy to miss.
Partners: ACA, AEP
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-43
Kerbes Pond – Lake Aeration: 2023/07/10
The highlighted destination for this week is Kerbes Pond, a 29-acre site situated northeast of Big Valley. Amenities provided consist of a designated parking area, waste disposal containers, a restroom facility, and a small boat launch with a gravel surface. This location offers excellent opportunities for recreational fishing, specifically for tiger trout, which are stocked on a yearly basis by the Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP). Various bird species can be observed in the vicinity, including the Gray Catbird, American White Pelican, European Starling, and Yellow Warbler. Additionally, visitors have the chance to harvest Saskatoon berries at this site.
Access: To reach the destination, travel north from Big Valley on Highway 56 for a distance of 9.6 km, and then continue west on Fritz Hill Road for 8.4 km.
Partners: ACA, AEP, TUC
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-32
Kuhnen Park: 2023/07/02
Introducing our featured site of the week: Kuhnen Park! This location spans 140 acres and is situated north of Red Deer between Blackfalds and Lacombe. On the north side of the property, you will find a 'Wilderness' campground and parking lot. From here, maintained trails meander through the park, guiding you around a large wetland, towards the bank of Lacombe Lake. Much of the park boasts aspen forests, with white spruce trees and willow thickets. Among many others species, naturalists will be delighted by the presence of songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors including the Baltimore Oriole, Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Red-tailed Hawk, and Turkey Vulture! Many dog walkers frequent this area, and it serves as an excellent location for hosting events or conducting nature walks due to its easily navigable terrain and diverse array of vegetation.
Access: Conveniently accessible, Kuhnen Park is located just off Range Road 272 from Blackfalds. Visitors can easily reach the park by following the signs directing them towards the nearby Watipi Campground.
Partners: Lacombe County
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Introducing our featured site of the week: Kuhnen Park! This location spans 140 acres and is situated north of Red Deer between Blackfalds and Lacombe. On the north side of the property, you will find a 'Wilderness' campground and parking lot. From here, maintained trails meander through the park, guiding you around a large wetland, towards the bank of Lacombe Lake. Much of the park boasts aspen forests, with white spruce trees and willow thickets. Among many others species, naturalists will be delighted by the presence of songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors including the Baltimore Oriole, Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Red-tailed Hawk, and Turkey Vulture! Many dog walkers frequent this area, and it serves as an excellent location for hosting events or conducting nature walks due to its easily navigable terrain and diverse array of vegetation.
Access: Conveniently accessible, Kuhnen Park is located just off Range Road 272 from Blackfalds. Visitors can easily reach the park by following the signs directing them towards the nearby Watipi Campground.
Partners: Lacombe County
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Midway Reservoir: 2023/06/23
This week, experience the beauty of Midway Reservoir, located just east of Carstairs! Each season this pond is stocked with rainbow trout, giving visitors the opportunity to fish with their friends and loved ones. In addition to fishing, the reservoir offers convenient on-site camping amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, garbage bins, and outhouses. This area is surrounded by boundless farmlands, providing a peaceful setting and ideal escape from the busy city life. Explore Midway Reservoir and keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including the Spotted Sandpiper, American Coot, and Blue Heron!
Access: Head east on Highway 581 for a distance of 19 km. Continue onto Township Road 302. After 6.5 km, take a left turn onto Range Road 273 and another left, which will lead you into the entrance of Midway Reservoir.
Partners: ACA, AEP, Midway Centennial Park
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-142
Fleming Slough: 2023/06/15
This week’s featured site is Fleming Slough, which is conveniently situated just outside of Penhold. The property includes large and shallow wetlands throughout its location, and is surrounded by cultivated fields. In the distance, you will find earth islands gracefully emerging from the water’s surface. This space offers ideal habitat for a diverse array of shorebirds and waterfowl, including the Black-necked Stilt, Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose, and Sora. Keep an eye out for the bird houses mounted on telephone poles, providing cozy dwellings for Tree Swallows and House Sparrows.
Access: Head southwest on Highway 2A from Red Deer to Penhold. Turn right (west) onto Grey St, cross the railroad tracks and follow as the road curves south and then west for 1 km. A Habitat Steward sign is used to mark the location. There is a mowed parking lot, however, it should be advised to stay on the road since the property is privately owned.
Stakeholders: N/A
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
This week’s featured site is Fleming Slough, which is conveniently situated just outside of Penhold. The property includes large and shallow wetlands throughout its location, and is surrounded by cultivated fields. In the distance, you will find earth islands gracefully emerging from the water’s surface. This space offers ideal habitat for a diverse array of shorebirds and waterfowl, including the Black-necked Stilt, Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose, and Sora. Keep an eye out for the bird houses mounted on telephone poles, providing cozy dwellings for Tree Swallows and House Sparrows.
Access: Head southwest on Highway 2A from Red Deer to Penhold. Turn right (west) onto Grey St, cross the railroad tracks and follow as the road curves south and then west for 1 km. A Habitat Steward sign is used to mark the location. There is a mowed parking lot, however, it should be advised to stay on the road since the property is privately owned.
Stakeholders: N/A
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Coyote Lake (Hopkins): 2023/06/08
This week, we are delighted to introduce Coyote Lake. As the centerpiece of the Hopkins conservation site, this lake offers a serene setting to its visitors. Encompassing the lake on the north side, you will find a network of well-maintained hiking trails. These mowed trails not only provide a pleasant walking experience but also serve as vantage points for observing wildlife. Keep an eye out for species including the Great Blue Heron, Red-necked Grebe, Common Loon, American White Pelican, and Red-eyed Vireo! To enhance your experience further, this location offers a rustic gazebo, equipped with a picnic table for your convenience. Additionally, an old abandoned cabin nearby adds a touch of history to the property. On-site amenities include an outhouse, as well as ample parking.
Access: From Alsike, travel west on Highway 39 for 3.3 km. Turn right onto Range Road 43 and continue for 10 km. Turn left onto Township Road 500 and then left again onto Range Road 44. Continue for 1 km until you reach Coyote Lake Nature Sanctuary.
Stakeholders: NCC, Town of Breton
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
This week, we are delighted to introduce Coyote Lake. As the centerpiece of the Hopkins conservation site, this lake offers a serene setting to its visitors. Encompassing the lake on the north side, you will find a network of well-maintained hiking trails. These mowed trails not only provide a pleasant walking experience but also serve as vantage points for observing wildlife. Keep an eye out for species including the Great Blue Heron, Red-necked Grebe, Common Loon, American White Pelican, and Red-eyed Vireo! To enhance your experience further, this location offers a rustic gazebo, equipped with a picnic table for your convenience. Additionally, an old abandoned cabin nearby adds a touch of history to the property. On-site amenities include an outhouse, as well as ample parking.
Access: From Alsike, travel west on Highway 39 for 3.3 km. Turn right onto Range Road 43 and continue for 10 km. Turn left onto Township Road 500 and then left again onto Range Road 44. Continue for 1 km until you reach Coyote Lake Nature Sanctuary.
Stakeholders: NCC, Town of Breton
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Potter's Seep (Buffalo Lake Moraine Conservation Area): 2023/06/01
Explore this week’s featured site, Potter’s Seep, an interpretive walking trail located just a short drive from Stettler. This trail is named after Jim Potter, a former employee of the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), and his brother Steve. Together, they spent numerous hours restoring the seep to its natural shape. As you navigate the area, you will encounter informative signage, which shed light on the significance of nesting boxes and cavities for wildlife, such as raptors, waterfowl, and landbirds.
Access: Conveniently located within an hour of Red Deer, head north from Stettler on Highway 56 for 18 km. After passing Township Road 410, pull into the parking lot located on the left-hand side of the highway. There are no washrooms located on-site.
Stakeholders: ACA, AFGA, DUC, NCC, TD FEF.
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-110
Site of the Month #12: Boulder Lake
By Abbey Van Heuvel (2023/05/25)
In early May, I joined Myrna Pearman for the first time and together we visited Boulder Lake. Located just outside of Blackfalds, this publicly accessible site is dedicated to preserving local wetlands and biodiversity. One of the most captivating features of this conservation property included the various species of waterfowl, such as the dashing Horned Grebe. With its distinctive “horns” and regal appearance, there is no doubt why this beautiful bird has taken the center stage for many bird-watchers alike. Visitors and families are welcome to treat themselves to the lovely sight of these avian residents, as well as others. Having five docks, this location offers great opportunities to fish the lake, which is annually stocked with trout. On site, there are washrooms and space for parking.
Access: head west of Blackfalds on Aspelund Rd/Township Rd 394. In 2.4 km, turn left (south) onto Range Rd 275 and continue for 2.5 km. Turn right (west) into the parking, located on the right-hand side. NOTE: Your GPS may navigate you to travel up Range Rd 275 (from Red Deer), however, due to a privately owned bridge, this route is inaccessible to the public.
Stakeholders: ACA, AFGA, LFGA.
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-174
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Site of the Month #11: Willy
By Myrna Pearman
Snapshot: In late January, a friend and I had the good fortune to explore some protected areas around the Bashaw/Mirror area with a retired Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) technician, Jim Potter. Jim has explored and worked on/in these properties over the past several decades, so we greatly benefited from his knowledge and experience.
One of the properties we checked – Willy - would make a great winter snowshoe destination, even for those less experienced at being outdoors. Located east of Mirror, this quarter section is the sole piece of habitat in an otherwise cultivated landscape. The topography of the property is undulating, but has many open areas, so landmarks in all directions( (e.g., farm buildings) can be used for route finding. We found moose tracks and plenty of deer tracks as well as the tracks of Ring-necked Pheasants and possibly Sharp-tailed Grouse. We also identified a hawk nest in the large trees along the western boundary.
An oilwell road bisects the center of the property, and the large approach allows one to two cars to park well off the road. (During the summer, the gate entrance is large enough to accommodate about six vehicles). The oil road can be used to access the middle of the property, then game trails can be used to explore the whole north section, which consists of a mixture of buckbrush/silverberry hillsides, poplar groves and small ponds.
To access: go north of Mirror on Hwy 21, turn east on Twp 410, then south on RR 215 for 1 mile. The property is on the east side of the road.
Stakeholder: DUC
SE-31-040-21-W4M
https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=47
Site of the Month #10: Beaver Lake
Snapshot: Beaver Lake is a beautiful pond located southwest of Caroline (on Range Road 6-3a on the way to Burnstick Lake). There are no trails, but it is a great lake for paddling. The vegetation surrounding the pond consists of white spruce, lodgepole pine and mature aspens. In the spring/summer you can see spotted sandpipers, common loons, bald eagles and tree swallows among other bird species, and it’s also home to white-tailed deer, beavers, mink, pine marten and even black bears. If you like plants, you should look for snowberries, Canada buffaloberry, beaked hazelnut and saskatoon. There are washrooms and good parking on site.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: Beaver Lake is a beautiful pond located southwest of Caroline (on Range Road 6-3a on the way to Burnstick Lake). There are no trails, but it is a great lake for paddling. The vegetation surrounding the pond consists of white spruce, lodgepole pine and mature aspens. In the spring/summer you can see spotted sandpipers, common loons, bald eagles and tree swallows among other bird species, and it’s also home to white-tailed deer, beavers, mink, pine marten and even black bears. If you like plants, you should look for snowberries, Canada buffaloberry, beaked hazelnut and saskatoon. There are washrooms and good parking on site.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #9: Open Creek Dam Natural Area
Snapshot: This site consists of 160 acres of predominantly tamarack/black spruce-patterned muskeg, with some poplar and upland pine forest. In the spring and summer, there is a wide variety of migratory birds such as greater yellowlegs and yellow-rumped warblers. Vegetation includes marsh marigolds, Labrador tea, and colt’s foot.
To get there, go north up Range Road 51 off Highway 53 west of Rimbey and park in the well site. You can also park in the wellsite on Range Road 52 and follow the fence line to the creek. We recommend taking the beautiful trail through the forest along the eastern poplar ridge that leads to the creek.
Even though there are no washrooms on site, the walk is not too long and it's family friendly. In the winter, this site also has potential for adventurous snowshoers.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: This site consists of 160 acres of predominantly tamarack/black spruce-patterned muskeg, with some poplar and upland pine forest. In the spring and summer, there is a wide variety of migratory birds such as greater yellowlegs and yellow-rumped warblers. Vegetation includes marsh marigolds, Labrador tea, and colt’s foot.
To get there, go north up Range Road 51 off Highway 53 west of Rimbey and park in the well site. You can also park in the wellsite on Range Road 52 and follow the fence line to the creek. We recommend taking the beautiful trail through the forest along the eastern poplar ridge that leads to the creek.
Even though there are no washrooms on site, the walk is not too long and it's family friendly. In the winter, this site also has potential for adventurous snowshoers.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #8: Moltzahn (83 km from Red deer)
Snapshot: This 118-acre site is 9.6 km W of Bashaw on Highway 605. Turn N on RR 224 and travel 0.8 km to the site on the E side of the road (the sign is large but may be a bit hidden in the trees). There is parking for 2-3 cars by the Texas gate.
The habitat is native parkland interspersed with small wetlands. There is a well mowed trail for an easy walk with just a few hills through a beautiful aspen forest (1.6 km in and out). The habitat provides for an abundance of wildlife including birds (white-throated sparrow, song sparrow, red-eyed vireo, red-winged blackbird, American robin, gray catbird, American goldfinch, northern flicker) and butterflies. Plant life is diverse including wild bergamot, wild raspberries, and chokecherries. Keep in mind that there are no washrooms on the site.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: This 118-acre site is 9.6 km W of Bashaw on Highway 605. Turn N on RR 224 and travel 0.8 km to the site on the E side of the road (the sign is large but may be a bit hidden in the trees). There is parking for 2-3 cars by the Texas gate.
The habitat is native parkland interspersed with small wetlands. There is a well mowed trail for an easy walk with just a few hills through a beautiful aspen forest (1.6 km in and out). The habitat provides for an abundance of wildlife including birds (white-throated sparrow, song sparrow, red-eyed vireo, red-winged blackbird, American robin, gray catbird, American goldfinch, northern flicker) and butterflies. Plant life is diverse including wild bergamot, wild raspberries, and chokecherries. Keep in mind that there are no washrooms on the site.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #2: Mound Red Reservoir - ACA Fish Stocking
Snapshot: Ideally suited for a short walk or paddle, with an easily accessible dock for launching. There are a couple of short trails around the many campsites and there are numerous picnic tables with firepits for day-use. Parking is available and several outhouses are spread throughout the area. Diverse and abundant plant, insect, and bird life are highlights of this small but beautiful spot. To locate this site, it is best to Google Mound Red Park. Fishing is also allowed. Enjoy!
Link to additional information
Snapshot: Ideally suited for a short walk or paddle, with an easily accessible dock for launching. There are a couple of short trails around the many campsites and there are numerous picnic tables with firepits for day-use. Parking is available and several outhouses are spread throughout the area. Diverse and abundant plant, insect, and bird life are highlights of this small but beautiful spot. To locate this site, it is best to Google Mound Red Park. Fishing is also allowed. Enjoy!
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #1: Mitchell Lake
Snapshot: Ideal for a kayak or canoe paddle trip, a lovely spot to relax and tour the shores that include wetland marsh areas. Abundant birdlife and nesting loons are a highlight of this site. Available parking and an easy launch location are added bonuses.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: Ideal for a kayak or canoe paddle trip, a lovely spot to relax and tour the shores that include wetland marsh areas. Abundant birdlife and nesting loons are a highlight of this site. Available parking and an easy launch location are added bonuses.
Link to additional information
