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.
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
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 #7: Westview West (98 km from Red deer)
Snapshot: This 130-acre site is approximately 12 km W of Donalda and consists of wetland, grassland, and bush habitat. Access is from RR 201A on the west side of the property (look for a small Ducks Unlimited sign by a cow gate). You can park by the gate. For walking, there is a mowed path with vehicle tracks for about a 2 km round trip (in and out through the same path). The path connects to Westview East and you will know when you enter the East side because the forest ends abruptly, becomes all grass and you can see the oil well in the center of the site. You can keep walking there or turn back.
Overall, this site makes for a very nice walk that begins through farmland with hay bales, transitions into wetlands, and enters aspen forest with Saskatoon bushes and wild raspberries. Keep in mind that there are no washrooms on the site and livestock may be present. The site has abundant wildlife (birds, insects, and signs of garter snakes) and plants including wild bergamot.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: This 130-acre site is approximately 12 km W of Donalda and consists of wetland, grassland, and bush habitat. Access is from RR 201A on the west side of the property (look for a small Ducks Unlimited sign by a cow gate). You can park by the gate. For walking, there is a mowed path with vehicle tracks for about a 2 km round trip (in and out through the same path). The path connects to Westview East and you will know when you enter the East side because the forest ends abruptly, becomes all grass and you can see the oil well in the center of the site. You can keep walking there or turn back.
Overall, this site makes for a very nice walk that begins through farmland with hay bales, transitions into wetlands, and enters aspen forest with Saskatoon bushes and wild raspberries. Keep in mind that there are no washrooms on the site and livestock may be present. The site has abundant wildlife (birds, insects, and signs of garter snakes) and plants including wild bergamot.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #6: Nevis Conservation Area (61 km from Red deer)
Snapshot: Located just NW of the town of Nevis, Alberta, this 360-acre Conservation Area consists of a mix of forest, open meadows, and wetland habitats. This reclaimed gas plant also features unique ecosystems compared to other local sites including salt pan, sage bush, and grassland habitats. There are no formal walking paths or trail system, but the grasses are short and the habitat quite open for easy navigation. Some areas may be well-suited to beginner bushwhacking and off-trail exploration. Divided in half by an old railway line, the two beautiful wetland areas (great spots for a picnic lunch, but not well-suited for paddling) are located on the south side of the property.
There are two entrances to the property. The main entrance is located on the north side of the property on Highway 12 / Highway 21 (look for the large Nevis Conservation Area sign and a gate that you will need to hop over to enter the site). There is a fairly large driveway with room for several cars. For the east entrance, take a right on Highway 21 and just past a railway overpass there is a small driveway on the right with a smaller sign. For this entrance, you will need to hop a fence.
Wildlife is abundant and can include white tailed / mule deer, Richardson’s ground squirrels, cormorants, white pelicans, red-winged blackbirds, tree swallows, goldfinches, an assortment of sparrows, and lots of butterflies and grasshoppers. Lots of wildflowers and berries highlight the grassland, sage bush, and forested regions of the site. Definitely a beautiful spot for a rewarding nature walk. Be aware that there are no bathroom facilities.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: Located just NW of the town of Nevis, Alberta, this 360-acre Conservation Area consists of a mix of forest, open meadows, and wetland habitats. This reclaimed gas plant also features unique ecosystems compared to other local sites including salt pan, sage bush, and grassland habitats. There are no formal walking paths or trail system, but the grasses are short and the habitat quite open for easy navigation. Some areas may be well-suited to beginner bushwhacking and off-trail exploration. Divided in half by an old railway line, the two beautiful wetland areas (great spots for a picnic lunch, but not well-suited for paddling) are located on the south side of the property.
There are two entrances to the property. The main entrance is located on the north side of the property on Highway 12 / Highway 21 (look for the large Nevis Conservation Area sign and a gate that you will need to hop over to enter the site). There is a fairly large driveway with room for several cars. For the east entrance, take a right on Highway 21 and just past a railway overpass there is a small driveway on the right with a smaller sign. For this entrance, you will need to hop a fence.
Wildlife is abundant and can include white tailed / mule deer, Richardson’s ground squirrels, cormorants, white pelicans, red-winged blackbirds, tree swallows, goldfinches, an assortment of sparrows, and lots of butterflies and grasshoppers. Lots of wildflowers and berries highlight the grassland, sage bush, and forested regions of the site. Definitely a beautiful spot for a rewarding nature walk. Be aware that there are no bathroom facilities.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #5: Phyllis Lake Provincial Recreation Area (98 km from Red Deer)
Snapshot: Phyllis Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located 33 km south of Rocky Mountain House on Hwy. 22 and 7 km west on Hwy. 591. This scenic little foothills lake is well suited to canoeing, fishing, and boating (electric powered motors). There is easy access by vehicle and parking is available. There is a nice beach for launching canoes and kayaks as well as a more formal dock.
This is a lovely place for a paddle, particularly when water levels are high so you can explore flooded grasses and wetland areas. Picnic tables are available and wildlife is abundant. There are lots of birds, including the elusive swamp sparrow and nesting loons. On a quiet paddle, you can hear wood frogs and western toads. There are also approximately 20 camp sites available in the Provincial Recreation Area. Both RVs and tents are permitted. There are pit/vault toilets available in the campground.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: Phyllis Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located 33 km south of Rocky Mountain House on Hwy. 22 and 7 km west on Hwy. 591. This scenic little foothills lake is well suited to canoeing, fishing, and boating (electric powered motors). There is easy access by vehicle and parking is available. There is a nice beach for launching canoes and kayaks as well as a more formal dock.
This is a lovely place for a paddle, particularly when water levels are high so you can explore flooded grasses and wetland areas. Picnic tables are available and wildlife is abundant. There are lots of birds, including the elusive swamp sparrow and nesting loons. On a quiet paddle, you can hear wood frogs and western toads. There are also approximately 20 camp sites available in the Provincial Recreation Area. Both RVs and tents are permitted. There are pit/vault toilets available in the campground.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #4: Buffalo Lake Moraine Conservation Area (97.5 km from Red Deer)
Snapshot: This site is approximately 29 km SE of Bashaw. There is good parking available (enough for several cars) with the parking lot located on Highway 56 providing access to the site's E side (there's a small metal gate with a chain). Access to the W side is along RR 20-0. Totalling 1,120 acres in the Parkland Buffalo Lake Moraine, this site spans richly varied habitat including forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems.
There are a series of comfortable grassy trails, so no need for bushwhacking. There is also an interpretive trail on the site called Potter's Seep. At the end, there is a picnic table with a heritage tree grove of balsam poplar. Wildlife is abundant and there are lots of flowers, mushrooms, insects, and birds. Several ponds provide wetland habitat and there are occupied bird boxes along the trail. This site easily accommodates a 2-3 km nature walk. Note that there are no washrooms on the site.
Link to additional information
Snapshot: This site is approximately 29 km SE of Bashaw. There is good parking available (enough for several cars) with the parking lot located on Highway 56 providing access to the site's E side (there's a small metal gate with a chain). Access to the W side is along RR 20-0. Totalling 1,120 acres in the Parkland Buffalo Lake Moraine, this site spans richly varied habitat including forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems.
There are a series of comfortable grassy trails, so no need for bushwhacking. There is also an interpretive trail on the site called Potter's Seep. At the end, there is a picnic table with a heritage tree grove of balsam poplar. Wildlife is abundant and there are lots of flowers, mushrooms, insects, and birds. Several ponds provide wetland habitat and there are occupied bird boxes along the trail. This site easily accommodates a 2-3 km nature walk. Note that there are no washrooms on the site.
Link to additional information
Site of the Month #3: Crimson Lake Provincial Park (98.0 km from Red Deer)
Snapshot: A beautiful lake, ideal for both short and longer paddle trips. To cover the entire lake along the shoreline, allow up to a couple of hours with stops and breaks. Good parking and easy access to a dock for hand-launching your canoe or kayak. An abundance of wildlife, including nesting loons (pay attention to the postings if nests are active), flowers, and fungi. In the mood for a walk? There is lots of opportunity as you can hike around the lake (up to ~10 km), but there are shorter trails as well. There are maps on the trailheads with trail indicators. There are outhouses available, picnic tables, and camping is allowed (with reservations). Enjoy!
Link to additional information
Snapshot: A beautiful lake, ideal for both short and longer paddle trips. To cover the entire lake along the shoreline, allow up to a couple of hours with stops and breaks. Good parking and easy access to a dock for hand-launching your canoe or kayak. An abundance of wildlife, including nesting loons (pay attention to the postings if nests are active), flowers, and fungi. In the mood for a walk? There is lots of opportunity as you can hike around the lake (up to ~10 km), but there are shorter trails as well. There are maps on the trailheads with trail indicators. There are outhouses available, picnic tables, and camping is allowed (with reservations). Enjoy!
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
