​ Stonhouse/Pope Natural Area

Stonhouse/Pope - #42 in Alberta Discovery Guide and 26.2 km from Red Deer. Head east on Highway 42, head north up Highway 816. There is a pullout on the east side of the road to access this natural area or you can drive up Highway 816 (north) until Township Road 370 head east and park in the ditch by a gate leading into an oil lease, do not block the gate.

This natural area is giant it is a large chunk of land that goes from Highway 42 to Township Road 370. This area is mostly forested with mature trembling aspen and balsam poplar but there are a few white spruce sprinkled within the forest. There are some grassland patches and wetlands within this area. Wildlife in the area include moose, white-tailed deer, coyote, red squirrels, forest birds and wetland birds. 

There are very few paths in this area. There is a road that leads to the oil lease but mostly it's following game trails. Still, such an amazing area, I did run into a bull moose while here so be loud and carry bear spray just in case better to have it and not need it. 

Partners that manage this area are Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Fish & Game Association, and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Be aware of wildlife in the area, go in a pair or a group, be cautious around open water and changing weather conditions.

Be safe and happy exploring!!