Porter Natural Area - June 7 2021
Porter Natural Area - #170 in Alberta Discovery Guide and 53 km from Red Deer. This area is East on Highway 54 past Spruce View and Raven and is locates on the Southside of the Highway. I personally park on Range Road 54 where there is a pullout on the east side. However, There are a few parking areas along this natural area that can fit around 10 vehicles one is directly on Highway 54.
This natural area is stunning. It has the Raven River that runs through the property as well as a mixed-wood forest with interspersed grasslands. Wildlife in the area include moose, deer, coyotes, weasels, and forest birds. If you're looking for a peaceful area to enjoy the sounds of nature with a meandering river this is the perfect area for you.
There are trails that wander through this property through the grasslands and into the forest.
Partners that manage this property are Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Fish & Game Association.
Be aware of wildlife in the area, travel in pairs or groups and watch for changing weather conditions.
Happy exploring and be safe.

Zimmer Natural Area - June 7 2021

Zimmer - #85 in the Alberta Discovery Guide and 70.2 km from Red Deer. This natural area is just east of Bashaw on Highway 53 to the North. There is a small turn off where you can park your vehicle, don't block the gate. 

This natural area offers grasslands, aspen forests, and interspersed wetlands ranging in size. There are a number of game trails and vehicle paths that lead through the property leading to oil leases. Wildlife within the area include mule and white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, beavers, wetland birds and forest birds. 

It was a beautiful day when I went so different butterfly species were out and about. Including this Common Alpine who graced me with their presence landing directly on my binoculars. 

Be cautions around open water, tripping hazards under the grass and wildlife within the area. 

The partner that manages this hidden gem is Ducks Unlimited Canada. 

​Dickson Dam Site 7 - June 3 2021

Dickson Dam Site 7 - #137 in Alberta Discovery Guide and 46.5 km from Red Deer. Head south of QEII and turn heading west at Highway 587 (Bowden). Turn on Range Road 32 and follow to the end and park along the ditch. There is a view of the Gleniffor Reservoir if you continue west and then north on Range Road 32A and go east on Township 352 and turn onto a little side road to north maybe 1 km down. The Reservoir is quite low but neat to see!

This area is stunning. Full of mature aspen, balsam popular and white spruce. There are trails that wander throughout the property either than lead to old oil leases or game trails. The forb layer is becoming very prominent with Canadian bunchberry flowering (stay tuned for their very red berries!). There are a few patches of grassland interspersed through the area with a few scattered bird boxes on posts. 

Wildlife in the area include white-tailed deer, coyotes, porcupine, red squirrels, moose, the occasional black bear and a variety of forest birds. 

Be aware of wildlife in the area bring bear spray, travel in groups/pairs, and bring mosquito spray! 

Have fun and be safe!

 May Species Count was a success seeing 67 bird species in zone 14 and 63 bird species in zone 4. Please see attached PDF for the break down of the species.