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B & E Acres LTD - August 2021 B & E Acres LTD - #34 in Alberta Discover Guide (https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3...) and 35 KM from Red Deer. To reach this natural area from Red Deer head south on Highway 2 until Highway 590 (at Innisfail) turn heading east. Turn south on Range Road 254 - this is a fairweather road. Keep going south for approximately 2.5 KM look for a green Ducks Unlimited Sign on the east side of the road. Park so you do not block any gates. B & E Acres LTD is made up of rolling grasslands with large wetlands. There are numerous patches of trembling aspen and willow thickets that are interspersed within this property. Wildlife that utilize this area include white-tailed deer, mule deer, coyote, muskrat, grassland birds, forest birds and waterfowl. There is an oil lease that runs into this property that can be walked on but if you want to go further in there are no paths. There are large thistle patches in this area so long pants are advised. There were old cow patties so watch for cattle when visiting. I always enjoy finding the odd old building in some of the natural areas. They benefit various wildlife species offering cover from the elements, food and a home. A few examples of animals that utilize buildings include: turkey vultures, barn swallows, great horned owls, big and little brown bats, and red foxes. The partner that manages this property is Ducks Unlimited Canada. Be aware of wildlife or cattle in the area, watch for hidden holes, and be cautious around open water. Perry - August 2021 Perry - #119 in Alberta Discover Guide (https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=119) and 74.2 KM from Red Deer. To reach this area from Bashaw go east on Highway 53 until Range Road 210 turn heading north when you reach Township Road 421 turn east until the end of the road and park along the grass not blocking any gates. This natural area is stunning with aspen forests, willow thickets, grassland and large wetlands surrounded by thick aquatic vegetation. Wildlife in the area include white-tailed and mule deer, coyote, beavers, muskrats, red fox, forest birds, grassland birds and waterfowl. As I walked around the edge of the bulrushes marsh wrens called loudly from safety of the vegetation as a Nelson's sparrow popped out briefly to inspect the cause of alarm. There is an oil lease on the property and a few trails through the property made by vehicles. I didn't find it too hard to walk through in most areas. The parter that manages this area is Ducks Unlimited Canada. Be cautious around open water, watch for tripping hazards hidden in the tall grass and wildlife in the area. Oberg - August 2021 Oberg - #19 in Alberta Discover Guide (https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=19) and 71.8 KM from Red Deer. This area is southeast of Bashaw and straight north of Buffalo Lake. From Bashaw on Highway 53 head east until Range Road 205 head south for approximately 5 KM the natural area will be on the east side. Park along the ditch careful to not block anygates. Grassland, upland shrubs and wetlands make up majority of this natural area. With some of the wetlands being shallow with surrounding mudflats which allows the shorebirds to feast on the local invertebrates during the summer months. It's always so interesting going to a natural area with mudflats because you can easily see what animals inhabit the area by the tracks they leave behind. Wildlife in this area include white-tailed deer, moose, red fox, coyote, grassland birds, forest birds, and numerous waterfowl. This natural area is really nice and moderately easy to walk through using game trails. The partner that manages this area is Ducks Unlimited Canada. Be aware of wildlife in the area, changing weather conditions and be cautious around open water. Happy exploring! |
