(Top- Hummer; Centre-Kinvig; Bottom-Bulka)
February, despite the lengthening hours of daylight and being the shortest month of the year, is still locked in the full clutches of Old Man Winter.  We have enjoyed a respite from the cold during this recent warm spell, but spring is still many weeks away. 
 
While the recent snowmelt has spoiled most trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, I have been taking advantage of the lack of snow by exploring some of the beautiful protected areas in Central Alberta, especially those east of Red Deer, on foot.  Be sure to wear cleats, as many of the trails and game trails are now very icy.
 
Three Rural Properties to Explore in February:
1. Kinvig – this 615-acre property is located east of Elnora. It is a beautiful full section of rolling aspen parkland intermixed with wetlands and small lakes. Go east of Elnora on Twp Rd 352, then south on RR 274 on the east or RR 275 on the west. There are oil wells on both sides that provide parking and access. Do not block the entrances. This is an open access property, so no permission is required to access it. Several high hills provide views in all directions.  
Partners: Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada. https://connect2nature.ca.
 
2. Hummer – Located northwest of Elnora, this is an interesting property to visit in the winter, as both the uplands as well as the lakes (the lake on the east side of the road is also on land owned by DU) can be easily explored. The steep hill across the north side of the property offers a dramatic view of the valley. Also of interest is that there is a large spring adjacent to the road which runs all winter. Minnows congregate in these springs and can easily viewed along the ditch.  Access to this property is north off Highway 590 up RR 240. Watch for DU signage on the west side of the road; park in gateway. This is a fair-weather road that may not be regularly plowed.  
Partners: Ducks Unlimited Canada
https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=124
 
3. Bulka – This 476-acre site is located on the south side of Highway 590, just west of Highway 21. The property consists of a series of rolling aspen-dominated hills and wetlands. Although there are no official trails, old seismic cut lines make winter exploration easy.  The hills are steep but the views from the hilltops are worth the effort.   Park off the road by the ACA large sign.
Partners: Alberta Conservation Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada
http://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=48
​

FINDING JOY IN JANUARY! January is a difficult time of year for many people. The bustle of the holiday season has come and gone, the dark and cold of winter still envelopes us, and the return to everyday realities can be challenging.

One of the best ways to cure the January blues is to enjoy nature!  Getting outside and being immersed nature supports our physical, spiritual and mental well being, especially at this time of year. Even short walks around our neighbourhoods and through local parks can refresh and invigorate. Fortunately, those of us living in Central Alberta are lucky to have many natural and protected areas right at our own backdoor! There are about 170 different properties that await discovery, all within a one-hour drive of Red Deer!

There are many advantages to exploring these beautiful little pieces of paradise in the winter. There are no mosquitos, the areas are usually beautifully quiet, and frozen wetlands can be easily navigated on foot, skis or snowshoes. Although there are fewer bird species around in the winter, it is great fun to follow wildlife tracks and read nature stories in the snow.
How about spending some time in January checking out a few protected areas in the western boreal and mixed-wood forests? Depending on the weather and your level of fitness, they can all be explored in one day.

Three Rural Properties to Explore in January  
1. Raven Ridge: This 300-acre site is located approximately 44 km west of Red Deer. The area is easily accessed from the south along Twp Rd 354 (do not block the lease road gate). The site is dominated by spruce and aspen with a large wetland along the southwest boundary. A network of locally maintained cross-country ski trails make exploring this site easy in any season (if you are walking or snowshoeing, please do not walk on the ski tracks).   https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=171

  2. Drake Conservation Site: This 133-acre site is located alongside Highway 54, approximately 14 km east of Caroline. It is located adjacent to the Porter property (see below). To access, park on the north side of the road, in the parking lot of the Raven Log Church and enter the property over a style. You can also park in a small parking lot at the end of Range Rd 44. The south entrance is usually inaccessible during the winter.  The Raven River meanders (it remains open in spots, so be careful) through a mature mixed spruce and aspen forest.  https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=165

 3. Porter Conservation Site: This 155-acre site is located next to the Drake property (see above).  There are three access points: one along Highway 54 and two along RR 45.  It is similar to the Darke property, with spruce and aspen forests bisected by the Raven River meandering through 2 km of the site. on private property.   https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=170

Note: Be sure to bring maps, a GPS and/or have a mapping program on your phone. Travel with a partner, let others know of your plans, dress appropriately, be especially careful when walking on or near moving water, carry pepper spray (cougars, although unlikely to cause issues, are active in the winter) and follow relevant wilderness safety protocols. If possible, submit all your bird sightings to eBird. If you spot anything unusual or amiss, please email [email protected]
 There are many other protected properties scattered throughout Central Alberta. They are itemized on this website, categorized by their distance from Red Deer. Enjoy!

IMAGE ABOVE: Shaye Hill, 2021 RDRN Naturalist In Residence enjoys a January ramble through the Drake and Porter properties. IMAGE BELOW: Jim Potter checks out the ice thickness on the Raven River. Caution is advised when walking on rivers and creeks.
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HABITAT STEWARD PROGRAM TO BE RELAUNCHED.
The Red Deer River Naturalists (RDRN) are pleased to announce that the Habitat Steward program is being relaunched. The Habitat Steward program, which was first implemented by RDRN in the late 1980s, recognizes landowners who conserve at least 2 Ha (5 acres) of wildlife habitat on their property. Under the program, Habitat Stewards receive a gate sign to recognize their efforts.
The Habitat Steward program seeks to both publicly acknowledge the efforts of private stewards to conserve habitat and to highlight the intrinsic value of habitat conservation on private lands. There are no legal obligations, access expectations or other requirements.  Stewards who would rather not have a gate sign are still encouraged to join the program.
The 2021-2022 relaunch will encompass an area within 100 km of the City of Red Deer.  Additional information and an application form will be posted soon. ​
For more information, please email Myrna Pearman at [email protected]. ​

By Myrna Pearman
November is not usually considered a prime month for exploring our nearby wildlands. However, the mild fall has resulted in some larger water bodies remaining open longer than usual, attracting record numbers of swans and other waterfowl. An exceptional viewing opportunity has been enjoyed by many birders at Erskine Lake, south of Erskine. This lake and other nearby wetlands have been designated as a national Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. 

November is hunting season in Central Alberta, but there are still many no-hunting protected areas within about an hour’s drive of Red Deer. With a few exceptions, hunting is not allowed in Provincial Parks or Provincial Recreation Areas. Check their website for complete details.  The trails in these protected areas are usually quiet at this time of year, so why not get out and explore them, either on foot or bicycle-Dry Island Provincial Park, Red Lodge Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, Rochon Sands Provincial Park, Jarvis Bay Provincial Park, Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Glennifer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area  and The Narrows Provincial Recreation Area.

Lacombe County has a number of excellent and accessible areas to explore, including Kuhnen Natural Area, Kuhnen Park, JJ Collett Natural Area, the NOVA Chemical Community Nature Trail and the Soper Natural Area. Details about these areas can be found here.  Fortunately, Canada’s Great Trail passes through Central Alberta and is readily accessible for both walkers and cyclists.

While hunting is allowed on most other protected areas, there are three local Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) properties that do not allow hunting: Boote, Fyten Lea and Pope. Access to these properties needs to be booked through their connect2nature online booking system.   Other non-hunting protected areas that can be enjoyed during November include Warren, Ponoka Hospital Lands and the Alix Nature Trail.

Last but not least, get a copy of the Red Deer River Naturalist’s very popular Birding Trail Guide. Hard copies are available at Kerry Wood Nature Centre, or you can download them here.

Once hunting season is over, many of the 160+ protected areas within 100 km of Red Deer can be enjoyed on foot, skis or snowshoes. Check out this website for a complete listing of the protected gems—right in our own backyard—that await discovery!  ​

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!