Title Schroeder Natural Area - June 10 2021
Schroeder Natural Area - #72 in Alberta Discovery Guide and 18.8 km from Red Deer. This natural area is right off of Highway 42 heading east, head south on Range Road 271 turn east on Township Road 364 and it'll be at the end. Park along the ditch and don't block any driveways. This natural area has a lot more than meets the eye when you first get there. There are large rolling hills will native grasses and forbs. With trails leading into a young aspen stand and towards a wetland area. I saw two coyotes and three white-tailed deer while there as well as numerous species of birds. It was an eerie morning with wisps of fog so I couldn't capture the true essence of the area but it is just gorgeous. Partners that manage the area are Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Fish & Game Association. Be cautious of wildlife in the area, hidden tripping hazards and be mindful around open water. Happy exploring! Ponoka Hospital Lands - June 2 2021
Ponoka Hospital Lands - #35 in Alberta Discovery Guide and 46.6 km from Red Deer. Heading east out of Ponoka on Highway 53 turn south on 46 Street until 35 Ave turn west and park at the end. I was really impressed with this area, it is in Ponoka so it still has the sounds of the city but it has beautifully mowed trails and some great views of the Battle River and some isolated wetlands. It is a rather short trail but well worth it to stop and pause to watch the ducks paddle in the river or view the red squirrels gather food for winter. Wildlife within this natural area include mule deer, red squirrels, ground squirrels, waterfowl and forest birds. Watch for wildlife, dress for weather conditions and be mindful of other people utilizing the trail. Happy exploring! 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.
Gadsby Lake Natural Area - May 30
Gadsby Lake Natural Area - 66.6 km from Red Deer. Head east on Highway 12 until after the Town of Tees turn North onto Range Road 232 until the very end. The natural area is on the left (west) do not go through the gate it is private property. This natural area is gorgeous but not for the faint of heart. There are very few trails made up by game animals such as moose or deer. Therefore, you are ultimately walking in the bush. The understory vegetation is well developed making it tricky to walk through. The natural area is made up of large mature trembling aspen and balsam poplar with white spruce intermixed. There are numerous animals that call this place home including moose, white-tailed deer, red squirrels, coyote, ruffed grouse, and a variety of forest birds. I was lucky enough to stumble upon a white-tailed deer fawn. Fawns are born with little to no smell and white spots to aid in camouflage. Therefore, while they are young their primary defense is to lie as still as they can until mom comes back. I quickly snapped a picture and left the area to allow her to move her fawn. Do not touch a fawn if you find one. If you travel to this natural area be loud so you don't sneak up on a female moose with her calves, always be aware of your surroundings and watch for tripping hazards. The partner that manages this area is Alberta Parks. Be safe and enjoy the nice weather by visiting some of these beautiful areas. Magee Lake Natural Area - May 29 2021
Magee Lake Natural Area - 58.5 km from Red Deer. To reach this area from Red Deer head north on Queen Elizabeth Highway II, turn east on Milton Road until Range Road 244 then head north. It will be on the left-hand side of the road after Township Road 414 (look for park boundary signs). This is a beautifully forested area is dominated by mature trembling aspen with interspersed patches of white spruce and paper birch. There are some grasslands scattered within the natural area as well. There is a vehicle trail that runs through the area that helps avoid bushwacking. At this time of year the ruffed grouse can be heard drumming throughout the woods. Tracks in the soft mud showed recent visitors of moose, deer and coyote. A wonderful area for a walk to listen to the calls of forest birds that echo through the forest canopy. This area does get wet in some areas but is easily avoided by walking around them. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, tripping hazards, and changing weather conditions. The partner that manages this area is Alberta Parks. Be safe and happy exploring! Kuhnen Park Interview - May 27 2021 Today I had the opportunity to interview Frank Kuhnen Sr. about his donated properties which include Kuhnen Park north of Blackfalds and Kuhnen Natural Area near the Town of Alix and adjacent to the Red Deer River. Frank Kuhnen Jr. graciously led us on a walkthrough of Kuhnen Park speaking about the natural area and how peaceful and serene these areas are right in the morning, listening to the sounds of nature and nothing else. I am incredibly humbled on why these areas were set aside for use by the public, Frank Sr. stated how he wanted a safe place for families and single mothers to go with their kids to enjoy the outdoors and be present within the environment. He fondly spoke about how these natural areas are so important for families and nature lovers alike to be able to enjoy nature, to listen to birds chittering within the trees, to watch snowshoe hares eat within the shrub undergrowth to experience the beauty of the outdoors. He mentioned the soothing call of common loons during the summer months. There is never a shortage of wonders to be found within the natural environment. To be able to have these areas graciously donated for everyone to enjoy opens up an opportunity for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and generations to come. If you haven’t had the chance to visit either of these areas I highly recommend taking a few hours to explore, bring a picnic and the kids and go for a walk around the trails. Both of these natural areas offer stunning views and are rich in plant and animal diversity. A huge thank you to the Kuhnen Family for allowing Sherry and I the opportunity to tour the area and for being willing to speak on behalf of these stunning natural areas. The Kuhnen family is devoted to habitat stewardship and sharing these natural areas with the community. Quote from Frank Sr. “These areas are a peace of heaven” Nevis Parkland Area - May 26 2021
Nevis - #121 in Alberta Discovery Guide and 50.4 km from Red Deer. This area is past Alix heading east on Highway 12 on the south side I park to the south of Highway 21. This natural area is fascinating, offering grassland areas, poplar forests, wetlands in depressions and small dry patches that allow for the growth of brittle prickle-pear cactus. Prairie smoke a gorgeous wildflower is interspersed throughout the grassland areas. There are a few game trails that wander through the property as well as some vehicle tracks that lead into oil leases. Very neat property worth a stroll through offering a spectacular assortment of plants, birds and mammals. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, watch for tripping hazards, and be cautious around the rail road track that runs through the property. Partners that manage this area include Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Fish & Game Association and Chevron Canada. Be safe and enjoy the outdoors! |