Large natural areas offer diverse bird and plant life, trails
CLIFFORD E. LEE NATURE SANCTUARY
About 33 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary protects 348 acres of marshland, open meadow, aspen parkland and pine forest. It’s particularly popular with birdwatchers and more than 100 species of birds can be found in the park at different times of the year. Notable species include rednecked grebe, American coot, tundra swan, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, great horned owl and many species of ducks. The natural area is also home to many mammals.
There are four main trails through the sanctuary, including a raised boardwalk along the edge of a marsh with several large viewing platforms. The main nature sanctuary is owned by Ducks Unlimited with a conservation easement by the Nature Conservancy of Canada which controls what happens on the site. The Alberta government owns 20 acres of land adjacent to the natural area that has been identified to be delisted in the provincial parks system. While that might not sound significant, the land in question protects the drainage out of the nature sanctuary. It also protects an important wetland and provides habitat for a variety of animals.
The volunteers who maintain the nature sanctuary are concerned that a partnership that involves development of the land owned by the Alberta government could affect the drainage and cause damage to the entire site.
JJ COLLETT NATURAL AREA
Near the tiny hamlet of Morningside in the County of Lacombe, this 635-acre natural area was established in 1985 on land once owned by John “Jack” Collett. The Collett family sold the land at a reduced rate to the Alberta government on condition it be preserved as a natural area. More than 300 plant species and over 100 bird species have been documented here.
Visitors might also see mule deer, white tailed deer, beavers, moose, coyotes, porcupine and other animal species common to the parkland region.
There are cross country ski trails in winter, 18 kilometres of maintained walking trails and several picnic areas.
A volunteer board oversees the natural area, but the park received some provincial funding over the years to build and maintain infrastructure.
“We were surprised by the government’s announcement and we’re not exactly sure how it will affect JJ Collett Natural Area,” said Jack Surbey, president of the board of directors for the natural area.
“Our natural area is really well used and we’re fortunate to have volunteers to help with it. Other parks aren’t so lucky. It’s sad, but we’re probably going to lose some of these areas.”
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning writer and photographer. Follow her at www.wanderwoman.ca.
Our natural area is really well used and we’re fortunate to have volunteers to help with it. Other parks aren’t so lucky.