Nature Central

Nature Central Explore protected areas & events: www.naturecentral.org

Nature Central - Celebrating the protected areas in Central Alberta and to increase the appreciation, thoughtful exploration, non-consumptive use and ecological understanding of these areas.

On Sunday, May 24, eight participants joined us for the May Species Count at Ravens Ridge.The group recorded 25 bird spe...
05/27/2026

On Sunday, May 24, eight participants joined us for the May Species Count at Ravens Ridge.

The group recorded 25 bird species and noted 9 flowering plant species during the hike. Another highlight from the day was a sighting of 2 white-tailed deer.

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped contribute to this year’s count!

Join the Alberta Biodiversity Challenge, June 11–14!It’s easy to participate in this provincewide citizen science BioBli...
05/27/2026

Join the Alberta Biodiversity Challenge, June 11–14!

It’s easy to participate in this provincewide citizen science BioBlitz:

1. Download the iNaturalist app.

2. Optional: Search for and join the regional project you want to participate in. You can find a list with handy links at naturalberta.ca/biodiversity-challenge. But you don’t have to be in a particular region to participate. Sightings from anywhere in Alberta count!

3. From Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, get out and snap pics of all the wonderful biodiversity in your area! Birds, mammals, plants, moss, lichen, mushrooms, insects — everything counts!

4. Upload your sightings to iNaturalist, and they’ll automatically be added to Alberta’s results!

Join nature enthusiasts across the province to show off our amazing biodiversity!

Hi everyone,I wanted to introduce myself, I’m Amber Breitenbucher and I’m the new Coordinator for Nature Central. I’ll b...
05/04/2026

Hi everyone,
I wanted to introduce myself, I’m Amber Breitenbucher and I’m the new Coordinator for Nature Central. I’ll be overseeing the Nature Central and Habitat Stewardship programs, and leading the monthly nature walks.

I have been working as a wildlife biologist in Northern Alberta for the past four years, focusing on breeding birds, waterfowl and mammals, and I have been living in Central Alberta for the past nine years. I look forward getting to know our natural areas and meeting everyone this summer!

SITE OF THE MONTH: Kneehill Creek (05/02/2026)Kneehill Creek is a conservation site located 23km east of Innisfail. This...
05/04/2026

SITE OF THE MONTH: Kneehill Creek (05/02/2026)

Kneehill Creek is a conservation site located 23km east of Innisfail. This area features clusters of willow trees and forested regions primarily dominated by trembling aspen and balsam poplar. Throughout the eastern section of the property, wetlands are abundant . In the distance, woodland-covered hills can be observed, however, accessing them may be challenging without crossing the creek.
Visitors have seen birds such as Red-tailed Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Red-winged Blackbirds, Soras, and Pileated Woodpeckers, as well as signs of beavers throughout the area.
The variety of habitat types in this area make it an excellent spot for bird and wildlife observations.

Access: From Innisfail, travel east on Highway 590 for a distance of 16 km. When you reach Range Road 270, make a right turn and continue for 6.4 km. Afterwards, make a left turn onto Township Road 35-0. After traveling for 0.4 km, you will come across a road allowance situated on the south side of the road. It is important to note that during wet conditions, the undeveloped road may not be accessible by vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed on foot from this point until you reach the NE corner of the conservation property.
Partners: ACA, AFGA, Sarcee Fish & Game

May Species Count – Raven’s RidgeJoin Nature Central on Sunday, May 24 for a group outing as part of the annual May Spec...
05/04/2026

May Species Count – Raven’s Ridge

Join Nature Central on Sunday, May 24 for a group outing as part of the annual May Species Count—a long-standing citizen science effort to monitor local biodiversity. This year’s hike will take place at Raven’s Ridge, a 300-acre natural area southwest of Spruce View. The site features mature forests, and borders on the Raven River.

📅 Sunday, May 24
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
📍 Raven’s Ridge - Travel 5 km west on Highway 54 from Spruce View, then turn south onto Highway 766. The site will be 6 km ahead on the right.

What to Bring: Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, your own snacks and water, as well as any gear you’d like for birding, plant identification, note-taking, photography, and your own field guides.

No RDRN Membership Required: Everyone is welcome! To help us plan, please confirm your attendance by emailing [email protected]. Spots are limited, don’t miss out!

Note: This event is weather-dependent and may be canceled due to rainy weather and poor trail conditions. Please check our website and social media regularly for updates before heading out. We hope to see you there!

It was a cold, chilly morning today at the Innisfail Natural Area, but ten enthusiastic participants explored the site a...
04/12/2026

It was a cold, chilly morning today at the Innisfail Natural Area, but ten enthusiastic participants explored the site and had a wonderful time learning about rodent tunnels, feline tracks, woodpecker holes, moose behaviour and more. The crisp air made a memorable experience in nature. Thank you to everyone who joined and made the day so enjoyable!

Join Us for a Hike at Innisfail Natural Area!📅 Sunday, April 12, 2026⏰ 10:00 a.m.Explore 158 acres of upland poplar fore...
04/01/2026

Join Us for a Hike at Innisfail Natural Area!

📅 Sunday, April 12, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m.

Explore 158 acres of upland poplar forest and open meadows, just east of Innisfail.

Directions: From Innisfail, head east on Highway 590, then north onto Range Road 272. Please park along the side of the road without blocking gates or entrances.
Coordinates: 52.03073° N, 113.76645° W

What to Expect: Dress warmly for winter conditions. The walk will go ahead regardless of snow but may be canceled if temperatures drop below -15°C.

No Membership Required: Open to everyone - no RDRN membership needed. Confirm your attendance by emailing [email protected]. ⚠️ Spots are limited!

We look forward to seeing you there!

SITE OF THE MONTH: Potter's Seep (03/21/2026)​​Potter’s Seep is located in the Buffalo Lake Moraine Conservation Area, a...
04/01/2026

SITE OF THE MONTH: Potter's Seep (03/21/2026)


​Potter’s Seep is located in the Buffalo Lake Moraine Conservation Area, about 18 km north of Stettler off Highway 56. The site has a 2 km trail through wetlands and a balsam poplar grove recognized by the Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada.

The trail features interpretive signs and bird boxes for species like saw-whet owls, goldeneye ducks, and tree swallows. Visitors can see birds such as northern orioles, green-winged teal, bufflehead, goshawks, yellow warblers, long-eared owls, northern shovelers, and great blue herons, along with a variety of native plants and other wildlife.

Potter’s Seep is part of a larger conservation area that includes upland habitats and wetlands managed by several organizations. The trail is named after Jim and Steve Potter, who helped restore the seep from an area cluttered with debris into a functioning habitat.

The site is open for walking and wildlife observation, making it an accessible spot to explore Alberta’s wetlands and forest habitats.

03/07/2026

Exclusive Fly-In Experience

Due to cold temperatures, our snowshoe hike originally planned for February 22nd was postponed to March 1st. Fortunately...
03/07/2026

Due to cold temperatures, our snowshoe hike originally planned for February 22nd was postponed to March 1st. Fortunately, the weather cooperated the second time around, giving us ideal conditions for a day on the snow at Stonhouse.

A group of 12 participants set out to explore the property, snowshoeing nearly 5.5 kilometres and covering three of the four quarters. The route led us up and down several hills and included a scenic stop overlooking a wetland area, where we took a moment to enjoy the quiet winter landscape. Along the way, the group discovered a white-tailed deer shed tucked in the snow - a neat reminder of the wildlife that calls the property home.

After a full morning of exploring, we wrapped up the outing with warm cups of hot chocolate. Many thanks to Stuart and Betty Ann for helping guide the route, and to everyone who joined us for a beautiful winter day outdoors.

Address

Blackfalds, AB

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