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Parks, Natural Areas, Sanctuaries, Wildlife Rehabilitation activities
for local residents and visitors
Waskasoo Park
Red Deer
Historical, recreational and natural
features. 85 km. of trails along the Red Deer River, Piper Creek & Waskasoo
Creek running through the center of Red Deer, portions are part of the Trans Canada Trail
system and include many localized features:
Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary
Natural history interpretive centre,
multi-media presentation, youth programs, bookstore. The
Sanctuary is 300 acres with 2 oxbow lakes, 5 km of trails, bird blinds,
viewing decks and was Alberta's first migratory bird preserve since 1924.
Beaver, muskrat, white-tailied and mule deer, red foxes, coyotes
frequently seen.
Bower Ponds and Cronquist House
Manmade lake close to the Red Deer River
stocked with
trout. Paddle boats, kayaks, skating in winter, concession, outdoor
stage. The Cronquist House is a restored 1911 Victorian-style farmhouse
that was moved
across the river.
Heritage Ranch
Equestrian trail rides, pony rides,
hayrides, viewing tower, coffee shop, playground, stocked trout pond
nearby. Close to Highway 2 and Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.
Great Chief Park and Kiwanis Picnic Park
3 fastball diamonds, baseball
diamond, soccer/football field, lighting for night games, changing
rooms. The Picnic Park has a playground, horseshoes, boat launch and is
close to the Red Deer River and a golf course.
Rotary Park and Piper Mountain
New playground with 50 play
activities, picnic shelter, fire pits, close to Piper Creek and downtown
area. Climb Piper Mountain for a great
view of city.
Kin Kanyon
Picnic & playground area and ParticiPark
along Piper Creek.
Great West Adventure Park
BMX track, boat launch, along Red Deer
River
Discovery Canyon and Riverbend Golf Course
Childrens waterplay area, picnic area, small
lake and beach. (See Golf courses)
McKenzie Trails
Pond, picnic shelter,
playground, watch Canada geese
Other areas include Coronation
Park, Three Mile Bend, Alberta Central Trail, CPR Bridge, Fort
Normandeau (see Heritage Sites).
Natural Areas
Slack Slough Red Deer County
This extensive bulrush marsh is
an exceptional area for viewing waterfowl—including a variety of diving
and dabbling ducks and a diversity of marsh birds. Good viewing
opportunities with binoculars or a spotting scope are available at the
raised viewing platform on the north side of the slough. Near Highway 2
at McKenzie Road south of Red Deer.
A-Soo-Wuh-Um Day Use Park Red Deer County
Meaning 'Bridge over the Water' in
Cree. west of Penhold on Red Deer River. Playground, horseshoes, boat
launch, fishing, camp kitchen, picnicking
Napoleon Lake Natural Area Innisfail
Hiking trails, wildlife viewing platform for bird viewers, day use
recreational area.
Burnstick Lake
Natural Area Clearwater County
Good variety of birds, fish, mammals. Canoeing, hiking, picnicking
popular. Southwest of Caroline, northwest of Sundre, accessible by
gravel road.
Dry Island
Buffalo Jump Provincial Park Kneehill County
More than 150 bird species and a
large variety of other small wildlife.
In late July and early August the Red Deer River becomes the setting for
a dramatic natural spectacle, when goldeye come to the surface in great
numbers to feed on clouds of newly hatched white mayflies. East of
Trochu.
Kootenay Plains
Ecological Reserve Clearwater County
North-south prevailing winds give
this natural area a moderate climate and grasslands unlike most high
mountain regions. It has camping and picnic facilities, and hiking
trails to Siffleur Canyon and Falls. 70 km (42 mi) southwest of Nordegg
Ram River Falls
and Provincial Recreation Area Clearwater County
The well known and scenic Ram
Falls are located adjacent to the campground. A viewing platform
provides breathtaking views of the falls and the Ram River valley. 64 km
south of Nordegg on Forestry Trunk Road (SH 734); 96 km southwest of
Rocky Mountain House
Wildlife Preservation and
Rehabilitation
Ellis Bird Farm
both a working farm as well as a
non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Mountain
Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and other native cavity-nesting birds.
Drop-in visitors and tour groups are
welcome at Ellis Bird Farm. We invite you to stroll the trails, enjoy
the beautiful gardens, see the world's largest outdoor collection of
bluebird nestboxes, visit the Visitor Centre and linger in the Tea
House.
Medicine River Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Cares for injured or orphaned wild animals
with the aim of returning them to the wild. A reception area, education
room and outdoor area offer visitors a chance to learn about the centre
and gain an appreciation for wildlife. Presentations include activities,
slides, live video monitors and video tapes. Open year round. Admission by donation.
West of Dickson on Hwy 54, 4 km south of Raven and 1.5
km east. Tel: 1 403 728-3467
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Central Alberta Regional
Trails Society
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