April-June 2005 News from the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area Volume 11 Issue 2 Celebrating INSIDE Grassland & Grouse Update 2 ’s News from the ASCCA. . . . . 4 Board of Directors ...... 5 Thank You ...... 6 Centennial Let it Snow...... 7 Sprague Pipits ...... 8 New Volunteers ...... 8 by Susan Hayduk Kid’s Corner ...... 9 Zesty Beef Short Ribs...... 9 lberta will mark its 100th time, special edition of the Pinnacle Black-capped Chickadees . 10 anniversary as a province on Awards has been created to celebrate Area Steward Reports . . . . 11 A September 1,2005. To celebrate the Alberta Centennial. The Centennial Announcements...... 12 this event, the Cross Conservation Area Pinnacle Awards honoured 5 families Notes From Reg ...... 14 would like to recognize the Cross fam- who, through their determination, Calendar of Events...... 14 ily’s contribution to Alberta’s rich cul- drive and entrepreneurial spirit, have tural and natural history. Each edition shared a legacy of significant contribu- EDITOR of the Cross Current will feature a new tions to the development of Southern Judi Vandenbrink LAYOUT AND DESIGN chapter in the history of the Ann and Alberta over the last 100 years. The Emerge Creative– Sandy Cross Conservation Area and it’s Belzberg, Big Plume, Cross, Harvie Cheryl Peddie founding family. and Mannix families received the CONTRIBUTORS Centennial Pinnacle Award. Jacquie Gilson Cross Family Recognized as Judi Vandenbrink One of Southern Alberta’s The Centennial Pinnacle Awards Sue Hayduk Nadine Sauder Centennial Families were conferred on families who have shared a legacy of significant contribu- Reg Rempel Olga Droppo The Cross family was recently hon- tions in growing, shaping and defining Kelly Small oured with a Centennial Pinnacle the character of Southern Alberta over Karen Whitlie Award in March 2005. the past 100 years and who have Trish Gaudet The Pinnacle Awards were created in demonstrated: CONTACT US AT in 1987 by Fraser Milner Box 20, Site 23, R.R. #8 Casgrain LLP (www.fmc-law.com) to Entrepreneurial spirit Calgary, AB T2J 2T9 honour individuals in the business com- Characteristic of the history of Alberta, Tel 403.931.1042 Fax 403.931.1031 munity for their entrepreneurism. The Centennial Pinnacle Award recipients [email protected] Awards program has grown to become display unique combinations of indi- www.crossconservation.org a very prestigious event, which is well vidualism, risk taking, drive and inno- recognized and heavily imitated by the vation to achieve success - even in the Alberta business community. face of seemingly insurmountable As Alberta will mark its 100th obstacles. anniversary as a province in 2005,a one- Continued on Page 2

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Cross Family Recognized – Continued from Page 1 Leadership accomplishments, position in and knowledge of var- Centennial Pinnacle Award recipients are not follow- ious sectors of the Alberta economy. ers; they have a unique vision, the capacity to inspire others, and an unrelenting determination to achieve Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP held the Centennial their goals. Their leadership has set an example for Pinnacle Awards ceremony on March 2 to honour the others in their community. achievements of the Centennial Pinnacle Award recipients. Material taken from Fraser Milner A continued legacy of contribution Casgrain LLP web site = to the development of Southern Alberta throughout the past 100 years Generational members of recipient families have all achieved personal and/or business success over the past 100 years which has significantly contributed to The Cross name is linked very strongly with many the growth and development of Southern Alberta. contributions to the history of this great province, many of which are captured in Paradise Preserved, a Community responsibility telling story of monumental achievements from one Centennial Pinnacle Award recipients are as commit- of Calgary's most prominent families. We encourage ted to supporting and improving the community in you to celebrate the Centennial and the legacy of the which they live as they are to their own success. Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by purchas- Centennial Pinnacle Award recipients were cho- ing a copy of this celebratory book, wonderful sen by a Selection Committee, comprised of individ- account of the Cross Family history and their contri- uals from the local business community who are bution to Alberta's heritage. widely recognized and respected for their business Grassland and Grouse Update by Sue Hayduk

Partners will help the Grassland and Grouse Project soar in 2005!

o succeed, the Grassland and Grouse Project will require the collaboration of many part- T ners including our neighbours and volunteers, members of the local community, individuals, corpo- you to share in the enthusiasm this project brings to rations and conservation agencies. Since January conservation in Alberta. 2005 we have been busily identifying and informing our potential partners about the Grassland and ASCCA Volunteer - Julie Walker Grouse Project and asking for letters of recommen- “People are part of the land, even though our culture dation from those eager to help with this important has evolved away from a personal interaction with conservation initiative. We have received letters of the earth for our daily needs, the spiritual, mental, overwhelming support for the project and com- physical and emotional stimulation and restoration pleted the full project plan (to be available on the that people receive from have experiences in nature web site). in measurable. I would like to introduce you to some of our Grassland and Grouse Project partners, and invite Continued on Page 3

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Grassland & Grouse Update – Continued from Page 2 play in educating the general public and such a proj- ect is a great opportunity to engage many Albertans, The grasslands are one of our most vulnerable and as well as partner with various conservation organi- least protected habitats. Yet this mighty and neces- zations. sary habitat is one that our farming and ranching I look forward to continuing our relationship with ecology depend on. the Cross Conservation Area as we greatly appreciate It is also the next frontier in the area of eco- them distributing our program information to the tourism. I strongly support the efforts of and funding public and potential landowner members. In turn for the Grassland and Grouse Project that the Cross we hope we can partner with them on community Conservation Area is working on. The preservation of outreach and promotional activities within the grasslands is so important to our understanding of Grassland Natural Region.” drought resistant landscapes and to our human his- tory on the Great Plains. I am very excited by this Alberta Prairie Conservation Forum project and look forward to its outcome and the pos- www.AlbertaPCF.ab.ca sible educational opportunities that may arise from it.” “The Prairie Conservation Forum (PCF) is a large vol- untary coalition of stakeholder groups whose Alberta Environment members are interested in the conservation of native www3.gov.ab.ca/env/regions/ prairie and parkland environments in Alberta. With a southern/index.html vision of conserving the biological diversity of native “We recognize the value of saving native grasslands, prairie ecosystems in Alberta for current and future Sharp-tailed grouse and their habitat, and habitat for generations, the PCF fully supports the efforts of the other species. We recognize that your organization Grassland and Grouse Project at the Ann and Sandy and the province of Alberta will benefit from the Cross Conservation Area. The Grassland and Grouse Grassland and Grouse project. It will assist in con- Project, under the capable direction of its coordina- tinuing lifelong learning for children and adults and tors, will be instrumental in protecting Alberta’s nat- protecting native grassland and native species in the ural heritage. The direct, hands-on-approach of their province Alberta. The Cross Conservation Area programming has produced positive results through would like to develop their web site to include more cooperative partnerships with government and non- extensive information about the grassland that might government agencies. The PCF commends the include a virtual tour of the grassland. We would like efforts of staff and volunteers at the Ann and Sandy to support them on this initiative for the 2005-2006 Cross Conservation Area and remains supportive of fiscal year. We are familiar with the Cross prairie conservation projects undertaken by them. Conservation Area and the valuable work that it has Members of the PCF look forward to learning of the done.” progress of the Grassland and Grouse Project at future meetings and educational events.” Operation Grassland Community – Alberta Fish & Game Association Municipal District of Foothills Number 31 www.afga.org/Conservation/ogc.htm www.mdfoothills.com “This hands-on initiative illustrates that the Cross “The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Foundation Conservation Area takes their role as stewards of the has been instrumental in protecting and conserving land very seriously. They have an important role to Alberta’s natural landscape by offering high quality education programs to this community. The M.D. supports the efforts of the Conservation Area and has If you would like more information on the partnered with them to provide this vital service to Grassland and Grouse Project or would like to the M.D. of Foothills and area residents.” know how you can become a partner in this initiative, please see our web site at Alberta Wilderness Association www.crossconservation.org www.AlbertaWilderness.ca “Having reviewed the proposal for The Grassland and or contact Sue Hayduk at [email protected] Grouse Project, we are pleased to write this letter of Continued on Page 4

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News from the ASCCA

Volunteer in Profile: I believe it to be important for our planet as well as our souls. My choice to become a Canadian citizen was Karen Whitlie based partly on my belief that respected its by Karen Whitlie wilderness. When I return from visiting my relatives in the States it is always with a sense of joy when we was born in Illinois and cross the Canadian border and experience the miles raised in Tennessee. My of land unbroken by signage and city. I early memories of look- My choice to move to the country continues to ing up at the new leaves of bring me moments of joy as I see the bluebirds arrive spring from beneath the in the spring or catch sight of those gangly incredi- mayflowers and of watch- ble moose stepping so agily over a fence. ing the red and gold leaves There is so much to learn. = of autumn float down a creek in the Appalachians have remained with me. The outdoors has always been a treasured part of my world. After graduating Grassland & Grouse Update – Continued from Page 3 from university I spent two years as an aide-sociale support for this project. It seems that there is in the Peace Corps in Niger,West Africa and experi- potential for this project to be instrumental in enced the effects of desertification as the sub- protecting Alberta’s natural heritage. The proposal Saharan sand crept ever southwards. I came to has considered the science related to grassland Canada in the year of the Montreal Expo 1967, and ecology and the immense difficulty and challenge became a Canadian citizen in 1972. After several that restoring grasslands presents. The passion years in Ontario I came to the land of the big sky and and dedication that will be required to begin and began teaching early childhood education at Grande sustain such an important project is recognized Prairie Regional College. In my regional teaching I and the staff, volunteers and directors of the Ann was able to drive and fly throughout the Northern and Sandy Cross Conservation Area have a reputa- Alberta countryside and saw miles of forest, early tion that lends confidence in their project. AWA is morning mist rising from newly plowed fields, supportive of prairie conservation projects and unbroken prairie and migrating flocks of snow looks forward to the knowledge that this project geese. will provide as we all work for the protection of In 1983 my new husband and I moved to Ottawa our native grasslands.” = for three years where the maple and sumac reds of autumn and the hardwood forests of the Gatineau hills were familiar memories. We returned to Alberta Happy Birthday Wishes for in 1986, moving to Calgary, and I received my Masters degree from the University of Calgary in April, May & June 1988. Career wise I have been a teacher in health Best wishes for a Happy education, early childhood education and elemen- Birthday are extended to – tary education, teaching both adults and children in , Red Deer, and Calgary as April May well as writing distance delivery courses. Then both Julia Marmont Brian Exton my husband and I retired and searched for a home in Ing-Britt Renborg Mary Nelson the foothills. We found one in and have Gordon Hunter Dick Choy lived here since 1996. Soon after we moved I joined Karen Whitlie Stephanie More June the Cross as an area steward. Over the years I have Nancy Anderson Bill Dickie learned more and more about the plants and animals Catherine Southwood Linda Fullalove that struggle to survive and thrive. Becoming a stew- Jeannette Clarke ard is my small effort to help preserve wilderness for Laurel Pettigrew

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Board of Directors by Jacquie Gilson, Executive Director family for their major support of our Conservation s promised here is an introduction to our cur- Education programs in both 2004 and 2005. (Thank A rent Board of Directors- you!) Sherrold Moore has been our Nature Brent Perry is a relative newcomer to the Cross Conservancy of Canada representative since 1996. board, having joined us in 2003. He is a tax lawyer Sherrold is an avid bird watcher and nature lover. and managing partner with Felesky Flynn LLP in Retired from Amoco Canada he divides his time Calgary. When not dealing with major tax issues, between many different charitable organizations and Brent has been a fund raiser for a number of non choosing his wife Patricia’s clothes (according to a profits organizations including the PC party of recent Swerve article about Patricia!). Alberta, Strathcona –Tweedsmuir School, the Liver Maureen Heffring is an avid conservationist and Foundation and the Minerva Foundation. He is an lives her convictions. She and her family recently avid hockey player and coaches Atom and PeeWee donated a Conservation Easement to Ducks hockey. His other hobbies include golf, and snow Unlimited on land they own in Millarville. Currently and water skiing. she lives with her family south of Red Deer Lake Mike Going is President of Good Earth Café Ltd, School and divides her time between her new land, a popular coffee stop for people of all ages. He and her family, her art, the newly formed Foothills Land his wife Nan opened the first Good Earth in 1991 Trust and teaching part time at the Leighton Centre. and haven’t looked back. They take pride in their She has been on the Cross board since 1999 includ- company and seek to build community and create ing 3 years as Chairperson. Unfortunately her term strong working relationships with clients and suppli- will be up in June but we hope she will not be a ers. He recently sold his custom straw bale house to stranger after that. move to the city to be able to spend more time on Al Steingart lives west of the Conservation Area his growing business and with his young daughter. at . He is retired from a successful Mike has been on the Cross board since 2003 and is career in banking and investments, including work currently our Vice Chair. with RBC Dominion Securities and managing the George Gosbee is Founder, Chairman and Canadian Western Bank and Trust by Chinook President of Tristone Capital Investments Inc., a lead- Centre. Al is a golf aficionado and heads away to ing North American full-service investment banking exotic locales as often as he can. He and his wife firm specializing in the energy industry. George was Joan are golfing and visiting their daughter in recently announced as the President of Petroleum California as I write this! Al has done an admirable Place Energy Advisors Inc. He is one of the owners job taking care of our investments and overseeing of R.K. Heli Skiing Panorama Inc. recently involved our financial matters since 1999. Unfortunately his in opposing the Jumbo Valley development near term will also be up in June and we hope that he Panorama B.C. George joined our board in won’t be a stranger either! September 2004 and contributed $50,000 to our Marshall Abbott, son of Ann Cross and stepson operations. (Thank you George!) of Sandy Cross, lives on the west side of the Our Municipal District of Foothills representative Conservation Area with his wife Paula and family of is Councilor Ralph Nelson. Ralph is also a new three. Having spent much time with Sandy on the recruit to our board as he was elected Councilor in land Marshall has grown to know it and love it. He the fall 2004. Ralph and his wife Jacquie ranch in the enjoys wildlife viewing and being treed by rutting High River area and focus on awesome tasting moose. A geologist by trade Marshall recently estab- organic beef which they sell at local markets. Ralph lished and sold two successful oil/gas ventures. He has chaired the MD’s Environment Committee since has been with the board since 2002 and recently its establishment. took over the Chairperson’s reigns from Maureen Newcomers to the board as of January 31, 2005 Heffring. He tells us he will raise us lots and lots of much needed dough. We are grateful to Marshall and Continued on Page 6

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Board of Directors – Continued from Page 5 the National Energy Board and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board. He has also acted for numerous include Ron Mathison, Stanley Carscallen and Bob clients in a great many major commercial transac- O’Callaghan. tions. Stan is a founder of Priddis Greens Golf & Ron Mathison is the owner and operator of Country Club and is a director and shareholder of Matco Investments Ltd, a merchant bank that spe- White Moose Ranch Ltd. Stan is a founder and the cializes in the restructuring of financially troubled current President of the Diabetes Association companies and provides capital and management (Foothills) and a member of the Advisory Board of expertise to these and other companies. Until the Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre in the October 2000, Ron, a Chartered Accountant, was a Department of Medicine, University of Calgary. director of Peters & Co. Limited, an investment bro- Bob O’Callaghan is a retired investment advisor kerage firm specializing in the oil and gas industry, with BMO Nesbitt Burns. He owns and manages a and also acted as a principal of Peters & Co. Limited ranch south of the Conservation Area and is an active in the Corporate Finance Department. Prior to that, member of the Calgary Polo Club. He graduated he was a key player in the formation of Peters & Co. from UBC in 1966 and spent 15 years cowboying and Capital, a private merchant banking organization managing ranches in Alberta and B.C. In 1987 he associated with highly successful restructurings of went into investment with BMO Nesbitt Burns and public companies and service companies in the oil was there until 2003 when he retired. Throughout and gas and oil sector. his life he has kept horses and rode cowboy part- Stanley Carscallen is a well known and time. He has lived between Longview and Okotoks regarded Calgary lawyer,having been admitted to the since 1971 and is married with two grown children. Alberta Bar in 1973 after being educated at the Recent retirees from the Board include Dr. Mike University of Alberta. Stan formed Carscallen Quinn, University of Calgary Environmental Design Lockwood in March 1988. His practice of law is in program (he will be staying on as an ecosystem man- the areas of oil and gas, civil litigation, administrative agement advisor) and Harold Millican a retired law and corporate and commercial law. Over the neighbour and friend of Ann and Sandy Cross. years Stan has represented clients in all of the civil PS My apologies for any errors or omissions in this courts in the province including the Supreme Court article–I tried! = of Canada. He has conducted numerous hearings before many administrative tribunals but primarily Thank You

Financial and in-kind support is essential to the success of the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area and for forwarding nature conservation in Alberta. We thank the following organizations for their generous contributions to date. Suncor Energy Foundation The Calgary Foundation Lexi.net

ChevronTexaco – Chevron Active Environmental Services Cross and Abbott family members Canada Resources Various Calgary and Area Schools Mint Printing Marshall Abbott and Family and education groups Emerge Creative Alberta Sport, Recreation Okotoks Western Wheel Parks and Wildlife Foundation Goodman, McDougall and (ASRPWF) Glacier Water and Transport Associates Ltd. Services MD of Foothills No. 31 All of our individual donors and Platinum Communications volunteers

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow But Not Today! By Kelly Small

inter in Calgary is a trickster when you are the week, we were able to find enough snow and in the business of planning education pro- tracks near the pond to make the program run. W grams. Snow and mild temperatures are Presenters Ronna Schneberger and Dave Verhulst of the ideal, just not on the day of the program so that Nature’s Tracks Eco Adventures delighted the audi- participants and presenters can get there and back ence with hands-on props and skillful questioning to safely. That said, we were able to run several suc- get them into the tracking mindset. They led us in cessful programs this winter despite the fickle exploration of the various tracks and signs that were weather. found,including evidence of cougar,elk,deer,coyote, We kick-started our season February 15th with an and voles. The program was very successful in laying engaging presentation on Richardson’s Ground a foundation of what to look for and creating excite- Squirrels by Dr. Gail Michener from the University of ment for finding out who goes there! . According to Dr. Michener, the audience Viewing Saturn through the telescopes at the of thirty keen participants was her best yet, staying Rothney Astrophysical Observatory was the high- an extra half an hour to ask questions. Did you know light of the first night of the Starlight, Starbright pro- that each individual ground squirrel has its own sep- gram on March 3rd. Families were treated to a arate hibernation chamber called a hibernaculum? If slideshow and tour of the Observatory on a chilly you didn’t get a chance to make it to this talk check but starry night. Although the new visitor centre out Dr. Michener’s website at wasn’t open to the public as initially planned, it was http://people.uleth.ca/~michener/ for some fas- just as exciting to see their state of the art telescopes cinating facts about Richardson’s Ground Squirrels up close. a.k.a. “gophers”. At the time of writing, two programs had yet to

Mik Our next program, Come occur. The second evening of the Starlight,Starbright

e Sturk Celebrate Bluebirds on program will take place on March 8th at Cross February 24th saw three Conservation Area. Volunteers from the Royal members of The Calgary Astronomical Society of Canada will provide families Area Bluebird Trail Monitors with a fun-filled evening that includes a slide-show, highlighting their experi- hands-on crafts, and telescope viewing. Let’s hope ences as bluebird box moni- the skies are as clear for this evening! tors. Hands-on displays and As March 12th approaches, we’ll be hoping for fantastic slides painted a that late early spring snowfall for our last program memorable picture of the Winter Detectives geared towards families with chil- dedication, hard work, and dren ages three to five. Full of games, crafts and rewards gained from setting exploration, families will put their best detective up and maintaining a trail of bluebird boxes. It was skills to work to see who lives at the Cross especially interesting to learn about the exact Conservation Area in winter. Snow and mild temper- requirements needed to build the perfect bluebird atures are again most welcome! box. The wrap-up of winter programs leaves us look- The weather played games with us for the Animal ing forward to spring programs full of sunshine (but Tracks and Signs: Who Goes There? program origi- not too hot!). Come out for a cougar talk, a wild- nally scheduled for February 12th. The week prior flower walk, a morning of tuning into the language to the program warm temperatures erased our blan- of the birds or an insect study with the family. Call ket of snow and the animal tracks along with it. We 931-2042 for more information about any of our decided to postpone the program until February Conservation Education programs or check out our 26th. This time, despite spring-like weather early in website at www.crossconservation.org. =

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Where have the Sprague’s Pipits gone? by Olga Droppo

prague’s Pipits were recorded on et al. 1995). Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data indi- Cross Property; singing over the field cates Sprague’s Pipit populations declined ten per- S west of the Mountain Lookout on cent per year from 1966 to 1995. Recent information May 14, 1997, singing over the hill in the SE corner suggests that Sprague’s Pipits may avoid areas adja- on May 20, 1998, and singing above the Mountain cent to roads. Therefore surveys, such as BBS, under- Lookout on May 10, 2000. No Sprague’s Pipits have estimate the abundance. However populations do been recorded since 2000. What factors may be appear to be declining in all areas. Several areas near responsible for the decline of the species nesting on the city of Calgary no longer have records of Pipits the Cross Area? nesting. Records show that Sprague’s Pipits prefer On the Cross property, part of the grass research ungrazed to moderately grazed native range. They allowed on the hillside in the south east corner of like an intermediate grass height and litter depths. the property required an area be fenced to stop graz- The strong preference of Sprague’s Pipits for ing and any use of the land. The short grass that is native grassland together with the extensive loss due hillside at the south end of the alfalfa field has a to modification for agricultural uses is one factor fenced area for the grass research done by Debra decreasing their numbers all over the grasslands. Brown. This has changed the habitat to taller grass, Approximately eighty percent of grassland habitat in loss of plant diversity,faster intrusion of Brome Grass the Aspen Parkland of Alberta has been converted to into the native shorter grass and, of course, a lot Agricultural use. more duff. = Grazing not only modifies habitat, but can reduce reproductive success through behavioral distur- bance of nesting birds and trampling of nests by cat- Volunteer tle. No study was done on how this factor specifi- cally affects Sprague’s Pipits but grazing of suitable Recruitment habitat during the nesting cycle undoubtedly does affect them. by Judi Vandenbrink Sprague’s Pipits and species that have evolved with frequent fires on the grasslands may be limited n Tuesday, March 1st we conducted a new by reduced fire frequencies that have accompanied volunteer orientation and had fabulous human settlement. Fires reduce the encroachment O attendance. Twenty-one new volunteers of shrubs and limit the accumulation of duff. Bird have signed up to help us with Area Steward Patrols, density drops one year after a fire but returns to pre- Education,Special Projects and office work. We hope burn levels after three years. your experience at the Cross Conservation Area will Haying alters habitat structure. Mowing during provide you with new skills, memories and friends. the nesting season can cause reproductive failure. A warm welcome to: However there is limited information on the response of Sprague’s Pipits to haying of native grass- Carole Rhyasen Samantha Janzen Debbie Parsons lands. It is unclear whether haying produces the Bill Storey Harvey Janzen Laura Roberts longer-term benefits that follow burning, although it Marilyn Collard Ryan Smith John Bergar is believed that Sprague’s Pipits should respond well Paul Hnatyshyn Dena Fischer Dorothy Bergar to occasional haying. Beth Laing Sue Allen Carol Ann Coates Sprague’s Pipits ranked seventh in abundance on Heather Pfeifer Audrey Baragar Katherine Kemp idle native grasslands in the aspen parkland (Prescott Brad Pfeifer John Baragar Brenda Eberle

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into place to help us prepare for the spring education Kid’s programs. These programs will focus mostly on the bugs of the pond and forest and the forest and grass- land ecosystems. We look forward to our first two Corner weeks of the Open Minds week-long school program starting the second week of April with two classes of by Nadine Sauder Grade 8’s from the Calgary Girls School. We also look forward to meeting some of the new education vol- ith this warm weather,it certainly is begin- unteers who will be participating in spring volunteer ning to feel like spring and with the end of educator training the second week of April. W winter right around the corner, so is the Happy Spring! = end of our winter school programs at the Area. We’ve been truly blessed with fabulous weather in January, February and March. This winter we only had to Fresh from reschedule one of our school programs, which is very unusual. Generally we are nearly fully booked the Kitchen in March trying to accommodate all the rescheduled groups from January and February! Beef Short Ribs with This winter, we continue to host the Calgary Zesty BBQ Sauce Science School in their multi-season study here at the By Judi Vandenbrink Area. We hosted all of their elementary school classes from Kindergarten up to Grade 6. Teachers This recipe uses two vinegars to make the most tender beef made this a unique program for their students and it ribs you ever ate. really helped to illustrate the differences between fall For the sauce: and winter here. They participated in activities such 1/4 cup olive oil as tracking, sketching, examining snow crystals and 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped other fun winter activities. We look forward to see- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic ing them again in the spring for another very differ- 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped ent experience. 1/2 cup apple cider We also saw Strathcona-Tweedsmuir,Percy Pegler, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Edison School and Big Rock School, all from 2 tablespoons catsup 1-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Okotoks, for a winter visit to the Area and our neigh- 1-1/2 tablespoons prepared mustard bor,Red Deer Lake School. It is wonderful to have so 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar many of our neighboring schools coming for a visit! 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Other schools outside the Calgary area included 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Prairie Waters Elementary who came all the way 3 pounds beef short ribs, cut into 6-inch lengths from ! In addition to these schools, we To make the sauce: In a saucepan or large skillet heat oil. saw several schools from the Calgary area. Add onions and garlic and sauté 5 minutes or until translu- The lack of snow that we’ve had is probably the cent. Add remaining sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. biggest challenge this season but the education vol- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring unteers have taken it in stride and still provided occasionally. Process in a blender or food processor until excellent programming for the students. We are so smooth. Chill in refrigerator until ready to use or up to 3 thankful for their flexibility and willingness to adapt! weeks. Thank you so much to all the education volunteers Make 4 vertical cuts about 1 inch apart in each short rib who have helped make these winter programs such from top of rib to the bone. Place ribs and 1-1/2 cup sauce in an amazing success: John Buysschaert,Trish Gaudet, jumbo resealable plastic bag. Close bag and marinate in Julia Marmont, Barb Simpkins, Ruth Obromniak and refrigerator overnight. Chill remaining 1/2 cup sauce. Dick Choy. Also, thank you to Kelly Small for making Remove ribs from bag and discard used sauce. Place ribs in these programs run as smoothly as they do and com- centre of cooking grate. Grill 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until ing up with some incredibly creative ways to make tender. Brush with reserved 1/2 cup sauce during last 20 the programs even better. To you all, well done! minutes of grilling. From mid-March to mid-April we will put things Makes 8 to 10 servings. =

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Black-capped Chickadee’s Adaptations to Survive Northern Winters By Olga Droppo

lack-capped Chickadees, Poecile atricapilla, buries its face in the shoulder feathers to avoid los- are one of the smallest birds present all winter. ing heat through the eyes and beak. Chickadees B They travel in conspicuous flocks. These sleep standing on one leg at a time for the same rea- flocks are stable in number and have a rigid social son. The second leg is tucked up into its body feath- structure. Flock size depends mainly on the abun- ers. Its breathing rate and heartbeat grow slow and dance of food and how many birds an area can sup- its body temperature plummets nearly twenty port. The feeding sites that the flock visits daily degrees – leaving the little bird in an energy con- define the winter territory. The flock will have a serving state of hypothermia. (International night roost, in a sheltered environment, within the Wildlife , Pg. 20, Geo. Harrison, Dec. 98.) territory, usually a spruce tree, but individual birds Throughout the northern winter the Chickadees may roost in small nest holes in trees near by. Dr. remain daily poised on the razor’s edge of starvation. Colleen Cassady St. Clair reported in 1997 that in A Chickadee cannot survive a single day without eat- Northern Alberta, Black-capped Chickadees some- ing. In winter half of its diet is small eggs or larvae times seek refuge in snow holes. She discovered this of insects and spiders, which are found in crevices in with the use of tiny radio transmitters. They use the bark of trees. The Chickadee has an extraordi- snow holes only on the coldest nights of winter. nary ability to maneuver. It will eat hanging below Chickadees that over-winter in temperate and a branch, which is thought to be an adaptation to sub-arctic areas, are at particular risk of freezing. find food without the need to dig through the snow They have proportionately large surface areas caught on the upper side of the branch. The other through which to loose heat and thus must eat con- half of the diet is seeds and Chickadees have learned tinuously during short daylight hours to stoke their that a great place for seeds is a feeding station. The metabolic fires. If they do not, they will not reserve station need not be elaborate. Of course any feeding enough energy to see them through the long night. tray will be more successful when there are trees to A wintering Chickadee living at forty degrees below offer perches and shelter. The easiest type of feeder must spend something like twenty times as much is to hang a good sized piece of suet from a branch. time, feeding per day, as it would in the warmth of It should be placed in October to be found by the spring. Their plumage is much denser than any first Chickadee to wander into the yard. Usually migrant songbird close they will continue to come all winter to the suet that to the same size. The they discover first. Suet will supplement their need price it pays for the extra for protein. The birds come and go from dawn till feather weight is that it is dusk, using the precious eight hours of sunlight in a weak flyer. At night,the midwinter days. Without feeders these birds live in Chickadee fluffs its outer an area where food is plentiful in summer and scarce contour feathers over at other times. They cope with the uneven supply the layer of soft down by collecting surplus food and hoarding it. Each next to its skin making a food item is stored in a separate site. In Alaska thicker layer of insulat- Boreal Chickadees secure a quarter of the items with ing air warmed by the strands of silk from spider webs. In the same body heat. This Alaskan study researchers watched the birds some- improves the insulating times camouflage the stored food with bark chips, value 30 to 50 percent. When it is resting it Continued on Page 11

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Area Steward Reports By Trish Gaudet oing on an Area Steward walk at the Cross always something new to wonder at. Changing sea- provides an opportunity to experience and sons ensure that every walk is different with an ever- Grecord a day in the life of the Cross varying array of plants and insects at various stages of Conservation Area. I always begin my Area Steward life, returning or absent birds depending on migra- walks with a quick read through the most recent tion and the year-round presence of constants like reports made by other stewards. This gives me an deer, chickadees and coyotes. Often, I am paired up idea of what has recently been found out there on with another volunteer steward – a great way to the trails and what I might expect to see. It is also meet some of the interesting people who share their interesting to read the comments added by Olga and time with the Cross, and to tap into the wealth of the Cross staff – these often sharpen the picture cre- knowledge they bring – or I’ll bring along family or ated by the steward writing the report. friends. Walking the trails on an area steward patrol is an Recent Area Steward patrol reports indicate that experience very different from the times I head out the animals have indeed been active through the as a volunteer educator accompanied by an excited winter, with Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, com- school group. It is a slower-paced, more reflective mon Redpolls, Bald Eagles, Ravens and Chickadees and broader look at the conservation area. On an among the birds noted, Deer present on the trail, Area Steward walk I can take the time to walk a along with scat and tracks of Elk, Coyote ,Voles and longer trail like the Fescue or the Pine Creek. Along Moose. the way, I notice as much as I can, mentally filing Each Area Steward walk adds to the number of away my observations on trail conditions, wildlife eyes and ears caring for the Cross,and gives the stew- sightings and plants in bloom for writing up the ards and their companions a welcome few hours of report when I return to Belvedere House. There is time to spend appreciating the gifts of nature. =

Black-capped Chickadees – Continued from Page 10 lichen or a spruce needle. This method of storing food is called “scatter hoard- ing”. (The Great Northern Kingdom by Wayne Lynch, ’01) In one experiment, Chickadees raised their daily fat deposits by about 4 percent of their body weight when offered sunflower seeds in place of their normal diet of wild conifer seeds, berries, etc. Often flocks are joined by other species, such as Nuthatches,Woodpeckers, Kinglets and Brown Creepers. These are loose associations with birds coming and going at different times. It has been shown experimentally that Chickadees are used as sentinels by Downy Woodpeckers foraging in mixed flocks. Two calls are commonly used by the winter flocks. They are “Tseet” and “Chickadeedeedee.” They are believed to be contact calls – sounds that enable the flock to stay together even though they may not be in visual contact. Douglas Shed, of Randolph-Macon Women’s College, has shown that Black- capped Chickadees will respond to predators in fall and winter, even in January with the temperature 25 degrees below zero. The Chickadees still find it prof- itable to mob in winter. One function of mobbing is educational – to teach young birds the identity of the enemy. Another may be to alert other birds to the pres- ence of the predator. No matter what strategy is chosen to overcome the hard- ships of winter there are always large costs and complex preparations involved. As winter days slowly wear into spring the Chickadees that manage to survive prepare to meet the demands of the new season, Spring when there is a nest to build and a family to raise. =

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Announcements‘Thank yous’ and special notes...

Special Projects Thank you ur new season of Special Projects begins in hank you to Gordon Pritchard for donating a April. Come out, roll up your sleeves and new book entitled: “Damselflies of Alberta” O enjoy the scenery. There are a wide variety T written by John Acorn, to our library. The of tasks that must be completed. Check the Calendar book provides a thorough description of the of Events for the complete listing. Odonates with colourful photos and stories. If you are interested in working on any of the Special Projects please register with Judi at volun- [email protected]. Reg Rempel, our Habitat Manager and Judi Vandenbrink our Volunteer Volunteer Help & Communications Coordinator have taken on the responsibility for the Special Projects. Unless other- Wanted wise advised, we will be meeting at the log cabin to begin each workday. Directions to the log cabin: We are still looking for someone interested in taping and transcribing stories about the history of the area. From Calgary go west on 22X. Turn south on 85th There are many people who have memories and tales Street (city limits sign). At approximately 4.5 km, to tell about the area and it would be wonderful to turn right on 218th Avenue. After driving 0.6 km, be able to put these memories on paper. you will see the Rothney Farm sign on your right. Please park on the grass between the road and the We would like to know what the City of Calgary, fence. local communities and the Province are doing for the Centennial and what opportunities exist for the CCA to be involved. We are predominantly looking to Olga’s Nature Survey Walks; distribute our book at events as a Centennial her- ll active volunteers are invited to attend Olga’s itage piece. This job can be done from home and Nature Survey Walks on Wednesdays 9 am – would involve web research and phone calls. 2pm (weather permitting). Olga will walk on A We are looking for someone with computer expertise the existing trail to get everyone familiar with places to help with computer troubleshooting and mainte- of interest on the trails and will venture off the main nance. We require someone to troubleshoot general routes once a month to monitor other areas. Please computer problems on the phone or on site when call Judi at 931-1042 to register. A maximum of 10 necessary. We also need help with network set up people are accepted per walk. and increasing computer hard drive space. Paradise Preserved always on sale at We are looking for a volunteer to work on the Belvedere House Paradise Preserved book project, delivery and distrib- uting the books around the city. aradise Preserved: The Ann and Sandy Cross If you are interested in partaking in any of the Conservation Area is available to purchase at projects listed, please send and email to: Belvedere House. The book tells the story of P [email protected] or call the Conservation Area and the generous spirit Judi at 931-1042. shown by Ann and Sandy. It describes the history of the property and the generous donations made by many individuals and companies.

‘Announcements’ Continued on Page 13

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‘Announcements’ Continued from Page 12 Open House/Wine & Cheese July-

lease attend our Open House/Wine and Cheese celebration on September Thursday, April 21 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Cross P Current Join us for a fun evening that will include: Volunteers are • information on all the programs encouraged to • meet new volunteers • an opportunity to share your ideas submit their articles • sign up sheets in each area or recipes to Judi by • Wine and Cheese!!! Friday, June 4 for the July-September This informal gathering is for all volunteers, staff and partners. This is your Edition of The opportunity to find out what is happening at the Cross Conservation Area Cross Current. in 2005 and meet other individuals who have a connection to the Area. Please plan to attend. Thank you!

Upcoming events 38th Annual Pathway and River Clean-up, Sunday May 15, 2005. Fish Creek Provincial Park Registration deadline for the 38th Annual Pathway WHEN: Fourth Thursday of the month and River Clean-up is Monday,April 11, 2005 TIME: 7:00PM to 9:00PM Contact Tara Battram at CAOC 270-2262 or email WHERE: Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre [email protected] East end of Fish Creek Provincial Park, access via Bow Bottom Trail) International Migratory Bird Day Festival - ADMISSION: Free Sunday, May 8, 2005 (although donations always appreciated) Join us to welcome back our feathered friends and FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact Kristen celebrate their epic journey! There will be Dyer 238-3841 or www.friendsoffishcreek.org exhibits, talks and demonstrations by conservation organizations, spotting scope stations to get a up April 28: close look at the birds, guided hikes through the Scary & Slimy, But Intriguing and Important: sanctuary, music and games for the whole family, Why you should care about Alberta’s bird masks to decorate and take home, Bird Day Amphibians and Reptiles. cake, door prizes and quizzes. There’s something for everyone so bring the whole flock. Admission May 26: is by donation. End Date Sunday, Location: Not Just Another Pretty Face: The function of Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre from Flowers 1 to 4:30 p.m. Please contact (403) 221-4532 to register. June 23: Ranch Ramble: Historical Tour of the Bow Mayor’s Environment Expo 2005 Valley Ranche Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Date: June 7th – 9th Where: City Hall Atrium Admission: Free

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Notes From Reg foothills region in Montana. The introduction of the Black Dot Spurge Beetle for Leafy Spurge does not look like a high possibility because of the low con- hope this weather has given many of you the centration of this weed species on the Cross opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh Conservation Area. The success of Bio-Controls is I air and the sightings of wildlife in their natural based on the reproduction of the larva that does habitat. The coyote courtship ritual was active the killing of the plant. On July 12th Doug Maculae again this season. I noticed the Chickadee has will be giving a talk at Fish Creek about Bio-con- changed it’s tune to cheeseburger. Lots of cougar trols. Doug is involved with the West Central activity in what Sandy Cross called the south fork Conservation Group. He has a degree in biology of Pine Creek. This includes the watershed from (entomology) and has set up 5 sites and 10 releases. the highest point starting in section 6 through sec- The monitoring of the Sharp-tailed Grouse will tion 5 and exiting on the east boundary of section begin this spring (early April). If you are interested 9. Sandy always argued this was the true Pine in learning more about the Grasslands and Grouse Creek even if the map stated otherwise. Project contact Sue at 931-1042. Beginning in 2005, a new habitat management I would like to leave you with this pearl of process called Bio-Controls will be introduced to wisdom. “ Coming together is a beginning, staying the Cross Conservation Area. The Canada Thistle or together is progress, and working together is (Creeping Thistle) will be bio-controlled by a Stem success.” = Boring Weevil. It has been very successful in the CalendarSpring 2005 at the Cross Conservation Area of Events

Volunteers, all Conservation Education programs are half-price for active ASCCA volunteers! To register for a Conservation Education program, please call 931-2042.

When What What Is It About? Who’d Like to Attend? Thurs., April 21 Open House A fun evening of information 7:00 – 9:00 pm Wine & Cheese and conversation Volunteers Tues., May 10 Special Project Spring Clean-up: odds and ends 9:00 – 2:00 pm including removing the snow fence Volunteers Thurs., May 19 Conservation Living with Cougars: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Education The Elusive Cougar Adults Wed., June 1 Special Project Spring Clean-up: Set up rain barrels, 9:00 – 1:00 pm gardening, weed removal, etc. Volunteers Sat., June 4 Conservation 8:30 – 11:30 am Education The Language of Birds Adults Tues. June 14 Conservation Spring Wildflower Walk 6:30 – 9:00 pm Education with Olga Droppo Adults Sat. June 25 Special Project Pine Creek Clean-up 9:00 – 3:00 pm & Fence Removal Volunteers Sat. June 25 Conservation 1:00 – 4:00 pm Education Pond Critters and Grassland Bugs Families

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