VOLUME 44 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2014 SUGGESTED RETAIL: $10.00 CDN Nature Alberta CELEBRATING OUR NATURAL HERITAGE
THE FACE OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE. NOTE GPS COLLAR. SEE THE FEATURE STORY (PAGE 24). JOHN MARRIOTT
feature article WOLVES in Alberta: A Perspective
NATURE ALBERTA FIG 1.WHITE-FLOWERED ALPINE POPPY, AND SEED CAPSULE; PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE PURPLE MOUND, BANFF NATIONAL PARK ON 15 JULY 2013; SEE THE STORY, PAGE 20. WILLIAM J. LEACH
WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, ALL IN A ROW! SUSAN SLY SPRING 2014 1
Nature Alberta: Nature Alberta is composed of natural history clubs from across the province. The aims of the Federation are: Celebrating our natural heritage (a) To encourage among all Albertans, by all means possible, an increase in their knowledge of natural history and understanding of ecological processes; (b) To promote an increase in the exchange of information and views among natural history clubs and societies in Alberta; (c) To foster and assist in the formation of additional natural history clubs and societies in Alberta; (d) To promote the establishment of natural areas and nature reserves, to conserve and protect species, communities or other features of interest; (e) To organize, or coordinate symposia, conferences, fi eld meetings, Contents nature camps, research and other activities whether of a similar or dissimilar nature; NATURE ALBERTA VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1, SPRING 2014 (f) To provide the naturalists of Alberta with a forum in which questions relating to the conservation of the natural environment may be discussed, so that united positions can be developed on them, and to Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO ...... 2 provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate actions.
Alberta Issues in Brief ...... 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Ted Hindmarch Nature Alberta News ...... 7 VICE PRESIDENT: Linda Howitt-Taylor SECRETARY: Claudia Lipski Nature Diary: Red Crossbill BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN ...... 10 TREASURER: Christine Brown PAST PRESIDENT: Chuck Priestley In Memoriam: Al Oeming ...... 12 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Christine Brown, Ted Hindmarch, Joseph Hnatiuk, Geoff Holroyd, Chuck Priestley, Linda Howitt-Taylor Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta BY JOHN WARDEN ...... 14 ELECTED DIRECTORS: Chrissie Smith (ANPC); Claudia Lipski, (BLN); John & Linda Stewart (CFNS); Lu Carbyn, (ENC); Martha Munz-Gue, (GN); BY ERIN CAMPBELL Eyes on IBAs: eBird: A Great New Tool! ...... 19 Jennifer Okrainec (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Hervieux (PPN); White-fl owered Alpine Poppy (Papaver kluanense) D. Löve in Banff Tony Blake (RDRN); Chris Olsen (VRNS); STAFF: Petra Rowell (Exec. Dir.) National Park BY GEORGE W. SCOTTER, HAROLD AND VELMA MARTIN, WILLIAM J. LEACH ...... 20 2013 May Species Count for Birds BY JUDY BOYD ...... 23 CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB FEATURE ARTICLE: WOLVES in Alberta: T6G 2T5 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 A Perspective BY DENNIS BARESCO ...... 24 Nature Calgary (CFNS), Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4 Edmonton Nature Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1 Charley’s Nature Note: Snowshoe Hare BY DR. CHARLES BIRD ...... 33 Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8 Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 First Hand: Coydog or Coyote? BY DENNIS BARESCO ...... 35 Lethbridge Naturalists Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4 2012 Species Count for Plants in Bloom: May 25-31 BY SUZANNE VISSER ...... 36 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4Z2 Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2 Up Close Naturally: Horsetails and Ferns BY MARGOT HERVIEUX ...... 40 Vermilion River Naturalists, 5707 - 47 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K5
Wildlife! Starring…The Giant Fairy Shrimp BY DENNIS BARESCO ...... 41 AFFILIATES: Alberta Lake Management Society Friends of Little Beaver Lake Society Alberta Bull Trout: A Native Fish Species on the Hook BY COURTNEY NEAL ...42 Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild Grant MacEwan Mountain Club Alberta Mycological Society Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada Celestial Happenings BY JOHN MCFAUL ...... 45 Beaverhill Bird Observatory J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation Beaver River Naturalist Club Lee Nature Sanctuary Society Book Review: Birdfi nding in British Columbia ...... 46 Big Lake Environmental Support Society Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory BowKan Birders Little Creeks and Rough Fescue Clubs Page ...... 47 Calgary Bird Banding Society Appreciation Society Cochrane Environmental Action Purple Martin Conservancy Committee Riverlot 56 Natural Area Society Crooked Creek Conservancy Society Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY NATURE ALBERTA, Crowsnest Conservation Society Association 11759 GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 3K6 Edmonton Naturalization Group The Wagner Natural Area Society Ellis Bird Farm Weaselhead/Glenmore Park PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society Preservation Society [email protected] Friends of Blackfoot Society Wizard Lake Watershed and Lake Friends of Elk Island Society Stewardship Assoc. EDITOR.DENNIS BARESCO Friends of Jasper National Park [email protected] CIRCULATION.TED HINDMARCH LAYOUT.BROKEN ARROW SOLUTIONS INC. CELEBRATE NATURE ALBERTA THANKS TO THE PROOFREADERS WHO ASSISTED IN PRODUCING THIS ISSUE: SERVING NATURE FOR OVER 43 YEARS!!! SANDRA FOSS, ELAINE GERMYN, SUZANNE LORINCZI, VAL SCHOLEFIELD, JUNE VERMEULEN. MANY THANKS TO THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER WANT TO SUBMIT ARTICLES NATURE ALBERTA DEADLINES ARE: The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not necessarily refl ect those of the editor and the Federation of Alberta OR PHOTOS? SPRING ISSUE.FEBRUARY 28 Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw GUIDELINES ARE AVAILABLE ON SUMMER ISSUE.MAY 31 articles submitted. While due care will be taken of all manuscripts, photos THE NATURE ALBERTA WEBSITE: FALL ISSUE.AUGUST 31 or artwork submitted, FAN cannot be held responsible for any loss or WWW.NATUREALBERTA.CA WINTER ISSUE.NOVEMBER 30 damage to such articles. 2 NatureAlberta Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO
THE DEDICATED NATURALIST! Canada convention in Red Deer murmurations, you’ll fi nd it The previous edition of Nature and that was the fi rst time I had equally fascinating. heard anything about Eurasian Alberta had a story (page 36) Most of the videos are from Collared-Doves. We were told about Eurasian Collared-Doves, Europe, the British Isles or places that there were about a dozen motivated by observation from where starlings congregate of them in Red Deer at that Presgrave Winter in Viking AB. during the winter in the tens time. They seem to be spreading Later, “Pres” sent me an email of thousands to hundreds of throughout the province.” outlining some of his naturalist thousands, and even a million activities. It’s impressive indeed, If you know or see Pres, shake his or more. Smaller murmurations, to the point where I just had to hand and thank him for being such however, have been witnessed share his note with you! Said Pres: a great naturalist role model. here in Alberta. “I have subscribed to Nature Anne Elliott, on the photo-sharing Alberta for many years now and MURMURATIONS website Flickr, posted a report by enjoy it very much. I have been In the “nature is utterly amazing” Andrew Hart leading a group of interested in nature for a long category, European Starling birders which “on a day trip SE time and have had a Bluebird murmurations are defi nitely near of Calgary on 15 March 2014… Trail in our area since 1977. At the top of the list. These massive noticed a black cloud swirling present I have 1,100 nestboxes groups of starlings whirling in around in and above the fi eld in and get over 400 Mountain tight and undulating formations the corner of Township 184 and Bluebird nests each year and are breathtaking…and seemingly RR281.” It was a European Starling have banded 1,600 to 2,800 unreal. YouTube has numerous murmuration! Counting such Mountain Bluebirds each year. videos of this natural phenomena numbers is almost impossible, but th This year I will band my 30,000 (eg, www.youtube.com/ estimates ranged from over 5,000 bluebird. embed/88UVJpQGi88). Would you to “10,000 is a very conservative I have been seeing Turkey like to be amazed? You will be! number.” Vultures on my Bluebird Trail And if you for about 8 years now and have read about been working with Dr. Wayne the science Nelson helping to fi nd Vulture behind nests in our area and helping Wayne in the wing tagging of the young for the last four years. In 2006 I attended a Nature
A MURMURATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. WALTER BAXTER/CREATIVE COMMONS SPRING 2014 3
EDITOR’S PAGE cont’d… On the Covers: European Starlings are FRONT COVER much disliked in North John Marriott is one of Canada’s premiere nature photographers. Just go America, where they were to his website and blog to fi nd out for yourself: John E. Marriott Canadian purposefully (and foolishly) Wildlife and Nature Photography (www.wildernessprints.com). His photos introduced in 1890-91. of wolves, as you will see, are stunning. As John says on his website: “My Those original 100 birds primary hope with this site is that it will give you a taste for my style of photography and for what the wilds of Canada are like, creating in you a released in New York’s longing to visit or re-visit magical areas like the Canadian Rockies and see Central Park have grown them like you’ve never seen them before.” to over 200 million – one of our most abundant INSIDE FRONT COVER songbirds – in just 124 It was a great discovery in Banff National Park: the years! But even though White-fl owered Alpine Poppy. The fl ower is rare disliked, they are none-the- in Alberta and has generated much interest and less an intriguing species research with botanists. The nice thing about rare for a variety of reasons: fl owers is that they don’t run or fl y away, so one can get excellent photographs, as William J. Leach did for as superb vocal mimics; the article on page 20. devourer of invertebrate pests (admittedly, along It is extremely rare that we highlight photos from outside of Alberta, but with benefi cial arthropods Susan Sly’s image of Western Bluebirds at Sedona AZ was too good to pass up. This bluebird is a rare but confi rmed breeder in Alberta in a few and crops); attractively scattered locations. Like the other two Alberta species of bluebirds, it will iridescent breeding use nestboxes. plumage; and, of course, their murmurations. Never INSIDE BACK COVER miss the chance you might Nothing is more uplifting have to see one - though as than to watch kids having one observer noted, never outdoors fun! Amanda get caught standing under a Merriman’s images catch murmuration! the feeling and outdoor atmosphere. Amanda, from Beaumont AB, took the photos with a telephone camera (a Samsung Galaxy S III). BACK COVER Heather Simonds is a steward at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, west of Calgary, where she took these photos. Said Heather: “All were taken with a 105mm macro lens, some handheld – i.e., hold your breath, take 25+ images and pray you have one! I can’t chase bugs with a tripod!!!!” Bees, butterfl ies, Prairie Clover and a Police Car Moth: It’s Spring!
Want to Switch your subscription from hard copy to the full Phone today: (780) 427.8124; or Switch? COLOUR e-version and get even GREATER enjoyment Email us: [email protected] or of Nature Alberta while REDUCING paper use. [email protected] 4 NatureAlberta
ALBERTA ISSUES IN BRIEF
Spray Lakes Sawmills receives FSC Certifi cation BY SLS STAFF & WEBSITE, EDITED BY SANDRA FOSS
In the fall of 2013, Spray certifi cation programs. FSC- certifi cation compliments Spray Lake Lakes Sawmills (SLS) received certifi ed wood products are Sawmills seventy-year commitment to Forest Stewardship Council favoured by some commercial quality, its belief that people are the (FSC) certifi cation for its Forest builders and developers choosing foundation of its success and that the Management Agreement area and to attain Leadership in Energy and forest is our future. northern timber quota, an area Environmental Design (LEED) The FSC certifi cation program is consisting of 328,367 hectares. status from the Canadian Green ongoing and requires continual The certifi cate has been issued Building Council. In addition, improvement on the part of all by an FSC accredited certifi er, discerning consumers of paper certifi ed companies. Instead of one Rainforest Alliance, who assessed products prefer products sourced major audit every fi ve years, the FSC the company’s responsible forest from FSC certifi ed forests. auditors return annually to review management system against the The move to the international FSC a different selected part of the rigorous FSC Canada’s National certifi cation program demonstrates company’s operations. Boreal Standard. (SLS does not Spray Lake Sawmills continued operate in the boreal forest, but commitment to forest this standard is the closest.) certifi cation and sustainable FSC certifi cation (https:// forest management. From ca.fsc.org) involves meeting 1996 through 2009, Spray stringent social, economic, and Lake Sawmills was certifi ed environmental criteria that are under the Alberta ForestCare more far reaching than other certifi cation program. The FSC
LATE FALL (NOV 16TH) PHOTO OF A LOGGED AREA. SPRAY LAKES SAWMILL
SLS CUT BLOCK IN WINTER, LOOKING ACROSS TO GALATEA MOUNTAIN. JOHN MCFAUL
STRUCTURAL RETENTION ON A LOGGED AREA. SPRAY LAKES SAWMILL SPRING 2014 5
The company will continue to area close to a major urban centre, Nature Alberta wishes to commend SLS work with a wide variety of where many folks wish to use the on achieving FSC certifi cation, and will stakeholders including forestry Forest Management Area (FMA) for continue to work with SLS in continuing contractors, ranchers, trappers recreational activities; this presents to set high conservation value forest and committee members, and to unique challenges. areas aside for protection while educate and learn from them as fostering best practices. SLS is an ethical company, and to legislative requirements and forestry is a sustainable business. INFORMATION: best practices in a variety of areas, SLS has proved very responsive Ed Kulcsar, Woodlands Manager from road building to watershed to comments and suggestions Tel: 403-851-3311; protection. offered by all committee members, [email protected] Sandra Foss has participated including the decision to seek Gord Lehn, Director of Communications on a variety of public advisory FSC certifi cation. Nature Alberta/ and Ecological Goods and Services committees while working with FAN members can be assured Tel: 403-851-3314; SLS over the last seventeen years. their interests and comments [email protected] Two others, representing local have always been passed along. Nature Alberta clubs, also sit on However, anyone can contact the SLS public advisory committees and company, and now with a variety SLS is a manufacturer of dimensional have for many years. A choice was of social media, it is even easier lumber, treated wood products, made to work with this company to do. If anyone has concerns agricultural fence posts, wood chips, to have their forest practices the about what is happening, the best and landscaping and erosion control best they can be, and over the route is to talk to the company products. SLS is the largest private years, this company has worked directly. Frequently, the concerns or sector employer in Cochrane, employing hard to meet the highest standards. complaints I hear are not about SLS 200 full time staff and 75 seasonal Unlike other forestry companies in practices at all, but what others are contractors. the province, SLS operates in an doing. It’s Back!! It now appears almost certain that it’s one more species they could Sandhill Crane, about which very little the Alberta Government will be hunt; some other provinces and is known – and Whooping Crane (Grus initiating a Sandhill Crane hunt states do it; “hunters,” according americana), which is so very different in 2015. An April 25th report on to AFGA president Gord Poirier from the Sandhill Crane yet has been the Global Lethbridge website in the article, “are also curious shot in other jurisdictions through (“Alberta considering 2015 about how the big birds taste”; misidentifi cation. sandhill crane hunt,” by John and of course, the ever-popular Nevertheless, the federal government, Cotter, The Canadian Press) states stand-by reason, to “help keep the according to Gord Poirier, “has given that Alberta Environment “says population at a healthy level.” the Alberta Sandhill Crane hunt its there are now enough of the tall, AB Environment claims that the blessing.” The comments in the heavy, long-legged wading birds population of Lesser Sandhill article from the AB Environment to withstand hunting” and that Crane (Grus canadensis spokeswoman seem to ensure that “experts estimate about 580,000 canadensis) could withstand a this time they will approve the hunt of the migratory birds nest or fl y hunt. That is likely true, but the once they get offi cial federal approval over Alberta.” main problem that many scientists and after AB Environment amends This comes after years of and naturalists (including Nature provincial legislation to designate the lobbying by Alberta Fish and Alberta) have raised is the taking Sandhill Crane as a game bird. Game Association (AFGA) and of the rare Greater Sandhill Crane For a good overview of the issue from hunters. The stated reasons they (Grus canadensis rowanii) – a Tom Sadler, see “Letters” in the Winter desire the hunt are fairly simple: larger, northern subspecies of the 2013 Nature Alberta (Vol 42, #4), pg 4. 6 NatureAlberta
Maligning Maligne Lake? Jasper National Park’s Maligne There is also the very real upgrade and modernize its lake Lake is one of the world’s most possibility that approval of this facilities. Others have suggested photographed landscapes, its development will open the that not only is the development pristine, natural beauty attracting proverbial fl oodgates. As Kevin relatively small, but that critics are visitors from around the globe. Van Tighem told CBC News: “It exaggerating the negative effects. Now, Maligne Tours (the basically says to anybody else It has also been pointed out that commercial operator that runs who has had a ‘no’ in the past, Maligne Lake isn’t as pristine as daytime operations at the lake) well we can talk about ‘yes’ now, it’s made out to be. has proposed a 66 suite hotel plus because we just changed all the Regardless, like the controversial 15 tent cabins along the lake’s rules.” It would also mean the Glacier Skywalk at Jasper’s north shore. privatization of a chunk of the Icefi elds Parkway, the proposal lake’s shoreline. “Why would we There has been much opposition will almost certainly be approved privatize one of the most beautiful to the proposal, including from (and may already have been, by public destinations in the park?” three former Parks Canada the time you read this), given the said Van Tighem in the CBC News managers, who are urging the federal government’s focus on interview. federal environment minister to commercialization and revenue turn it down. Nikita Lopoukhine, Nevertheless, the proposal has generating in national parks. a former director general, its supporters, including, it In reality, the rules have been Stephen Woodley, a former chief appears, Parks Canada itself. changed. The Glacier Skywalk at ecosystem scientist, and Kevin Van Maligne Tours says that the new the former Tangle Ridge viewpoint Tighem, a former superintendent hotel would not require any opened on May 1st ($24.95 for of Banff National Park, say the new land to be developed and adults, $12.50 for children). lodge would endanger the natural that it must be done in order to elements of the lake, jeopardize wildlife, is in violation of Parks Canada’s policies designed to limit development and is contrary to the National Parks Act.
CHRISTIANABEND/ WIKIMEDIA COMMONS SPRING 2014 7
Nature Alberta NEWS Nominations, Elections and the Annual General Meeting
Nature Alberta’s Executive, Board Best wishes to Kelsie Sharun, Scott Jubinville is stepping down as of Directors and staff gathered our vibrant and creative Young Nature Alberta’s representative on to start off the Annual General Naturalists Club Program the Endangered Species Conservation Meeting weekend events on Coordinator, who has moved on Committee. Joseph Hnatiuk has April 11, 2014. The State of to a position at the University volunteered to take Scott’s place; Bird Conservation in Alberta of Alberta. Congratulations to Lu Carbyn will remain as alternate. Workshop, AGM Meeting and Candace Farrar, who has been Defi nitely a big thank you and Awards Dinner all took place promoted to YNC Program much gratitude to Don and Scott on April 12. Thanks to a grant Coordinator. for their dedication to the volunteer from Devon Canada, Nature positions they took part in. Both Nature Alberta’s Prairie Alberta was able to hold an issues have splendidly represented Nature Conservation Forum representative, management workshop on the Alberta. Don Stiles, is stepping down; fi nal day of the AGM weekend however, there will (April 13). The Conservation be great continuity, Issues Workshop attendees heard as he is being some great presentations and replaced by his participated in some excellent son, Andrew, who discussions on how to build a is well known in stronger and connected nature Alberta’s naturalist network in Alberta. community. As well, The slate of appointed directors was presented and approved: Ted Hindmarch, Christine Brown, CANDACE FARRAR, SEEN HERE WITH ISSUES MANAGEMENT PARTICIPANTS GATHERED Geoff Holroyd, Joseph Hnatiuk, MURPHY, IS THE NEW YNC PROGRAM FOR A GROUP PHOTO. CHEYENNE KEAN LEMERY Linda Howitt-Taylor. Elected to COORDINATOR. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JOSEPH HNATIUK, LETHBRIDGE NATURALISTS SOCIETY; LU CARBYN, EDMONTON Executive positions were: Ted NATURE CLUB; PETRA ROWELL, EXECUTIVE Hindmarch (President); Linda DIRECTOR, NATURE ALBERTA; LLOYD BENNETT, LETHBRIDGE NATURALISTS SOCIETY; LINDA HOWITT- Howitt-Taylor (Vice-President); TAYLOR, VICE-PRESIDENT, NATURE ALBERTA; TONY Christine Brown (Treasurer); BLAKE, RED DEER RIVER NATURALISTS; SARAH and Claudia Lipski (Secretary). NEVILLE (SEATED), WEASELHEAD/GLENMORE PRESERVATION SOCIETY; LINDA STEWART, Claudia replaces Margot Hervieux, NATURE CALGARY; VIC ROMANYSHYN, ALBERTA who after two years as Secretary LEPIDOPTERISTS GUILD; CLAUDIA LIPSKI, BUFFALO LAKE NATURALISTS; MARTIN OSIS, ALBERTA decided not to run for that MYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY; JOHN STEWART, NATURE position, though she will remain CALGARY; TED HINDMARCH, PRESIDENT, NATURE ALBERTA; BRIAN LAVER, NATURE ALBERTA; BOB as a Director for Peace Parkland SCHREIBER, BUFFALO LAKE NATURALISTS. MISSING: Naturalists. GLEN SEMENCHUK, PAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATURE ALBERTA. 8 NatureAlberta
Awards Nature Alberta recently recognized a number of outstanding individuals during the Annual General Meeting and banquet weekend.
LORAN GOULDEN MEMORIAL HONOURARY LIFE
AWARD: MEMBERSHIP AWARD LEFT TO RIGHT: KELSEY SHARUN, FORMER YOUNG Ray C. Cromie was presented Sandra Foss was presented NATURALIST CLUB PROGRAM MANAGER, JANA with the 2014 Loran Goulden with an Honourary Life SNEEP, RECIPIENT OF THE 2014 VOLUNTEER OF Memorial Award. This award Membership Award. Sandra THE YEAR AWARD, CANDACE FARRAR, CURRENT is a Special NA Memorial has been actively involved YOUNG NATURALISTS CLUB PROGRAM MANAGER. Award recognizing outstanding in a number of roles within CHEYENNE KEAN LEMERY contributions to natural history Nature Alberta for the past education in Alberta. Ray Cromie 14 years. Sandra became is a retired teacher, mentor and involved with Nature Alberta VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD Master Bird Bander with over (formerly the Federation of Jana Sneep was presented with the 25 years of experience. He has Alberta Naturalists) in 1999 Volunteer of the Year Award. Jana is a been recognized as a leader in as an alternate director for member of the Edmonton Nature Club promoting citizen science activities the Calgary Field Naturalists and a Nature Alberta Family Member. throughout the province and is Society (CFNS). She became a She has taken photographs of most of well known for his infectious CFNS primary director in 2000 the Explorer Days and Family Nature enthusiasm and dedication to and stayed on as an appointed Night events in Edmonton since 2012, wildlife conservation. Ray has director. She took on the creating a valuable resource for Alberta’s worked diligently to provide Nature Alberta Vice-President’s Young Naturalists Club (YNC). She is nesting sites for cavity nesting role in 2003, moving up an active YNC member, who uses her species and owls in Alberta to serve as President from passion for photography to capture and has built, installed and 2005 to 2008, Past President moments of delight and inquiry in maintained several hundred through 2009 and then as Past children. Participant families, project nesting boxes near Edmonton. President for another two years staff and volunteers have all recognized He gives generously of his time until leaving the board in 2012. and appreciated Jana’s time, effort and and knowledge to promote public She has sat on almost every dedication. interest in protecting Alberta Nature Alberta committee, birds and continues to inspire including: Awards, Fundraising, generations of naturalists. Issues, Nominations, Personnel and Succession. Sandra has NEW AFFILIATE NATURE ALBERTA PRESIDENT, TED represented Nature Alberta HINDMARCH (LEFT) PRESENTS RAY CROMIE on a number of outside Nature Alberta has a new Affi liate WITH THE LORAN J. GOULDEN MEMORIAL committees; she is also AWARD. CHEYENNE KEAN LEMERY Club! Friends of Elk Island Society was one of the proofreaders for incorporated in July 1984 and is a Nature Alberta magazine. Her non-profi t, charitable association that dedication and commitment cooperates with Parks Canada to promote to Nature Alberta and its understanding, appreciation and respect vision has been (and still is) for Elk Island National Park. The Society exceptional. Unfortunately, Sandra was unable to attend was approved for membership in Nature the ceremony. Alberta at the April Annual General Meeting. You can contact them at info@ elkisland.ca, or Box 70, 9920-63rd Ave, Edmonton AB T6E 0G9. SPRING 2014 9
Butterfl y Big Year Thanks, Vid! The Alberta Lepidopterists Nature Alberta’s IT/Citizen Science Program Manager, Vid Bijelic, has left Guild (ALG) held its fi rst-ever our organization to continue his studies in Ottawa, where he has been Alberta Butterfl y Big Year in accepted into a Master’s program. Vid has been a major fi xture of Nature 2013. A Butterfl y Big Year is a Alberta for the past 14 years. While we are sad to lose him, we are also friendly (and fun!) competition excited for him as he undertakes this new and exciting direction in his to see who documents the most career path. butterfl y species in Alberta – for 2013, between March 1 and Nov. 15. 2014 Hypothermic The winner was Dave Half Marathon Nature Alberta & Lawrie, from Edmonton, who reported forty-three species; On behalf of all of us at he was awarded an original Nature Alberta, we would like Cheyenne Lemery, Nature commissioned work of butterfl y to thank the volunteers that Alberta’s Communications art by Alberta artist Charity participated in the February Specialist, wants you to know Dakin. Second place was Colleen 2014 Hypothermic Half that Nature Alberta has its own Raymond, also from Edmonton, Marathon. We’d also like to YouTube channel now. All kinds with forty-one species; she was thank the Running Room for of “good stuff” is there for you to awarded a beautiful print of this fundraising opportunity, view. Visit: Mexican Bluewing (Myscelia we appreciate the ongoing ethusa) - a Butterfl y Life Cycle support we have received. youtube.com/naturealberta painting by Nan Wilson. Even in those temperatures For information about ALG – the morning of the (which is a Nature Alberta February 23 runs was the Affi liate Club), check their second coldest of 2014! – website: www.biology.ualberta. we demonstrated that it is ca/uasm/alg/. possible to get outside AND enjoy being active throughout Also of interest: ALG members winter! Proceeds raised have published an annotated list from both Hypothermic Half of the Lepidoptera of Alberta, Marathons go to support listing 2,367 species reported to programming at Nature occur in the province. The pdf Alberta and to ensure nature is at: ZooKeys 38 (2010) Special in Alberta is widely enjoyed Issue. doi:10.3897/zookeys.38.383 and deeply appreciated. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!
YNC Summer Staff Nature Alberta’s Young Naturalists Club summer staff this year are Emily Dong and Alyssa Bohart. Emily will be spear-heading Family Nature Nights this year and Alyssa will be working on outreach throughout the province. Both of them are a great addition to the Nature Alberta team, and Project Manager Candace Farrar looks forward to working with them this summer! 10 NatureAlberta
Nature Diary: Red Crossbill BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN
In fourteen years, I’d never seen a Red Crossbill in our yard. I fi gured that if these nomadic birds were in the area, they probably had fl own right on by, because we have so few conifer trees.
So when Al took a front view one. Chilled by the wind, as feeder eating sunfl ower seeds. I picture of a bird in the apple the sun disappeared behind was so focused on the apple tree tree that he didn’t recognize the advancing clouds, I focused that I hadn’t once looked at the and asked me to identify it, I my attention on the tree, and covered willow feeder, and almost stated with confi dence that the combed its branches for the missed seeing the crossbills, which fi ery orange- and red-coloured reddish bird amongst the Black- were smack-dab in front of me. bird was a male White-winged capped Chickadees, American Although the birds were partly Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera), Goldfi nches, and Pine Siskins. I obscured in the feeder, I took which I had seen here twice kept my eyes glued on the tree a few photos. When the female recently extracting seeds from for over fi ve minutes, hoping it fl ew down onto the perch by the spruce cones. might return. bird bath, I took two more before Immediately I went into the Suddenly I noticed some she hopped down for a drink. bird blind, not wanting to movement in the willow feeder, When she fl ew off, the other two miss an opportunity to see a which was six feet straight followed, ending my short, thirty White-winged Crossbill again ahead of the bird blind. There second look at the cone-heads. and hopefully photograph were three crossbills in the Anxious to see the photos I’d taken of what I thought were White-winged Crossbills, I downloaded them onto my computer. The fi rst thing I noticed was that none of the birds had white wing bars. Realizing then that they were Red Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra), I went online and looked at several photos of the adult birds. Then I clicked on a photo of an immature Red
IMMATURE RED CROSSBILL. DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN SPRING 2014 11
MALE RED CROSSBILL. FEMALE RED CROSSBILL. DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN
Crossbill and was surprised to see a heavily streaked brown bird. Minutes later, I opened my own folder on Pine Siskins, and had myself a good laugh, as I looked at a picture I’d taken six years ago, of a bird I’d labelled as a Pine Siskin. It turned out, my Pine Siskin wasn’t a Pine Siskin at all, but an immature Red Crossbill. Being an avid birder for several years, I thought I was fairly knowledgeable on the subject, and was proud when friends would send me a photo, asking: what kind of bird is this? Fortunately for me, no one had ever sent me a THE CROSSBILLS picture of an immature Red Crossbill to identify, leaving my reputation as a knowledgeable birder intact. Had they, In Alberta, the Red Crossbill is rarer than the more I would have told them the exact words I’d captioned by common and more widely distributed White-winged my picture, “An odd Pine Siskin with an abnormally large Crossbill. However, the two species share much in body and a deformed bill.” common. Conifers are their lifeblood, and their unusual “crossed bills” adaptation enables them to extract conifer I felt humbled by the experience and realized that I still seeds – their preferred food – by prying open the cones. have a lot to learn. Now, if I see a bird that I don’t know They both breed in similar habitats, the timing of which is like the back of my hand, I consult my bird books fi rst, closely associated with the abundance or scarcity of cones. before offering any advice. Thus, both Red and White-winged Crossbills are highly nomadic and, unusual as well for songbirds, crossbills can breed throughout most of the year. Like many naturalists, Debbie and Alan Godkin, from Westlock AB, - Information from Nature Alberta’s The Atlas of Breeding have numerous stories of their experiences with nature – stories they Birds of Alberta: A Second Look. love to share with other naturalists in this “NATURE DIARY” series! 12 NatureAlberta
In
Memoriam AL OEMING AND HIS CHEETAH, TAWANA. Al Oeming TODD OEMING April 9, 1926 – March 17, 2014
BY JOHN WARDEN
‘Bring ‘Em back Alive’, was the hundreds of species of animals: Al Oeming was a tireless promoter title of the Classics Illustrated white rhinoceros, silver back of the Alberta Game Farm and comic book about Frank Buck mountain gorillas, giraffe, caribou, participated in the production of that I had read as a young boy Siberian tigers, snow leopards, a number of feature fi lms: Land growing up in Edmonton. Buck lynx, deer, elk, kudu, eland, sable of the Black Bear, Window on the was an American hunter and and wolves and cougars, just to Wilds, Galapagos, Wild Splendor, collector of wild animals who name a few. By the early 1970s, the National Geographic special became famous in the 1930’s and the Alberta Game Farm was Journey to the High Artic, the CBC 40’s as a movie actor and writer one of the largest private animal television series Al Oeming: Man in the United States. Little did collections in the world. of the North, the Wild Kingdom I know then, that we had our and The Alan Hamel show. Our family fi rst visited the Game own world famous collector of Farm in the early sixties and My Dad took me to the Northern wild animals just next door in continued to visit a few more Alberta Jubilee Auditorium to Strathcona County. Al Oeming, times over the years. One of watch one of those feature fi lms, who passed away this past the family stories we still tell Journey to the High Arctic. It was March was a zoologist, naturalist, centers around visiting the cougar great to have a special time with award winning public voice for enclosure. My brother Tim was my Dad and the moose, wolves conservation, and owner and maybe a year old or so and my and musk ox that were featured operator of the Alberta Game mother was pushing him in a were fascinating. I remember Farm. stroller. As she pushed him along thinking, ‘Wow, could anything In the early 1950’s, Oeming, a the front of the tall chain link be better than to live the life of Al zoology student at the University fence that housed the big cats, Oeming’. of Alberta, visited an area east of one of the cougars followed on Very involved in public outreach Sherwood Park to study snowshoe inside, matching my mother’s and education, Oeming made hares with his professor, William pace. Its eyes though were fi rmly presentations at classrooms and Rowan. He completed his master’s fi xed on Tim. We called my little auditoriums across Canada and thesis on Great Grey Owls in 1955 brother ‘Tim burger’ for a few spent a lot of time presenting and in 1959, opened the Alberta weeks after that, as it was pretty at towns and settlements in the Game Farm, a 1,400-acre facility at clear that’s what was on the north. On a couple of occasions, Highway 14 and Range Road 223. cougar’s mind. our Dad, a pilot, fl ew him into Over the years, it grew to house SPRING 2014 13 one of those northern settlements The last time I visited the park knees. Of course, I tumbled over and would come home to tell us was around 1980 or so when the backwards and into the snow. stories around the dinner table Game Farm had been reduced Foolish, I know, but what a of Al Oeming and his cheetah, in size and re-branded as the memory. It was a lesson on the Tawana. My fascination with Polar Park. It was a brutally cold fi rst rule of nature photography - sketching and drawing cheetahs winter’s day and there were look, but don’t disturb. resulted and I think it’s fair to say no other guests at the park. Polar Park closed in the late that Al Oeming was responsible My brother Al and I wanted nineties and after that, Oeming for inspiring thousands of young to practice some cold weather remained active and busy clearing people in Canada with an wildlife photography and found trails, looking after his horses and appreciation for our Canadian ourselves down at the cage for chickens and banding owls, right wildlife and their environment. the snow leopards. These are up until the time of his death. amazingly beautiful animals and In 1964, Oeming was awarded in the cold, their hot breath was It seems unlikely that I will the Everly Medal for Excellence clouding the inside of their cage. I ever see another snow leopard in Conservation by the United stepped over the knee-high railing so close to home and the States Government. That same that was meant to keep visitors world unfortunately, will never year, he toured China as a guest back from the cages. Holding my see another Al Oeming. An of the Chinese government, camera right up against the wire adventurer, a champion and an observing the breeding programs mesh of the enclosure, I had just educator – what a great life you of the rare and exotic species of clicked the shutter release when had, Al. Thanks for inspiring me that country. His own efforts in one of the cats let out a terrifying and all the other people, young establishing breeding programs in growl. Shocked and scared, heart and old, who heard you speak Canada resulted in his honourary pounding, I jumped backwards, over the years about the beauty doctorate of law from the away from the cage, catching and wonder of nature and her University of Alberta in 1972. the railing with the back of my wildlife.
Parts of the above tribute were based on the obituary published in the Edmonton Journal on 29 March 2014.
Young Birder of the Year Winner
Winners of the American Birding Association’s North American- wide “Young Birder of the Year” contest have been announced, and Charlotte Wasylik from Vermilion placed third in the Field Notebook 14-18 category. Charlotte operates the very interesting prairiebirder.wordpress.com blog, as well as Facebook and Twitter accounts. Congratulations, Charlotte! 14 NatureAlberta
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta Go! BY JOHN WARDEN JOHN WARDEN
While Mary Schaffer’s photographs Schaffer and her party weren’t just a treasure maybe, new lands or even of the Alberta Rockies are evocative on vacation, they were on a quest. esoteric things like truth, or spirituality. and historically signifi cant, it was Understanding the difference has In 1907, Schaffer, who was originally her writing that really grabbed added a powerful new dimension from Pennsylvania, spoke openly that my attention. While reading her to how I think about photography. the objective of her particular quest was book, Old Indian Trails of the to fi nd what was then considered the A quest is a personal journey in Canadian Rockies, I realized that near mythical Chaba Imne, the lake we search of something important:
GO!. JOHN WARDEN SPRING 2014 15
PARKER RIDGE. JOHN WARDEN
know today as Maligne. In her to venture into the unknown. though are particularly worth book though, Schaffer confi des Answering the call involves exploring within the space of this that that the real purpose of her a journey in which the hero, article: the road of trials, meeting quest was to “learn daily those usually accompanied by a helper with the goddess and the return to secrets which dear Mother Nature or spiritual guide, is tested and the ordinary world. is so willing to tell to those who challenged. Along this road of The road of trials stage of the heroic seek”. trials, the hero meets a feminine quest is meant to test the mettle goddess fi gure who brings a I too am such a secret seeker. of the hero. Think of The Matrix, fullness to the hero’s character What really struck me about her Star Wars and Lord of the Rings as and helps him realize the spiritual book though were the similarities examples that epitomize this stage signifi cance of his quest. In between her journey of discovery of the quest. Walk- a-bit, fi ght-a- completing the quest, the hero and what author Joseph Campbell, bit and walk-a-bit captures the is enlightened and returns to in his book The Hero with a essence. Mary Schaffer’s descriptions his ordinary world with a new Thousand Faces, describes as a of her road of trials models the understanding which he uses to hero’s quest. Campbell archetype. She and her improve humanity. travel companions were boiled and According to Campbell, a heroic Most of the stages of Campbell’s burned by the sun and then frozen quest usually follows a framework hero’s quest can be found in by the perishing cold. They followed where an ordinary person, living Schaffer’s book. Three of them mountain trails through burned an ordinary life, receives a call 16 NatureAlberta
SCHAFFER’S DESCRIPTION OF BOW LAKE IS PERHAPS AS FINE AS ANY EVER WRITTEN. JOHN WARDEN
out forests that cracked and goddess. As an example, think mountain lakes refl ect snow covered crackled like matchsticks, faced of Frodo meeting with Lady rocky peaks, wildfl owers and wild life tempestuous river crossings, fallen Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings. abound. Mary’s words transport us to timber and then were buffeted by The goddess fi gure represents the a wondrous, almost imaginative, fairy wind storms, rain storms, thunder heart of the quest. We know from tale world. Yet hers is a true story, an storms and snow storms. They reading Joseph Campbell and actual, made-in-Alberta, heroic quest faced mosquitoes and black fl ies, from watching quest movies that with a real secret that Mary reveals to forest fi res and tent fi res. They the goddess’ job is to point the us herself: built their campfi res in mud, hero in the direction of his or her Go! I hand you the key to one of they ate in mud, slept in mud own heart. ‘To thine own self be the fairest of God’s many gardens. and tramped through mud. They true’, as was said in another, even Go! Peace and health are there, and were nearly drowned, their horses more famous heroic quest. happiness for [those] who will search fl oundered in the muskeg and In meeting the goddess, Mary (Schaffer, 1911). once, Mary succumbed to snow Schaffer met Mother Nature. blindness. And most of those The secret is the search itself. Fittingly, Schaffer’s accounts of events occurred during the fi rst her positive experiences in nature We however, don’t have to search for year. read like luscious poetry and mythical lakes to see things that stir A good quest though, like a good are elegant and artistic words the feelings of our very soul. We do, novel or movie, should never of the heart. Alpine fl owers are though, have to search. Fortunately, in be just about the road of trials. rimmed in frost needles. The Alberta, that’s not hard. Sunshine on A good quest also tantalizes the moon’s rays are fi ltered through cattails, a prairie sunrise, a rainbow, or hero through a meeting with the spruce boughs. Emerald green misty mountain lakes are commonplace SPRING 2014 17 wonders in our province and all we also an artist and a painter, hand- Preserve. So, she took action and need do is open the door and go. coloured the transparent slides of lobbied for the re-inclusion of Maligne Peace, happiness and wonder await her images. The lantern slides as Lake within Jasper Park (Reichwein & our search. they were called, were used for MacDermott, 2009). presentations to lift the spirits of In 1908, Mary Schaffer and her By sharing her photographs and her soldiers who were convalescing party of adventurers set out on the stories, and by passionately lobbying overseas after World War One and second season of their journey and the governments of the day, the to attract tourists to the Canadian completed their quest. They found Preserve was eventually restored to Rockies (Lang, 2011). the lake called Chaba Imne and “the its original boundaries. Maligne Lake fi nest view any of us had ever seen As in her quest, Schaffer elevated was once again protected for all. in the Rockies.” sharing from the ordinary to the Michale Lang, Executive Director and extraordinary. When she set off Chief Curator of the Whyte Museum of A quest though, is never just about on her quest in 1907, the lake she the Canadian Rockies in Banff, states achieving the goal. The hero’s was searching for was part of the that Schaffer’s contribution to the journey requires the long road home Jasper Park Forest Preserve. It was protection of Maligne Lake is a gift to and, once back in the ordinary protected. But, by 1911, when she all those who visit today. world, the sharing of the secret of completed the fi rst formal survey the quest. And sharing was another Mary’s gift to me, though, was the of the lake, the forest reserve had of Mary Schaffer’s lasting legacies. understanding that I too am on a been reduced in size and Maligne journey of discovery. I’m calling it Photographs in those days were Lake was no longer part of the a vision quest: to really see, with black and white. But, Mary who was
ALONG THE ICEFIELD PARKWAY. JOHN WARDEN 18 NatureAlberta
THEY FOLLOWED MOUNTAIN TRAILS THROUGH BURNED OUT FORESTS THAT CRACKED AND CRACKLED LIKE MATCHSTICKS. JOHN WARDEN
heightened awareness, the awesome beauty of the natural world around me. And the cornerstone of my vision quest is Mary Schaffer’s secret. Go! Majesty, solitude and wonder are there for those who search.
Works Cited Campbell, J. (2008). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Novato, California: New World Library. Lang, M. (2011). An Adventurous Woman Abroad: The Selected Lantern Slides of Mary T.S. Schaffer. Rocky Mountain Books. Reichwein, P., & MacDermott, L. (2009). Opening the Secret Garden. In Culturing Wilderness in Jasper National Park: Studies in Two Centuries of Human History in the Upper Athabasca River Watershed; edited by I.S. MacLaren. University of Alberta Press. Schaffer, M. T. (1911). Old Indian Trails, Incidents of Camp and Trail Life, Covering Two Years’ Exploration through the Rocky Mountains of Canada. London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. A PRAIRIE SUNRISE. JOHN WARDEN
Check out John Warden’s updated website: www.jwardenphotography.com, with a new look and many photographs. Plus, also on the site are his past Nature Alberta articles. www.jwardenphotography.com SPRING 2014 19 Eyes on IBAs eBird: A Great New Tool! BY ERIN CAMPBELL With spring (hopefully) here to stay, I know that birders everywhere are starting to get out and visit Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Many species have already returned and annual birding events all over the province are gearing up! But what to do with all those bird counts? eBird is a great tool for logging allows it to be accessible to the both to a community of like- the data collected after an public, but also researchers, and minded people, and to a larger afternoon out birding or even as such can aid conservation work community of citizen scientists just incidental sightings, and it’s in your area. Organizations like and conservationists across North really easy to use. After setting Bird Studies Canada use eBird to America. up an account and selecting your track trends in distribution and eBird can be found at www.ebird. location, you can start logging population size occurring over org. Additionally, if you would your identifi cations. It will guide several years, and you can even like some data sheets for bird you through the process, asking upload old bird counts into eBird counts in Alberta’s IBAs, please questions such as where you as “historical data” if you have it. email [email protected], and were, how many people were This way, you can be sure that our bird conservation staff will with you, and the type of birding your birding data is being put to email you an electronic template you were doing (ie: were you good use. that you can print and take out doing point counts or just casually In addition to the benefi t of with you into the fi eld. walking through a natural area?). this tool to researchers, eBird is Once you fi ll in that information, also a community. Birders can you can start listing the number of be alerted to sightings of rare species that you saw, along with species in their area and try to get any notes about your sightings out and spot them before they that are of interest. You can also leave. eBird also ranks the top use eBird to see what others birders in each area according to have spotted in recent days, or to the number of species identifi ed confi rm an identifi cation if you are as well as the number of eBird unsure of whether or entries. We all know that a little not a species is usually friendly competition never hurt present in your area anyone, so keep eBird in mind during a certain time. while out birding this summer. ON AUG 8, 2012, TWELVE YEAR OLD LIRON Logging data this way It’s a direct way of contributing GERTSMAN, OF VANCOUVER, SUBMITTED THE 100 MILLIONTH OBSERVATION TO EBIRD. EBIRD.ORG Erin is Nature Alberta’s Bird Conservation Program Coordinator. 20 NatureAlberta White-fl owered Alpine Poppy (Papaver kluanense) D. Löve in Banff National Park GEORGE W. SCOTTER1, HAROLD AND VELMA MARTIN2, WILLIAM J. LEACH3
While hiking in the Lake Louise area on 5 August 2011, Harold and Velma Martin observed and photographed white-fl owered poppies below the north and south summits of Lipalian Mountain (maximum elevation of about 2715 m).
Travelling down slope about one Since poppies with white fl owers and Cody (1980), Moss (1983), Kiger km to the east to what is locally have never been reported within and Murray (1997), Douglas et al. known as the Purple Mound, the alpine zone of Alberta, Scotter (1999), Cody (2000), Solstad (2007, because of its distinctively- requested and was granted a 2008) and Solstad et al. (nd). Based coloured rock, they found more research and collecting permit by on detailed work by Solstad and her white-fl owered poppies growing Parks Canada. Scotter, Leach, and colleagues, the plant was identifi ed as immediately below the summit at Harold Martin explored both sites Alpine Poppy (Papaver kluanense D. approximately 2640 m, 51 25’ 58”N together on 27 July 2013. Samples Löve). They used amplifi ed fragment and 116 05’06”W. for morphological and molecular length polymorphisms (AFLP) to fi nd studies were collected at the Purple genetical groups, and studied 90 They visited the same sites on 14 Mound site by Scotter (Collection morphological characters for species July and 21 September 2012. By the No. BNP001). delimitations. DNA ploidy was also time of their September visit the investigated. This study confi rms that seed capsules were fully developed The poppies collected were short P. radicatum is restricted to northern and the seeds mostly dispersed. perennials with the scapes from Europe, consequently this will require Based on their photographs, 8-15 cm high, covered with soft, changes to the treatment of North Scotter tentatively identifi ed the spreading hairs. The leaves were all American species since several have plants as white-fl owered morphs of basal and deeply divided into 3-5 been assigned under this name. Papaver Arctic Poppy (Papaver radicatum lobes while the blades were pale kluanense was included in a tree group spp. kluanensis) (D. Löve) D. F. green and densely hairy on both with other Beringian North American Murray, which is considered rare in sides. Flowers were solitary at the species of Papaver, such as P. hultenii Alberta (Kershaw et al. 2001). end of the scapes with white petals and P. uintaense. The Banff National (Fig 1, inside front cover). Sepals The Martins mentioned the poppies Park specimens show morphological of the calyx were densely dark- to Bill Leach. He and Arnold differences from those indicated in the hirsute. Oblong capsules, twice as Westberg visited the sites on 17 keys but perhaps not enough to merit long as broad, were about 1 cm July 2012 and took photographs species rank. For example, we counted long with stiff, black hairs. Disc of the poppies. On 15 July 2013 from 12 to 31 stamens contrasted with rays ranged from 5-7 and stamen Leach led a fi eld trip to the sites 16 or 20-30 for P. kluanense and 24 numbers from 12 to 31. for members of the Alberta Native to 32 for P. uintaense reported by Plant Council. Photographs were Scotter used several keys and Solstad et al. (nd). In addition, capsules taken but specimens were not references in identifying the had 5 - 7 disc rays rather than 6 - 7 collected. collected material including Porsild for P. kluanense and 4 or 5 – 6 for P. uintaense as indicated by Solstad et al. (nd). The Banff material has scape hairs 1 308-1963 Durnin Road, Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7Y4. that are dense, long and spreading, and 2 20-615 Glenmeadows Road, Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1N9. dark in colour. 3 511 Deerside Place SE, Calgary, Alberta T2J 6A1. WILLIAM J. LEACH
SPRING 2014 21
Papaver kluanense was fi rst described from what is now Kluane National Park, southwestern Yukon Territory, by Löve and Freedman (1956). Its distribution was mapped by Löve (1969) and Kiger and Murray (1997), as P. radicatum subsp. kluanense. The range is in three parts. The fi rst part is in northern British Columbia, the southern western Yukon and southeastern Alaska (P. kluanense s. str.). The second part is in southwestern Alberta and adjacent southeastern British Columbia, where Fedde (1909) reported P. nudicaule var. columbianum. Research by Loehr et al. (2006) and morphology studies of Papaver beeringianum), Alpine Springbeauty suggests there may have been from that area are required to (Claytonia megarhiza), Wedgeleaf small ice-free refugia between the determine if there are more Saxifrage (Saxifraga adscendens), Cordilleran and Laurentide Ice than one species in what is now One-headed Pussytoes (Antennaria Shields during the last glaciation considered to be P. kluanense. monocephala), Pallas’ Wallfl ower (Erysimum pallasii), Silky Phacelia in the southern Canadian Rockies. The Purple Mound site contained (Phacelia sericea) and a few Work by Golden and Bain (2000) about 100 individual or clumps bryophytes and lichens. These plants suggests some plants in the Packera of poppies. Their distribution was appear to benefi t from the winter genus may have survived in such largely limited to immediately snow accumulation, which provides glacial refugia or in nunatak below the Purple Mound summit. snowmelt water until early summer. isolation in southwestern Alberta. Estimated number of poppies Papaver species may have survived below the summit of Lipalian According to the geological map of in a similar manner. The third part Mountain was similar to that of the area, the rock unit is the Hector is in Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, the Purple Mound site but the Formation of the Miette Group (Price Utah, and Wyoming, which is plants were more scattered. The et al. 1980). Hector rock is mostly south of the Pleistocene glaciation, plants were found on northern, gray slate (Gadd 1995); the eastern where Fedde (1909) reported P. northeastern and northwestern slopes of Lipalian Mountain consist nudicaule var. coloradense. Welsh exposures and on shallow slopes. primarily of weathered, splintery slate. et al. (2003) gave the name of P. Judging from the photographs The unit does contain pyrite (iron uintaense to the southern group. taken and the fi eld observations, sulphide, FeS2). With weathering, the Papaver kluanense and P. uintaense the fl owering period in 2013 iron oxidizes and colours the exposed are closely related, and distinctly extended from about 10 July until layers, such as the Purple Mound, different in AFLP markers, but early August. bright red and purplish from the iron- only showing clear differences oxide mineral hematite (Ben Gadd, The wind-swept alpine slopes in three out of 27 morphological pers. com.). where the poppies occur are characters (Solstad et al., nd). sparsely vegetated. Associated Although not studied genetically, a Solstad et al. (nd) did not include species included Woolly Fleabane single recessive gene mutant probably material for southwestern Alberta (Erigeron lanatus), Dwarf Alpine causes the white-fl owered morphs of and southeastern British Columbia Hawksbeard (Crepis nana), the Alpine Poppy. Flower colour is in the molecular analyses; it was Whitlow-grass (Draba spp.) therefore probably not taxonomically limited to the study of herbarium Bering Chickweed (Cerastium meaningful in Papaver sect. specimens. Future AFLP analyses WILLIAM J. LEACH
22 NatureAlberta
Meconella. Griffi ths and Ganders Fedde, F. 1909. Vier neue Formen (1983) reported that white-fl ower von Papaver nudicaule aus dem mutants are relatively common in pazifi schen Gebiete. Repertorium Specierum Novarum Regni Vegetabilis fl owers with anthocyanin pigments, 7:255-257. but rare in yellow fl owers. Scotter Gadd, B. 1995. Handbook of the Canadian has noted wide variation in the Rockies. Second edition, Corax Press. fl ower colour in Papaver kluanense Jasper, Alberta. 829 p. within the Canadian Rockies. Plants Golden, J. L. and J. F. Bain. 2000. above the tramway near Jasper Phylogeographic patterns and high town site and in the Bald Hills near levels of chloroplast DNA diversity in four Packera (Asteraceae) species Maligne Lake in Jasper National in southwestern Alberta. Evolution Park tend to be sulphur-yellow 54:1566-1579. (Scotter and Flygare 2007, see Griffi ths, A. J. F. and F. R. Ganders. 1983. photo on page 124), those in Mount Wildfl ower Genetics: a fi eld guide for British Columbia and the Pacifi c Assiniboine Provincial Park tend to Scotter, G. W. and H. Flygare. 2007. Northwest. Flight Press. Vancouver, be pale yellow (Scotter 2000), to Wildfl owers of the Rocky Mountains. British Columbia. 215 p. white near Lake Louise as reported Whitecap, Vancouver. 255 p. Kiger, R. W. and D. F. Murray. 1997. Scotter, G. W. 2000. Report of the vascular in this note. Papaver Linnaeus. In: Flora of North plants seen at Mount Assiniboine America Editorial Committee. Flora Herbarium vouchers are deposited Provincial Park. In: Coope, M. (ed.) of North America North of Mexico. at the University of Oslo Herbarium, VNHS summer 2000 camp at Mount Volume 3 Magnoliophyta: Magnoliidae Assiniboine Provincial Park. Pp. 28-31. the University of Alberta Herbarium, and Hamamelidae. Oxford University and the University of British Press, New York. Pp. 323-333. Solstad, H. 2007. Papaveraceae. In: Aiken, S. G. (ed.), M. J. Dallwitz, L. L. Consaul, Columbia Herbarium. Kershaw, L., J. Gould, D. Johnson and J. C. L. McJannet, R. L. Boles, G. W. Argus, Lancaster (eds.) 2001. Rare vascular J. M. Gillett, P. J. Scott, R. Elven, M. C. Extreme wind limited the time spent plants of Alberta. University of Alberta LeBlanc, L. J. Gillespie, A. K. Brysting, in the fi eld on July 27. It appears Press, Edmonton, Alberta. 484 p. H. Solstad and J. G. Harris. 2007. Flora that the population of poppies at Loehr, J., K. Worley, A. Grapputo, J. of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. CD- the two sites is extremely small. Carey, A. Veitch and D. W. Coltman. ROM, NRC Research Press, Ottawa. 2006. Evidence for cryptic glacial Additional collecting should be Solstad, H. 2008. Taxonomy and evolution refugia from North American mountain restricted until the distribution and of diploid and polyloidy Papaver sect. sheep mitochondrial DNA. Journal of Meconella (Papaveraceae). Ph. D. thesis, size of the populations are better Evolutionary Biology 19:419-430. determined. National Centre for Biosystematics, Löve, Á. 1969. Papaver at high altitudes National History Museum, University of We thank Dr. Heidi Solstad for in the Rocky Mountains. Brittonia Oslo, Norway. 245 pp. 21:1-10. studying our specimens and for Solstad, H., D. Ehrich, L. G. Kvernstuen, P. Löve, D. and N. J. Freedman. 1956. A Trávnicek and R. Elven. nd. Taxonomic useful comments on this note. Dr. plant collection from SW Yukon. Derek Johnson provided comments variation in a complex polyploidy Botaniska Notiser 109:153-211. plant group – Papaver sect. Meconella on the note as well. Moss, E. H. 1983. Flora of Alberta. Second (Papaveraceae) – inferred by amplifi ed edition. University of Toronto Press. fragment length polymorphisms, Literature Cited Toronto, Ontario. 687 p. morphology and DNA ploidy. In: Solstad, Cody, W. J. 2000. Flora of the Yukon Porsild, A. E. and W. J. Cody. 1980. H. 2008. Taxonomy and evolution of Territory. Second edition. NRC Vascular Plants of Continental diploid and polyloidy Papaver sect. Research Press, Ottawa, Ontario. 669 Northwest Territories, Canada. Meconella (Papaveraceae). Ph. D. thesis, p. National Museums of Canada. Ottawa, National Centre for Biosystematics, Ontario. 667 p. Douglas, G. W., D. Meidinger and J. National History Museum, University of Pojar. 1999. Illustrated Flora of Price, R. A., D. G. Cook, J. D. Aitken Oslo, Norway. 245 pp. British Columbia. Vol. 4. Ministry of and E. W. Mountjoy. 1980. Geology, Welsh, S. L., N. D. Atwood, S. Goodrich, Environment, Lands and Parks and Lake Louise (East Half), Alberta and and L. Higgins. 2003. A Utah Flora. Third Ministry of Forests, Victoria, British British Columbia. Geological Survey edition. Monte L. Bean Science Museum, Columbia. 427 p. of Canada Map 1482A (1:50,000-scale Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. geological map and structure sections). 912 pp. SPRING 2014 23 2013 May Species Count for Birds BY JUDY BOYD
The number of species went up Alberta; Indigo Bunting was seen at Stone and Taber-Vauxhall; Chestnut- this year: 275 this year from 272 Claresholm; Greater White-fronted sided Warbler at Cold Lake and Lac La last year. However, the number Goose, Ross’ Goose, Sabine’s Biche; Black-throated Green Warbler, of individual birds went down: Gull, Sedge Wren, Blackburnian Palm Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, 209,381 this year from 257,605 last Warbler were each seen at Cold and Canada Warbler each seen at year. In 2012, the most numerous Lake; Dusky Grouse, Black-chinned Cold Lake and Fort McMurray; Harris’s species was Franklin’s Gull with Hummingbird were each seen Sparrow at Brooks and Medicine Hat; 38,894. Second was Cliff Swallow at Crowsnest Pass; Black-backed McCown’s Longspur at Brooks and with 15,953 and third was Canada Woodpecker, Mourning Warbler Milk River/Writing-on-Stone. Goose with 10,752. This year, the were each seen at Fort McMurray; Last year we had only one species in most numerous species was again Bohemian Waxwing, Nelson’s all areas. This year we had fi ve species Franklin’s Gull with 15,441, second Sparrow were each seen at Lac La in all areas: Canada Goose, Mallard, was Canada Goose with 10,685 and Biche; Common Redpoll was seen Blue-winged Teal, Wilson’s Snipe and third was Red-winged Blackbird at Medicine Hat; Spruce Grouse Tree Swallow. Last year eight species with 10,083. and Stellar’s Jay were each seen at were found in all but one area, and Waterton. This year, 30 species were found six species were found in all but two in only one location around the 16 species were found in 2 areas. This year seven species were province: Virginia Rail was seen locations around the province: found in all but one area: Buffl ehead, at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park; Harlequin Duck, Yellow Rail, Sora, Black-billed Magpie, American Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch was at BowKanBirders and Cold Robin, Chipping Sparrow, Clay- seen at BowKanBirders; Eurasian Lake; Red-breasted Merganser coloured Sparrow and Red-winged Wigeon, Red Knot, Dunlin, at Claresholm and Cold Lake; Blackbird. This year eleven species Burrowing Owl, Long-eared Owl Hudsonian Godwit at Cold Lake were found in all but two areas: were each seen at Brooks; Red- and Calgary; Pectoral Sandpiper American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, throated Loon, American Golden- and Great Gray Owl at Central Red-tailed Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Plover, Western Sandpiper, Arctic Alberta and Calgary; Short-billed Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Tern, Eastern Bluebird, Western Dowitcher at Central Alberta and American Crow, Common Raven, Bluebird, and Sage Thrasher were Brooks; Northern Pygmy Owl at Yellow Warbler, Savannah Sparrow each seen at Calgary; Northern Calgary and Crowsnest Pass; Short- and Brown-headed Cowbird. Saw-whet Owl was seen at Central eared Owl at Milk River/Writing-on-
CAMROSE Be sure to mark your calendars for the Camrose Purple Martin Festival on Sunday, June 22, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. The Festival will be at the Stoney Creek Centre (5320 - 40 Ave., Camrose). The Purple Martin day will feature sessions for aspiring Purple Martin landlords to those who are and want to learn more. The day will also include a fi eld trip as well as a walking tour to see fi rsthand active Purple Martin houses. Children’s activities Festival and a key note speaker will be in attendance to round out the day. Invite your friends and bring the family! JUNE 22, 2014 Registration forms can be found at: www.tourismcamrose.com/events/index/ 24 NatureAlberta
FEATURE ARTICLE WOLVES in ALBERTA: A Perspective BY DENNIS BARESCO
There seems to be no end to the argument surrounding wolves in Canada…“the wolf wars” as it’s been called. The issue is broad, complex and emotional – from the common sense perspective to the wildly irrational – and has been since the fi rst European settlers saw their fi rst Canadian wolf.
Scientists and ecologists want Most of the aforementioned have of the huge and complicated wolf issue, science and facts to guide legitimate or at least partially mostly having to do with controlling the management of wolves. Ranchers legitimate reasons for their stands population. The point is to provide at want to protect their livestock. (which can’t be said for the rabid least some understanding and/or provoke Many hunters don’t like what they slaughter crowd, but that’s best some thought about wolves and their see as the competition. Trappers left to be addressed by psychiatric situation in Alberta. If there’s one thing would like to harvest wolves, professionals!). every intelligent person who cares about certainly rather than see them the environment can agree on, it’s the This series of articles looks at one poisoned or gunned down from indisputable fact that wolves are a vital aspect, from several perspectives, helicopters – though ironically part of ecosystems. some local trapping clubs have offered bounties. Some industries (and their political pawns) use them as scapegoats rather than slow their habitat destruction. Select groups of animal lovers argue against almost any human interference. Many people decry the often inhumane extermination methods, like snares and strychnine. Some would gleefully like to slaughter all predators by any means available, but especially wolves. Some governments seem to wish they could wash their hands from being involved in such a controversy-generating issue, but others jump on the slaughter bandwagon.
AN ALPHA FEMALE OF A BANFF WOLF PACK. JOHN MARRIOTT SPRING 2014 25
Half a century ago searching for wolves in western Alberta was frustrating until routine poison controls were halted
BY DICK DEKKER (THIS ARTICLE – © DICK DEKKER – ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN THE PARKLAND NATURALIST, MAY-AUGUST 2013) The fi rst wolf tracks I ever found date back to the summer The long-held dream of closely observing wolves in the of 1960. It was a memorable occasion, for at that time wild was eventually realized in Jasper National Park. But wolves had been practically poisoned into extinction in the fi rst time Irma and I hiked into the park’s remote all of western Alberta, including the national parks. The Willow Creek district, in June of 1965, we were shocked to location of my fi nd was the upper Baker Creek valley of fi nd out what was still happening to the region’s wolves. Banff National Park. However, once I got back home after Upon our arrival at the backcountry station, Warden the day’s hike and checked the animal track diagrams Norman Woody, who lived all year in his log cabin, said in a hand book, I wasn’t sure anymore of what exactly I that he had seen eight wolves on Rock Lake last winter as had seen. The foot prints of cougar and wolverine looked he set out on snowshoes to walk the nine miles back to his quite similar to those of a wolf. So, the next weekend I cabin. But the next day, he got again hiked up the steep a phone call from the district Baker Creek trail and forest ranger who reported that carefully measured the seven of the wolves had died tracks, until I was confi dent on a poison bait. that these indeed were made by a wolf. Sometime after our trip, I met with the Rock Lake ranger. Finding a second set of Apart from the wolves poisoned wolf tracks had to wait on the lake in the winter of until March 1961, when 1964-65, he said that a trapper, a naturalist friend and I who had been hired by the ventured into the remote Alberta Forestry Department forests northwest of Rocky to set out wolf baits, had been Mountain House. Checking shocked by the number of the margins of a snow- Photo by Brian Genereux animals poisoned near Eagle’s covered bush road for Nest Pass in adjacent Wilmore Wilderness Park. Due to tracks, we were elated to locate fresh sign of a pack of deep snow, he had been unable to collect and remove the eight. It was an important discovery. On the way in, we lethal carrion until well into spring. And when he fi nally had stopped by the offi ce of the regional wildlife offi cer got there, the number of dead wolves was a surprise. to inquire about wolves. He had not seen a track in years, “We did not know there were so many,” said the ranger. but during the 1950s he had personally poisoned 78 In addition, the ground was littered with the carcasses of wolves in the area. Perhaps to please us, he added that he other carnivores and scavengers, including wolverines, had nothing against the wolf. “In fact, I like them better grizzly bears, and eagles. than people.” This was the way wolf control was handled in the poison Before driving back home to Calgary, my companion years. However, things improved after 1966, due to wide- suggested that we report our fi nd to the wildlife offi cer. It spread public protests against the wolf kills, coupled with turned out to be a grave mistake. Two weeks later, back at a change in thinking among wildlife managers. Routine the same location, I was saddened to fi nd a wooden sign poison controls were all but stopped, and the wolves nailed to a roadside tree: “Attention! Poison Baits.” Staked reacted with a vengeance, so to speak, by becoming more on the ice of a nearby lake lay the head and neck of a common than ever. horse. The meat had been treated with ten-eighty, a lethal pesticide commonly used in carnivore control in Alberta. Unfortunately, in recent years, the pendulum has swung back again to control, particularly in western forests where Later that year, I embarked on a summer of exploration caribou have been in decline, mainly as a consequence to the Yukon and Alaska. Finding wolves was paramount of ever-widening habitat destruction. Wolves became an on my list of things to see, and in that regard the trip expendable scapegoat. In my view, the sad thing is that was a success. However, my wilderness adventure ended there has been very little opposition to the use of poison abruptly in a canoe accident that could easily have cost baits, not even from provincial naturalist organisations. me my life. Dick Dekker is an old pro in the wolf wars; he was executive director of the Canadian Wolf Defenders (CWD) from 1980 to 1993, and 10-year editor of WolfNews, published by CWD and sponsored by World Wildlife Fund. In February 1990, he organized the biggest ever public meeting in the Alberta Provincial Museum under the headline “Wolf Management in Alberta”; to read a summary of these proceedings, see
Finding wolves in central Alberta is rare, and their foot prints can be diffi cult to tell from those of a large dog
BY DICK DEKKER (THIS ARTICLE – © DICK DEKKER – ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN THE PARKLAND NATURALIST, MAY-AUGUST 2013) Partly because of my long and often frustrating quest for reserve. In 2012, according to information supplied by the wolves, as related on these pages, coming across their wildlife offi cer stationed at Vegreville, a pack of seven or sign is always a thrill. Like other naturalists, I used to eight was active in a grazing lease near Two Hills, about think of the wolf as a symbol of unspoilt wilderness, a 100 km east of Edmonton. Eventually, three wolves were place where indigenous animal and plant associations trapped and two others shot near the carcass of a calf they were still intact and had not yet been disrupted by had killed. Wolf control measures have also been taken human activities, an increasingly scarce environment in in the Buck Lake grazing lease near Wetaskiwin in central today’s world. However, if given the chance, wolves are Alberta. ever ready to expand their range into settled regions, My records of wolves in central Alberta are limited to including farm lands and towns. fi nding their tracks, which resemble those of their domestic After the termination of routine poisoning, the wolves of cousin. However, the front foot of a large male wolf leaves western Canada have greatly increased in number, and a bigger print than any dog. Oval in shape, it can spread to yearlings are known to disperse over long distances. So, 9-10 cm wide by 11-13 cm long. Tracks of that size can be it should not be surprising that some roam far south and attributed with certainty to a wolf, particularly if they are east of their usual breeding range. This is indeed the not associated with the presence of people. case, but to recognize them as wolves can be diffi cult I have found the odd track of maximum size near since they come in a variety of pelage colours and Wabamun and on the southeast shore of Cooking Lake. might resemble a coyote or domestic dog, and size is an And some years ago, wolf-like tracks of a smaller format unreliable criterion in fi eld sightings. were common on the banks of the North Saskatchewan Personally I have yet to see an animal that looked like a River between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan. One wolf in the Edmonton area, but others have. On April 22 day I met the local coyote trapper and asked whether he of 2005, the Edmonton Journal carried a detailed letter had ever found wolf sign. The answer was positive. He from Paige Hacking, who lives on an acreage just north had actually seen one. In reply to my question what the of Devon, not far from the North Saskatchewan River animal’s colour was, black or grey? He replied: “Both! valley. Under the title “Trust me, there are wolves out There are actually two wolves around here.” there,” her story gives a very plausible account of a close Although I have continued to walk the same river bank encounter with two wolves. trail, I have not come across any more wolf sign for a More recently, a wolf-like canid was photographed at Big while. But I keep on looking. Lake, and there are a number of current reports from Elk Island National Park and the adjacent Blackfoot grazing For more details on Dick Dekker’s wolf observations, see his books: 1985. Wild Hunters. CWD publication, Edmonton, AB. ISBN 0-919091- 16-4 1997. Wolves of the Rocky Mountains -- From Jasper to Yellowstone. Hancock House Publishers, Surrey, BC. ISBN 0-88839-416-0 2002. Wildlife Adventures in the Canadian West. Rocky Mountain Books, Calgary, AB. ISBN 1-894765-36-2
WOLFNEWS 1990 Time does not change everything! In 1990, Dick Dekker wrote a three-page article for WolfNews (Vol 8, # 1, March 1990) entitled “CWD Organizes Forum on Wolf Management in Alberta.” The same issues are just as topical in 2014. Read the article on Nature Alberta’s webpage: www.naturealberta.ca, under “Nature Issues.”
Photo by Keith Lengle Along the highway west of Jasper. CAROL PATTERSON SPRING 2014 27
Wolves Matter! BY WWW.WOLFMATTERS.ORG
The excellent and information- packed website, www.wolfmatters. org, is dedicated to raising awareness about issues relating to wolves in Alberta. It is being developed to support the efforts of individuals and organizations who are raising concerns about how wolves are managed and treated in the province. resulting in the deaths of other the province, based on sound Wolf Matters is a local group made animals such as owls, eagles, scientifi c knowledge and public up of concerned citizens; it has no foxes, etc. support. offi cial affi liation. Its Mission is: • The ongoing proliferation of • Banning the use of strychnine and The wolf has been eradicated in bounties/incentive programs other poisons that are cruel and much of the world, and has faced targeting wolves by municipalities. can affect non-target species. alarming hostility in the U.S. • The cruel and outdated methods • Banning the use of snares, which since losing federal protection in by which wolves may be killed. are torture devices. August, 2012. We as Albertans are very fortunate to have them • The use of culling as a • The humane treatment of wolves still in our midst, but they are in management tool. Culling (At present they have very little, need of our help. is ineffective and leaves the if any protection, compared with remaining population of this other species, making them a Wolves, and Wolf Matters, face a highly intelligent animal in a vulnerable scapegoat.) number of challenges, including: distressed, fragmented and Wolf Matters is not trying to save • The government’s use of unstable state. all wolves. It is asking that they be strychnine to poison wolves. Among the actions Wolf Matters managed based on biology, not Strychnine is not only an advocate for are: bigotry, and that they be treated agonizing way to die, it is also humanely. Visit the website to keep • The Government of Alberta regain carried into the food chain yourself up-to-date on the wolf control of wolf management in issue. CURIOUS WOLF PUPS! JOHN MARRIOTT “$250-$1000 for killing a wolf? Are ethical hunters going to step up and speak out about this 28 NatureAlberta and condemn it, or will it just be silence and business as usual?” JOHN MARRIOTT
The Truth about Wolf Bounties BY DWIGHT RODTKA (WITH THANKS TO MYRNA PEARMAN FOR HER INSTRUMENTAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE ARTICLE)
Wolf bounties are one of the these problems might be, killing Counties and Municipal Districts most longstanding, crude and wolves is often singled out as the pay out tens of thousands of ineffective schemes to encourage solution. What could be easier dollars in wolf bounties. Why the indiscriminate killing of than slapping a bounty on them!? should a handful of self-serving, wolves. In Alberta, wolf bounties In Alberta, several municipal misinformed producers and are once again being widely used governments and the Wyoming- politicians be able to infl ict such a despite the long-standing, science- based, Alberta Wild Sheep colossal waste of time, money and based proof that they do not Foundation – supported by local public wildlife resources? work. Alberta Fish and Game Association Alberta ESRD is well aware of and some trapping clubs – offer To the uninformed, bounties seem these bounty initiatives and bounties. The bounty payout to offer a quick fi x and thus are ignores their own biologists who varies, but $250.00 - $500.00 per popular with politicians and many have strongly recommended wolf is common. Hundreds of special interest groups. It is easy against bounties (see list of thousands of dollars have been to make wolves the scapegoats quotes at end of this article). paid out in bounties and, because for all kinds of issues – from Why do they continue to support of these bounties, thousands of putting ranchers out of business a practice that the International wolves have been randomly and to causing the decline (and in the Union for the Conservation of needlessly killed. Private bounties Smoky River caribou situation, the Nature (IUCN) has condemned? – e.g., from the likes of the Wild extirpation) of wild ungulates. Sheep Foundation – are dispensed Pat Long, former president of the Scapegoating wolves and in a cloak of secrecy; the public is Alberta Wild Sheep Foundation implementing bounties is seen not privy to any information about (and current Chair of Alberta by many as the “quick fi x.” The the details of these transactions. Conservation Association), real issues which are fundamental apparently takes pride in having Not only does the Alberta to solving the problems (e.g., introduced wolf bounties into government (we, the taxpayer) land use planning and wildlife Alberta. The Alberta Fish and pay full compensation for all management) are rarely, if ever, Game are now asking for wolf-caused livestock loss, considered. province-wide wolf bounties Alberta Fish and Wildlife conducts to be paid for by taxpayers, Whatever the real causes of control work and the Alberta Trappers on wolves Association believe they need (often using some “incentive” to offset the strychnine costs associated with snaring and which not trapping wolves. only causes painful deaths One of the tragic side effects of but also kills the bounty system is that it has everything dramatically increased the amount that consumes of snaring. Not only are snares it) and barbaric devices which can cause torturously slow deaths, the non- target catch in snares is likely to be staggering. But the non-target/ by-catch issue is also kept secret.
CAROL PATTERSON SPRING 2014 29
WILD WOLVES IN WINTER. JOHN MARRIOTT
The evidence is clear. The populations is doubtful despite STEVAN CROSS [Manager Field Alberta government is allowing many thousands of wolves killed Services] “Scientifi c study has shown wolf bounties as a matter of in North America in the 20th that a bounty has no effect on a political expediency. They would Century” – “where large tracts of predator population” “The wolf rather have thousands of wolves land function as reservoirs for population and associated depredation needlessly killed than to accept wolf populations, bounties can be on livestock may actually increase the responsibility of managing expected to be ineffective” – “The under a public bounty.” our wildlife in a responsible wolf population and associated B MAILE [Wildlife Biologist] and effective manner. Livestock depredation on livestock may “…bounty programs across North producers, hunters and the public actually increase under a public America historically not successful at should be outraged. bounty” reducing wolf/coyote populations.” Through FOIP requests (Access DAVE MOYLES (Senior Wildlife Request 2011-G0046), we have Biologist) “Bounties are not an obtained the following quotes effective form of controlling wolf from Alberta Fish and Wildlife numbers” “….the potential for NATURE ALBERTA AND STRYCHNINE biologists, who state that bounties abuse is great.” are not an effective management Nature Alberta’s 2008 Pesticide Policy NATHAN WEBB [Carnivore tool. states that our organization “supports Specialist with Alberta Fish and the complete ban of the chemical ROB LAMONT [Field Services, Wildlife] “Studies in Alberta and pesticide, strychnine.” The main reason we referring to bounties] “will likely Alaska have indicated that public included a ban on strychnine in the policy create some enforcement issues harvests of wolves are not effective was the indiscriminate and widespread including such things as illegal in reducing wolf populations effects on other wildlife, but also coupled poisoning and illegal trapping” enough to allow increases with generally careless use/misuse and in wild ungulates” “I do not MARK HECKBERT [Fish and limited on-the-ground concerns about believe a bounty program will be Wildlife Manager] “public bounties poisoned carcasses (eg., Wolves, Coyotes, effective…” effectiveness at reducing wolf Richardson’s Ground Squirrels) being scavenged.
Dwight Rodka started work in 1973 as a Predator Control Specialist with the Provincial Government, working with livestock producers and their predation problems which were mainly coyotes and wolves. He was responsible for documentation of livestock kills, training and licensing producers and government personnel in the use of toxicants and other control and management techniques. Late in his career, licensing and inspection of game farms and aquaculture were added to his responsibilities. He offi cially retired in 2012. He has always believed there are many ways we can improve on the management of predators, especially wolves. 30 NatureAlberta
VIDEO: How Wolves Change Rivers “How Wolves Change Rivers” is fascinating to watch. It shows how dramatic environmental changes will occur once apex predators – in this case, wolves in Yellowstone – are allowed to resume a natural course of existence rather than trying to kill them or relocate them. The four minute-plus video has gone viral recently. It may be both exaggerating and oversimplifying the situation (it’s hard to tell such a complex story in only 4.3 minutes); though the video has been criticized by some, it has mostly been praised for its content. Regardless, it is defi nitely worth viewing to get a perspective on how seemingly unrelated events can become intricately related in nature. The wolves have affected the surrounding living ecosystems, but also the physical geography of the land itself. Check it out on YouTube.
Drop Archaic Wolf Bounties: IUCN International scientists and the show leadership to eliminate that are funded by municipal International Union for the indiscriminate wolf bounties and district governments with the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) modernize wolf management,” goal of reducing wolf predation have called on the Alberta states Dr. Lu Carbyn, Canadian on livestock. These programs government to eliminate its representative of the IUCN’s are not based on scientifi c archaic wolf bounties and Canid Specialist Group. “We have management principles. Instead, modernize its wolf management. offered advice and technical they encourage random killing of “The Canid Specialist Group of assistance on this issue as wolves and include methods such the IUCN respectfully encourages needed.” as snaring that do not discriminate the Government of Alberta to by species. Three other wolf IUCN stated that “the bounty programs in Alberta are province of Alberta sponsored by two Alberta based is one of the very user groups and partly funded few jurisdictions by the Wyoming Wild Sheep left, worldwide, that Foundation; their goal is to still uses the bounty reduce wolf predation pressures system to kill wolves on ungulate populations along and coyotes.” The Alberta’s foothills. IUCN also said: “To the best of “It is well known that wolves have our knowledge it high reproductive rates. Random, appears that there low level killing of wolves is not, are at least six wolf therefore, likely to signifi cantly bounty programs increase ungulate numbers.
CAROL PATTERSON SPRING 2014 31
The most effective methods to IUCN is the world’s oldest and IUCN response expressed facilitate increased ungulate largest global environmental their disappointment that populations are to conduct organization with the central the Government “failed to intensive wolf culling, targeting mission of conserving biodiversity. acknowledge the inadequacy of entire packs within a large zone. The IUCN Species Survival this kind of wildlife management, Such programs involve either Commission (SSC) is a science- and further with the advice aerial gunning, or poison. The based network of more than that IUCN redirect its concerns latter methods have been proven 8,500 volunteer experts from to Alberta municipalities; we to be politically and publically almost every country of the understand that in Canada, unacceptable. The former method world, and includes the Canid jurisdictional responsibility is diffi cult to carry out in wooded Specialist Group, with a watch over most wildlife rests with areas, such as those present along on all members of the Canidae, provincial governments.” Having the foothills of Alberta. Instead including wolves. said that, IUCN was at least of the bounty payments that are encouraged by the Government The Alberta Environment currently in place in Alberta, of Alberta recognizing “that and Sustainable Resource we suggest that the Alberta wolves are an important part of Development response to the government adhere to sound a healthy ecosystem. We are also IUCN, from Minister Robin wildlife management practices encouraged to know from Minister Campbell, was certainly less according to North American Campbell that ‘Government than satisfying, in effect limited and International standards. The staff have met with several of to suggesting that the IUCN activities currently in place are the municipalities offering wolf should “contact the individual in direct violation of the IUCN bounties and providedp them with municipalitiesmunicipalities wwithith yoyourur manifestomanifesto on wowolflf manamanagementgement informationinformation indicatingindicating thesethese tytypespes concerns.”concerns.” andand wiwildlifeldlife conservation.conservation.””
JOHNJOHN MMARRIOTTARRIOTT 32 NatureAlberta
of programs are not effective in reducing wolf depredation.’ We note this recognition by the Alberta government that bounties are ineffective in reducing wolf depredation on livestock, which was the local communities’ goal. …Again, we wish to respectfully encourage the Government of Alberta to demonstrate inspirational leadership by leading its municipalities and private groups to modernize wolf management, by taking the necessary steps to eliminate the archaic and out-dated methods of wolf bounty payments.” Bounties rarely solve the problems for which they were intended. Bounty-based killing is most often conducted at random, is not always targeted specifi cally to problem areas, and can be open to abuse and fraud. In fact, there has been no case study to date that has shown that bounty payments on wolves in North America have ever been effective in achieving the desired results. Hence, the use of bounties simply has disappeared as a management tool all across North America. Having said that, there are still a number of jurisdictions in Canada and the western United States that are pressing mightily for bounties, though that seldom has anything to do with a desire to manage wolves.
YEARLING WOLF PUP. JOHN MARRIOTT SPRING 2014 33 Charley’s Nature Note: Snowshoe Hare BY CHARLEY BIRD
We have experienced a longer than normal winter. I am sure that you, like myself, were anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring. By the end of the fi rst week of April, the ice still hadn’t gone from Erskine Lake. Spring has arrived, however, as we can observe by a number of events in nature’s calendar.
Here, in and around Erskine, 5. The hare was nibbling at green a “Jackrabbit” (even though it’s Alberta, by now (April 7) we have grass recently exposed as the not a rabbit); and one native seen the return of Canada Geese, snow melted. It and another one rabbit, the Cottontail (Sylvilagus European Starlings, Crows, the are mainly active during the night nuttallii). Hares have their coat odd Robin, and Ring-billed Gulls. and are in, or near, trees and change from white to brown on Great-horned Owls have been shrubbery on the north side of the arrival of spring, while true observed nesting and coyotes are our house and in the neighbour’s rabbits do not change their coat pairing up. This “nature note” yard. colour. This change obviously is about another spring event, provides camoufl age protection In Alberta we have two true the shedding of their winter from predators such as Great- “hares”: the present one and the hair by Snowshoe Hares (Lepus horned Owls, Coyotes and Lynx. White-tailed Prairie Hare (Lepus americanus), often called “bush townsendii), which is also called Native people, early settlers rabbits”, and its replacement by summer brown. My accompanying photograph was taken in early morning in our SNOWSHOE HARE IN CHARLEY’S YARD. CHARLEY BIRD own backyard in Erskine on April
Dr. Charles “Charley” Bird is a university professor, publisher of 300+ scholarly articles, long-time advocate for Alberta conservation issues, active with Federation of Alberta Naturalists (Nature Alberta) and in particular with his local group, Buffalo Lake Naturalists Society (a Nature Alberta Corporate Club). In 1978, he received Nature Alberta’s Loran Goulden Award. Charley’s interests and expertise are broad indeed, but especially butterfl ies and moths; he was the lead author for Alberta Butterfl ies, published in 1995. 34 NatureAlberta
and trappers relied heavily on Snowshoe Hare meat, catching animals with snares or by shooting. Hares and rabbits are Lagomorphs, not rodents, as they have four upper incisors, rather than two, and because they rarely eat anything but vegetable matter. In the winter, Snowshoe Hares feed extensively on twigs and branches; when the snow goes, they eat grass and many other kinds of plant material. A WHITE-TAILED JACKRABBIT IN EDMONTON. ADAM LOWE/WIKIPEDIA COMMONS Snowshoe Hares are smaller, weigh a little less than half the weight of, and have shorter legs and ears than primarily in coulee areas in the another member of our amazing Prairie Hares. southern part of the province. natural world. Two excellent source books are the following: In Alberta, Snowshoe Hares are Snowshoe Hare population found in forested areas north of numbers across northern North Naughton, Donna. 2012. The the Prairies (but also in the Cypress America fl uctuate markedly, Natural History of Canadian Hills), whereas White-tailed Prairie roughly over an eight to eleven Mammals. Canadian Museum Hares are found in open areas, year cycle. The reasons for this of Nature and University of especially in the Prairies. As land are complex and still poorly Toronto Press, Toronto, Buffalo, in the Aspen Parkland was broken known, due to factors such as London. 784 pp. predation, food availability, for grain crops and cleared for Soper, J. Dewey. 1964. The disease, and a build-up of cattle grazing by settlers in the last Mammals of Alberta. The parasites. You can read more 100 or so years, the habitat loss Hambly Press, Edmonton, AB. about this interesting animal resulted in a reduction in numbers 402 pp. + index. of Snowshoe Hares in that region. online at http://en.wikipedia. Cottontail Rabbits are found org/wiki/Lepus_americanus. Yet
Buffalo Jump Butterfl y Count 2014 Mark your calendars! Don’t forget - the 2014 Dry Island Buffalo Jump Butterfl y Count will be held on Sunday, July 6th. Meet, as usual, at the upper Parking Lot/Viewpoint before 10 AM. Bring a butterfl y net if you have one, a viewing bottle, a camera, lunch and hiking attire. Be prepared to see lots of interesting butterfl ies and a wonderful show of wild fl owers. The scenery is spectacular. Sunday, July 6, 2014 SPRING 2014 35
First Hand: Coydog or Coyote? BY DENNIS BARESCO
JIM’S BLACK COYOTE. Jim Brohman’s black Coyote article and photos in the previous Nature Alberta JIM BROHMAN (“First Hand: Black Coyote Encounter.” Winter 2014) was also highlighted on Nature Alberta’s Facebook page. This led to a comment by Christopher Lee, who stated: “Nice grab of one of the coydogs!”
Your Editor responded on “I’m the new(ish) ecologist Comparing the two clearly shows Facebook with: “In the article, at the Park, intrigued by that they are not the same animal; Jim points out that it ‘seems more your question and found thus, both Christopher and Jim likely that this is a melanistic the black coyote article may be correct. An interesting coyote . . . (as seen in black- interesting. Unfortunately, subject, certainly! coloured wolves and jaguars)’, not I am unaware of any a coydog. While ‘black Coyotes research that has been are extremely rare,’ black-furred done on black coyotes or wolves are common in Alberta.” coydogs in EINP and we have no plans at this time CHRISTOPHER’S BLACK COYDOG. CHRISTOPHER LEE Christopher replied: “It’s a coydog. to follow-up with a genetic I have photos of its family study. Jim might be members (parents/grandparents) correct with his suggestion and the park [Elk Island National that the animal in the Park] has confi rmed to me in 2011 photograph is a melanistic that they are dog-coyote hybrids.” coyote, but further study Following up, I checked with Elk would be required to Island about how they determined conclusively determine the coydogs were present. Martha genetics of an individual Allen, Ecologist Team Leader at animal.” Elk Island, responded with:
If you have a fi rst-hand experience with nature, send it in and share it with other naturalists. After all – there are 8 million stories in the Nature City. Yours…could be one of them. 36 NatureAlberta 2012 Species Count for Plants in Bloom: May 25-31 SUMMARY REPORT BY SUZANNE VISSER
THE TEMPERATURE FACTOR of mean temperatures in March of an early spring, including pale According to the Environment and April revealed also that the comandra (Comandra umbellata), Canada Climate Trends and Waterton, Taber, Calgary and western bistort (Polygonum Variations Bulletin, spring 2012 Kananaskis areas were much bistortoides), sticky purple geranium in the prairie climate region of warmer in 2012 than in 2011, (Geranium viscosissimum), heart- Canada, which includes southern while temperature differences leaved arnica (Arnica cordifolia) Alberta, was the fi fth warmest on between 2011 and 2012 for March and coralroot orchid (Corallorhiza record with the temperature being and April were not as great in trifi da). In Lethbridge, Patricia and 2.3°C above normal (National Edmonton and Ft. McMurray. Ryan found that species such as Climate Data and Information Mean temperatures across the saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia), Archive, Environment Canada, Province in May were similar in early yellow locoweed (Oxytropis 2012). However, this was not 2011 and 2012. sericea), golden bean (Thermopsis rhombifolia) and dandelions the case for the northwestern As was the case in 2011, (Taraxacum offi cinale), which were forest climate region, which precipitation in March, April in full bloom in 2011, were mostly encompasses parts of central and and May were well above the in seed in 2012. all of northern Alberta. Here, Climate Normals in both Calgary spring was the fourteenth warmest and Edmonton. Therefore, spring Observations from Calgary were on record with the temperature in southern Alberta was much contradictory, with Heide Blakely, being only 1.7°C above normal. warmer in 2012 than in 2011, but Val Scholefi eld, Wayne Brideaux This difference in spring weather not so in central and northern and Ann Brebner commenting on between southern Alberta Alberta. the cool spring, and Don Stiles, Des and central/northern Alberta Allen and Suzanne Visser thinking was evident also when spring THE WEATHER EFFECT that spring was more normal or temperatures for 2011 and 2012 The discrepancy in spring even advanced compared with the were compared. Relative to 2011, weather between northern and previous year. In the BowKan area, when temperatures in March, April southern Alberta was apparent Cliff Hansen noted that “blooming and May in the Taber, Calgary and in the comments submitted by plant development was close to Red Deer areas were well below May Count participants (Table schedule”. the thirty-year Canadian Climate 3). In southern Alberta, Peter In contrast to southern Alberta, Normals, temperatures in 2012 Achuff, Teresa Dolman, Patricia there were no comments about during March and April exceeded Greenlee and Ryan Heavy a warmer, earlier spring from the Normals (Environment Head all remarked on the much participants surveying central and Canada, 2011, 2012) by 0.4 to warmer weather and earlier northern Alberta locations. In Red 4.5°C. spring observed in their Count Deer, Eileen Ford remarked that In contrast, Edmonton area areas (Waterton, Beauvais Lake, pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), temperatures in April were below Lethbridge) relative to that bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), the Climate Normals in both 2011 experienced in 2011. At Beauvais red-osier dogwood (C. stolonifera), and 2012 and 0.5°C below normal Lake, Teresa reported species and low-bush cranberry (Vibernum in May, 2012. An examination in bloom that were indicative edule) were a bit later than usual, SPRING 2014 37
while Gail Hughes commented species observed in bloom in the Alberta locations (e.g. Red Deer, on the cold north wind and well southern Alberta locations where Crimson Lake, Edmonton, Hoople below normal temperatures at temperature differences between Lake, Ft. McMurray), where spring the Lacombe Trails/Elizabeth the years were also the greatest, temperature differences between Lake area. At Crimson Lake, as discussed above. Differences 2011 and 2012 were not as great near Rocky Mountain House, in species numbers between the as in southern Alberta, were Elaine Gordon stated “that all years in the central and northern comparable between the two years. the usual species were there, but locations were not as apparent. Edmonton participants observed not very many were in fl ower.” the highest number of species in Thus, Waterton, the most Also, there was no indication of fl ower in this region – a total of southerly location in the Count, an earlier, warmer spring from 114 species, which was slightly reported the highest number of Edmonton participants. Indeed, lower than the number reported in species in bloom in the Province. Derek Johnson thought that 2011 (122). Interestingly, Edmonton At 196 species, this was more “the season was pretty close to had the highest Count in the than double the number reported average or maybe a day or two Province in 2011, partly because in 2011 (93). High counts were advanced”, which he attributed May temperatures in that location reported also from Calgary partially to the heat island created were well above normal that year. (169 species, up from 119 in by the City. However, at Hoople At Hoople Lake, an area that Derek 2011) and the Taber area (167 Lake, which is located 100 km Johnson has been surveying for 34 species, up from 107 in 2011). west of Edmonton, Derek’s years, spring was late as discussed Participants in other southern conclusions about the spring above. Alberta locations (Beauvais Lake, were quite different Here he had Lethbridge, Yamnuska) also noted diffi culty fi nding golden saxifrage a signifi cant increase in species RARE SPECIES (Chyrsosplenium iowense) in in bloom in 2012 compared with In accordance with the increase fl ower (“the second time in 34 2011. At Beauvais Lake, species in total species in 2012, the years that this occurred”) while that hadn’t been seen in fi ve number of rare species (i.e. those leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne years were found in bloom as ranked as either S1 or S2 by the calyculata), a species that has mentioned previously, while Alberta Conservation Information usually fi nished blooming by May in Calgary wild chives (Allium Management System (ACIMS) Count, was still in fl ower. Both of schoenoprasum), chamaerhodos in May 2012) increased also, these observations were indicative (Chamaerhodos erecta), sticky rising from 7 species in 2011 to of a late spring. Whether or not purple geranium (Geranium 14 species in 2012. As usual, the spring was early or late in Ft. viscosissimum), silverberry rare plant hotspot was Waterton, McMurray, the most northerly (Elaeagnus commutata) and where 64% of the rare species location in the Count, is unclear. northern bedstraw (Galium were found. Rare plants included: boreale) were all found in fl ower from Waterton, western wakerobin NUMBER OF SPECIES by the end of May 2012, while (Trillium ovatum), linear-leaved The warmer spring translated into other species such as Hooker’s montia (Montia linearis), and blue a 26% increase in the number Townsendia (Townsendia hookeri) Suksdorfi a (Suksdorfi a violacea); of species observed in bloom in and trembling aspen (Populus from the Taber area, sand verbena 2012 relative to 2011. The total tremuloides), which are indicative (Tripterocalyx micranthus); from number of species reported by of a late spring and were still the Whaleback and Calgary, 129 participants who surveyed blooming during the 2011 Count, Macoun’s cinquefoil (Potentilla twenty areas across the Province had fi nished fl owering before the macounii); and from Calgary, leafy was 481. The increase in species 2012 Count was initiated. Braya (Braya humilis ssp humilis). between 2011 and 2012 was A rare species new to the Count primarily a result of signifi cant In contrast, the number of species was creeping whitlow-grass (Draba increases in the number of in fl ower in central and northern reptans) (S1S2T), found by Lloyd 38 NatureAlberta
Bennett in the Taber area. In fi ve exotic species that were the previous year, while the addition, eleven S3 species on new to the Taber area – Iceland number of species found in bloom the ACIMS watch list were seen poppy (Papaver nudicaule), small in central and northern Alberta was in bloom. The number of species alyssum (Alyssum alyssoides), similar to that reported in 2011. on the ACIMS track and watch list Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), Overall, a total of 481 species were was twenty-fi ve or approximately oxtongue (Borago offi cinalis) observed in 2012, an increase of 5% of the total species reported and yellow chamomile (Anthemis 26%, attributable mainly to the on the Count. An unusual tinctoria). Ann Brebner was elevated Counts from Waterton, species observed on the Clyde amazed by the number of two- Beauvais Lake, Taber area, Fen Count was two black bears; headed dandelions she found in Lethbridge, Calgary and Yamnuska. unfortunately, Derek Johnson her count area of Bearspaw near This Count is totally dependent was unable to determine their Calgary. on the participation of many fl owering stage! volunteers across the Province. COMMON SPECIES Many thanks to the 129 observers EXOTIC SPECIES As in previous years, the most who contributed to the 2012 Count: The total number of exotic species commonly reported species found in fl ower in 2012 did not in the 20 locations surveyed Peter Achuff, Joyce Algar, Des differ much from that observed were star-fl owered Solomon’s- Allen, Barry Anderson, Judy in previous years. Of the 481 seal (Smilacina stellata) (85%), Anderson, Heather Archibald, Mel species reported, 81 or 17% were northern gooseberry (Ribes Balsetti, Linda Balsetti, Duncan exotic, which is comparable oxyacanthoides) (85%), saskatoon Bayne, Susan Beanland, Elizabeth to the 15% seen in 2011. The (Amelanchier alnifolia) (95%), Beaubien, Kristin Beechy, Jill most frequently observed exotic and wild strawberry (Fragaria Beleyme, Lloyd Bennett, Trisha species were almost identical to virginiana) (85%). Early blue Bichel, Heide Blakely, Jason those reported in 2011 including violet (Viola adunca) was the Boutet, Ann Brebner, Michael common dandelion (Taraxacum most frequently observed native Brebner, Sherwin Brebner, Wayne offi cinale), which occurred in species, being reported from Brideaux, Lyse Carignan, Brian all of the Count areas, followed all locations surveyed across Catto, Dick Choy, Jenny Clark, by stinkweed (Thlaspi arvense), Alberta. Families with the Martha Clarke, Pat Clayton, Jean caragana (Caragana arborescens), greatest representation were the Cooper, Patsy Cotterill, Varina shepherd’s-purse (Capsella Brassicaceae with 48 species, Crisfi eld, Eva Crisp, Phillip Crisp, bursa-pastoris) and black medick Asteraceae and Cyperaceae with Sandra Davis, Teresa Dolman, (Medicago lupulina), which 43 species, Fabaceae with 39 Doug Dolman, Mary Drut, Marilynn occurred at frequencies of 45%, species and Rosaceae with 34 Dyck, Ian Dymock, Paula Evans, 40%, 40% and 35%, respectively. species. The majority of Families Mackenzie Fai, Gail Fennell, (60%) were represented by only Waneeta Fisher, Donna Fleury, An exotic species not previously one or two species. Eileen Ford, Stewart Ford, Kristen found on the May Count in Foreman, Laura Frost, Corlaine Edmonton was blue mustard or Gardner, Rob Gardner, Sylvia Glass, SUMMARY crossfl ower (Chorispora tenella), Elaine Gordon, Don Gordon, In summary, spring in southern a member of the mustard family, Sean Gordon, Patricia Greenlee, Alberta was one of the warmest discovered blooming amongst Bernice Hafner, Laurie Hamilton, on record, but this was not the the stinkweed in the Whitemud Cliff Hansen, Ryan Heavy Head, case in central and northern Creek area by Derek Johnson Robin Hitchon, Cedric Hitchon, Alberta where much cooler and Elizabeth Beaubien. This Kathy Holly, Robert Holmberg, temperatures prevailed. As a species was reported also from Jolana Holub, Annalora Horch, result, the number of species the Taber area by Lloyd Bennett. Gail Hughes, Derek Johnson, Barb blooming in southern Alberta was In addition, Lloyd Bennett found Johnston, Jim Knelson, Heidi Kurtz, much higher than that reported SPRING 2014 39
Patrick Kyle, Jane Lancaster, Bev Lane, Brenda Lepitzki, Dwayne Lepitzki, Ed Letain, Doreen Letain, Cam Lockerbie, Debbie MacGarva, Pat Marlowe, Nina Marshall, Val Martins, Sandy McAndrews, Jane McCoy, John McFaul, Diane McIvor, Mike McIvor, Margit McNaughton, Drew McNaughton, Susan Moore, Laurie Morrison, Morris Nesdole, Sheryl Normandeau, Madeleine Oldershaw, David Parbery, Sarah Peterson, Rayma Peterson, Jamey Podlubny, Colton Prins, Marg Ramsay, Ing-Britt Renborg, Ken Richards, Eva Robertson, Dianne Rosetti, Christian Roy, Val Scholefi eld, Jill Seaton, Hanne Seidel, Michiko Shimizu, John Slater, Kate Snedeker, Reno Sommerhalder, Andrea Sommerhalder, Ena Spalding, Amber Stewart, Don Stiles, Donna Stroh, Joanne Susut, Cheryl Thorpe, Ashley Thorsen, Julie Tingley, Shirley Truscott, Gary Truscott, Suzanne Visser, Anita Walker, Ken Walker, Karen Whitlie, Jack Whitworth, Eva Zidek, Barb Zimmer.
References Environment Canada. 2011, 2012. Climate Summaries. National Climate Data and Information Archive. www. climate.weatheroffi ce.gc.ca/prods_ servs/cdn_climate_summary_e.html Government of Alberta. Tourist, Parks and Recreation. Alberta Conservation Information Management System. List of all Species and Ecological Communities Within the ACIMS Database - May, 2012. http://tpr. alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/ datarequests/default.aspx AN OSTRICH FERN, ‘’MATTEUCCIA STRUTHIOPTERIS’’. 40 NatureAlberta VZB83/CREATIVE COMMONS
Up Close Naturally: Horsetails and Ferns BY MARGOT HERVIEUX In a world dominated by fl owering plants, ferns and horsetails are often overlooked. Many of us associate these plants with tropical forests but they can also be found in damp places across the province.
Unlike fl owering plants, the ferns can often be found growing in the toughened by silica. Campers still use and horsetails spread by spores same places as their cousins the them for scrubbing hands and pots, and instead of seeds. Fern spores are club-mosses or ground pines. the stems are also useful for fi ne sanding produced in capsules that appear and polishing. Horsetails are most Like ferns, horsetails reproduce as brown spots on the underside of often found along stream banks and by spores but there the similarities the fronds. Horsetails have a cone lakeshores but you can also fi nd them in end. Horsetails (Equisetum spp) at the tip of the plant that releases moist woods. are easily recognized by their the spores. hollow, jointed stems. Some At this time of year our forests are a mass Our most common fern is the also have feathery side branches of green and many individual plants ostrich fern (Matteuccia spp). while others just have a single go un-noticed. The next time you are Reaching over a metre in height, stalk. These days most horsetails walking in your favourite old forest or ostrich ferns thrive in a variety of rarely grow taller than a metre enjoying time by the water, keep your wet places from stream banks and but during the age of dinosaurs eyes peeled for those oldies but goodies swamps to damp forest hollows. In the land was covered with forests - the horsetails and ferns. the early spring the young sprouts of the tree-sized or fi ddleheads are a popular plants. delicacy but be careful not to over Horsetails are harvest your favourite spot. often called In moist mixed-wood forests, look scouring rush for the more delicate shield and because the oak ferns. When conditions are stems are right, triangle-shaped oak ferns, with their three equal fronds, often carpet the forest fl oor. These ferns
A HORSETAIL, EQUISETUM ARVENSE. F. LAMIOT/WIKEPEDIA COMMONS
Margot also writes a column for the Peace Country Sun, archived copies of which are available at www.peacecountrysun.com. SPRING 2014 41 Wildlife! Starring… The Giant Fairy Shrimp BY DENNIS BARESCO, WITH INFORMATION FROM: A) HUGH CLIFFORD, IN BIO-DITRI.SUNSITE.UALBERTA.CA; B) AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES OF ALBERTA (1991), BY HUGH CLIFFORD; AND C) WIKIPEDIA.
Anyone who has scooped water from a pond of some brackishness can testify to the huge amount of wildlife – both microscopic and macroscopic – to be had in a single bucket of water, especially if it includes some pondweed and mud. Pond life is as fascinating as it gets in the natural world.
A CHARACTERISTIC SPRINGTIME INHABITANT OF THE One easy-to-observe group of pond animals is the Crustacean, LARGE, SHALLOW, TURBID LAKES OF ALBERTA’S SOUTHEAST. fairy shrimp. In Alberta, thirteen species of fairy shrimp in fi ve THOUGH THIS PREDATORY SPECIES SUBSISTS MAINLY ON genera are to be found. The largest is Branchinecta gigas: the SMALLER SPECIES OF FAIRY SHRIMP, THE RED COLOURATION Giant Fairy Shrimp, which grows up to 100 mm (4.0 in) long; OF THIS SPECIMEN’S GUT CONTENTS SUGGESTS A GENEROUS males are smaller than females. CONSUMPTION OF THE HIGHLY PIGMENTED COPEPOD LEPTODIAPTOMUS SICILIS. THIS EGG-BEARING FEMALE Several traits make Giant Fairy Shrimp atypical. While other MEASURED 71MM. THE IMAGE WAS TAKEN ON-SITE fairy shrimp feed mainly on small organic particles, including (SNAKE LAKE, NEAR SCOLLARD AB) USING A SMALL FIELD detritus and algae, Giant Fairy Shrimp are predators which AQUARIUM.IAN GARDINER feed on a variety of invertebrates: mostly other species of fairy shrimp, but also copepods (crustaceans which are 1 to 2 millimetres (0.04 to 0.08 in) long), cladocerans (the crustaceans A MUCH SMALLER FAIRY SHRIMP, THE READING FAIRY usually referred to as water fl eas) and sometimes green algae. SHRIMP (BRANCHINECTA READINGI), IS A FAIRLY COMMON Despite being the largest species, Giant Fairy Shrimp have SPRINGTIME INHABITANT OF THE VERNAL POOLS IN the smallest eyes of any species in the family, and possibly in CALGARY’S SOUTHEAST FRINGE. THESE POOLS ARE RAPIDLY the whole fairy shrimp Order, Anostraca. The species lives in VANISHING AS CALGARY’S EXPANSION PROCEEDS. MALE hyposaline waters which often have high turbidity (i.e. low AT TOP IS 19MM, SHOWING THE LARGE SECOND ANTENNAE visibility); thus, since they hunt by feel rather than sight, good USED FOR CLASPING FEMALES. FEMALE AT BOTTOM IS eyes are not a necessity. Hyposaline refers to water which has 20MM, SHOWING BROOD POUCH WITH SHELLED, FERTILIZED a salinity signifi cantly higher than most freshwater but lower (BLUE) AND UNSHELLED, UNFERTILIZED (ORANGE) EGGS. than natural seawater. Water with a higher concentration of salt IAN GARDINER than seawater, like the Important Bird Area Chappice Lake in southeastern Alberta, are termed hypersaline. Giant Fairy Shrimp adopt a “hunting posture with the body bent double” when feeding. As Wikipedia explains: “The animal swims dorsal side down, with the abdomen nearly parallel with the thorax, so that the sensitive antennae and caudal rami all extends forwards. (Caudal rami are appendage- like or spine-like protrusions at the rear of the animal, which are characteristic of primitive crustaceans). The thoracic limbs are held wide open, ready to close on any prey which enters.” COURTNEY NEAL
42 NatureAlberta Alberta Bull Trout: A Native Fish Species on the Hook BY COURTNEY NEAL
It’s seven-thirty on a rosy Tuesday morning in July and my feet are wet. It’s early in the season for terrestrial fl y patterns, but I optimistically tie on a Fat Albert and fl ing the foamy grasshopper onto the water with a fl ick of my fl y rod. It lands on a riffl e upstream of a deep, jewel-green pool.
I’m standing in the Livingstone published a status report on the the fi sh and avoiding exposing the River, part of the Oldman Bull Trout in 2009, showing that fi sh to air can all reduce mortality watershed in Alberta, and I have human interference has caused and improve recovery time once just hooked a fi sh. The take is their numbers to rapidly decline released (Casselman 10). so quick that I almost miss it. It’s along the Eastern slopes of Throughout the last century, Bull not a big splash, but instead an the Rockies over the past 100 Trout have been greatly mistreated inconspicuous sucking vortex that years (1-8). Angling practices, by anglers. In the 1920s, they swallows my fl y as it sweeps into the introduction of competitive were culled when caught. During the pool. This stream is a popular species and alteration of habitat the great depression, they were angling destination for Westslope have irreversibly threatened the exploited as sustenance. Since the Cutthroat Trout, but that’s not what health and sustainability of Bull 1960s, increased access to habitat I’ve hooked. The fi sh turns as Trout populations in Alberta. (20- has intensifi ed angling pressure in we do battle and I see the white 24). areas like the Livingstone range leading edges of its pelvic fi ns. Naturally, catching a Bull Trout that were previously inaccessible. “Bull Trout”, I think to myself. when their situation is so dire Only in the last two decades It’s unusual to catch one on a fl y seems in bad taste. However, I have attitudes shifted in favor of rod. I kneel in the stream and will not be eating this fi sh. The conservation. Alberta’s current bait wet my hands, then grasp the Livingstone River has a zero bag ban, the barbless hook legislation fi sh’s tail under the water. This limit on trout, meaning that during of 2004 and the zero-harvest specimen’s slender body is a slick open season from July 16th to limit for Bull Trout imposed in gunmetal grey. I check for black October 31st, it is always catch- 1995 are all programs designed markings on the dorsal fi n, a key and-release (ASRD 26). This fi sh to mitigate further damage to distinguishing feature between Bull will be gently released without the fi sh population. Intentional Trout (Salvelinus confl uentus) and ever having left the water. S.J. poaching and misidentifi cation their introduced char relatives, the Casselman demonstrates in his are factors that remain as yet Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). 2005 review on catch-and-release to be eliminated (ASRD 22-23). There are none. This is the fi rst for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Undeniably, what I have caught Bull Trout I have ever caught. How Resources that this technique cannot be misidentifi ed as a brook lucky I am to have this moment. can be an effective conservation trout. Alas, there are still anglers measure if properly performed out there who cannot tell the Alberta’s offi cial fi sh emblem (1). Limiting the time spent on the difference. has seen better days. Alberta hook, minimizing the handling of Sustainable Resource Development
Courtney Neal is a full-time gardener, anthropology student, and part-time angler with an interest in preserving and protecting Southern Alberta’s wild spaces. SPRING 2014 43
THE LIVINGSTONE RIVER. COURTNEY NEAL
Brook Trout, while similar in use while Brook Trout populations tend Sadly, the human impact is all too of habitat and appearance to Bull to occupy lower areas and even visible in the Livingstone range. On Trout, are not native to Alberta. extend downstream of stocking highway 40, from Highwood House Their introduction has created a locations (Warnock and Rasmussen to Coleman, hundreds of acres of competitive environment between 906-911). Brook Trout also grow mechanized logging are visible from these fl uvial apex predators. Will faster and spawn at a younger age, the road. That’s only a small sample Warnock and Joseph Rasmussen, giving them a temporal advantage of what’s been happening in the area in a 2013 study published in the over Bull Trout (ASRD 23). Most since the 1960s. “Take a Google Earth Canadian Journal of Fisheries and importantly, it was discovered that tour of the Upper Oldman region,” Aquatic Sciences, highlight the human alterations to Eastern slope recommends Lorne Fitch, a retired factors associated with the insidious ecosystems favor Brook Trout. fi sh biologist with over thirty years effect of Brook Trout on Bull Trout Warnock and Rasmussen postulate experience studying Southern Alberta streams. They were originally that because of the human impact watersheds. “You’ll really get a feel introduced in Alberta to increase on Bull Trout habitat in Alberta, for the impact.” the catchable fi sh population. “brook trout may have simply Nowhere is this more shocking than Since their introduction, they have replaced or been greatly aided in in the area of Hidden Creek, the go-to competed and hybridized with the competitive displacement of spawning ground for more than three- Bull Trout populations in many a declining bull trout population” quarters of the Bull Trout population watersheds to a point of dominance (912). over or elimination of the native species. Warnock and Rasmussen discovered that near or total dominance one way or the other exists, with Brook Trout dominance taking precedence. Temperature is a primary factor
against coexistence. Pure Bull BULL TROUT IDENTIFICATION IMAGE FROM THE ALBERTA FISHING GUIDE: A » NO BLACK SPOT Trout populations seem confi ned ON DORSAL FIN; B » LARGE HEAD/MOUTH; C » FINS HAVE WHITE LEADING EDGES; D » PALE to the higher, cooler elevations, YELLOW OR CREAM COLOURED SPOTS; E. DARK/OLIVE GREEN BACK. ALBERTAFISHINGGUIDE.COM 44 NatureAlberta
in the Oldman watershed. The fi sh in my hands was probably born in Hidden Creek, a couple of seasons before logging concluded there in 2013. Fitch describes Hidden Creek as having the perfect combination of groundwater upwelling and rocky substrate ideal for the survival of Bull Trout embryos. It’s also an important spawning ground for the Westslope Cutthroat Trout, another species with sensitive status that
has been disregarded in the Hidden BULL TROUT. FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA Creek logging project. The removal of trees and an increase in road go. As the fi sh becomes part of the density contribute to an undesirable Unfortunately, extensive fl ooding Livingstone once more, I feel bereft, situation. The movement of water in Alberta in 2013 hindered knowing that I might never see one from the ground’s surface into reclamation efforts, and the impact again. streams has both increased the of the Hidden Creek logging amount of silt delivered into the operation may not be measurable water and the speed at which the for many years. In the meantime, Works Cited water runs off. Potential for fl ooding more roads will bring more Alberta Sustainable Resource Development people and more development to and Alberta Conservation Association. is now increased, which increases Status of the Bull Trout (Salvelinus potential erosion. the area, exacerbating an already crumbling situation. “People miss confl uentus) in Alberta: Update 2009. This will continue until a critical Wildlife Status Report No. 39 (Update that native fi sh are an indicator of 2009). Edmonton, Alberta: Alberta mass of silt exists in the spawning our ability to monitor our impact,” Sustainable Resource Development. 2009. habitat to the extent that Bull Trout says Fitch. “Everything we do in Web. 23. February 2014. embryos are unable to oxygenate or on a watershed runs by a fi sh.” Casselman, S.J. Fisheries Section. Fish and and mortality is unavoidable. Wildlife Branch. Catch-and-Release According to Fitch, the Alberta The evidence is stacked. Improper angling: a review with guidelines Government did not adequately angling practices, introduced for proper fi sh handling practices. species, and human alteration Peterborough, Ontario: Ontario Ministry assess the risks to Hidden Creek of Natural Resources. 2005. Web. 23 before approving the logging. of habitats are destroying this beautiful resource (ASRD 20-24). February 2014. This disregard for alternative Fitch, Lorne. Telephone interview. 27 Someday, our provincial fi sh forest resources “speaks to Alberta February 2014. might be reduced to nothing but and our ideology of growth and Warnock, Will G., and Rasmussen, Joseph development” in a way that does fossils and folklore. By catching B. “Abiotic and biotic factors associated not account for the knowledge this bull trout, I hold the life with brook trout invasiveness into bull of this single fi sh in my hands, trout streams of the Canadian Rockies.” that our native fi sh are threatened Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic species (Fitch). but what I’ve really grasped is the future of this species. I let it Sciences 70.6 (2013): 905-914. Web. 22 January 2014.
Nature Alberta is now accepting a Full details, including limited number of advertisements rates and sizes, are available at: Advertising for future issues. Ad rates vary from online: www.naturealberta.ca in Nature Alberta $35 (business card size) to $249 email: [email protected] (full page). phone: (780) 427 – 8124 SPRING 2014 45
CELESTIAL HAPPENINGS Starry Nights Summer (June to August) BY JOHN MCFAUL
FEATURED CONSTELLATIONS: LACERTA AND LEO MINOR
Lacerta and Leo Minor are two of far away: at least 900 million Leo Minor (the lessor lion) is another the least prominent constellations of light years or 9000 times the faint constellation that hovers above the 88 that are offi cially recognized diameter of our Milky Way the much more prominent constellation by the International Astronomical galaxy. It turns out that BL Leo. Two stars within the boundary of Union. Claudius Ptolemy catalogued Lacerta represents the core of a this constellation are known to have 48 of these constellations during the giant elliptical galaxy which is planetary systems. To date there are 2nd century AD. More were added spewing out a jet of particles in about 1800 confi rmed planets orbiting with voyages of discovery to the our direction. It is now referred stars other than our own. We are not southern hemisphere. Others were to as a Blazar. alone. added to fi ll in spaces between those constellations described by Ptolemy. This was the case with CELESTIAL HAPPENINGS Lacerta and Leo Minor. In 1687 the Polish astronomer Sun: Rise – June 1 (5:11 MDT), July 1 (5:09 MDT), August 1 (5:50 MDT) Johannes Hevelius created 10 Set – June 1 (21:53 MDT), July 1 (22:06 MDT), August 1 (21:30 MDT) Summer Solstice: June 21st 4:51 AM, MDT constellations, seven of which became offi cially recognized. Two Moon: Full – June 12, July 12 (super full moon), August 10 of these are Lacerta and Leo Minor. New – June 27, July 26, August 25 Note: A super full moon occurs when it is closer than 360,000 km. Lacerta (The Lizard) is a zig-zag Planets: Mercury may be seen very low in the WNW sky shortly after sunset during the line of dim to moderately bright fi rst few days of June. Afterwards it will be hidden by the glare of the sun. stars located between Cygnus and Venus shines brightly above the ENE horizon a little before sunrise throughout Andromeda. It lies just on the edge this time period. On the morning of August 18th it will be very close to Jupiter. The of the Milky Way. As it is a relatively waning crescent Moon will be nearby on June 24th and July 24th. new constellation, it does not have Mars will continue to shine fairly brightly in the SW evening sky through the any ancient mythology associated summer months. As time progresses it will descend closer and closer to the with it. It does however have western horizon until mid-August when it will be too close to the sun to be seen. one noteworthy object within its Jupiter will be too close to the sun to see until early August when it will appear boundaries. as a morning star low above the eastern horizon. It will enjoy a close conjunction This object is known as BL Lacerta. with beautiful Venus on the morning of August 18th. On August 23rd the moon will make a nice grouping with the two planets. The BL designation was given to it Saturn is to be found in Libra as it trails behind Mars in the southern, evening because it was fi rst thought to be a sky. Throughout June, July and early August these two planets will draw closer variable star whose brightness was together until they are only 5 degrees apart in early August low in the SW a little seen to vary. It was later found that after sunset. The waxing moon will be nearby on July 7th and Aug 3rd. this object was a strong source of radio waves and was in fact very Meteor Shower: Delta Aquirids (July 29th, 20/hour in a dark sky), Perseids (August 12th, 50/hour) The rate of meteors observed is for dark skies well away from city lights and with no Moon. 46 NatureAlberta
BOOK REVIEW
Birdfi nding in British Columbia REVIEW BY PETRA ROWELL When fi rst asked to review this given the weather and the number book, I admit I hesitated, and then of oil and gas and logging trucks reluctantly threw it on my desk hurtling down them at any given in the “get around to it someday” time. But this is exactly what the pile. Although the attractive authors did. cover caught my eye, and the So the next time we took off to listed authors, Russell Cannings the family cabin near Chetwynd, (named by Maclean’s in 2012 as I took my copy of Birdfi nding Canada’s top birder) and Richard in British Columbia with me, Cannings (author of several books reading it along the way as my and known to many birders as husband drove. Again, I was quite a regional Christmas Bird Count surprised at the level of detail the compiler) are well-known for authors provide about this area. their collective birding wisdom, It’s like they have been going By Russell Cannings & Richard I haven’t actually birded a lot of there every summer for the past Cannings. Greystone Books, 2013. British Columbia. So what would several decades like I have! They 480 pages ISBN-10: 1771000031; I have to say about a book on this named many places that I knew ISBN-13: 978-1771000031 topic? of and some that I didn’t. I found That being said, I do have myself nodding in agreement relatives with a lake property in at some of the species they book is a gem and reasonably British Columbia (BC) where I suggested a birder would fi nd in priced for a softcover of 480 pages have spent at least a few days a particular area. I also made a at $29.95. If you are a BC birder every summer for most of my mental note of particular locations or you are planning a trip there, it life. So when I did fi nally get and species that I haven’t seen but is defi nitely worth it to consult this around to opening up the book will now go looking for. The maps guide before you go. to the index, I was quite happy included throughout the book seeing that not only is the book will also prove very useful for For more information on Dick organized by geographic area, but future birding excursions (even Cannings, his books, and all the area of northeastern BC I am though this area of BC is rapidly kinds of interesting Cannings’ most familiar with had its own changing with the resurgence in doings, check out his website: section. This is impressive given the coal and forestry industries dickcannings.com. that not a lot of people travel from and the ever-expanding oil and the coast or inland BC “up north” gas activities). to the working towns of Prince So, to wrap -up, although I can’t George, Chetwynd, Fort St. John vouch for other areas mentioned and Dawson Creek. And even in the book, if the authors did fewer people go exploring down as good a job as they did for the the back roads in these areas, section on northeast BC, then this which can be challenging at best SPRING 2014 47
CLUBS PAGE
J.J. Collett Provincial Natural Area Foundation
The J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation (a Nature Alberta Affi liate Club) was established in 1985, as a provincial volunteer steward group to help preserve, maintain and provide environmental education for this ecologically diverse habitat.
This becomes increasingly Foundation has developed shoeing, cross-country skiing and important because of J.J. Collett’s and provides yearly a Grade 6 simply enjoying the area daily. We proximity to Highway #2, one of Environment Education Program have approximately 10,000 to 11,000 the fastest growing corridors in based on the Grade 6 Alberta visitors yearly. The Foundation Western Canada. Science Curriculum for over holds guided walks in the spring 450 students from schools in and fall and when available a The J.J. Collett Provincial our area. Instructors provide an rehabilitated bird from the Medicine Natural Area, near the hamlet of in-classroom session followed River Wildlife Center is released Morningside, consists of 635 acres by a fi eldtrip to the area where in the area. Guest speakers at our of Aspen Parkland underlain by students are ancient sand dunes. Over 18 km helped with tree of maintained trails wind through identifi cation a mosaic of shrub lands, aspen and discuss groves, stands of white spruce on Environmental moist shady hillsides, wetlands issues. and grassy meadows typical of the area. The area is used year round with Local organizations, schools, many people post-secondary institutions, First jogging, walking, Nations, and fi tness groups are exercising their among those who use the area canines, bird on a regular basis for studies, watching, snow- orienteering and fi eld trips. The 48 NatureAlberta
annual meetings also provide educational opportunities for our members and the general public. We have established an endowment fund for future sustainability. Yearly, the Foundation takes on a major enhancement project. In 2013 with $32,000 acquired through donations from corporations, local business, grants, and major sweat equity of its board members, a 212 foot boardwalk was completed across a sensitive wetland on one of the trails, providing both public and maintenance access to the area while protecting the wetland environment. a great site and continuing to your basic membership are always Please come and pay us a grow. You can support us by welcome and very much appreciated. visit. It is truly one of Alberta’s renewing or purchasing an annual If you have any questions please natural area “Gems”. Also membership ($20). Donations – forward your questions to contact@ recommended is the webpage tax deductible – in addition to jjcollett.com. (jjcollett.com) which is already
Nature Alberta Celebrating our natural heritage!
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