Ministik A87 to Horseshoe Lake

This will be one of our hikes within the Ministik Bird Sanctuary. We’ll all be starting “A87” (Spilstead Access) going towards Knull Lake and continue on to just past Horseshoe Lake (10 km round-trip). Notes from Jerry S. (August 2018) – Plants seen on August28/18 reconnaissance of Ministik trail from A87 north to Knull Lake: Coltsfoot, agrimony, rose, sasparilla, meadow rue, dogbane, goldenrod, Asters, fireweed, thistles, giant hyssop, nettles, other mints, mayflower, birch, spruce, beaked nut hazel, honeysuckle, highbush cranberry, snowberry, water hemlock, yarrow, yellow rattle in grass patches, fairy bell, false soloman’s seal, lily of the valley, nodding biggars tick, various mosses, and a few others not remembered. Plants have few left with vivid flowers. So you will learn other characteristics (leaves, seeds, burs, fruits) to know these plants in the future. The Ministik Bird Sanctuary, an important bird sanctuary for migratory waterfowl. You can hope to see plenty of wildlife as well as a fine example of muskeg habitat. This is an excellent time to visit here, as mosquito populations are down, but come prepared anyway (with repellent) as well as water, sun block and lunch for another fine day on the Trail. If you have a camera and perhaps a knock-about pair of binoculars, why not bring them too? You won’t be sorry.   We’ll meet at the trail head beside “A87” (Spilstead Access), ~0.2km south of the corner of Township Road 502/Range Road 210, at 9:45 a.m.. The hike will leave from ‘A87’ at 10:00. The pictures from August 18th, 2019. If you are new to WTA hikes, then you should visit the Guided Hikes webpage for essential information. For further information specific to this hike, refer to The Waskahegan Trail Guide Book, pages 72-75,or contact the Hike Leader, Johanna F., at 780-298-4119 Helen W., at 780-468-4331. Protocol changes due to COVID-19 – Government of Alberta – Guidance on outdoor activities – “Stage 3 of the Open for Summer Plan” – All public health measures have now been lifted except for isolation/quarantine requirements and masking requirements in health care settings and public transit. However, for our hikes –

• meeting at the trailhead, no car pooling, participants can still make their own car pooling arrangements;
• only attend if you are feeling well & comfortable being with the group.