Hikes

Eighteen hikers came out on the last Sunday of April for our annual hike to the top of Rest and Be Thankful Hill.

The first stop was the old channel in an area where the Battle River used to flow.

The river has moved south of this spot, but the beavers haven’t moved. These channels on the slope and the small channel in the riverbed that still has water was carved out and is maintained by the beavers.

We found Prairie Crocus along with wild onions, cactus, and a Comma butterfly.

The amazing find of the day was these muskrat skull parts.

Two of the hikers took “Rest and Be Thankful” to heart and packed in camping chairs. We took turns trying them out at the top of the hill.

Thanks to Mary for scouting and leading the hike and to the landowners for their generous continuing support. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

Twenty-one hikers came out on a beautiful sunny day to hike the trails along the Sturgeon River in St. Albert.

The trail is notable for its smooth, wide paths, public art, and pedestrian bridges.

With some ice still on the river, the Canada geese have the perfect place to hang out undisturbed. Currently they are sharing the water with small flocks of Common Goldeneye ducks.

Goldeneyes are cavity nesters, relying on forests that contain dead, standing trees. These ducks would find plenty of nesting space in the nearby forests of Lois Hole Provincial Park, Riverlot 56, and the Grey Nuns White Spruce Park.

We had our lunch outside the Good Earth Café, in the warm spring weather.

Thanks to Terry for scouting and leading the hike. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.