Ministik A87 to Horseshoe Lake (“Smell the Roses”)

This will be one of our 2 group hikes within the Ministik Bird Sanctuary. We’ll all be starting “A87” (Spilstead Access) going towards Knull Lake. Jerry will lead one group to just past Knull Lake (6km round-trip) while another group will continue on to just past Horseshoe Lake (10 km round-trip).

Notes from Jerry:

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.

The hike will leave from the trail head at “A87” (Spilstead Access), ~0.2km south of the corner of Township Road 502/Range Road 210, at about 9:45 a.m.. The pictures from September 2nd, 2018.

In Edmonton we will meet at the Century Park ‘Park & Ride’ (‘Free Parking’ Section I, near the 109th Street Entrance/Exit) and carpool leaving at 9 a.m. Participants may proceed there directly on their own, but should check the website prior to departure in case of a change.

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 Anita P. by email or call 780-524-9817.