region |edmonton & area
Did You Know?
» » In 2018, Alberta’s northern parks
became the world’s largest
contiguous protected boreal forest.
» » More than 100 generations of bison
have flourished at Elk Island National
Park since they were first brought
there from Montana in 1907.
» » In 1999, Lois Hole became only the
second woman in Alberta’s history
to serve as Lieutenant Governor. She
excelled in that role.
» » Eight geocaches have been hidden
around Elk Island National Park.
Locate all eight, crack the code and
receive a collector coin!
JOHN JANZEN NATURE CENTRE
Explore nature in an urban setting! In the heart
of Edmonton’s river valley, the John Janzen
Nature Centre helps foster an important idea:
you’re never too young to become a steward
of the environment. It was a project of the
late John Janzen, who studied agriculture
before joining Edmonton’s Parks and Recreation
Department, where he played a key role
in protecting the river valley lands from
developers. Since it opened in 1976, Canada’s
oldest municipally operated nature centre has
provided public education designed to develop a
love of and appreciation for nature. Join them
for hands-on programs and workshops designed
for ages ranging from preschool to adult.
Investigate local wildlife, walk the trails, learn
through play and so much more. Open year-
round. Check the website for hours, admission,
and memberships. 7000-143 St., 780-442-5311.
edmonton.ca
LOIS HOLE PROVINCIAL CENTENNIAL PARK
Named in hour of Alberta’s 15th Lieutenant
Governor, Lois E. Hole, this hidden-gem of a
park preserves Big Lake, a freshwater wetland
ecosystem, globally recognized as one of
Alberta’s most important bird habitat areas.
More than 230 species have been sighted
there, and thousands of nesting and migrating
waterfowl and shorebirds rely on the protected
area, which includes small stands of deciduous
and coniferous wetlands. Ducks Unlimited
Canada has even constructed interpretive
boardwalks on the eastern shore, which
includes a viewing platform at the mouth of
the Sturgeon River. Its easy accessibility makes
it a favourite spot for families with bikes and
strollers — and for photographers chasing the
perfect sunset. Best of all, this 1800 hectares
of conservation inspiration is only minutes away
from downtown St. Albert, west of Ray Gibbons
Drive. 780-960-8170. albertaparks.ca
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