Winter at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary Near Edmonton Alberta
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is popular place for people to visit. There are four trails to explore that lead nature walkers through marshland, open meadow, aspen parkland, and pine forest. The trails are open year-round and are easy,...
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is popular place for people to visit. There are four trails to explore that lead nature walkers through marshland, open meadow, aspen parkland, and pine forest. The trails are open year-round and are easy, therefore suitable for all ages. However, the trails are not wheelchair accessible. In addition to exploring the trail system, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is teaming with wildlife including over one hundred species of birds making this area an excellent location for birding and wildlife viewing. Dogs are permitted; however they must be on leash at all times.
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary in Parkland County is less than 24km (23min) from West Edmonton Mall and 8km (7min) from Devon and is found on the aptly named Sanctuary Road. Because of its popularity and proximity to urban centers the parking lot at the nature sanctuary can fill up quickly. When the parking lot is full, the park is also considered to be full. Although tempting, it is illegal to park on the road. This has become a problem over the past few years, so expect to see enforcement services to be monitoring this.
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Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary in Parkland County is less than 24km (23min) from West Edmonton Mall and 8km (7min) from Devon and is found on the aptly named Sanctuary Road. Because of its popularity and proximity to urban centers the parking lot at the nature sanctuary can fill up quickly. When the parking lot is full, the park is also considered to be full. Although tempting, it is illegal to park on the road. This has become a problem over the past few years, so expect to see enforcement services to be monitoring this.
1977 the Clifford E. Lee Foundation purchased the first 140 acres of marshland to create a nature sanctuary. Additional land was added to the sanctuary through additional purchases made by the foundation and with land transfers made by Parkland...
1977 the Clifford E. Lee Foundation purchased the first 140 acres of marshland to create a nature sanctuary. Additional land was added to the sanctuary through additional purchases made by the foundation and with land transfers made by Parkland County and the Province of Alberta bringing up the total protected area to 141 hectares (348 acres).
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This small picnic area is just beyond the entrance to the nature sanctuary. Often people will sit here as they wait for other people in their party to join them before heading on their way to explore the park or to head out.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
There is interpretive signage throughout the sanctuary that educates visits about the plants and the wildlife that they may see as they explore the area. As the sign says, people often think reptiles only live in the south however there are...
There is interpretive signage throughout the sanctuary that educates visits about the plants and the wildlife that they may see as they explore the area. As the sign says, people often think reptiles only live in the south however there are garter snacks that live near Edmonton too. An interesting amphibian that is rarely seen and that people may not realize lives in this area are salamanders. It is always a cool experience spotting one of these two creatures.
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Black-capped Chickadees are a common site at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary. They are sweet, friendly little birds. If you hold your hand out and are still enough the curious little Chickadee might land on it to say hello.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
There are four trails in the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary in Parkland County. The Boardwalk Loop is the first trail visitors will reach. This trail crosses the marshlands from joining that parking area to the forests and meadows on the other...
There are four trails in the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary in Parkland County. The Boardwalk Loop is the first trail visitors will reach. This trail crosses the marshlands from joining that parking area to the forests and meadows on the other side. The raised boardwalk allows visitors to experience the marshlands up close. It also provides spectacular opportunities for bird watching.
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The Aspen Ridge Trail is a short 500m trail that climbs over a ridge through a grove of trembling Aspens. The Aspen Ridge Trail is accessed from the Boardwalk Loop and leads to a junction where it reconnects with the Boardwalk Loop or can lead...
The Aspen Ridge Trail is a short 500m trail that climbs over a ridge through a grove of trembling Aspens. The Aspen Ridge Trail is accessed from the Boardwalk Loop and leads to a junction where it reconnects with the Boardwalk Loop or can lead adventure seekers to the Pine Knoll Trail and the Wildflower Trail.
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There are two bird viewing platforms that extend out over the pond. At the moment both are closed. Over the next few months, Ducks Unlimited and the Nature Conservancy of Canada will be repairing them.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
This cute little red squirrel was kind enough to stop and pose for a picture for me. Or is he thinking, 'hurry up and take the picture lady, I don't have all day"?
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
This is the same red squirrel now safely up the tree in Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary near Edmonton, Alberta.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
This final viewing platform is raised and feels more like a treehouse. This platform also looks out over the marsh and the pond; however, it is also a great spot for watching bats as the summer sets during the summer.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
The black box on the pole is a bat house. If you live in this region and have had a few scares as you open a patio umbrella to be surprised by bats flying out that decided to make it their home overnight, then a bat house is a welcome addition to...
The black box on the pole is a bat house. If you live in this region and have had a few scares as you open a patio umbrella to be surprised by bats flying out that decided to make it their home overnight, then a bat house is a welcome addition to the yard. They do tend to prefer a proper bat house over patio furniture when given the option. I always think of bats as been a sign of a healthy ecosystem. As much as I hate being surprised by them, I do appreciate that they can eat up to 900 insects (mosquitos) each in a single night.
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It was such a beautiful and warm winter day (12 Degrees Celsius) that I just had to stop and enjoy the view. The melting snow made it feel and smell like spring, well false spring since there is still plenty of winter to come. It is strange to...
It was such a beautiful and warm winter day (12 Degrees Celsius) that I just had to stop and enjoy the view. The melting snow made it feel and smell like spring, well false spring since there is still plenty of winter to come. It is strange to think that over the span of a few weeks the temperature has changed by nearly 60 Degrees. Although, having been involved in a few outdoor events for many years during this same period, the temperature swing really isn't that unusual.
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The sign helps visitors and beginner birders identify the diverse types of waterfowl that frequent Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary. I like seeing the swans and the snow geese as they pass through the area in the spring.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
Although it doesn't look like much this time of year, larches are a showstopper in the fall. These trees shed their needles each year. In the spring they will regrow starting out bright green and nice and soft, then in the fall they turn bright...
Although it doesn't look like much this time of year, larches are a showstopper in the fall. These trees shed their needles each year. In the spring they will regrow starting out bright green and nice and soft, then in the fall they turn bright yellow and put on a spectacular show across Alberta before finally shedding their needles for the winter.
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The Open Meadow towards the far end of the Boardwalk Loop has two picnic tables and a bench to sit at. If you sit calmly and quietly enough you may have the good fortune to see some of the larger animals that like to visit Clifford E. Lee Nature...
The Open Meadow towards the far end of the Boardwalk Loop has two picnic tables and a bench to sit at. If you sit calmly and quietly enough you may have the good fortune to see some of the larger animals that like to visit Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, like deer, moose, and coyotes.
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As the Boardwalk Loop makes it way through the meadow it turns into a natural trail. As it was such a nice day, the normally sandy trail was becoming pretty mucky. The sun has dried up portions of the trail and was melting others. However, the...
As the Boardwalk Loop makes it way through the meadow it turns into a natural trail. As it was such a nice day, the normally sandy trail was becoming pretty mucky. The sun has dried up portions of the trail and was melting others. However, the shady areas were still icy and quite slippery.
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The Boardwalk Loop, the Aspen Ridge, Pine Knoll, and Wildflower Trails connect at this junction point making it an ideal location for an outhouse...you know, for that other type of nature's call.
30 January 2024
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9 months ago
taken in
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Sanctuary Rd, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1E7, Canada
Following the Boardwalk Loop, after the junction point, the trail once again becomes a raised boardwalk as walkers return to the marshlands. This part of the trail will reconnect with the initial boardwalk where hikers can choose between staying...
Following the Boardwalk Loop, after the junction point, the trail once again becomes a raised boardwalk as walkers return to the marshlands. This part of the trail will reconnect with the initial boardwalk where hikers can choose between staying in the nature sanctuary or taking the path back to the parking area.
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Judging by the footprints crossing the frozen pond, this area is still a favourite for wildlife even during the winter. Although the footprints have melted too much to be certain what made them, the size alone suggests it may have been moose....
Judging by the footprints crossing the frozen pond, this area is still a favourite for wildlife even during the winter. Although the footprints have melted too much to be certain what made them, the size alone suggests it may have been moose. With all the marshes and the proximity to the North Saskatchewan River, Moose are quite common in the area.
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There is a certain beauty to the frozen pond on such a beautiful winter day. On a day like this, it has a very peaceful feeling to it. Being so close to one of Canada's big cities, Edmonton, Clifford E. Lee makes for a wonderful place to escape...
There is a certain beauty to the frozen pond on such a beautiful winter day. On a day like this, it has a very peaceful feeling to it. Being so close to one of Canada's big cities, Edmonton, Clifford E. Lee makes for a wonderful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is nice to slow down and take a break somewhere tranquil like this nature sanctuary.
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Lots of info on this trail. Glad you took your chipmunk for a walk. -
Greg Girard thank you and it can't be all about the adventure dogs can it? -
Janet Guthrie Love the adventure dogs! -
Kim Kenyon thanks
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Great album of the nature sanctuary Janet! -
Cora Lee Rennie thank you
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