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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Annual Children’s Festival this weekend

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BY COLE SWIER RED DEER EXPRESS After a decade of bringing smiles and laughter to children, the 10th annual Central Alberta Children’s Fest is taking place this weekend. Over the past nine years the festival has seen an average of 6,000 people each year enjoy all the activities and entertainment that the festival has to offer. Although this year, the festival is raising the stakes a little and is aiming at 8,000 people coming down to enjoy the fun.

With over 40 tents available, there seems to be enough activities to keep everyone in the family busy. Activities range from obstacle courses, to face painting, to everything in between. The event is being headed up by Red Deer Family Services along with other local businesses.

Judy Scott is the executive director of Family Services in Red Deer, as well as festival coordinator for the past 10 years.

Scott said the Children’s Festival has a sharp focus on community building and she’s honoured that Red Deer will be hosting it once again.

“I think that when we look at Red Deer it’s about creating community. And I think that the Children’s Festival really truly is a community event,” said Scott.

One way that the festival demonstrates prominence towards building a community is through the organization involved.

With both Family Services and Service Credit Union helping plan the event they are also looking for ways to include other community partners. According to Scott at least 90% of the activities in the park are being run by community partners in-

cluding Alberta Health Services, C.A.R.E, and the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association. Scott stressed the importance of the community partners working together and creating a community vibe at the festival in order to show others what the city of Red Deer has too offer as a whole.

“It really builds community and opportunities for socialization and learning and seeing what our neighborhoods provide.”

Another way that the festival is focusing on building relationships is by placing an emphasis on family bonding without the use of technology. Donna McAuley-Forsyth is the Children’s Festival organizer and said that priority placed on family bonding is second to none at the festival. Forsyth explained that one way the Children’s Festival plans on focusing on family bonding is by demonstrating the importance of getting connected and encouraging family bonding time without the use of electronics.

“We have to get connected again, the phone and all that take over. So going in there you’re going to be working together with you’re kids to accomplish some games, some tasks, some crafts, and just being together.”

As a way to promote the event and give kids a chance to check out the festival, school groups will have the option of checking out all the activities on the first day of the festival. The Central Alberta Children’s Festival is taking place June 3rd-4th at Recreation Park behind the Recreation Centre and tickets will cost $6 per person or $20 for a family of four, weekend passes are also available. student@reddeerexpress.com

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Annual Relay for Life coming up

BY COLE SWIER RED DEER EXPRESS Runners will take to the streets as Red Deer’s 15th annual Relay for Life will be jogging into the community this month.

The relay is put on by the Canadian Cancer Society and is not isolated to just Red Deer as it’s designed to be a fundraising event where Canadians across the country join in to help fight the battle against cancer. If you are interested in participating in the relay, Central Alberta will be offering the event in both Red Deer and Innisfail as a way to ensure community participation.

The way the event works is that most of the participants in the relay will form teams while at least one member of every team must be moving for the entire event. Callie Leshchyshyn is the revenue development coordinator for the Central Alberta’s chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society and went into more detail about what the relay actually is. She explained that the

event is all about encouraging the participants to do their best whether they are walking, running, or jogging.

Leshchyshyn said all that matters is people are moving and people are getting involved.

“You have the people that will walk the track the whole night by themselves, but because it’s a team event and you get a baton some people only do what they can. It’s not only a running event, it can also be walking, as long as you keep moving,” said Leshchyshyn.

She added the relay also has options available for individual participants who choose not attach themselves to a group. She clarified by saying that if an individual can’t find or a team or cannot run for the entire event, they can also register as an individual participant and challenge themselves to a distance.

Besides running, the event is also incorporating massage therapy, live entertainment, a tent intended just for children, and many more options. The children’s tent will be carnival themed so there will be carnival games

for kids alongside a bunch of crafts to help keep kids busy. Leshchyshyn stressed the importance of incorporating activities for every age group as way to make certain everyone is involved.

“There’s no shortage of things to do, it’s a great event for kids all the way up to adults as well.”

Leshchyshyn added that the Relay for Life itself is not entirely about the activities; it can be a more intimate experience for some. It can be a great way to introduce people to a valuable support network and remind survivors or those suffering that they are not alone.

“People who have experienced cancer, they like to have that connection where it’s a great networking event and it really shows that you’re not alone and that there are other people that know exactly what you’re going through,” said Leshchyshyn.

The event will take place on June 11th from noon until midnight at the CrossRoads Church in Red Deer. student@reddeerexpress.com

There is much to do and see at The Jungle Farm

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS A local Central Alberta destination has much to offer in the way of family-friendly activities.

The Jungle Farm is located between Penhold and Innisfail.

“We came back here in 1996 - my husband and I and our sons. But the farm has been in my family since 1897. My great-grandfather settled here,” said Leona Staples, owner/operator of the

Jungle Farm.

“The Jungle Farm started as a u-pick farm. Probably the best thing we are known for is our strawberries. But we have definitely expanded beyond that.

We have a three season year here. We start our greenhouse in the spring with our custom baskets for people where they can come and plant them up and we babysit them, to bedding plants and vegetable transplants which are really popular now for people who want their own gardens,” she said. “When we get to

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the first of July we have our strawberries I think the connection to the food really helps you understand what is local.” and we now have a vegetable u-pick.

“People are wanting to get back to In September, the Jungle Farm moves knowing where their food comes from into their entertainment season which and teaching their children what peas in consists of a corn maze, farm animals, wagon rides, pedal cars and more. a pod look like.”

“It is really around creating family As well, The Jungle Farm offers vegetable boxes where patrons can head out to memories,” said Staples.

Throughout the spring and fall, Staples the farm and pick up a weekly box full of said they welcome fresh goodies. school groups “We do give from the area to them a u-pick optour the farm as tion per week also “PEOPLE ARE WANTING TO GET if they choose,” BACK TO KNOWING WHERE THEIR well.

“We get a lot of said Staples.

FOOD COMES FROM AND school tours that “Because we have a spring, summer TEACHING THEIR CHILDREN WHAT come through and we also do a and Thanksgiving PEAS IN A POD LOOK LIKE.” lot of day camps box, people can and schools in have 19 weeks LEONA STAPLES the summer,” she of locally grown said. fruits and vege“We love to grow tables. The prices are very comparable to the grocery store. really good food, we love education - that You are going to maybe try some things is a real passion of ours, to make sure that you would never have before and I’m people understand where their food is going to give you some recipes and infor- coming from and how it’s grown and we mation on how to preserve some of that love to create memories,” said Staples.

“Those are the things we really strive to product - it’s a win-win.

“I think there is a disconnect between do.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com knowing what is seasonal and what isn’t.

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 5

Disc Golf offers inexpensive summer sport alternative

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS If you’re looking for a fun and active evening activity to do with the family this summer and don’t want to break the bank on a round of golf, look no further than the three disc golf courses set up around Red Deer.

“Basically it’s another form of golf, just a different application. It’s all the same rules but you use a frisbee instead of a ball and club,” said Jerry Rosa, president of the Central Alberta Disc Golf Association (CADGA) of the sport that has been rapidly gaining popularity in the City in recent years.

Disc golf, as the name implies, is golf that is played with flying discs in place of clubs.

It is played on a dedicated frisbee golf course where players take turns throwing their discs towards a special standing basket. Chains are hanging off the basket to catch discs as they fly through it.

The object of the game is to get your disc into the basket in as few throws as possible and ultimately finish your round having made fewer ‘strokes’ than your opponent. “It’s pretty much the same as far as rules are concerned,” Rosa said.

One big draw of the new golf alternative, Rosa said, is it is extremely affordable when compared to the costs of traditional golf.

“It’s a heck of a lot cheaper,” Rosa said, adding that playing disc golf in Red Deer is especially cost-effective because of the public courses that were built by the City of Red Deer and the Red Deer Primary

Care Network (PCN).

In fact, distances in disc golf are meaThose courses include a nine-hole sured in feet instead of yards, meaning course at Victoria Park in Anders, the that courses are easy to walk. main course in Red Deer, a group of six Disc golf is also an excellent activity for baskets behind Eastview Middle School, families because of the fairly low physical and a nine-hole course at Kentwood Park. toll that throwing a frisbee takes on the The fact all of the courses are located in body. public parks and maintained by the City “It’s basically ages seven to 70. It doesn’t and PCN cuts off much of the cost of a really matter, it’s a very versatile sport normal round of golf. that way,” Rosa said, “It’s free to play adding that frisbee on the course and golf is a fairly easy a standard disc is sport to get started “BASICALLY IT’S roughly 20 bucks, give in, but, like golf, it or take.” takes a long time to ANOTHER FORM That’s a lot less exmaster.

OF GOLF, JUST pensive than a $100 “It’s easy to start A DIFFERENT set of golf clubs on but in order to get APPLICATION. IT’S ALL top of having to pay good, just like anygreen fees every time thing, you need to THE SAME RULES BUT you want to hit the practice. You need YOU USE A FRISBEE links. to understand how INSTEAD OF A BALL Disc golf is also a everything works.”

AND CLUB.” great evening activity There are several because rounds tend things that a new to be much shorter player should know JERRY ROSA than your average about playing disc four hour round on an golf, Rosa said, spe18-hole golf course. cifically knowing “If you’re going to play, say, nine holes which disc to use in which situation. by yourself it’s about an hour. If you want “We treat our discs just like clubs in our to go with four people it’s probably about bag. You get your drivers, your mid range an hour to an hour and a half,” Rosa said, and your putters,” he said, noting that not adding that it takes just two and a half all discs are created equal. hours for a group of four to play a round “Some of them are going to turn left of 18 at Victoria Park. more, some turn right more. Some are “The holes are significantly shorter be- slower, some are faster. cause you’re not throwing as far as a ball “So it’s easy to get into but in order to can be hit.” be better you have to get in the rounds

just like any other sport.” For those who have more of a competitive bent or who are looking for a group to play with, the CADGA has you covered.

The Association runs a disc golf league on Tuesday nights at Victoria Park which is free to join for the first three weeks.

They also run a facebook group for members to connect for rounds and to compare scores.

“We’re all very friendly. The whole disc golf community in general is very friendly,” Rosa said, adding he would encourage anyone with any interest in disc golf to come out to one of the league nights and play their three weeks. You could play the three weeks and never come back or you could get addicted like a lot of people do and keep playing.”

In fact, the CADGA’s numbers have grown significantly over the past year.

“I started the league last year with five people and then by the end of the year we had 20 to 25. Now it’s probably 25 average.

And it’s going to climb,” Rosa said.

Joining the CADGA costs just $25 to register for a full year membership, plus $10 per week for league play. The money, Rosa said, goes to several places.

“Part of the proceeds go towards the Association, but the $10 that is paid every week, half of that goes right back to the players. And then at the end of the year, the other half goes back to the players in prizes.”

Anyone interested in joining the CADGA can visit their facebook page at www. facebook.com/RedDeerDiscGolf. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

Family-friendly activities at Heritage Ranch

BY COLE SWIER RED DEER EXPRESS Heritage Ranch in Red Deer is preparing for another summer season of couple oriented as well as family-friendly activities and programs.

Whether you’re interested in chatting over a glass of wine or taking to the trails on horseback, Heritage Ranch has a range of programs to suit whatever interests you may have.

Joel Martens is the manager of Heritage Ranch and said the outdoorsy approach to the programs assists with getting kids outside and appreciating more of what nature has to offer.

“It’s great for them to experience it and for little kids to get on a horse for the first time and actually go for a ride.

“Our hour long trail rides get kids into the woods and shows them a different side of things and life outside the X-box,” said Martens.

The ranch offers a mishmash of summer programs including pony rides for smaller children, a Red Deer River kayak trip and lunch, and even an activity called the ‘Ranch Tracker’ game.

“OUR HOUR LONG TRAIL RIDES GET KIDS INTO THE WOODS AND SHOWS THEM A DIFFERENT SIDE OF THINGS AND LIFE OUTSIDE THE X-BOX.” JOEL MARTENS The game offers participants the ability to live out their fantasies of aspiring to be on the hit show Man Tracker by giving the participant one hour to remain at large and capture four flags while being hunted down the ranch tracker.

The ranch also specializes in on-one-one romantic and intimate programs for

couples.

Martens said the ability to offer couples an escape from family life for a short period of time is what sets Heritage Ranch apart from most other parks in the area.

Although despite the vast variety of programs that the ranch offers one key component can be found in every activity offered.

Martens explained that Heritage Ranch prides themselves on their ability to focus on selling experiences rather then just the program or activity.

He said that incorporating the experience into new programming can be a challenge when trying to develop the activity itself.

If you are interested in looking more in-depth at all the programs offered at Heritage Ranch, feel free to check out their web site at http://www.heritageranch. ca/ for a full list of activities, prices, times, and much more. student@reddeerexpress.com

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Summer Adventures Get Out & Have Fun!

Torrington’s Gopher Hole Museum a local ‘must-see’

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS It’s a pretty safe bet that many folks have never been to a tourist spot quite like Torrington’s Gopher Hole Museum, located at #208 - 1st St. South.

But its sheer uniqueness has attracted tourists from around the world, and when visitors see how the little critters have been set up and displayed, it’s really no wonder.

This year marks the museum’s 20th anniversary, and Dianne Kurta, manager of the museum, said that often people stop by on their way to and from Drumheller. Or they come simply due to what they’ve heard about the museum.

Either way, it’s proven a brilliant means of drawing folks into the hamlet for a visit.

Over those two decades, the gophers have been costumed and ‘set’ into little scenarios that can reflect usual activities that take place in a small community - everything from catching butterflies, to the selling of goods, to playing instruments at the ‘Old Tyme Music Jamboree’.

“I think that a lot of people think they’re just going to see a bunch of gophers sitting on a shelf dressed up,” said Kurta, who is also president of the Torringon Tourism Association.

“They don’t expect anything like this. The sets represent Torrington, and what we have in our small town and the surrounding area. We have a library, a bank, hotel, a play park, a fishing hole, a beauty salon.” The list goes on, and scenes from places like these are represented at the museum.

“I’ve been with the museum for 23 years, and officially, we’ve been open for 20 years,” she said. “We thought at first that if we were open for five years, we’d be lucky,” she explained with a laugh. “Who would want to come and see gophers?”

Kurta has been part of the organizing of the museum from the start. “The Village of Torrington came up with the idea; the council,” she said. “They were looking for a way to attract people into our town. They knew a museum was the way to go, but they wanted something different.”

So they decided to contact a taxidermist and a few folks to paint and design the backgrounds, and the rest, as they say, is history. Others provide everything from carpentry skills for the cabinets to help with designing little outfits for the gophers, so ultimately, it’s really something of a community collaboration, said Kurta.

“Here we are 20 years

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later - and we are still going strong,” she said. We’ve had over 300 people this month alone (May), and we aren’t even open yet!

“Through the four months that we are open, we average around 6,000 to 7,000 tourists from all over the world. I would say that 98 per cent of the feedback is good - it’s mainly surprise. They come in and

they can’t believe what they are seeing,” she said, adding there is typically a new addition to the collection every two years or so.

“That’s what we look for - we look for giggles and laughing - that’s what we want to hear because then we know they are enjoying it.”

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A map of the world by the front entrance is covered by small pins which note the hundreds of locations around the world that visitors have come from. Kurta also pointed out that prior to the museum’s opening, she’d tell people where she lived and few had heard of the community. That isn’t really the case anymore, she chuckled, adding that every hamlet and small community in general needs something to help set it apart and attract visitors.

Today, there are 47 displays and 77 stuffed gophers at the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum.

Four volunteers give of their time to keep the museum operational through the summer months.

“I enjoy meeting the people, and especially people from other countries,” said Kurta. “And hearing the comments.”

Admission is $2/person or 50 cents for children under 14.

For more information, call 403-631-2133. editor@reddeerexpress.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 7

Summer Adventures Get Out & Have Fun!

Education and entertainment at Discovery Wildlife Park

GENTLE GIANTS - Serena Bos, park manager at Discovery Wildlife Park playfully interacts with Griffen who is Park’s male lion, while Zendana the female lion rests nearby.

Cole Swier/Red Deer Express

BY COLE SWIER RED DEER EXPRESS Whether the sounds of lions roaring excites you, or the image of an African Spurred Tortoise scuttling across his exhibit brings a smile to your face, Discovery Wildlife Park may have what you’re looking for to pass some time during the summer months.

Located in Innisfail, the park goes out of its way to ensure the animals they take in are in need of care and hospitality. In the past Discovery Wildlife Park has taken in animals from other zoos that were shutting down or had no need for the species anymore.

Less commonly they have also been known to take in one or two unwanted pets as well, although one of the biggest ways the park receives their species is by taking in and taking care of orphaned animals.

For example, the park

took in two baby wolves after their mother was shot and killed just north of Edmonton two years ago.

The wolves are still at the park and even put on weekend presentations for the guests’ enjoyment.

Serena Bos is the park manager as well as an animal trainer; she says that by working closely with the animals she ensures that education takes priority over entertainment.

“Our animals are used as ambassadors to educate the public.

“So we offer a huge amount of education to the public in regards to conservation; it’s really important for people to understand what these animals truly do mean and what humans are doing to destroy natural wildlife.”

The park has specialized bear safety programs alongside beaver, tiger, jaguar, lion, and wolf presentations throughout

the week. Some of the animals at the park have also appeared in critically acclaimed television series and movies. Their black bear Bonkers has appeared in movies such as Gentle Ben and Brokeback Mountain. Bonkers has also appeared in such acclaimed television series as The Sopranos and General Hospital.

Despite the vast variety of species that the park offers patrons to obverse, Bos clarified that finding the balance between being educational as well as a tourist destination is always a challenge to juggle.

“It’s not necessarily about the variety of species but how much these species can actually educate the public.

“Obviously if you only had two species then being a tourist attraction in Central Alberta isn’t going to be as exciting as if you had multiple species for people to actually

view,” says Bos. Bos adds that identifying as a zoo and a tourist attraction, as well as being open to the public helps promote the park and brings in revenue that is used directly to take care of the animals.

“We would not be able to do what we do if we weren’t open to the public because we are privately owned and operated and are not funded by the government. We are funded by having our doors open to the public and every

dollar that comes in goes straight back to the animals,” said Bos. Discovery Wildlife Park opened their doors at the end of April and will remain open until Thanksgiving weekend.

Enjoy all the great things to do this Summer in Red Deer & Central Alberta

Kim Schreiner MLA Red Deer North 403-342-2263

student@reddeerexpress.com

8 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Seniors’ Week

Downtown House dedicated to seniors’ enjoyment

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS Local seniors can find plenty of fun, fellowship and tasty treats at the Senior Citizens Downtown House, located at 4514 – 53rd St. The facility has a full slate of regular and special events running all year long.

Currently, there are about 115 members, said coordinator Debbie Stolte, who has been working at the Downtown House for 10 years.

From delicious potluck suppers, jam sessions and carpet bowling to all kinds of card games and other special events, there is always something to bring folks together and provide opportunities to build community.

“We try to encourage more membership because that helps keep our doors open.”

The Tony Connelly Singers drop by each Tuesday morning as well at 9:30 a.m.

Everyday there is also lunch served Monday through Friday for a very nominal cost, and everyone is welcome. It runs from 11 to 1 p.m. “We keep the prices as reasonable as we can.

“It’s open to the public as well.”

Ultimately, it’s all about planning activities for fun and socialization, said Stolte.

The Senior Citizens Downtown House, a non-profit organization that receives no government funding, was first launched back in 1974 in downtown Red Deer in the basement of what was then the Club Cafe restaurant.

It began operating out of the current facility in 2000.

Stolte said at the time, the current building was little more than a shell but thanks to the

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RED DEER EXPRESS 9

Seniors’ Week hard work and generosity of many of the senior patrons at the time, the facility was eventually developed and finished.

Meanwhile, operational expenses are covered by nominal fees for services and activities and special fundraisers. Stolte said it can be a struggle, but they aim to keep costs affordable so as many folks as possible can take part in the activities. Any community support is always welcome - as are volunteers who can help in a number of ways.

Stolte said over the years, she’s heard a steady stream of positive feedback from those who regularly drop by. Newcomers say they feel immediately welcome.

Much of what is on the schedule runs from month to month, but special events are also planned on a regular basis, too. For instance they recently hosted a fashion show which was very well attended. “About 83 people showed up - they loved it and they want to do it again so we will probably do one in the fall.”

Looking ahead, there is a fun casino night set for June 3rd and on July 20th, a lunch will be held following the Westerner Days parade. The lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a cost of $7 for hot dogs, potato salad and pork and beans.

The fun casino features blackjack, horse racing, and Crown and Anchor. “It’s $15, but you get lunch and you get $100 play money.”

The Downtown House is located near bus stops, plus seniors can take advantage of the Action Bus that is run through the City of Red Deer.

For Stolte, working at the Senior Citizens Downtown House provides a constant sense of fulfillment.

“They’re always laughing and joking - it’s so funny to listen to them,” she said, adding they also have so much to share and give. “They’re a lot of fun.”

For more information, call the Senior Citizens Downtown House at 403-346-4043. editor@reddeerexpress.com

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Seniors’ Week

Celebrating Seniors’ Week The 30th anniversary of Seniors’ Week will take place June 6th-12th. Seniors make a difference in our communities.

From supporting family members and friends to assisting charities and volunteering, seniors are involved in our communities and their contributions benefit Albertans of all ages. Each year, Albertans are encouraged to join the festivities by attending one of the many Seniors’ Week events to be held across the province.

Whether planning an event or enjoying one with the seniors in your life, take the time to acknowledge Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute. Your participation in Seniors’ Week helps show appreciation for Alberta’s seniors.

In the next 10 years, the number of seniors is going to increase by more than 50%. By 2031, it is projected that there will be more than 923,000 seniors – meaning about one in five Albertans will be a senior. This will affect the way infrastructure is built, the way people get around, and even the way people shop for goods and services. That’s why now is a great time for us to make our communities more age-friendly.

Age-friendly communities promote healthy and active aging. People in age-friendly communities are supported in maintaining their independence and have access to the community supports and services they require.

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age-friendly community including, practicing age-friendliness which is one of the most effective ways to promote healthy and active aging. People in age-friendly communities are supported in maintaining their independence and preventing illness and injury, and have access to the community supports and services they require. In an age-friendly community, residents are able and encouraged to participate in the community. This includes participating in the workforce, recreational opportunities, social activities and volunteer opportunities. People of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances can interact, share experiences and contribute.

Designing and delivering public services in age-friendly ways can lead to improved use of tax dollars. Age-friendly public facilities and infrastructure (such as buildings and parks) can be used by more citizens. Having an age-friendly business creates additional business opportunities for owners and provides more attractive employment opportunities for mature workers and persons with disabilities.

Such businesses are more accessible and feel more welcoming to a greater range of community members.

Pursuing age-friendliness leads to a community that recognizes, appreciates and values the contributions made by different members of the community and engages them in all aspects of community life.

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RED DEER EXPRESS 11

Ellis Bird Farm offers an up-close view of nature

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS Ellis Bird Farm is a small patch of property located about 17 kms southeast of Lacombe across the road from ME Global’s main plant on Range Road 260.

Initially when you drive down the small gravel road, it would be very easy to miss the small turnoff into one of the top bird sanctuaries in Alberta. The driveway is surrounded by trees on either side and the only indication is a sign that simply reads Ellis Bird Farm.

After making your way down to the Visitor Centre on the new gravel drive and parking your car, the first thing you will notice about the bird farm are the sounds.

A chorus bird call of every description imaginable fills the air at the little slice of paradise that first became a haven for wildlife under the care of Charlie and Winnie Ellis in the early 1950s.

“When you hear ‘Ellis Bird Farm’ sometimes you think we’re raising pheasants or something, but it’s just not so,” laughed Claudia Lipski, a casual staff member at the Bird Farm who also helps with the education programs and managing the bird trail.

“YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE BIRDS SINGING, SEE THE BIRDS FLYING. IT’S A NICE WALK IN THE PARK AND YOU CAN FEEL CLOSE TO NATURE IN A SAFE PLACE.” CLAUDIA LIPSKI WHO ARE YOU? - A Great Horned owlet sits on a tree branch outside of the nest at the Ellis Bird Farm near Lacombe earlier this month.

According to Lipski, all of the different birds that visitors can see at the farm are wild and can come and go as they please.

The reason that so many different types of birds end up nesting there is because of the way that it has been curated over the years.

“All of it is based on naturescaping. So you’re creating a habitat where the wildlife can come in. Hummingbird gardens and pollinator gardens as well.”

Walking through the property itself, visitors can definitely see the diversity in the plant life between all of the different gardens, all of them carefully set up and monitored by Head Gardener Cynthia Pohl.

“The key to attracting a lot of different wildlife is actually having a lot of diversity of plants. First of all, we have plants from all of the major plant groups,” said Pohl, noting that those major plant groups are grasses, bulbs, annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs and trees; both deciduous and coniferous.

“That’s the starting point. Then from there we want to have plants of all ages as well.”

All of the gardens at the Ellis Bird Farm are demonstration gardens that Pohl has set up to show different ways to attract wildlife and birds.

“Today, I was out on the bird trail and I had baby bluebirds hatching. It’s fascinating. In one nest five babies had hatched and there was one egg still to hatch,” Lipski said, noting that those kinds of discoveries aren’t uncommon at the bird farm.

During a walk through the quiet property, visitors can encounter Purple Martens,

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

Chickadees, different kinds of ducks, blue birds and even a trio of Great Horned Owl owlets named Haley, April and Gus. Their parents, Ellie and Albert, have been nesting at the farm for a number of years.

“You can listen to the birds singing, see the birds flying. It’s a nice walk in the park and you can feel close to nature in a safe place,” Lipski said.

“It’s right in our own back yard. We’re less than half and hour out of Red Deer.

It’s very easy to get here.”

Not only that, but visiting the Bird Farm doesn’t cost anything. It’s completely free to come in and walk the trails and even catch some water bugs on the pier.

Visitors can also head into both the new and old visitor centres and participate in a variety of activities and view some of the photos taken around the Ellis Bird Farm by Chief Biologist Myrna Pearman.

In addition to all of that, visitors can also spend part of their walks viewing the Ellis Bird Farm’s bluebird nest box collections, one of the largest in North America, which features nest boxes from all over the world.

“These are all functional nest boxes.

The hole size is what’s important, and people have allowed us to put it up with their name beside it and where they’re from,” Lipski said.

It was bluebird nesting boxes that started Charlie Ellis’s fascination with birds all those years ago. According to the Ellis Bird Farm web site, over the years Charlie and Winnie rimmed the fields on their farm with about 300 nest boxes for

Mountain Bluebirds.

From there the fascination grew and the siblings began building ponds and planting gardens specifically meant to attract birds, deer and other wildlife.

When the early 1980s rolled around, Charlie’s greatest concern was the fate of his birds after he became too elderly to continue to care for them.

Around the same time, Union Carbide (now MEGlobal) was looking for a place to build a new ethylene glycol plant.

Following a suggestion by the Red Deer River Naturalists, Union Carbide agreed to set up a non-profit charitable organi-

zation to continue the legacy of the Ellis family. MEGlobal still provides annual funding for Ellis Bird Farm operations.

Now, more than 30 years later, the Ellis Bird Farm is still a quiet place to enjoy the beauty of nature and it is dedicated to conservation of Alberta’s domestic bird species. It has also become a leader in special research and study into cavity-nesting birds.

The Ellis Bird Farm officially opened to the public for the summer last month. For more information or full operating hours, visit www.ellisbirdfarm.ca. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

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