3 minute read
Nature Walk of Colour
Nature Walk of Colour
Tammy Hewitt - News Advertiser
Through drizzly rain and wetlands, nine registered participants were led on a guided nature walk by local wildlife biologist and naturalist Jessica Melsted on June 28. There were options offered anywhere between 10-12 pm to accommodate a group of up to 15 people at a time. Due to lower enrollment, it was decided to only do one Walk and Talk session. She was assisted by Vegreville’s Recreational Programmer Molly Grant and unofficially Robert Hughes. Participants met at a covered registration table near the South End Walking Trial which stretches along St Mary’s Pond. Participants of all ages attended from a toddler of two years of age with mom to a grandmother of 79 years of age. Rounding out this group that braved the weather, was also a friendly dog with his owner. Grant covered safety staying in the back of the group to monitor slower movers, especially those with lower mobility.
Throughout the walk, Melsted, Hughes and other birding enthusiasts pointed out various trees and birds along the trail. Melsted taught about some shrubs and trees natural to area including the prickly rose (also referred to as the Alberta rose) that was seen in bloom along with red-osier dogwood that many wildlife enjoy for its sweet, red bark in the fall and winter. Melsted referred to this shrub’s branches as “like candy” for local inhabitants. Aspen trees were pointed out and noted for their historical use by Indigenous people that used the white powder off the bark for sunscreen. Hughes noted some leaves of perennial sow-thistle that showed red like dots from insects introduced to the area to lessen the spread of this invasive plant species.
Further along the trail, participants enjoyed the sights of St Mary’s Pond with a few different birds of the area. Amongst the birds seen were the red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds, tree swallows, eared grebes, wigeons, Franklin’s gulls and even a hawk flew over the group. Even more birds were heard including soras, marsh wrens, common yellowthroats and snipe. The blue-winged teal duck had been seen there previously but none were spotted on the walk today. A couple enthusiasts had binoculars and eagerly pointed out their findings when they spotted different birds.
The walk ended about an hour later back at the starting point. Though it was less than intended participation, organizer Melsted shared that she hopes this will help to bring awareness to those looking to explore natural areas around town. The trail can be found at the end of 50 street where there is a field in frontal view. Toward the right (south) is the head of the trail, to the left (north) would take one back into the neighborhood area. The trail is a bit uneven in areas but suitable for most mobility levels as shown by a participant that used a cane during the walk.
