The grasslands are a special and ever-diminishing part of our province’s ecosystem. Our sea of grass is part of the Great Plains that stretches south, thousands of kilometres, into Mexico. And few people know the intricacies of it as intimately as Cheryl and Cliff. From the calls of the pipits and sparrows flitting through the sky, to the tiny, rare plants eking out existence in the harsh soils, these two have spent years working in and learning about this place. Join them for a leisurely excursion along a section of the Milk River Ridge and learn about its inhabitants, its importance and what we can do to help ensure these places exist for our grandchildren.
All donations to AWA are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Why Join This Adventure?
The Milk River Ridge, also known as the Hudson’s Bay Divide, is the height of land south of Lethbridge seen on the horizon towards Montana. On the north side water eventually finds its way into Hudson’s Bay; on the south to the Gulf of Mexico. On the Ridge are found large tracts of native foothills fescue and mixedgrass prairie, abundant wetlands, lakes and deeply incised ravines. The Ridge harbours an abundance of wildlife, including rare plant and animal species. This is still one of the few places where grizzlies still wander out onto the northern Great Plains and the local ranchers like having them around.
Despite designation in the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan for protected area status, the Milk River Ridge remains an ecosystem in danger as the government drags its feet on legislated designation. The oil company that wanted to drill in the area has withdrawn its application to drill. Come and explore the magic of this natural wild space and learn how you can help protect it.
Adventure Metrics
We will likely be hiking 5-6 hours, including a lunch stop.
Required Equipment
Be sure to bring proper hiking footwear and be aware the healthy grass in this area sometimes covers old gopher and badger holes.
We recommend wearing long pants; we will be hiking through grasslands and under a barbed-wired fence.
Bring a good lunch, snacks, plenty of water. Please remember to also eat a hearty breakfast!
Bring clothing suitable for variable weather conditions; lots of layers, hat, sunscreen, and rain gear.
Mosquitoes may abound so please bring appropriate clothing to cover and repellent spray if necessary.
Hiking poles are a good idea.
Optional: binoculars, camera.
Covid-19 Precautions
We will observe COVID-19 precautions and guidance from the Government of Alberta and expect
participants to follow appropriate sanitizing and social distancing. We thank you for your understanding
and cooperation! If you need more details you can check the Government website at:
this link.
Please bring a personal mask and your own hand sanitizer.
Thank you for joining us for this exceptional day out in one of Alberta’s truly wonderful Wild Spaces
— we look forward to meeting you there!
Details
Meeting times and locations will be given to registered participants a few days in advance of this Adventure.
Contact this Coordinator
Contact this coordinator:
by email at a4w@abwild.ca,
by phone at (403) 283-2025,
or by using the form below:
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