If you’ve volunteered with EALT before or been one of Lu Carbyn’s students or an Edmonton Nature Club member, perhaps you’ve already visited the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary in Lac St. Anne County. If you haven’t been one of the handful of people to see this special place already, you can now visit it yourself in person - the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary is now open for the public to visit!
This beautiful 155 acre property is a haven for birds and other wildlife. Several small lakes and wetlands provide breeding areas for many types of waterfowl, including loons and trumpeter swans. A wide array of other wildlife, both large and small, are frequently spotted here or on the wildlife cameras here - including toads, fishers, beavers, deer, moose, and even bears and cougars.
Lu Carbyn generously donated the land to EALT in 2018, and after several projects to get the area ready for visitors, we’re pleased to be able to have another wild place for you to visit. Read more about the securement of the site, as well as a blog by Lu about the importance of conservation.
Directions to the site as well as a trail map are now posted online. If you plan to visit, please keep a few important things in mind:
The trailhead begins at a road allowance and crosses through private land before you enter the Sanctuary. Please be respectful of our neighbour and stay on the trail.
Several pedestrian gates along this trail through private land are narrow and may be difficult for some people to walk through. We are working on widening these in the near future.
In addition to following our usual visiting guidelines, please note that dogs are not permitted at the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary.
Be aware of the potential for wildlife. Bears and cougars have been spotted here before - travel in a group and carry bear spray.
Horses may also be at large on the private land before you enter the Sanctuary.
Photos: Lu Carbyn, Norm Legault, EALT
We’d like to say a special thank you to Lu Carbyn for his donation, as well as to TransAlta, Lafarge, and Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting for their help in preparing the site for opening to the public.
