Trails at Larch Sanctuary are not maintained by the City of Edmonton. Please use caution.

Learn more about Larch Sanctuary in this brochure:

Wildlife and Habitat

Nestled in the middle of Edmonton lies Larch Sanctuary, a section of the Whitemud creek ravine just upstream of its confluence with Blackmud creek. This 59 acre reserve is on the south side of 23rd Avenue, with housing developments at the top of the banks on either side, so it truly is a sanctuary.

The combination of coniferous, deciduous, and mixedwoods forests provide habitat for dozens of species of mammals and birds, including our largest woodpecker, the pileated woodpecker. An ox bow lake provides important habitat for aquatic species, amphibians, and waterfowl.

To further benefit wildlife within the Edmonton city limits, EALT has recently installed a large bee hotel and rocket bat box. To read more about the importance of pollinators and how to help them, click here, and to read more about bats and how to help them, click here.

Click here to listen to the Edmonton Community Foundation’s podcast, featuring Larch Sanctuary.

Do you plan on trying to identify plants and animals while exploring? Consider helping EALT with some Citizen Science. There are lots of easy ways to share your finds with our conservation team and your input is greatly valued!

Photos: Minette Layne, Doris May, Veronika Ronkos, Joshua Wasyliw, EALT

Importance

Larch Sanctuary provides an important wildlife corridor, as species move around and through Edmonton, between the outskirts of the city and the North Saskatchewan River. Whitemud Creek is a major tributary of the North Saskatchewan River, which provides drinking water for the population of greater Edmonton. In addition to these ecological benefits, Larch Sanctuary also provides residents with a unique place to be active, spend time outdoors, enjoy, and feel connected to nature. 

Conservation Status

The Edmonton and Area Land Trust worked with the City of Edmonton to place a Conservation Easement on this land, which provides Larch Sanctuary with an additional level of protection, and other benefits. Larch Sanctuary was officially opened in Spring 2017. The Land Stewardship Centre’s Green Communities Guide also features Larch Sanctuary as an example of a Nature-based Solution.

Indigenous Connections

Larch sanctuary is located in a section of the Whitemud Creek, which is a major tributary of the North Saskatchewan River. The Nehiyawewin (Cree) name for the North Saskatchewan River is kisiskâciwani-sîpiy ᑭᓯᐢᑲᒋᐊᐧᓂ ᓯᐱᕀ, which means “swift flowing river”. The river and river valley was traditionally important for many nations including the Nehiyawak (Cree), Tsuut’ina, Anishnabee (Ojibway/Saulteaux), the Nakota Sioux, the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the Métis. The river valley was important for harvesting plants, fishing, and harvesting materials for tool crafting. The river itself, as well as its tributaries, were the main modes of transportation for thousands of years.

Stewardship Highlights and Recent News