LOCATION
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• Wetaskiwin County
• East of Wetaskiwin
• 104 Acres
• 80 km drive from central Edmonton
GEOCACHES
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• Popular Pipestone Tree
• Milkweed Island
• Trembling in My Boots
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS
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@EdAreaLandTrust #PipestoneCreekEALT
VISITING GUIDELINES
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Please read our full guidelines before visiting our sites.
Be prepared for wildlife encounters as cougars have been reported here.
DIRECTIONS, PARKING & TRAILS
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• 5.5 km of natural trails
• Mostly flat terrain with a few hills
• Do not disturb young spruce trees in restoration areas
• Roadside parking
““What a beautiful trail and day to get together and find a few geocaches, kids are feeding the birds right off their hand and everyone is having a good time, thanks for bringing us out here!””
Cougar Activity in Area
Evidence of cougar activity was observed in spring 2023 around Pipestone Creek. It is likely that these cougars will be active in the area year round. Be cougar aware - make lots of noise, carry bear spray, and keep your pets on leash or leave them at home.
For more information about how to be cougar safe, visit the Government of Alberta website.
Recent Dog Attack
EALT received notice of an off-leash dog attacking and killing a deer fawn during the week of June 14, 2024.
This was an entirely preventable incident, and we are deeply disappointed to hear of this event. We strive to keep our conservation sites safe places for wildlife to live and rear their vulnerable young, free from the threat of human-caused dangers such as off-leash pets.
EALT reminds visitors that pets must be ON-LEASH as a condition of accessing this conservation site.
Wildlife and Habitat
This natural area is located near Coal Lake, and borders Pipestone Creek itself, including an oxbow lake.
This natural area features several vegetation community types, including spruce woodlands, aspen parkland, and dry grassland slopes that feature plants not commonly found this far north in Alberta.
Pipestone Creek is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, great blue heron, cedar waxwings, hermit thrush, and many other songbirds and small mammals. Trumpeter swans have also been seen flying overhead during migration.
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: Dorothy Monteith, Barry MacDonald, EALT
Importance
Pipestone Creek is an important habitat corridor for wildlife. By securing this natural area, we ensure that the creek and riparian area are conserved. The creek is also important for a healthy water supply, and conserving the area around the creek helps keep the watershed healthy.
Indigenous Connections
Pipestone Creek is a tributary of Battle River, a name most likely inspired by the rivalry between the Iron Confederacy (Nehiyaw-Pwat) and the Black foot confederacy (Niitsitapi). The Nehiyaw-Pwat included the Nehiyawak (Cree), the Anishnaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux) and the Nakota (Assinoboine). These opposing alliances mainly competed for access to bison. Eventually the nations are said to have found peace, as evidenced through the region’s names and stories.
Guided Nature Tour
Whether at Pipestone Creek Conservation Lands, or at your home, take a guided nature tour using the map below, or click here for the tour booklet.
Stewardship Highlights and Recent News
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