Conservation Sites

Conservation Sites.

Vern Potiuk Memorial

The Potiuk Property is located southwest of Tilley and consists of
160 acres. The property consists of several wetlands, shrub land and some
idle hayland. This hayland was planted to grass and set aside as permanent
cover. This was done to maintain nesting cover for waterfowl and upland game
birds. Mule deer and white-tailed deer frequent the property and numerous bird
species utilize the shrubs and tall grass surrounding the wetlands for cover and
nesting sites.

Click here to learn more.

Inter-Lake Site

Inter-Lake Site Details: This 37-acre site is directly across the Trans-Canada Highway from Brooks and consists of wetland and upland habitat. The site provides excellent wetland wildlife viewing opportunities. Restrictions: Day use only.

No open fires. Foot access only. No hunting.

Partners: ACA, AEP, County of Newell, EID Quarter Sections: NW/SW-09-01

Sproule

A Food Plot For Wildlife
Since 1950, a quarter section of land near Rolling Hills, Alberta has been set aside as a natural habitat area for birds, and other wildlife. Originally purchased by DR J.C. Sproule, a Calgary medical doctor, the land has been tended and protected for the last 47 years, firgt by the Sproule Foundation, an organization formed in memory of Dr Sproule to continue the habitat protection work, and then by Fish and Wildlife staff and volunteers. Fish and Wildlife purchased the land in 1985. Ducks Unlimited has also participated in wetlands development the property to enhance water fowl habitat and nesting. The area which is surrounded by agricultural land is full of long grasses, small bushes, and some trees that were planted as a shelter-belt. as well the property contains a 20 acre corn
field. The corn is planted each year to supplement the natural food sources for wildlife in the area.

Early in 1997, wildlife technicians Randy Lee (Lethbridge) and Reg Russel (Brooks) inspected the property asses use of the corn crop and to identify wildlife species using the property during the winter. They inspected the corn crop and cattail area on foot to observe without disturbing the animals and to find tracks species not seen. Randy and Reg observed 32 whitetail deer, 35 pheasants, 15 Hungarian partridge, 70 red winged black birds and 50 common Redpolls.

They also observed numerous deer and pheasant tracks in the corn crop field and cattail areas, some coyote and possible mink tracks, and winter dens of various animals.The number of animals located in this area is encouraging to wildlife managers as is the variety. furthermore, it is especially encouraging to see Red Winged Black Birds, which do not usually over-winter in Alberta. Obviously the corn planted as a food source enticed them to stay for the winter. The properties many stake holders and partners are pleased to see how the property has become an oasis for wildlife in the midst of an agriculture region. The 20 acre corn plot has been seeded over to hay grass mix as of 2017. This hay grass mix still has nice habitat for pheasants, deer, and a number of birds in the area.

In May 2022 the BDFGA applied for a grant through the ACA to plant trees and berry bushes on the north end, close to a water supply. Planted was 600 native variety of trees and berry bushes. Plans to add another 1200 trees and bushes close to the recently planted sites in 2024/2025. (Harvestyourown.ca)The BDFGA is looking for anyone that wants to get involved for the 2024/2025 tree plantingand any other habitat improvements through the ACA.https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=F4&number=15Quarter SectionsSE-35-014-14-W4M

Habitat Enhancement Brooks Aqueduct Trout Ponds

Also known as Aqueduct Marshes, this 834-acre site is approximately 10 km SE of Brooks and consists of upland and wetland habitat and a fisheries access site. Recreational opportunities include good waterfowl and upland game bird hunting, as well as fishing for trout in the pond stocked by AEP

As of August 22, 2024, The BDFGA volunteers and our partner the County of Newell have been busy irrigating, mowing, and weed trimming this area since we planted around 1,500 new seedlings and potted trees and shrubs in the June of 2024 this brought us over 10,000 trees and shrubs planted here in 2023, 2024 and are looking at adding another 300 potted trees and shrubs in 2024

Total Volunteer Hours to this project: 2613.75 hours to July 30th, 2024 https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=F4&number=13

Quarter Sections

NE-09-018-14-W4M, NW-10-018-14-W4M, NW/NE/SW-15-018-14-W4M, NE/SW/SE-16-018-14-W4M

Long Pump

This 40 acre property is managed as permanent cover that
provides nesting cover for waterfowl and upland game birds. There are mule deer
and white-tailed deer as well as pheasants and Hungarian partridge.

https://www.afga.org//wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LongPump.pdf

Antelope Creek Ranch

This 5,493 acre property is managed through the Antelope Creek
management committee. The working ranch is used as an example for managing
for sustainable ranching and conserving native habitat values.

https://www.afga.org//wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AntelopeCreek2.pdf

https://www.antelopecreekranch.ca/index.html