Due to a late spring, the May 9, 2026 field is being moved to Northwest of Bruderheim Natural Area. Participants can pre-register. Members and those interested in becoming a member are all invited. Long time Steward, Hubert Taube will be on hand to provide 30+ years of reflections on this site.

If the Winter blahs are creeping up on you, SAPAA has a cure, a field trip to the Northwest of Bruderheim Natural Area. The original plan was to visit Mount Butte Natural Area. The late spring means this site will be very muddy whereas the sandy soils of NW of Bruderheim are better drained. As a bonus, prairie crocuses may still be blooming!

This NA has two parcels, an East and West parcel and we will visit both parcels as time and interest permit. The meeting location will be emailed to all registered participants.

If you are unfamiliar with the ecology of the Northern Alberta sand dunes, be sure to read Patsy Cotterill’s excellent article from the February 2026 Newsletter (see: The Sand Dune Natural Areas).

Please submit a Site Inspection Report and/or make iNaturalist.ca observations while on the site.

We will go for a snack after the event. If you are a current or past student working with SAPAA, your pie/snack is on SAPAA!

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Read the SAPAA Waiver and Assumption of Risk Before Signing Up.

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Tail Gate Script

• Welcome to the May 9th, Northwest of Bruderheim field trip
  • This safety briefing will take 5-minutes and then Hubert will provide some context to the site.
  • First, introduce yourself and indicated how many times have you visited this site?
• 1. Why Are We Here
  • Trip Leader: Frank Potter; First Aid: Myrna Peters
  • Objectives of the field trip
    • To collect information about the state of the site, biophysical information via iNaturalist, and have a great walk!
    • We will start in the East parcel and then walk/drive to the West parcel.
    • Field Test the SIR-SAPAA application in low connectivity conditions.
    • Please log into SIR-SAPAA in advance on your phone as system access cannot be trouble-shooted in the field.
    • Except for the low lying areas, the site is very dry and sandy.
  • Participants Role(s)
    • Frank: SIR-SAPAA expert
    • Patsy or Hubert: iNaturalist expert
    • Myrna, Patsy or Hubert: botanical/animal experts
  • Nearest Hospital: Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital Emergency Department.
    • Address: 9401 86 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0C6
    • Distance from NW Bruderheim Natural Area: ~20–25 minutes by vehicle (depending on access point)
    • Phone: 780‑998‑2256
  • Backup / Secondary Emergency Options: Strathcona Community Hospital – Emergency Room
  • 9000 Emerald Dr, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0Y5; Phone: 780‑449‑5380
• 2. Key Hazards for Visit
  • Terrain hazards — uneven ground, sandy soil, steep slopes, gouged ATV tracks
  • Vegetation hazards — stinging nettle, thorny shrubs, poison ivy.
  • Wildlife — moose, coyotes, nesting birds; what to do if encountered.
  • Insects – Ticks, mosquitoes, individuals with allergies.
  • Plants – Nettles, poison ivy, rose bushes, etc.
  • Weather — heat, cold, storms, windfall risk.
  • Water hazards — fast‑moving creeks, unstable banks, ice conditions (seasonal).
  • Human‑made hazards — fences, old structures, debris, roads.
• 3. Required Gear and Personal Preparedness
  • Footwear appropriate for uneven terrain.
  • Water, snacks, sun protection, insect repellent.
  • Clothing layers for changing weather.
  • Any required tools or equipment and safe use expectations.
  • First aid kits (leader‑carried; participants may carry personal kits).
• 4. Movement and Behaviour Expectations
  • Group movement: go with a friend or solo
  • Maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
  • Respect sensitive habitats and avoid trampling vegetation.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• 5. Communication Plan
  • Designated Off Site Contact: Margreet Potter, [PHONE]
  • Check‑in times and regroup points: meet up periodically to share experiences and count noses
  • Radios
  • Cell coverage expectations and backup communication methods.
  • Shout if injured or lost
• 6. Emergency Procedures
  • First aid lead and location of first aid supplies.
  • What to do if someone is injured:
    • Stop the group
    • Notify the leader
    • Provide first aid within training
    • Do not move the injured person unless necessary
    • Evacuation route and meeting point.
    • When and how 911 will be called.
  • If separated: stay put, make noise, use whistle.
  • Wildlife Safety Protocols
    • Moose and ungulate safety (give wide berth, never approach).
    • Nesting birds and sensitive species — maintain distance and avoid disturbance.
• 9. Final Checks Before Departure
  • Confirm everyone has water, gear, and appropriate clothing.
  • Review route, duration, and expected return time.
  • Reconfirm communication and emergency plan.
  • Ensure all participants understand expectations and can opt out if unprepared.

Where is NW of Bruderheim

The Protected Areas is Northwest of Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan but South of the North Saskatchewan River. There is no public transit in the area and travel by car is necessary. Access roads may be muddy but generally driveable.

Contingencies and Alternatives

Organizers will cancel the trip in case of inclement weather (significant snow fall, heavy rain, etc.).

You Must Pre-Register

Further details will be sent to all of those who have registered for the trip, details as follows:

• Where: Northwest of Bruderheim Natural Area, Northwest of Edmonton.
• When: May 9, 2026. An all-day trip, we will meet at the staging area at 11 a.m.
• Who: Everyone interested in this Central Alberta Natural Area, or who wants to at least go for a nice walk early in the season!
• What: The NA is sandy soil and a mix of forest and lowlands. As of writing, the two parcels have 267 iNaturalist observations.