A break from a prolong cold snap offset or freezing rain allowed for a great day visiting Hastings Lake and its three natural areas (NA): Edgar T. Jones, Hasting Lakes Islands and Hastings Lake.

With steep ravines, much of the Carnwood Modeste Natural Area (NA) is inaccessible to all but the numerous white-tailed deer populations. This NA is within 20 km of 8-15 other natural areas including the well-known Coyote Lake Natural Area (see map below).

Alsike and Bat Lake are two separate quarter section protected areas that are part of the natural area of the same name. A winter visit brings mostly good news.