Richard DeSmet (aka Pops) describes an experience he had in the Halfmoon Lake Natural Area. The simple question of why? led him to a better understanding and appreciation of why we are Stewards.

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.

• Date of visit: Thursday, July 22, 2021
• People: Patsy, Manna, Hubert
• Duration: about 3 hrs (11:30 am – 2:30 pm)
• Weather: overcast, ominous clouds to the west
• Last hour: rainstorm, misty atmosphere

The only road access is at the SW corner of the NA reached by use of
Township Rd 514A and Range Road 52. From there an oilfield road runs to the centre of the western boundary of the NA (for details see the Google map).
Site receives few visitors; no trails; no disturbance other than the centre west oilfield installation.
Tony Blake of Red Deer is the Government-appointed Roving Steward for this and many other Natural Areas in Central Alberta.