This Natural Area is distinct from Garner Lake Provincial Park, which is about 100 km south of this site. The fen provides habitat for 11 orchid species, including white adder’s-mouth, which is one of the rarer orchid species in Alberta.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
- Site Statistics
- References
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Other Information
This site protects the west shore of Garner Lake, portions of the tributary creek, the fen, and adjacent upland areas, and it also contains iron mineral springs. Typical plant species include black spruce, trembling aspen, various willow species, prickly rose, cattails, bulrushes, drooping woodreed, reedgrasses, sedges, feathermosses and Sphagnum species. Eleven orchid species have been recorded for the area, including the white adder’s-mouth (Malaxis monophyllos). Garner Orchid Fen Natural Area lies in the Dry Mixedwood Subregion of the Boreal Forest Natural Region, some 27 km northwest of Lac La Biche (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
DEVELOPMENT NEARBY. In 2014, residential development was proposed involving the re-zoning of 36 ha of land east of the Garner Orchid Fen. The Alberta Wilderness Association expressed concern that residential development could divert, deplete or pollute the shallow groundwater supplying the fen. Unchecked OHV access from nearby residents and visitors could destroy the sensitive wetlands. It is unclear if the re-zoning occurred or was deferred [1].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
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Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Garner Orchid Fen |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 345/04 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 561 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 486 |
| Total Area | 166.27 ha. (410.85 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | hiking – front country; botanizing |
| IUCN | III |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Government of Alberta – Information & Facilities – Garner Orchid Fen Natural Area | Alberta Parks (2022-02-17).
SAPAA 
Orchids to me are exotic plants growing in the Amazon. Yet North of Edmonton, 11 orchid species have been recorded growing in the Fen-fed, mineral rich waters of the aptly named Garner Orchid Fen Natural Area.
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