Innisfail Natural Area is an island of predominantly natural vegetation, 64 ha in area, in the midst of agricultural land, providing shelter for deer, Coyote, Beaver, Muskrat and a variety of birds.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
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 is one of the few parcels of land in a relatively undisturbed state in the Innisfail-Red Deer area and as such is important wildlife habitat. The site contains upland poplar forest, meadows and wet willow/sedge areas, as well as a pond in the southeast corner.
The name Innisfail is believed to be named for a place in Argyllshire, Scotland. This was keeping with the Canadian Pacific Railway tradition of using Scottish names. A CPR station opened here in 1891 [1].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
Are you a member of iNaturalist.ca? It is free to join and you can help nature by making observations with your smart phone.
If there are no or only a few observations, how about visiting and adding some? While there, complete a site inspection report (but read the Site Inspections terms and conditions first).
Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Innisfail |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Central Parkland |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 378/87 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 354 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 447 |
| Total Area | 64.33 ha. (158.97 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | II |
| 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 – Innisfail Natural Area | Alberta Parks (2022-02-18).
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006; p. 159.
Further Reading
- Red Deer River Naturalists – Innisfail Natural Area (2022-02-19).
- Stewards unite passion and vigilance in care and protection of Natural Areas, Part 1: The golden years. Shirley Bray; Wild Lands Advocate, Alberta Wilderness Association, December 2006. Vol. 14, No. 6., pp. 4-10. (2022-02-19).
SAPAA 
The AWA reference has a very good report on the early Steward Program.
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Driving Highway 2, do you count off the towns? Driving north, Balzac, Airdrie, Carstairs, Innisfail, Penhold, Red Deer, etc… Just beyond this busy corridor is rich farm land and prior to its settlement, rich bio-diversity. One small enclave in the blur of highways, combines and counting passing towns is this Natural Area. A small detour from highway 2, an oasis for the plants and critters that call it home.
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