This NA is a quarter-section (65 ha) in area and occupies a high point of land within the Medicine Lodge Hills, approximately 23 km west of the southern tip of Gull Lake. It contains old-growth forest.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
- Site Inspections
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
Medicine Lodge Hills Natural Area is on a large hill with a steep slope to the east and gentler slopes to the north, south and west. The vegetation is primarily aspen and birch forest with young spruce and provides important ungulate habitat. This site lies in the Boreal Forest Natural Region, Dry Mixedwood Subregion (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
The hills were first noted on a 1859 map created by renowned cartographer, John Arrowsmith. They were described as a favourite site for First Nation spring festivals [1, 2].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
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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 | Medicine Lodge Hills |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 584/92 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 375 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 453 |
| Total Area | 65.00 ha. (160.62 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | II |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
Looking east along the southern border of the NA, Medicine Lodge Hills NA, 2024-08-14, P. Potter. 
Looking south on Range Road 31 with the NA on the left, Medicine Lodge Hills NA, 2024-08-14, P. Potter. 
Old cut line an ATV ingress to the NA; a good example of the sandy soil of the NA, Medicine Lodge Hills NA, 2024-08-14, P. Potter. 
Intersecting the ATV track coming in from RR 31 is this overgrown cut line with a single track; likely hosting the occasional motorcycle, Medicine Lodge Hills NA, 2024-08-14, P. Potter. 
Wide cutline, looking south towards the farmer access road, Medicine Lodge Hills NA, 2024-08-14, P. Potter. 
From the southern properties access road, looking north into the NA and the start of the overgrown cutline, Medicine Lodge Hills NA, 2024-08-14, P. Potter.
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 – Medicine Lodge Hills Natural Area | Alberta Parks (2022-02-18).
- John Arrowsmith (cartographer) – Wikipedia (accessed 2022-04-09).
- Peel Library. Geographic Board of Canada, Place-names of Alberta (1928), p. 86. Accessed January 23, 2022.
Further Reading
- Decompressing in December! Three Rural Properties to Explore in December, No. 2 Medicine Lodge Hills Natural Area; 1/23/2022. Nature Central: Celebrating Our Wild Alberta Parklands (accessed 2022-04-09).
SAPAA 
Hi there,
What area of Alberta is this site?
Sorry if it is posted somewhere, can’t see on my phone.
Sounds interesting!
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Hi, it is in Central Alberta and located north of Sylvan and west of Gull Lakes. Thank you for the feedback and this rough location has been added to the description. Keep the comments coming!
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Spring is not only a time for renewal but also thanksgiving of emerging from a long winter. For the First Nations living in the boreal forests of Alberta, the snow would soften, the nights warmer and time to celebrate. One such location was in and around this natural area. I wonder if they take reservations….
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