Opal Natural Area consists of four parcels of land, two of which have Order in Council (OC) and two have Protective Notation (PNT) status with the OC and PNT parcels contiguous. The complex is located approximately 11 km northwest of the town of Redwater. The terrain in all parcels consists of sandy ridges.
- Map of the Area
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Other Information
- 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.
Parcel Descriptions
The following parcel descriptions are used when visiting or describing this site. These names are unofficial.
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
- Opal Natural Area (OC) Observations .
- Opal (PNT) Observations.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Other Information
Opal NA, located in the Boreal Forest Natural Region, Dry Mixedwood Natural Subregion, contains sandy ridges interspersed with depressional areas. The varied vegetation communities include open jack pine/lichen forests on upland areas, aspen groves, wet sedge-grass meadows, and cattail-ringed ponds and black spruce fens in the depressions. The area provides good wildlife habitat (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
The PNT area and the OC portion adjoin each other on both the east and west sides, but are separated by private land in the middle, the whole protected area totaling over 620 ha [1].
A (Maybe) Precious Name. Originally named Rutherford, after Alberta’s first Premier, the post office changed the name in 1912 [2]. Because… well unfortunately the reason has been lost to time [3]. An opal mineraloid can be found in two forms, common and precious [4]. We prefer precious, just like this NA.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Opal |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 454/71 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 61 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 917.05 |
| Total Area | 371.02 ha. (917.05 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | Cross-country skiing, Hiking – backcountry, Hunting |
| IUCN | II |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
| Site Name | Opal (PNT) |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Protective Notation (PNT) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | N/A |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 61 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 622.42 |
| Total Area | 251.88 ha. (622.42 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | |
| IUCN | IV*6 |
| Operated By | |
| 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 – Opal Natural Area | Alberta Parks (2022-02-18).
- “Thorhild County 2021 Landownership Map.” August 2021. 1:90,000.
- Opal, Alberta – Wikipedia
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006; p. 239.
- Opal – Wikipedia
Further Reading
- Opal and Halfmoon Lake Provincial Natural Areas Map (Edmonton Nature Club).
SAPAA 
Opals can be classified as common or precious. This natural area is of the precious variety for the critters living there and its proximity to Edmonton and surrounding communities.
LikeLike
Opal is one of those Natural Areas that has a bit of intervening land separating the two main sections. As well, there are four parcels of land, two Order in Councils and two Protective Notations. … Protective What …. ??? Click on protected areas on the website and all will be revealed!
LikeLike
West Opal, which we entered from the southeast via Hwy 651, Range Road 230, Twp Rd 575A going west, and along a gated north access road to an oil installation clearing, seems less vegetation diverse than the more easily accessible East Opal Natural Are. However, its topography appears different. We follwed a trail along a sandy ridge which slopes on either side to broad, densely wooded valley, giving a feeling of isolation and emersion in wilderness. A typical jack pine forest flora with abundant sand-heather and the usual bearberry-lichen ground cover and asociates, occupied the ridge. We briefly explored one willow-dwarf birch-bluejoint wetland lacking in flora characteristic of poor-rich fens. Worth exploring further!
LikeLike