Poplar Creek NA consists of six parcels of land scattered over an area of about 100 square KM. Four of the parcels have OC status, and two a PNT designation. The Alberta Mycological Society is the steward for the NA [1].
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Site Inspection Reports
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.
Other Information
Poplar Creek NA has rolling terrain with upland aspen forest, incised creeks, beaver ponds and small sloughs. Several areas that were burned over now provide examples of post-fire successional vegetation. There are numerous wetland communities including black spruce peatland, tamarack-birch fens, sedge/willow fens and sedge-grass sites providing good wildlife habitat. (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
DESCRIPTION. The area lies about 3 km west of Breton (80 km southwest of Edmonton), and includes six scattered parcels of land covering eight quarter-sections with either Order-In-Council (OC) or Protective Notation (PNT) status.
2016 UNDISTRIBUTED. A 2016 visit by SAPAA was hosted by Pieter van der Schoot, whose property lies adjacent to the NA. Joining SAPAA were members of the Alberta Mycological Society. The hosts and visitors noted that all the parcels seem to be largely undisturbed [2].
Fungal Diversity. Most noteworthy on this trip were the multitude and variety of mushrooms in all habitats. The trip identified over 45 types of mushrooms noting that different suites of species appear in different years. All of these fungi play important roles in maintaining the life of the forest, for example:
- Saprophytes decompose dead organic matter.
- Parasitic varieties invade living cells and kill plants creating space.
- Beneficial or symbiotic varieties may coat or penetrate plant roots, enhancing the absorption of water and minerals from the soil and sharing the green plants’ carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis.
This diversity can be daunting; it takes years of study to know mushrooms with enough confidence to recognize and eat the edible ones. But a day out with expert mycologists can certainly give you a leg-up on the fascinating field of mycology!
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
- Poplar Creek (NA).
- Poplar Creek (PNT).
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Poplar Creek |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Central Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 784/77 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 280 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 460 |
| Total Area | 453.65 ha. (1120.97 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 – Poplar Creek Natural Area | Alberta Parks (2022-02-18).
- About – Alberta Mycological Society (accessed 2022-04-16).
- Poplar Creek NA Field Trip, SAPAA Newsletter No. 34 September 2016, pp. 1-2.
SAPAA 
The stuff of dad jokes; Poplar NA is also popular with Mycologicalists (mushroom hunters). Spread across six parcels of land, it is close to Edmonton.
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