A pristine area where a dense stand of treed fen with abundant tamarack fringes an open, quaking sedge fen that surrounds the narrow ribbon of the creek. Bog orchids and members of the heath family are found here. Hikers should proceed with caution on the saturated ground of the open fen.
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
OVERVIEW. A pristine area where a dense stand of treed fen with abundant tamarack fringes an open, quaking sedge fen that surrounds the narrow ribbon of the creek. Bog orchids (Platanthera species and Spiranthes romanzoffiana) are common, along with members of the heath family and other typical swamp species. There are no obvious trails and hikers should proceed with caution on the saturated ground of the open fen.
Black spruce and tamarack fen forest occupy the lowlands farthest from the creek and host a typical fen flora, while open patterned fen and sedge meadows surround the creek. Mature balsam poplar-white spruce stands are found in the more upland areas. This site lies in the Boreal Forest Natural Region, Dry Mixedwood Subregion and has foothills elements.
Origin of the Name
According to a family member, in 1950 Welch Creek and Natural Area were named for Lance Corporal Dwight Earl Welch of the 14th Armd. Regt., Calgary Regiment, R.C.A.C. Welch died on 31 August 1942 aged 23, likely as a result of wounds sustained in the invasion of Dieppe that same year, or other circumstances. He was the son of Harry and Fanny Welch, of Erskine, Alberta. He is buried in the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands [1,2].
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Welch Creek |
| 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 #) | 376 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 472 |
| Total Area | 64.35 ha. (159.00 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 – Welch Creek Natural Area | Alberta Parks (2021-11-26)
- June 2021 email and telephone interviews with Randolph Landry, Red Deer, nephew of Corporal Welch.
- Lance Corporal Dwight Earl Welch, CVWM (accessed 2021-11-27).
SAPAA 