Irregularly shaped, this Natural Area (PNT) is about 5 km south of the town of Whitecourt. Google Map imaging suggests that urban development is occurring east of the site.
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
Sagitawah – “The place where the rivers meet” was the original name given to the region by Woodland Cree Nation. The Whitecourt region is nestled in a valley at the confluence of four waterways: Athabasca, McLeod and Sakwatemau (Eagle) Rivers, plus Beaver Creek flowing down from the springs of House Mountain in the south.
The name Whitecourt was selected despite settlers in the area preferring the names “Sagitawah” or “McLeod Flats”. According to one account, the postmaster in nearby Green Court registered the name as Whitecourt after Walter White, who carried the mail across the trail from Green Court. Thus, Whitecourt became the official postal address and the name of the hamlet [1].
2016 Outstanding Individual Steward award went to the “Whitecourt Candidate Natural Area” steward [2].
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 | Whitecourt (PNT) |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Protective Notation (PNT) |
| Natural Region(s) | Central Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | N/A |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 232 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | N/A |
| Total Area | 20.28 ha. (50.12 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | |
| IUCN | |
| 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 the Government of Alberta (All links accessed on 2025-06-05).
- Town of Whitecourt, History & Heritage (accessed 2026-06-05).
- Volunteer Stewards’ Conference, Lesser Slave Lake 2016, SAPAA Newsletter No. 35 June 2017, p.2.
SAPAA 
For those not in the know, Whitecourt is in Northern Alberta. Northern is relative as it is at about the same latitude (54.14) as the Baltic Sea. Originally, the area was known in Woodland Cree as Sagitawah – “The place where the rivers meet”. An apt name given the town is at the confluence of the Athabasca, McLeod and Sakwatemau (Eagle) Rivers.
LikeLike