Red Deer River Naturalists

Flower Focus Group Walk
2022-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Edmonton)
RDRN Flower Focus Group Walk
Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: “Another Berry Nice Walk”
When: September 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Barrett Park, Red Deer, Alberta, meet at the parking lot of the Kinex arena near the exercise park.

During a walk on the forested trails of Barrett Park we will be sampling a variety of syrups made from some of our native plants on a square of Don’s world-famous buttermilk cornmeal bread.

Speaker of the Month
2022-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Speaker of the Month In-Person Event

Speakers: Graeme Gissing & Dr. Natalia Lifshitz
When: September 22, 2022 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Held at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room

Topic: Nature Central: Celebrating our Wild Alberta Parklands
Come for an evening with our Speakers. Graeme Gissing will share RDRN/Nature Central activities and events that took place during the summer of 2022, and discuss the successes and opportunites for increased utilization of natural areas in the region and present a forward-looking plan to ensure an even more successful 2023. Dr. Lifshitz will share her experiences visiting and documenting habitat and wildlife details on protected sites within a 100 kms radius of Red Deer.
Graeme Gissing currently teaches at Red Deer Polytechnic and is the Education & Program Coordinator with RDRN. Dr. Lifshitz is currently the Scientific Advisor at Ellis Bird Farm and the Naturalist-in-Residence with RDRN.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-09-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Alix Lake Campground, Alix Lake, Alix, Alberta, T0C 0B0, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Alix Lake Nature Trail
Meet: Alix Lake Campground

When: September 24, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-10-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Maskepetoon Park, Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Maskepetoon Park – located in the subdivision of Oriole Park West.

Meet: Follow Kerry Wood Drive, meet in the parking lot south of Overand Place. Parking lot is on the west side of Kerry Wood Drive.

When: October 1, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-10-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Slack Slough, Slacks Slough, County of Red Deer, Alberta, T0M 1R0, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Slacker’s Tour – Slack Slough, Cootie Ponds, Fleming Slough

Meet: In the parking lot of Slack Slough at the north entrance. We will then travel to the other locations.
When: October 8, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Field Trip
2022-10-15 10:00 - 15:00
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Field Trip

Location: Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
Dry Island Trip Details: This is a longer walk during a combined birding and paleontology field trip. Expect to see a lot of fossils with Tim Schowalter along as our guide, and with luck we’ll also get some migrating raptors. We meet at the overlook at 10:00 a.m. and will set our route from there depending on moisture conditions. Note, that the full walk leads around and back over the ‘Island’. Tim describes it as an ‘intermediate’ hike, and there will certainly be rough and steep portions. Wear good hikers and bring poles if you use them. The hike will take about four hours from the day use area, so allow five hours overall (your own lunch and water along). If some people are hesitant about the steeper portions, they can join us for the early stages along the river and circle back to return by those trails (the first 2-3 km).

When: October 15, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water, lunch and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Flower Focus Group Walk
2022-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Flower Focus Group Walk
Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: “Leaf it to Beaver”

When: October 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta

Dress for the outdoors.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-10-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail, Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail, County of Lacombe, Alberta, T0C 0Y0, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail
Meet: Before you visit you can get a detailed map showing how to get there, and learn more about the area and visitor guidelines: https://www.novachem.com/wp-content/uploads/Legacy-fact-sheet-1.pdf
The Community Nature Trail is located within easy driving distance of many Central Alberta communities: just southwest of the Hamlet of Joffre on Township Rd 390. Directions from Red Deer, travel east on Highway 11 and turn left onto highway 815. Proceed to Range Road 390 and turn left. It’s a short distance and you will see a sign.
When: October 22, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Remember your bug spray and sunscreen. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Speaker of the Month
2022-10-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Speaker of the Month In-Person Event

Speakers: Dr. Ken Fry

When: October 27, 2022 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Held at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room

Topic: Pollination and Climate Change: What are the impacts and what can we do about it.

Come for an evening with Dr. Fry where he will discuss the affects of climate change on pollination services by insects, their distribution and the plants they visit. He will also address what we can do in our gardens to mitigate and adapt to these changes.
Dr. Fry is currently an Entomology Instructor in the School of Life Sciences & Business at Olds College and has been involved in insect pest management research, teaching and extension for over 30 years. Dr. Fry is co-author, with Doug Macaulay and Don Williamson, of Garden Bugs of Alberta and a contributing author to Organic Farming on the Prairies.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-10-29 10:00 - 13:00
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Dickson Point Trout Pond

Meet: South of Dickson for 4.1 kilometres on Range Road 31. Located on Gleniffer Lake Reservoir.

When: October 29, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-11-05 10:00 - 13:00 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0Y4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area Upper Trail
Meet: In the main parking lot

When: November 5, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Host: Chris Olsen

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-11-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Bower Woods, Selkirk Boulevard, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Bower Woods

Meet: In the green space across from 35 Selkirk Boulevard

When: November 12, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Flower Focus Group Meeting
2022-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Flower Focus Group Meeting

Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: Plants and Flowers of Mount Kilimanjaro, volcano in Tanzania

When: November 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room
Join Don as he explores the five ecological zones of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro (while trying to breathe).

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-11-19 10:00 - 13:00
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Barrett, Coronation and Gaetz Park Trails
Meet: Rotary Park parking lot, and we’ll walk East and North from there. For those that want to walk the full distance 3.5 kms, we’ll finish at the stairs/landing at 45 Avenue and 59 Street. People can arrange for a shuttle or pick-up there, or simply return along the reverse route.

When: November 19, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. May be longer.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Speaker of the Month
2022-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Speaker of the Month

Speaker: Danika Schramm

When: November 24, 2022 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Held at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room. All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Topic: The Birds and The Genes: How events of the past and present shape the genetics of bird populations

Come for an evening with Danika Schramm where she will discuss the genetic makeup of Red-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned Kinglet populations.
Danika Schramm is currently a Master’s student at the University of Lethbridge working under Dr. Theresa Burg. Her primary research investigates how contemporary and historical processes influence the genetic makeup of Red-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned Kinglet populations. Understanding the population genetics of a species can be critical for developing conservation efforts. In addition to her genetic research, Danika is an experienced bird bander, having spent time in both Belize and western Canada catching and banding passerines. You can often find her outdoors photographing birds and other wildlife.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-11-26 10:00 - 13:00 | McKenzie Trails, McKenzie Trails Red Deer, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: McKenzie Trails Recreation Area
Meet: In the main parking lot near the shelter

When: November 26, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-12-03 10:00 - 13:00 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0Y4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area Perimeter Trail
Meet: In the main parking lot

When: December 3, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Host: Chris Olsen

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-12-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary, gaetz lake mirgratory bird sanctuary, red deer, alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Gaetz Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Meet: Inside the Kerry Wood Nature Centre

When: December 10, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Host: Chris Olsen
This will be our last scheduled walk for the year. Keith Kline has kindly volunteered to organize coffee and treats to follow (about 1:00 p.m.) at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. We’ll use this opportunity to debrief our season, so even if you can’t make the walk, try and come out to enjoy the group and to share your feedback and ideas/suggestions for next year.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-18 09:00 - 17:00
Christmas Bird Count
Sunday December 18, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Print a copy of the Christmas Bird Count Tally Sheet, click here, choose a place to count the birds (map and instructions in the December 2022 newsletter and also under Programs).
Please register where you will be counting with Judy Boyd (403-358-1098) so there will be no duplication of counts.
Tally sheets must be received by December 29th. You may drop sheets off (Attn: Judy Boyd) at Kerry Wood Nature Centre 6300 – 45 Avenue Red Deer, AB T4N 3M4 or mail to RDRN Box 785 Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2, or email to rdrn.nature@gmail.com, put “CBC” in the subject line.

Flower Focus Group Meeting
2023-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Flower Focus Group Meeting

Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: Plants and Flowers of Mount Kilimanjaro, volcano in Tanzania

When: January 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room

Annual General Meeting
2023-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
You are all invited to our RDRN Annual General Meeting

Moderator: President Rick Tallas

January 26, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Come join us and hear our Reports, Achievements, up-coming Speakers and also our Election of Directors for the Board. Please consider becoming a Board Member. Get Involved!

Speaker of the Month
2023-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN Speaker of the Month

Speaker: Charity Briere
When: February 23, 2023 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Held at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room. All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Topic: What’s the Buzz, Red Deer? Bumbling through understanding Urban Bee Ecology
Come for an evening with Charity Briere where she will discuss Urban Bee Ecology.
Charity Briere is an Instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic, a member of the RDRN and a board member of the Alberta Native Bee Council.

Flower Focus Group Meeting
2023-03-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Topic: Wildflowers of Grassland National Park, Saskatchewan
Your Host: Don Wales
When: March 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Where: Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room

Bird Focus Group Walk
2023-03-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Carburn Park, 67 Riverview Drive SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ARE YOU READY FOR A WALK?
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Carburn Park, 67 Riverview Drive SE Calgary, Alberta
Carburn Park is a large natural area park nestled along the Bow River. It features two man-made ponds, a regional pathway and numerous, wildlife and waterfowl to experience.
Meet: In the main parking lot
When: March 18, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough or steep terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues. Stay home if you are unwell.
Click here for a site map: Carburn Park – Calgary Map
Traveling directions:

Speaker of the Month
2023-03-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Topic: Red Deer Polytechnic Science Students Present Fascinating Wildlife Ecology Findings
An enthusiastic group of students in the Biological Science Degree program, many interested in pursuing a future in wildlife ecology. All involved in research projects.
Speakers: Jaden Griffiths, Payton Baltzer, Allicia Irwin, Jennine Baughman, Kira Weddell and Terese McNabb
When: March 23, 2023 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Held at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room. All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2023-03-25 10:00 - 13:00 | River Bend Golf and Recreation Area, 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deeer, Alberta, T4P 0Y4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area Perimeter Trail
Meet: In the main parking lot
When: March 25, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough or steep terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2023-04-01 10:00 - 12:00 | McKenzie Trails, McKenzie Trails Red Deer, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: McKenzie Trails Recreation Area
Meet: In the main parking lot near the shelter
When: April 1, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2023-04-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary, gaetz lake mirgratory bird sanctuary, red deer, alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Gaetz Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Meet: Inside the Kerry Wood Nature Centre
When: April 8, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough or steep terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2023-04-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Maskepetoon Park, Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Maskepetoon Park – located in the subdivision of Oriole Park West.
Meet: Follow Kerry Wood Drive, meet in the parking lot south of Overand Place. Parking lot is on the west side of Kerry Wood Drive.
When: April 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough or steep terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

Flower Focus Group Meeting
2023-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Flower Focus Group Meeting
Host: Don Wales
Location: Kerry Wood Nature Centre in the Marjorie Wood Gallery
Topic: Wildflowers of Central Alberta Part 2 with Caroline Harris
When: April 19, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
????Photo Don Wales
