Elk Island National Park of Canada
CANADA’S PARKS DAY CELEBRATIONS
A Place For Nature
Elk Island’s natural heritage is the focus as we celebrate Canada’s
Parks Day on Saturday, July 18th 2009. Join Parks Canada staff for traditional
guided hikes including a walk with the Park Superintendent; and an evening
of storytelling with archaeologist, Jack Brink.
Birds, Bugs & Beaver: Lakeview Trail – 10 a.m. until 11:30
a.m.
Meet Elk Island National Park interpreter, Sean Smith at the southwest
corner of the Astotin Lake parking lot. The whole family will enjoy a
moderate walk with elevated views of the islands and the lake. Learn
about birds and butterflies! Return to the trailhead with Sean, or for those
wishing a longer hike, feel free to complete the loop. Binoculars will be
provided.
Where’s Wapiti, the Elusive Elk? – 11:30 a.m. until
1:00 P.M.
Join Parks Canada Interpreter, Jared Coffin (Detective Clue) at the Astotin
Interpretive Theatre to unravel the mysteries of the national park’s
elusive namesake - the elk. Engage your senses in the search for elk also
referred to as wapiti. Discover tips to better your chances of
seeing, smelling and hearing the second largest member of the deer family. And
while you are not able to touch elk in a national park, you will get the
rare opportunity to taste some jerky!
Stroll with the superintendent on Shoreline
1 p.m.- 2:00 p.m,
Meet Park Superintendent, Marilyn Peckett at the entrance
to the Shoreline Trail for a stroll along the south shores of Astotin
Lake. Discover the links between the arid climate of Alberta and the water
levels of the lake, and see some wildlife along the way. This is a unique
opportunity to have an informal discussion with the Park Superintendent on
topics related to Elk Island National Park. Stroll back in time, as you
walk past several historic landmarks including the very trail you will be
walking on
Leech fishing derby –2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Have you’ve ever
wondered what lives under the Living Waters Boardwalk? Park
Heritage Interpreters will provide you with dip nets and trays for the capture
and release of stickleback and fathead minnows. After viewing one of
the twelve species of leeches found in Astotin Lake, you will want to place
them back into the waters where they feed on vegetative matter.
Evening program –7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.- Astotin Theatre
Jack Brink, Archaeologist, Royal Alberta Museum, joins us for an evening
of storytelling featuring the great bison hunts and the culture they
supported. You will not be disappointed! Mr. Brink is an expert in communal
hunting, large mammal behaviour and anatomy.
∞All programs are free and will proceed rain or shine. Please
dress for the weather and ensure that an adult accompanies all children.∞