Common Dandelion
“Dear common flower that grow’st beside the way Fringing the dusty road with harmless gold ‘Tis the spring’s largess which she scatters now To rich and poor alike with lavish hand Though most hearts never understand To take it at God’s value, but pass by The offered wealth with unrewarded eye.” James Russell Lowell (in…
Read More9 Signs of Spring
1. The Robins have arrived 2. The leaves are budding open 3. The Gooseberry leaves are out 4. The Buffaloberry flowers are out 5. The Pussy Willows are blooming 6. Many songbirds are either dancing or nest building 7. The Yellow-Rumped Warblers are here 8. Swainson’s Hawks are here 9. The Dandelion flowers are blooming
Read MoreIt’s Spring and Everyone is Hungry!
Early spring for the animals that overwinter in Alberta, is the time when access to food sources is most important. The non-hibernators, like Deer, Elk, Moose, Chickadees, Hare, Grouse, Fox, Coyote, Wolves, Lynx, Bobcat and Cougars have all been surviving on their summer fat from the abundant foods they found. They have also been browsing…
Read MoreTree of the Month – Balsam Poplar
The Balsam Poplar is a moisture-loving tree that lives in river valleys, from the Red Deer River north to the Sheep River in the south. These water storing trees, like all leaf-bearing trees, form the buds for their spring leaves in the fall. The buds overwinter and from February 2nd (the Celtic marker of the…
Read MoreBalm of Gilead
Balm of Gilead has been used topically for centuries for many health conditions. Some uses include anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Its aroma may be considered for use as a perfume for those who like the smell of this particularly aromatic oil. Quick Method: Place one cup of your freshly harvested Balsam Poplar buds in a…
Read MoreWillow (g. Salix)
Willow is a shrub that loves to grow in moist habitat. Not only does it provide winter food for Elk and Moose, but it also contains Salicin, a chemical that is also found in Aspirin. Willow bark tea has been used for centuries as a pain killer for headaches, injuries and wounds. We have over…
Read MoreWillow Bark Tea
Willow Bark for headaches, fever, pain, and inflammation Willow provides relief from pain, fever, and inflammation, without the stomach upset that chemical aspirin causes. It is plentiful and easy to collect in the spring. How to harvest willow bark for medicine Strip the bark from the young branches of Salix varieties of willow in the Spring…
Read MoreWinter Fun Saftey Tips
When snowshoeing or cross country skiing, over dressing is the most common mistake people make. Most of us feel the coldest in the parking lot, getting ready. This is the best time to wear a warm outer layer. Once it is time to start the outing; the heavy, warm, outer layer can come off. The key…
Read MoreDeer and Elk – It’s rut season!
Deer and Elk are in the mating season called the Rut. During the rut, cows and calves form harems with one or two mature bull Elk. The Deer Buck and Bull Elk have grown a large rack of antlers. Antlers serve two purposes. They indicate age, strength, stature and endurance of a male to survive,…
Read MoreWhat are the Bears doing now?
What are the Bears doing now? In November, the Female Bears who are pregnant or with 1st year cubs, have likely already found a den site and dug their den. Older Males and Young Bears may still be roaming in search of roots, dropped fruit, easy prey or hungry herbivores. Where the ground is not…
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