By Prince Albert National Park

So Much to Do at Waskesiu

Jul 23, 2018 | 12:10 PM

New Parks Canada Summer Interpretive Programs
A guided Nature Walk, Playing with Pelicans, and Bear Aware are three of the new interpretive programs that have been added to the summer program schedule this year. The Parks Canada information and activity sessions are for people of all ages and take place every Wednesday to Sunday in the park until August 24th.

The locations include the tipi near the Visitors Centre, the main beach, and at the Nature Centre. A new program hosted at the main beach is Playing with Pelicans. It informs visitors about the birds’ anatomy and behaviours with a series of engaging hands-on activities. Bear Aware explores the world of the black bear and its food preferences.

The guided Nature Walk takes place every Wednesday evening at the Waskesiu River. The public is invited to join a park guide for a stroll along the boardwalk and discover the secrets hidden in the river. A full schedules of the Summer Programs events and walks can be found at the Visitor’s Centre or online: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/sk/princealbert/activ/decouverte-tours

New Interpretive Activities with Friends of the Park
Friends of the Park are hosting Cree Language Classes with Rosella Carney. Participants can learn words and phrases in the Cree language along with a variety of cultural activities. Rosella Carney is an elder from Molanosa and in addition to her work as a Cree language educator she is also a birch bark and moose tufting artist and teacher. No registration is required. Event Schedule:

·        Sat. July 28 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
For information about the classes, contact the Waskesiu Bookstore at 306-491-5270.

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Wildflowers and Berries
Saskatchewan’s provincial flower, the Western Red Lily or Tiger Lily, is in full-bloom as well as several other indigenous species of flora. We remind visitors that it is against provincial law to pick the Western Red Lily and picking wildflowers is prohibited in the National Park. We encourage visitors to use their cameras to capture the delicate beauty of wild vegetation in a photograph and share it with their family and friends.
 
According to Andrea Nelson, Visitor Services staff-member at the Nature Centre, “The park is abloom with wildflowers right now. From the bright Yellow Pond-Lilies nestled into bays on the lakes, to the gorgeous garnet Marsh Cinquefoil peeking out alongside boardwalks and the water’s edge.” She adds, “At this time of year, everywhere you hike, bike, paddle, and play, you’ll find pops of colour brightening your way.”

Viewing Opportunities:
·        Western Red Lily and Dotted Blazingstar –grassy meadows of Valleyview Trail and Spruce River Highlands Trail
·        Spotted Blazingstar – Spruce River Highlands
·        Pitcher Plants – Boundary Bog Trail
·        Twinflower and Common Harebell –forest understory Shady Lake Trail
·        Pitcher-Plants and Marsh Cinquefoil – in moist areas like Boundary Bog Trail
·        Red Paintbrush and Common Yarrow – throughout the park in disturbed areas like ditches

Saskatoon berries, strawberries, dewberries, pin cherries, and raspberries are in season and can be view in various wilderness areas in the park. Wild berries are a source of food relied upon by many birds and animals that inhabit the region as should be left for wildlife grazing. Make noise and travel in a group on trails as bears may be foraging for these sweet delicacies. Additionally, there are many types of berries that are dangerous for human consumption.

Canadian Lakes Loon Survey
The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey is a national program that tracks Common Loon reproductive success by monitoring chick hatch and survival. Spend a few hours monitoring this icon of Canada’s wilderness and help assess lake-ecosystem health! Data collected from volunteers in Prince Albert National Park is used to help track changes in bird populations.

For more information and to register contact Theresa Stene, Volunteer Supervisor by email:
panploon.pnpaplongeon@pc.gc.ca

To learn more about the program, visit Prince Albert National Park’s volunteer webpage: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/sk/princealbert/activ/benevolat-volunteer