Life’s Purpose #19 - Appreciating the World Around Me
“I will embrace nature and all of its wonders. I will take the time to enjoy what cannot be bought and sold, but what gives us its beauty and utility every second of every day, unconditionally. I will appreciate the small things, and do my part to preserve the natural reserves that make life possible.”
Natural reserves are tracts of land managed so as to preserve its flora, fauna, and physical features. It is a place where animals and plants are protected and there are few buildings or homes. Nature reserves perform many roles including the conservation of particular species and biodiversity as well as conservation of ecosystems. Establishing protected areas is one of the most effective ways to conserve endangered species. There are more than 200,000 such areas worldwide.
After reading that statement I decided to explore my own city of Lethbridge, Alberta Canada. I discovered that the City of Lethbridge maintains over 130 parks and natural areas. There are four designated nature preservation parks in the City of Lethbridge. These parks contribute to the beauty of Lethbridge by retaining or enhancing the natural features, the mature landscapes and the native vegetation and natural areas for wildlife habitats. Lethbridge has three unique ecosystems in the nature parks - the prairie, the coulees and the floodplain.
I want to share with you some information about the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands located on the west side of the Oldman River. This is a nature interpretation park with information kiosks and observation points located throughout the area. Guests can take a self guided tour by following the trail system. The trails are wheelchair accessible with some assistance. This is a great place for bird watchers. You may spot geese, ducks, raptors, songbirds, and shoreline birds throughout the park.
This Nature Reserve is also home to other animals like beavers, muskrats, and western painted turtles. There is a dock located on the north end of the wetland which allows for up close viewing of the plants and wildlife making their homes in the pond. The wetlands are a great spot for walking, bird watching and photography. With a beautiful cottonwood forest, an abundance of wildlife, scenic views of the Oldman River and the high-level bridge, the wetlands are one of the most beautiful parks in the city of Lethbridge.
Elizabeth Hall was a City Alderman who worked to promote environmental awareness and concern within the community of Lethbridge. During her nine years on city council, she worked to ensure the river valley would be developed in such a way as not to disturb the natural environment. Elizabeth Hall passed away from cancer in 1987 at the age of 63. Her memory will be preserved in the naming of the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands on the west side of the Oldman River near the CPR High Level Bridge.
The second place that I want to tell you about is on the east side of the Oldman River. The Helen Schuler Nature Centre opened in 1982 is operated by the City of Lethbridge. Helen Schuler was a local environmentalist and was instrumental in establishing environmental education programs in the local schools. Helen Schuler passed away from cancer in 1977, at the age of 46.
The Helen Schuler Nature Centre is open year round and offers a unique urban escape within minutes of downtown. Every year the Nature Centre features at least six unique indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. There are children’s programs, special events, Teacher Resources, and volunteer opportunities. There are more than 200km of discovery trails in the 196-acre park.
Have you explored your local community? What special places did you discover? Enjoy the beauty of creation right in your own backyard.
# living life abundantly # published author # travelling tuesdays
