Mail: Box 1802 Stettler AB T0C 2L0 Email: buffalolakenc@gmail.com
Buffalo Lake Nature Club
Caring for Stettler & Surrounding Nature Areas
Since 1973
Celebrating 51 years of nature advocating, educating, learning, and exploring!
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We welcome all interested in nature to our monthly meetings and nature walks.
About Us
Our commitment is to increase the knowledge and appreciation of natural history and its native flora & fauna of Alberta, as well as encourage the conservation of native habitat.
OUR PURPOSE
We encourage our members and local Albertans to increase their knowledge and appreciation of natural history.
We work towards the preservation and conservation of natural areas and their native species.
We raise awareness and help in the prevention of the misuse of our natural resources.
We promote the study of natural history and ecology through varied means of communication, field trips, outdoor activities and annual inventories.
Our History
Buffalo Lake Nature Club was officially founded on February 18, 1973.
Local farmer and saddlemaker Lloyd Lohr initiated the formation of a local naturalist group in the Stettler area. Him and 19 others were the original founders for this club.
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Buffalo Lake Nature Club was first known and formed as Buffalo Lake Naturalists. It changed its name after the Federation of Alberta Naturalists became Nature Alberta in 2016.
BLN's very first meeting, on January 18, 1973, was held in the hamlet of Erskine, Alberta. The constitution of the club was formed, but the name was not decided until a month later.
On February 18, 1973, the club made the permanent move 7 miles to the east into the town of Stettler, Alberta. There, a name for this club was chosen.
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Originally, meetings were held in the Town Hall meeting room. Other meeting locations have included the Town and Country Museum, Community Centre and the Stettler Arena. Since 1997, meetings have been held in the lower hall of St. George's Anglican Church.
BIRDBOXES
Lloyd Lohr was one of the first locals in the Stettler area to create the club's Mountain Bluebird nestbox trail. In 1976, a display in the Stettler & District Museum showcased it, along with BLN's involvement in the species' banding.
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Elmer Gross, a BLN member, took over and expanded the trails. By 1994, Elmer had built and monitored 752 boxes, becoming known as Mr. Bluebird of the Stettler area. He has been an inspiration to others who have established their own bluebird trails.
The East Central Alberta Railway Society undertook the installation of nest boxes along the four Linear Parks. BLN assisted in building these nest boxes. They were installed along the abandoned railbeds at Meeting Creek, Big Valley, Rumsey and Rowley under the direction of Richard Gaffney.
Club members continue to collect data on the use of these 184 boxes.
Natural Areas
BLNC has run a number of popular inventories and nature walks including:
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Dry Island Buffalo Jump Butterfly Count
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Christmas Bird Count
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Spring Owl Surveys
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Potter's Seep Grove walk
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J.J. Collett Natural Area hike
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Lady's Slipper Walk at The Narrows
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Important Bird & Biodiversity Area surveys (Ewing/Erskine Lakes)
In 1974, the Churchill Welsh property (a Buffalo Lake "Buck for Wildlife" conservation site), now called the Buffalo Lake Conservation Property, was stewarded by members of BLN.
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BLNC also participated in the development of West Stettler Park, located south of the Stettler Ramada Inn.
Nature Alberta
Buffalo Lake Nature Club is one of 11 founding members of Nature Alberta (originally known as the Federation of Alberta Naturalists).
Nature Alberta is the voice of all Alberta Naturalists. It keeps us up to date on provincial issues and concerns about wildlife and natural areas.
BLNC has a representative on the board of directors.
Visit their website by clicking the button below.
Membership Benefits
Participate in studies such as the May species count, Christmas Bird Count, owl surveys, Annual Butterfly count, Wildflower Survey and Breeding Bird Survey.
Take part in hiking, camping, canoeing/kayaking, and a host of other fun outdoor activities.
Enjoy guest speakers and presentations on a variety of topics on nature, conservation, as well as native flora & fauna.
As a member, you are also an important contributor to the development of our club.
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Join us! We'd love to have you!
Annual Membership Fee:
Individual $15.00
Family $30.00