A rich and diverse landscape

I consider myself to be a very fortunate Albertan because I live in an area that is a little piece of paradise. From my living room window I have an amazing view of Coal Lake. It takes me only 3 minutes to walk down to the lake where I often hike on the Waskaheagan Trail. The sense of beauty I derive from walking along the trail where I see deer, beaver, all kinds of birds, and the occasional eagle is one of the greatest motivators for me to be a good steward of the land. One of the greatest things we can do to thank nature is by taking care of it now for future generations.

-Marilyn Heggerud

Perspectives from Pigeon Lake

This video was created by Hugh and Marg Sanders, who live at Pigeon Lake.

Connections from Saskatchewan

Connections from Saskatchewan

This is a picture of a landscape near my hometown of Turtleford, Saskatchewan. A three and a half hour drive away from Camrose, I have rarely considered the connections between here and there. These connections are, however, profound. Many of the same issues that face the Battle River watershed also face Turtleford and area. The Turtle River (more of a creek, really) flows through Turtleford before reaching the North Saskatchewan River to the south. Though the Turtle and Battle rivers are part of separate sub-basins, they are both part of a greater whole: most immediately, the North Saskatchewan River Basin. Two landscapes that I had previously viewed as vastly different and disconnected from one another are really intimately connected. This realization has taught me that all our actions have consequences that go far beyond our immediate surroundings. When it comes to water, these consequences can literally flow from community to community, province to province, and even around the world.

-Sarah Skinner

Wolf Creek Fall

Wolf Creek Fall

This picture was taken 200m from the historic C&E Trail. The deadfall is from beaver activity. Typically this area floods in the spring. The land owners keep riparian vegetation healthy and allow only temporary access for grazing and watering. They have achieved a good balance.

-Shayne Steffen

Photo by Wayne Ungstad

Sunken Bridge

Sunken Bridge

On the right hand side of the picture there is evidence of the old bridge supports of an original crossing of the Battle River at a location 1 ½ miles west of Ponoka. This bridge was replaced by a sunken bridge which is a concrete crossing (with a series of culverts to allow flow) that allows flood water to go over the bridge. (Obviously the sunken bridge is closed during floods)

-Shayne Steffen

The Watershed

The watershed:

When I see this photo, it elicits positive emotions. The photo of the watershed gives me a sense of calmness and relaxation, and I find the S shape of the watershed fascinating.

-Bukala A.

Battle River Valley

I like this one because it is a great picture of the battle river valley which is unique to the area with a diverse amount of species living in this valley. It also has its negative parts in it with a railroad travelling through it and also many farms that border it and have waste flowing into the river.

-Bettina Alder