Edmonton and Area Land Trust

IMPORTANT: After signing up for this event, go to the Schedule tab in your profile and click on the icon to review these details and additional safety information. We highly recommend subscribing to weekly reminders on your profile in the Volunteer Portal. This information will not be emailed.

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13 @ 10:00 AM – 3:00PM

Join us at Smith Blackburn Homestead to re-install our education signs (pollinator garden and Bat box sign) after they were knocked down by a moose. We will also do a bit of weeding and shrub care.

Just east of Elk Island National Park lies the Smith Blackburn Homestead in the Cooking Lake Moraine, a mosaic of wetlands and upland forest. It is considered important habitat for breeding, migratory waterfowl and other bird species.

Accessibility: 

• This event will be moderately physically exerting
• Carrying and installing signs will require some physical exertion
• Less than 1km of walking on even terrain
• The pollinator garden is close to the parking area on this land, so the walk won’t be too far.

What to Expect:

• We will start the day promptly at 10:00 am with a safety and training meeting to go over our tasks and the associated hazards and safety controls. We will break for lunch around 12:00pm and head out by 3:00pm.  

• Carrying and installing signs, pulling and trimming weeds and carrying bags of weeds.
• Plan to carry your personal supplies for the day (water, layers, snacks, etc.) in your backpack.

• There are no washroom facilities on this land, we find privacy behind a tree.

What to Wear and Bring:

• Comfortable clothing and outerwear for working outdoors all day, including long pants and layers appropriate for the weather. 
• Hiking shoes or sturdy running shoes – no slip-on shoes.
• Hot weather: Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent.

• Lunch and water, and a backpack to carry them.

• All tools and supplies will be provided but you may bring your own work gloves if you wish. 

• Optional:

• Cushion to sit on at lunch
• Binoculars
• Camera

Parking and how to get there:

• Follow this link, or search for: Smith Blackburn Homestead in Google maps.
• An EALT sign will mark the access point/important turnoff to the land at Range Road 194 /Township Road 540.
• You may drive up through the gate,

Cancellations:

• If you need to cancel, please do so through the Volunteer Portal as soon as possible. 
• If you have any questions or need to cancel on the day of the event, you can reach Ciara at 780 913 4206. Please note that we will NOT have access to email on the day of the event. 

Additional Information:

• Stewardship events are weather-dependent and subject to cancellation.

• Please contact us in advance if you wish to bring a minor to this event.

• If you wish to carpool with another volunteer, please review our Carpooling Policy here. After reviewing, please contact the event coordinator and we will set up a method to message other event participants.