In this issue: An interim update on conditions in the Park and upcoming events.
CONDITIONS IN THE PARK
While Paradise Meadows and the Battleship/Helen MacKenzie Lake loops are clear of snow, at the next level up on the Plateau there is still snow on the trails, at Lady Lake and Croteau for example. Kwai Lake campsite is free of snow, but according to the most recent (June 4th) BC Parks Report on Trail Conditions, the tent pads at Circlet were still snow covered. The full report can be found here.
Over on the Buttle side, lower elevation trails such as the Upper Myra Falls and the Elk River Trails have been clear for some time, but there are still patches of snow above 1200m and Parks reports “winter conditions” above 1400m.
Please note that there was a Cougar incident near Landslide Lake that resulted in the closure of the Elk River Trail between June 10 and 13th. The trail has now reopened, with warnings to hikers and campers to be on high alert, and advising that pets be left at home. For updated information and advice on what to do if you encounter a cougar, check the Advisories on the homepage of the Strathcona Provincial Park website (https://bcparks.ca/strathcona-park/)
UPCOMING EVENTS - mid June to Early July
LAST MINUTE REMINDER:
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION TEA – June 15 (tomorrow)
2.30 – 4.40 pm at the Wilderness Centre
On this occasion SWI would like to thank all of our amazing volunteers who made the last few years of operation a great success. Please join us on the 15th to recognize our volunteers and mark the return of spring in the Subalpine. There will be refreshments, a short presentation, tokens of our appreciation for our 2023 cohort of staffers, walk and hike leaders, and volunteers at events. There will be ample opportunity to meet and socialize with your fellow volunteers. New volunteers are welcome to attend to learn more about SWI, its mission and the volunteering opportunities available. We hope to see you there.
Guided hike - Elk River Trail (Buttle area)
Date: June 22nd
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Meet at the Trailhead on Highway 28 (approx. 25 k west of the Buttle Narrows Bridge)
Distance: 11k round trip; elevation gain ~ 200 m.
Limit: 15 participants; pre-registration would be appreciated. FMI and to Register, email strathconwilderness@gmail.com
Experienced naturalists Mandy Vaughan and Kathryn Landry will lead this easy-moderate hike 5.5 k along the Elk River valley as far as Volcano Creek, following the river through a magnificent lower elevation old growth forest, with lush spring/early summer vegetation.
Meet at 10am at the Trailhead on Highway 28 which lies approx. 25 k west of the junction at Buttle Narrows Bridge. Pack water and lunch, have sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather.
Please Note that the temporary closure of the ERT as a result of a Cougar incident near Landslide Lake has now been lifted. Our hike will proceed, but everyone must be duly aware that the cougar may still be in the broad area and should familiarize themselves with the general advice presented on the BC Parks website. Our hike will reach a point that is 6-7 k short of Landslide Lake.
Interpretive Walk around Paradise Meadows – Early Summer Blooms
Date: June 29th
Time: 10:30am – Noon
A guided walk around the boardwalks of Paradise Meadows led by naturalists who will identify the abundant spring and early summer flowering plants that thrive in the moist environment of a subalpine meadow.
FMI and to Register, email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
Guided Hike around the Battleship/Helen MacKenzie Lakes Loop.
Date: June 30th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00pm
Place: Meet at the Wilderness Centre, Paradise Meadows Trailhead, Strathcona Provincial Park.
Distance: 8.6 k round trip; elevation gain approx. 125 m.
Limit : 15 participants; pre-registration would be appreciated.
Leader: Mateo Jaeckel
SWI Environmental Programme Coordinator Mateo Jaeckel will lead this early season hike at a leisurely pace around the 8.5 k loop, past Battleship Lake and stopping at Lake Helen MacKenzie for lunch. As always, have study footwear, and carry plenty water and be prepared for changeable weather in the subalpine.
FMI and to Register, email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
Discovering our Biodiversity Workshop #1 "Introducing the Whiskyjack, the Eighth Wonder of the Universe!"
Date: July 6th
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre, Paradise Meadows
Cost: $25; Limit of 25 Participants
Registration: Email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
Instructor: Dan Strickland
Dan Strickland has been studying Canada Jays (Whiskyjacks) in Paradise Meadows since 2016, and for decades before that in Ontario and Quebec. In this SWI workshop Dan will first explain why these birds are so special, how west-coast Canada Jays are dramatically different from their eastern counterparts, and why, right across Canada, our unofficial national bird is threatened by climate change. Then we’ll head out on the trails where we can meet some of the local west coast Whiskyjacks and learn how, based on its coloured leg bands, each individual jay gets its own unique name. Once you know how the system works you, too, can make valuable contributions to the study!
For more information about Dan’s Canada Jay Project, see the Annual reports and articles on our website page under the Research Tab- https://strathconapark.org/
Click here for the 2023 Annual Interim Report .
This is the first of the SWI “Discovering our Biodiversity” 2024 Workshop Series – more to be announced soon.
Hike to Croteau Lake
Date: July 7th
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Place: Meet at the Wilderness Centre, Paradise Meadows Trailhead, Strathcona Provincial Park.
Distance: 12 k round trip; elevation gain approx. 270 m.
Limit : 15 participants; pre-registration would be appreciated.
Leader: Janet Beggs.
CDMC Vice President and passionate hiker, Janet Beggs, will lead this moderate hike past Battleship Lake and Mt Elma to scenic Croteau Lake, which offers splendid views of Mt Albert Edward across the water. Pack water and a lunch, have sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather in a mountain environment.
FMI and to Register, email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
A Final Note
Several of us, including Tim Penney who caught the perfect shot of the Dandelion Picnic, have spotted this bear frequently along the Strathcona Parkway, between the Ramparts Chainup and the hill up to the Sunrise Chairlift. Let us hope that he does not meet the same fate as Nakoda and her cubs along the Trans Canada Highway.
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