Adventures for Wilderness, Fall Ramble on Nose Hill – Oct. 21, 2021
October 21, 2021
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Text and photos: Wendell Koning (AWA member and field trip participant)
Led by Christyann Olson
On the morning of October 21st, about 15-20 of us gathered in the early morning sun, to learn more about the botany and geology of Nose Hill Park. The park is found in the northwest part of the city covering 11 sq km. From the top of the hill, on the plateau, one can get awesome views of the downtown to the south; the airport (airplanes coming and going) to the east; and the Rocky Mountains to the west. And in some parts of the park, namely in the many valleys, you can feel what it was like 200 years ago, to be all alone on a native prairie!
Christyann Olson, recently retired Executive Director of AWA, gave a brief overview about the AWA and the history of the park. We had two specialists for this tour, Karel Bergmann, a very experienced botanist, with a wealth of local and international knowledge, and senior geologist Tako Koning, who is passionate about all things geology.
The two specialists worked in tandem – Karel would show us various plant species and how they are adapted to their specific environments, and then we’d stop at rocky outcrops including some massive rocks known as glacial erratics, to learn more about glaciations, rock striations, and the various fossils that could be found (sorry, no dinosaur fossils at Nose Hill, but plenty of other types!).
And at the same rocks or nearby rocks, Karel, an expert on lichens, pointed out the myriad of lichen communities attached to the rocks. Lichens are a life form that we often pass by without noting, even though some display an incredible mix of colours.
The tour ended too soon but I’m sure all participants would agree that we gained new, very entertaining, and super-informative perspectives on this beautiful and pristine urban park.
Thanks to Karel and Tako, and thanks to Christyann Olson and the AWA for organizing!
