Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to take part in a Wildlife Discovery Day on Aug. 24 at Harmon Valley Park.

The day is being hosted by Northern Sunrise County, Fish and Wildlife, and Sora Ecological Consulting’s Robb Stavne from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will include a day of wildlife discovery.

“We host two Wildlife Discovery Days in the year and both offer a similar experience in that the focus is on tracking, identifying habitats, enjoying themed crafts and a BBQ,” says NSC Family and Community Support Services director Amber Houle.

“They are slightly different in that tracking looks different in the two seasons – in the winter we can see footprints in the snow and in the summer, we can see hardened prints in soil and packed grasses where animals have bedded. It provides participants with more awareness of their surroundings when they are in forested areas, despite what season it is,” she adds.

Participants will discover and identify wildlife signs and discuss wildlife safety, but it’s also going to be a chance for a little outdoor fun.

“It makes people more aware of the animals in their backyard, how to identify if they are in a specific area and gives them tips on how to stay safe while enjoying forested areas,” says Houle.

“They also learn more information on flora (the plants and vegetation) and the fauna (the animals) that reside in Northern Sunrise County.”

Discovery Day is open to people of all ages and is provided at no cost.

If you would like more information, please phone (780) 322-3831 or simply show up at the Harmon Valley Park on Aug. 24 to enjoy the day outdoors.

“In addition to providing a guided walk, Sora Ecological Consulting and ALUS provide resources to the participants to take home,” says Houle.

“Both organizations have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the flora and fauna residing in the County and region,” she concludes.