Peeking over

Jim shot this photo of the sunflowers at Fort Normandeau peeping over the palisade. Anyone who's visited the Fort and has seen how tall the palisade is can tell you that the sunflowers were a pretty impressive size this year.

The Fort Normandeau grounds close for the season in October, but we look forward to your visits in May 2012. In the meantime, there's always plenty to see and do here at the Nature Centre. Give us a call at 403-346-2010 for information on our upcoming events for fall and winter.

Why The Cougar Links Below?

I posted the Cougar links because there have been recent, unconfirmed Cougar sightings in Red Deer. While they are not common in Red Deer, Cougars are native Alberta wildlife. Use the links provided to educate yourself about Cougars and how best to stay safe while recreating outside.

Printed copies of the "If You Encounter a Cougar" handout are available at the front desk at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

As usual, if you have any questions, give us a call at the Nature Centre 403-346-2010.

Alberta SRD - If You Encounter A Cougar

Alberta SRD - If You Encounter A Cougar

Click the link to download an information sheet from the Alberta government.

Alberta SRD - Cougars & Outdoor Recreation

Alberta SRD - Cougars & Outdoor Recreation

Click the above link to download an information sheet.

Board Member Recruitment

We are looking for some new board members.

Both the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society (WEES) and our friends group, The Friends of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre Society are looking for energetic, committed and enthusiastic people to sit on our boards.

WEES is the organization responsible for running the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Fort Normandeau. We take care of natural and cultural history interpretation, and environmental education, through the Waskasoo Park System for The City of Red Deer. We are looking for board members with an interest in these fields and experience with law, finance, education design and delivery and fundraising/development. These are two-year terms.

The Friends of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre supports WEES activities through the operation of the book stores in the Nature Centre and Fort Normandeau. Potential members should be interested in environmental education, retail operations and budgeting and light fundraising.

If you are interested in applying for a board position, please contact the following people:

• WEES board, contact Jim Robertson, Executive Director, WEES (jim.robertson@waskasoopark.ca)
• Friends board, contact Bob Kruchten, Bookstore Managaer, Friends of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre (bob.kruchten@waskasoopark.ca)

Please feel free to share this post with your friends, colleagues and social networks.

Fort Normandeau parking

If you're headed to the Fort on Saturday, August 10th, please be aware that parking will be limited. For more information, check the City of Red Deer's press release here.

Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

Bird Blind Sentinel

The Barn Swallows at the bird blind on the West Gaetz Lake are on their second (rather late, I think) nesting and are currently busy keeping their little ones fed. These birds have been very patient with Sanctuary visitors -- I haven't heard any cases of dive-bombing -- but please remember to give them a little bit of space if you're out on the deck and you notice them trying to get to the nestlings. Less stress for everyone that way!