The Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is located just 33 kilometers southwest of Edmonton’s city centre, and it’s the perfect place to go if you want to spot wildlife.
The Sanctuary protects 348 acres of marshland, open meadow, aspen parkland, and pine forest. It’s because of the varied habitat that the area is home to a diversity of animals. We’re talking beavers, foxes, porcupines, deers, and over 100 species of birds!
Four main trails will take visitors through a variety of habitats. Boardwalk Loop takes a close look at the marsh environment, Aspen Ridge leads to groves of trembling aspen trees, Pine Knoll goes through a jack pine forest which was once a sand dune, and the Woodland Flower Trail is rife with — you guessed it — flowers.
A hopeful history
The land was originally purchased in 1977 by the Clifford E. Lee Foundation to create a nature sanctuary. The namesake was an Albertan teacher, pharmacist, politician, and humanitarian. When he noticed a need for affordable housing following World War II, he started what would become one of the largest housing development companies in North America.
In 1960, the company became a public corporation, and Lee transferred the bulk of his fortune into a foundation that would make funds available to philanthropic endeavours in a variety of fields. Thus, the Clifford E. Lee Foundation was born, and the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary would become one of the largest projects funded by the foundation.
Today, the Sanctuary is managed by a volunteer management committee that looks after maintenance and raises funds for this purpose. Because it is not a provincial park, such services are not provided by the government, so it’s important to leave no trace when you visit and take your garbage with you.
Check out the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary website for wildlife identification guides of the birds, animals, and plants within the area. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Where: Sanctuary Rd., Spruce Grove
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