LOCATION
line
• Located in City of Edmonton
• 59 Acres
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS
line
@EdAreaLandTrust #LarchSanctuaryEALT
Learn more about the features of Larch Sanctuary.
Oxbow Lake & Riparian Area
Geology
Wildlife
Human History
Larch Sanctuary:
Whitemud Nature Reserve
Wildlife and Habitat
Nestled in the middle of Edmonton lies Larch Sanctuary, a section of the Whitemud creek ravine just upstream of its confluence with Blackmud creek. This 59 acre reserve is on the south side of 23rd Avenue, with housing developments at the top of the banks on either side, so it truly is a sanctuary.
Despite being right inside a major city, Larch Sanctuary retains remarkable biodiversity. The combination of coniferous, deciduous, and mixedwoods forests provide habitat for dozens of species of mammals and birds, including our largest woodpecker, the pileated woodpecker. Moose, deer, coyote, fox and other small mammals find a home here. Snags provide nest sites for cavity nesting species, shoreline vegetation lines the creek forming sensitive riparian areas, and Edmonton’s only ox bow lake provides important habitat for aquatic species, amphibians, and waterfowl.
Click here to view the Larch Sanctuary brochure.
Click here to listen to the Edmonton Community Foundation’s podcast, featuring Larch Sanctuary.
Photos: Minette Layne, Doris May, Veronika Ronkos, Joshua Wasyliw, EALT
Importance
Larch Sanctuary provides an important wildlife corridor, as species move around and through Edmonton, between the outskirts of the city and the North Saskatchewan River. Whitemud Creek is a major tributary of the North Saskatchewan River, which provides drinking water for the population of greater Edmonton. In addition to these ecological benefits, Larch Sanctuary also provides residents with a unique place to be active, spend time outdoors, enjoy, and feel connected to nature.
Conservation Status
The Edmonton and Area Land Trust worked with the City of Edmonton to place a Conservation Easement on this land, which provides Larch Sanctuary with an additional level of protection, and other benefits.
Guided Nature Tour
Whether at Larch Sanctuary, or at your home, take a guided tour using the map below, or click here for the tour booklet.
Recent News
Blog
