The Edmonton and Area Land Trust lands are open to the public, for everyone to enjoy on foot.

Please help us protect the wildlife, plant communities and beauty of the natural areas when you visit, by following these guidelines when visiting EALT's conservation lands (adapted from Leave No Trace).

Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Check our website for trail maps and maps for how to get there. Carpool if possible, as parking is limited.

  • Check the weather forecast.

  • Bring water, food, first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, extra clothing, etc.

  • Many of our sites have rustic trails, and we recommend wearing long pants to protect yourself from scratches in case of overgrown vegetation.

  • Let someone else know where you are going and when you expect to return.

  • Our conservation lands do not have bathrooms or outhouses, so use the facilities before you leave home. If nature calls, find a sheltered spot and cover any remains.

Minimize Your Impact

  • Enjoy low impact activities such as hiking, bird watching, nature study, photography, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

  • Stay on designated trail systems.

  • Keep your dogs on a leash from April 1 - July 15 to protect young vulnerable wildlife, including ground nesting birds, fledglings, small mammals, and fawns and calves. Outside of these dates, always carry a leash, in case you encounter wildlife or other visitors. Clean up after your dogs. Please note that dogs are not permitted at Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area.

  • Off-Highway Vehicles, including ATVs, quads, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles are not allowed due to the negative impacts they have on the landscape, particularly erosion, soil compaction, spreading invasive plant seeds, fire risk, and noise disturbance.

  • Mountain biking and horseback riding can also cause similar disturbances, and are not allowed.

  • Hunting is not permitted at most sites, but is allowed at Golden Ranches and Hicks. Visit the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website for more information about permission for hunting at these sites.

  • Campfires are not permitted at any time due to the risk of wildfire, even if fire bans are not in place.

  • Smoking is also not allowed due to wildfire risk.

Show Respect

  • Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.

  • Do not litter. Take your garbage with you.

  • Do not remove or damage any trees, flowers, plants, animals, minerals, or fossils. Do not collect berries to bring home with you.

  • While we have our own geocaches on some of our conservation lands, please do not place your own geocaches on our lands.

  • Respect and quietly observe wildlife by giving them their space. Do not approach or feed wildlife, as this may frighten them, or put you in a dangerous situation.

  • Be aware of other visitors, and be considerate about the noise you make.

  • Keep your dogs under control and on leash when encountering other visitors.

  • Stay on EALT lands and do not cross onto others' private property.

 



“How was your visit? Email rebecca@ealt.ca to let us know about your visit, including any photos, species sightings, special experiences, or if there is anything that needs our attention.”