The Nature Centre is hosting three riparian walks this summer. The first is on July 11 and will explore Connaught Pond, says Marty Drut, park interpreter.--NEWS PHOTO KELLEN TANIGUCHI
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The Interpretive Program at Police Point Park is hosting three riparian area guided walks this summer, continuing on from the seven walks held last year.
The 10 total walks were supported through a grant from the Land Stewardship Centre of Canada, which is used toward educational work and habitat purposes, says Marty Drut, park interpreter.
“We’re trying to highlight different water places around town, and whenever you’re talking about a water place, it has an associated riparian area which is the narrow strip of habitat associated with the creek, or river, or lake or pond,” said Drut.
“These are kind of rare habitats in our area because of the dryness, so they’re vital for all kind of reasons. So, we just want to expose people to the different types of them that are here in Medicine Hat, so they can get an idea of the diversity they might find.”
The first walk is on July 11 at 11 a.m., which will include exploring the Connaught Pond, which Drut says is a little bit of a hidden gem in the Hat. The final walks will be on July 25 and Aug. 8 and Drut says those interested should call the nature line at 403-529-6225 to register because space will be limited.
“Even if you haven’t been on one of the other walks, there’s lots of stuff and if you have been on one, there’s new stuff to learn. We’ll make it clear to people what’s going on with riparian areas in general,” he said.
Drut says the walk will educate Hatters on the importance of riparian areas as well.
“They’re a limited type of habitat we have in our area and then they provide shelter and places for lots of different animals and birds to live in,” he said. “They help protect areas on the other side of the riparian zones from flooding, so they act as a buffer and they do some filtration of water and they’re aesthetically pleasing.”
The Nature Centre is now open for the year and has a lot going on this summer, says Drut. For updates on what’s happening at the centre, he says checkout its website, Facebook page, Instagram or call for more information.
