A Stettler-based nature group is celebrating a half-century of operation in 2023.
The Buffalo Lake Nature Club has been ongoing since 1973 when it was founded by Lloyd Lohr, the original president, and a group of like-minded people as the Buffalo Lake Naturalists.
A member of Nature Alberta, the Buffalo Lake Naturalists changed their name when that organization changed its name from the Federation of Alberta Naturalists.
“We have to thank the people who have go on before us,” said current club president Claudia Lipski.
During the winter months, September through April, the club meets monthly in the St. George’s Anglican Church basement and features a variety of guest speakers ranging in topics from rat control in the province to the different birds of Buffalo Lake.
In the summer months, May through August, club members host bi-weekly nature walks at a number of the different nature areas in the region.
Parks visited in the past include Big Knife Provincial Park, north of Halkirk, the trails at Alix Lake, Pelican Point, the Bashaw nature trails, and other natural areas that are open to the public.
In addition to being nature enthusiasts, the club members help the scientific community as well. Through a species count in May, a bird count around Christmas, owl surveys, butterfly counts, and other data collection, the club members are able to give feedback to the scientific community as to how different species in the region are doing.
According to Lipski, the club currently has around 24 members, though more are always welcome.
Memberships for the Buffalo Lake Nature Club cost $15 for individuals and $30 for families. Fees go back into the development of the club and a portion of member insurance.
The club’s next meeting is March 16.
For more information, check out buffalolakenature.com.