In my last post I wrote about the trails in our city and how lucky we are to have them. Along with paved trails we have lots of shale or gravel trails. Along with this goes thousands of acres of native parkland. There's old growth forest. Spruce forest. Poplar forest and mixed forest. There is even a bit of grassland.
So last week I went through some solid spruce forest. the rest of it is a big mixture. Most of this area is old gravel pits. About 100 acres. It's surprising how much of the old quarry has a variety of various trees and shrubs.
There were many, many butterflies. I took many photos...all of them poor, but you're going to see some butter fly photos anyway.
.JPG)
It's good that the ruling elders of Red Deer had the foresight to plan for recreation and nature as well as housing and commerce.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that they did as the present ruling elders turned down a prime park area that was free.
DeleteNice walk, love the flowers. It is great there are still old growth forests.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day!
Some of the land cannot be developed so it's left in the natural state.
DeleteIt’s good to ‘see’ you enjoying your nearby nature trails.
ReplyDeleteI think it's about time for another walk.
DeleteSounds like a great area for a walk. Love the butterflies flitting around this time of year! Always a delight.
ReplyDeleteI'm determined to do a better job of photographing butterflies.
DeleteGravel pits, if given back to nature, look very different after a few decades.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't take long and a surprising number of different plants have become established.
DeleteLovely walk, Red. Looks so peaceful!
ReplyDeleteWhen it first opened it was very peaceful as not very many people visited the area.
DeleteA wonderful walk with lots to see. Great photos, Red.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to go back again...maybe tomorrow.
DeleteLooks like the geese have their ducks in a row! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteYes, these are close to full grown.
DeleteAutomatic cameras and phones often focus on the object closest to the lens -- which is why your butterfly pic is out of focus. Your camera was focusing on the plant! On an iPhone you can fix this by touching your main object on the screen just before you take the shot, and the camera will focus there instead.
ReplyDeleteI think I can do this on this camera. thanks for the reminder.
DeleteThat was such a lovely walk, Red. Thank you for taking us long with your photos.
ReplyDeleteI used to ride my bike through this area and covered a lot more territory.
DeleteI like your awareness of native plant life. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm aware of the native plant life but I don't recognize very many species.
DeleteVery nice selection of photos and it sounds like another great walk. I have been having trouble focusing lately. I tried that little screen like Steve above said but am still having problems. I will keep trying though. Nice of Steve to share his tips.
ReplyDeleteSteve quite often has very good tips.
DeleteButterflies are notoriously difficult to photograph. But that picture of the ducks swimming in a line is great.
ReplyDeleteDucks are easy. This group posed for me. Butterflies just don't sit still.
DeleteNature is the home we all need to return to. I'm glad to share in your slice
ReplyDeleteNature is what keeps this old world ticking.
DeleteI know how much you love nature dear Red and I am so happy that you have such huge areas of vegetation and forest around you.
ReplyDeleteI am sure each step was delightful and every click added more pleasure to your memory
A great walk! Nature is grand.
ReplyDelete