The photo above is courtesy of Tourism Camrose.
Camrose County: Nature Conservation Centre
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Camrose County is known for its gravel industry; thanks to the shining example of what was formerly known as Blatz Pit, the county has been recognized provincially, for its exemplary stewardship of natural resources, as well.
In 1989, Camrose County purchased the Blatz Pit from the Blatz and Gilroy families. During the time the county mined the pit, they gathered half a million cubic meters of gravel, before the pit had to be closed, according to government regulation. The county was required, by law, to reclaim the area, which would have taken an estimated $200 000.00 to complete. Here's where the story gets inspiring: Never wanting to be a "good enough" care taker, the county decided, instead, to honour the motion made by Vic McCarroll, in 1991, that the pit be turned into a fish pond when its usefulness had come to an end industrially. The county rose to the occasion, and went above and beyond necessity, doubling their investment costs. To hear Reeve Gregorwich expand on the history of the county's Nature Conservation Centre, click on the "EXEMPLARY STEWARDSHIP" button below. Purple Martins, and their enthusiasts, are highly valued at the Conservation Centre. Many colony style homes for this fowl friend, have been constructed, and are continuously cared for on the site. Incidentally, Camrose County provides some of the northern most sites that these birds return to, from their winter homes in Brazil!
To hear Hazel Cail, of Tourism Camrose share some of her passion and knowledge on the bird, and the county's efforts to care for them, please click on the "PURPLE MARTIN" button below. Be warned: the recording captures some of our first chilly fall winds! The detailed information though, is worth dancing (and listening) through the wind for! 
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The Camrose County Nature Conservation Centre officially opened on July 31, 2010. Over 300 people were attendance, one of whom being MLA Ed Stelmach (and Alberta`s thirteenth Premier). The park now provides a nexus for family fun, including picnics, swimming, scuba diving, non-motorized boating, and more. It is a popular destination for weddings, and nature enthusiasts of all kinds!
To find more information on this provincially recognized achievement, go here: 
Tourism Camrose's Hazel Cail educates others on the intricacies of Purple Martin nesting habits. See the buttons to the left to hear more! The photo of the purple martin comes courtesy of www.purple-martin.org |
