ann & sandy cross conservation area news

“Change is the only constant” seems to be the mantra here at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area this year. Rather than be discouraged by all the changes I prefer to look at them as opportunities in disguise.

Having full time staff depart an organization leaves a hole to be filled. We were saddened to see Kelly and Ann move on to new opportunities but realize that this has allowed others to shine at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. Ashika and Cat have both taken on increasing accountabilities and shown themselves to be resilient and resourceful. They are a pleasure to work with and to mentor into these new responsibilities. We were also pleased to welcome Education Volunteer Maureen Luchsinger into a new role as staff this spring. She has shown us her wealth of experience and skills through her committed involvement to all aspects of education here during our busy time.

Changes to our school education programs have been well received. This year we have taken our programs to the schools for the first time ever. Our new Outreach Programs have enabled us to reach schools that we could not accommodate in our limited facility at Belvedere House. A special thank you to Cat, for all her hard work and efforts as she developed the Outreach Program concept and programs.

In order to help cover the costs of maintaining the trails and facilities we instituted a hiker user fee this spring. This change was not as drastic as we originally thought it might be. Originally, we had developed all kinds of plans for a new user fee program and when we took the draft program, in all its complexity, to the volunteers and hikers for feedback we heard back that it didn’t need to be so complicated. In the words of one volunteer, “all you really need to do is

ask for a twoonie for every person coming in and you will meet your target.” Simple. I am sure glad we asked for and listened to feedback from these groups and I am pleased to say that the end result of this change is that people are supportive and we are bringing in much needed funds through the user fee.

It is also nice to have some things stay the same. Reg is a constant here at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area and I am pleased to share that this is his 25th year on the land. His knowledge of the land and all its intricacies is invaluable as he continues to care for the fences, cattle grazing, riparian area management, and weed management; all the while keeping the needs of wildlife top of mind.

The season of spring has been fraught with change too as old man winter doesn’t seem to want to let go. The recent June snowfall took down a number of our trees; however, the downed trees are fulfilling their destiny as they make way in the canopy for other trees to take over. As they decay and eventually return to the soil they will provide food and shelter for many organisms. In these times of change I think we can all learn from the trees- what can we do to ensure we are able to bend without breaking? Seeing change as opportunity is one way and I believe that this strategy is helping us to move forward at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.

Spring Greetings Jacquie Gilson, Executive Director

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Spring Greetings

from Jacquie Gilson

1

New and Familiar

Faces

2-3

Farewells 3

Volunteer Thank

You Bouquets

4

Stampede Breakfast 5

Habitat Management 6

Education 7

Chevron Open Minds 8

Sponsors

Board of Directors

12

Contact Info 12

Spring Campaign 10

Thank You to our Education Sponsors

9

Hiking Update 10

A Few Fun Facts 11

New Merchandise at the Cross

11

Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation

Area News J U N E 2 0 0 9

A N N & S A N D Y C R O S S C O N S E R V A T I O N A R E A N E W S

Photo Credit: Gervais Goodman

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MAUREEN LUCHSINGER ~ EDUCATION COORDINATOR

I started at Cross Conservation Area as a volunteer educator for the Conservation Discovery School Programs over a year ago. I thoroughly enjoy the area and I’m excited to be working full time in the Education department.

I live just outside Calgary on a small acreage with my husband Brian, a dog (who answers to the name Bernie) and two cats (who likely won’t come to the names of Dusty and Chance).

Professionally, I have spent the majority of my career in project management, business design, training and development.

I truly love being in nature and find it really revitalizes me. Brian and I have spent many weekends over the years hiking and backpacking in the Rocky Mountains and have traveled from one coast (Newfoundland’s Gros Morne) to the other coast (Vancouver Island’s West Coast Trail) in search of new adventures.

I love to travel and have been fortunate to hike in different parts of Europe. Skiing and cycling complete my outdoor activity list while yoga and pilates give me the ability to stay involved in the great outdoors. Stretching is my new best friend.

I look forward to the coming school year!

Laura Griffin ~ Education & Communication Assistant

I have almost completed my degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership from Mount Royal College where I was lucky enough to fulfill one of my dreams and study in the Far North on Baffin Island. I will be starting a new degree come Fall. Eventually I hope to become a professional hermit, for now I’m thrilled to be working at the ASCCA.

I’m a native Albertan and have explored it as far North, South, East, and West as you can get by bike, canoe, or work vehicles and love all of the nature found in between.

When I’m not working I am in between my home where my mom, little sister, transient other siblings and a menagerie of beasts reside or my new home away from home in Prid-dis where some chickens just recently moved into my roost, quite literally.

The rest of my time is spent outside somewhere, rain or shine, or dabbling in what might be called music if you’re feeling generous.


Jen Ross--Habitat Operations Assistant

After a great first summer in 2008, I quickly made the decision to return to the Cross Habitat Management team again for a second!

I recently graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I received a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Aquatic Resources and a Major in Public Policy and Social Research. With the help of my work term at the Cross last summer, I was able to finish my Sr. research paper which was based on Cattle Grazing management in riparian areas.

This fall I am heading back out east and am starting a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

I am very interested in conservation and educating people in sustainable practices. I am happy to be working with such great people and to be back in the glory of the foothills here at the Cross!

Thanks for the support! It makes a huge difference! Jen keeping Reg in line at work

Maureen in the path of a speeding glacier at the Columbia Ice fields

Laura enjoying the dog’s life with her buddy Taiga.

New and Familiar Faces

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ternally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your busi-ness is growing.

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Ashika Simhadri– Programs Resource Coordinator

I’ve worked here for just over an year now first in a communications role and then as a program resources coordinator looking after some of the things Ann Mercier used to take care of so effortlessly. It is difficult to say goodbye to a place where people are so caring and have made such an impact on my life. Unfortunately at this time I do not qualify for a grant that would have sustained my position for summer 2009 and have to say goodbye at the end of June. I will be out in the job market and perhaps enjoy some time off before I take on a new role elsewhere or return here in the fall in a new role! I’ve had a great time working here and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the friendly staff and volunteers here. Hope to keep in touch with all of you! If you are out and about the office, do stop by and say goodbye for the summer. ~Ashika Simhadri~

Catriona Laird– Education and Communication Coordinator In our last newsletter in fall 2008, all staff members wrote a little blurb about ourselves. I described my desire to travel and experience the world and shared my goal of completing a Master’s degree. As some of you already know, this dream has recently come true. I have been accepted to do a Master’s degree in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland this fall and will be ending my time at the Cross Conservation Area. In addition

to it being one of the most gorgeous cities ever, Edinburgh is where my parents grew up and a place I feel very drawn to. (It has nothing to do with the vast array of lager, I promise!) My time working here has been a wonderful experience. I have developed my personal style as an educator, developed new programs, stretched my writing ability and discovered a genuine love for teaching in an outdoor environment. I have witnessed the incredible things that can happen to a child when they are given an opportunity to explore the wonders of nature. Their eyes light up when they realize an adult is by their side to guide them, answer and ask questions and encourage their curiosity. I have a new definition for the word ‘magic’ after working with children on this beautiful landscape. This is what will motivate me next year at school. But mostly, my meaningful experience working here is largely due to the special people I have been blessed to work with. The Cross Conservation Area staff and volunteers have truly touched my heart. It is groups of people like you that make a difference in this world and will be a memorable milestone in my journey. Thank you to all for making this chapter of my life a fond one! My official last day is July 15th. Please stop by to say hello and goodbye if you have a chance. ~Catriona Laird~

Ashika on the rocks!

FAREWELLS

Apryl Macumber - Seasonal Grazing Management Assistant

This is my second summer here at the Cross Conservation Area. It is great to be back working with such a wonderful team.

I am attending the University of Calgary finishing up a Bachelor of Science degree Majoring in Ecology.

I have always had a passion for animals and the environment and I am excited for what’s in store in the future.

The ever captivating Cat doing what she does best.

“Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.” ~Henry David Thoreau~

Little known fact about Apyrl: she’s a distance relative of Thor! Make sure you keep on her good side.

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/nothing_makes_the_earth_seem_so_spacious_as_to/13626.html









A PAIR OF THANK YOU

CROCUSES

TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE

ACCOMPLISHED THE FOLLOWING SINCE THE LAST

NEWSLETTER

Thank You! Barry & Joyce Connatty for superior ongoing office

assistance.

To our special projects team. Your work does not go unnoticed.

To all Area Stewards for their eagle eyes and strong legs!

To everyone who has been helping out with the training of the new Area Stewards.

Gord McLure and Catherine Southwood for eagerly jumping in with both feet to explore the wonderful world of leading our new Conservation Discovery Outreach Programs. You have made this transition a big success!

Riley Laird, a new and enthusiastic education volunteer, for being so dedicated to the Cross and filling in all the holes in our schedule.

To all aforementioned Education volunteers and Barb Simpkins, Sue McLure, Tara Shackelton, and Carole Malmberg for your continued patience with all the current changes to staffing. Your dedication and enthusiasm to for the work you do at the Cross Conservation Area make a big difference everyday to the education staff and each child who visits us. BIG sincere thanks to you all!

Ing-Britt Renborg & the Wednesday Nature Study Group for their persistence and great reports throughout the summer/fall months.

Dick Choy for continuing to supply us with all the great photographs.

Michelle Abbott for continually caring so much for our volunteers.

Ron Standish for faithfully proving to be a guy you can trust in any kind of weather. My hats off to you Ron!- From Reg

To Cat for her caring attitude and endless enthusiasm for the Cross Conservation Area.

Welcome New Volunteers James D. Cameron

Neil L. Jennings

Riley Laird

Carol Malmberg

Sue McLure

Doug Mead

Ron & Sherry Smith


Total volunteer hours contributed between January & May was 591!!

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Photo Credit: Neil L. Jennings

It has been a busy season so far even with all the rain (and snow) we’ve had this spring. I have been coordinating volunteers for about 2 months now and it has been a pleasure meeting and working with you all. Your passion and dedication to the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is amazing to say the least. The year is only half over and you have contributed 315 hours over 108 shifts stewarding the land, patrolling boundaries, studying nature, and helping us in the office. You’ve travelled a whopping 1228 kms, the equivalent of travelling from Vancouver to Edmonton! We appreciate your hard work and self-less hours you have given us. We look forward to continually working with you and hope that you continue to enjoy your time here. ~Ashika Simhadri~

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P A G E 6 Habitat Management

By: Reg Rempel

Change is inevitable. Our uppermost challenge at the ASCCA is to strive to slow it down. With the increase of development around us the landscape is forever changing.

Our indicator in the measurement of success in habitat management is the flora and fauna. 2009 indicates that our efforts are paying off. There has been an increase of fauna in the area. We had a herd of up to 120 Elk that over wintered at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area and there are now more small groups of cows that are calving than I have seen in previous years. The Deer population has increased slightly, but the predation is keeping it well in check. Last week, I was on burdock control working the draw from Belvedere House to the dam in section 16 and spotted five deer carcasses; the cats are busy.

The increased song bird activity is the change I have enjoyed the most. If

you get a chance to hike in the forenoon under the canopy cover of the aspens take the time to listen (the earlier the better).

2009 is a year of change for us. We are hosting the largest number of livestock in a single season that I have witnessed in the 24 years that I have worked this land. The grazing season is a short 90 days only, June 1st to Aug 31st. We will be monitoring the results closely. This will also give us the grazing revenue we are seeking for our 2009 budget. For every action there is a reaction.

We anticipate some positive results in this to decrease the number of undesirable weeds.

2009 has blessed us in that we have two returning staff for the summer, Apryl and Jen. This has already proved to be beneficial to the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area Their enthusiasm and passion for the land is evident in the care they put into their work. This leaves us with a confidence in knowing that our future in conservation will thrive to the best of its ability in their able hands.


It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t

matter who gets the credit.

- Unknown

Special Projects

To date in 2009 we have again accomplished lots. Thanks to all the volunteers who faithfully come and give their time, energy, and friendship that make these accomplishments possible. We have removed ¾ of the Goodwin corral site and removed the Debra Brown test plot posts along with some barb wire fencing. We anticipate more projects throughout the coming months and are meeting at the Cabin Wednesdays at 9am. Trails, fence and corral removal, and painting are to be the main projects in the coming months.

Precipitation to Date (In Inches) Jan – 6/10 melted snow Feb – 00 March –14/10 melted snow April – 7/10 melted snow May – 13.5/10 rain Total Precip.—40.5/10 Our annual precipitation for this area is 18 inches. If you do the math this is a dry year to date. In the late 80’s I have seen the area start to green and before July turn brown again.

Education


Update The school year is quickly coming to an end, and education staff and volunteers have some impressive numbers to show for it. From January to June, the educators will have led over 3800 participants in our award winning programs. This number includes our Conservation Discovery School Programs, Outreach Programs, Chevron Open Minds and various education programs offered in partnership with other organizations.

~Catriona Laird~

Mystery Visitor!!

Well, spring is finally here! Probably! Maybe! Well, we do know that summer is just around the corner. A lovely watering hole on the Cross Conservation Area, known as “the pond”, had a mystery visitor who made us aware of its presence by leaving behind signs of a kill site which included one lonely deer leg. Other clues left behind were tracks and scat leading us to believe that our mystery visitor was a cougar. The pond is a frequent gathering place for deer and other animals as they quench their thirst. The students have been fascinated by this discovery encouraging many discussions relating

to the web of life.

~Maureen Luchsinger~

Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area Education goes mobile!!!

Catherine Southwood bridging the gaps at one of our new Outreach Programs.

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Could this lonesome beast caught on film during the Wildlife Corridor Study of 2008 be our Mystery Visitor...

Lunchtime!

P A G E 8 Chevron Open Minds By Catriona Laird


The Education staff and volunteers know the Conservation Discovery School Programs impact the students who participated in them. On a daily basis we hear remarks like, “That was the best field trip ever!” and “I don’t want to go home!” from exuberant children as they head down the hill to the bus at the end of the day. It is truly satisfying to hear that your hard work that day is appreciated and will be remembered for days, maybe even years to come.

But it’s during the week-long Chevron Open Minds

Magnificent works of art created through watercolor paint and pastel that could line the walls of a gallery. We observe students’ behavior and perceptions of the earth change slightly each day resulting in an amazing transformation by Friday. This is when educators are confident that what we do makes a difference. Here are a few examples of how children perceive and appreciate nature when given the opportunity.

program where we really see the seed of conservation and appreciation taking root and blossoming in young minds. Profound words of observation and poetry that rival well known published authors flow onto journal pages.

“Where there is an open mind there will always be a frontier.” ~Charles F. Kettering~

Caption describing

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Thank you to our Education Sponsors By: Catriona Laird

What is the value of spending time in nature? Is it as simple as taking a deep breath of fresh air or feeling the errant wind on your cheeks? Maybe it’s spotting a group of mule deer bounding through the trees or observing the seemingly random behavior of a Richardson Ground Squirrel. For school children it’s an opportunity to get out of the classroom. All these elements make time in nature valuable, but more often than not, the value of this time goes beyond the initial reasons we can identify.

Time spent in nature, especially for school children can be eye opening, life transforming and positively exhilarating. Sometimes the affect of these experiences don’t take full flight until many years down the road. With the generous support of our Education sponsors, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is able to provide this opportunity and extraordinary experience to thousands of children each year.

Through our Chevron Open

Minds program, groups of children turn the Conservation Area into their classroom for a full week. Imagine visiting your own special spot on the land each day to reflect on what you have learned and questions that arise from a day in nature. Chevron’s $50,000 annual sponsorship allow for 10 weeks of Open Minds at the Area. After a few days of slowing down to “nature’s time” a grade 3 teacher said of her students, “Sitting in their special spot in the snow, paying attention to the colours, shapes and life around them is inspiring them to ‘look closer’ at life. Many of them have developed a love for nature that can’t be taken away.” A full week in this environment has the potential to shift a child’s perspective and inspire them to become ambassadors for the natural world. Even a day can have a dramatic affect on developing minds. Our day school programs are supported by Suncor, BP Canada, TD Friends of the

Environment, FCSS/MD Foothills, Devon, Nexen, Esso Imperial Oil Foundation, Agrium and Alberta Conservation Association. This year school children will be lining up to get caught up in “The Web of Life,” explore the fascinating world of bugs in the “Amazing Mini Adventure” and will discover the Area through “Forest Explore.” In 2009, over 6500 students will get up close and personal with the natural world. These programs are now available as Outreach Programs, where we bring conservation into the classroom.

Our sponsors understand the value of time spent in nature. And we thank them all for their ongoing generous support. The participants of our programs also share our gratitude.

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2009 EDUCATION SPONSORS

“Thank you for letting us come and explore nature and the land. We love Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. It is a place in our hearts.” ~Grade 1 and 2 students at Langevin Science School~

P A G E 1 0 Spring Campaign

By: Jacquie Gilson


Squeeze invite

We are launching our Spring Campaign to raise $10,000 from our supporters. Please watch for a letter from us and consider in-cluding the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area in your charitable giving this year. The really exciting news is that the Chairman of the Board is committed to working with others to raise matching dollars in the amounts received from our loyal donors.

The power of your gift to the Spring Cam-paign will be doubled, but this can only happen if we reach our goal of $10,000 by July 15.

Individual donations allow us to create posi-tive experiences and impact our youth through visiting with us and experiencing our education programs. The connections

children make with the natural world through our programs changes lives. This year our organization has been focusing on utilizing our limited resources to ensure that our very successful school programs continue without interruption. We have also been offering a

limited number of educational programs to community members in conjunction with local partners. Through this matching Spring Campaign we hope to reach our goal and set the stage to bring back some of the programs we lost this year.

As I continue to lead this organization sup-ported by a dedicated staff and volunteer team, I hear many wonderful stories from those who benefit the most, the youth. They have been touched and care deeply about their natural world. It is truly a pleasure to hear about their experiences at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.

If you do not receive a letter from us please consider giving to the Spring Campaign any-way through an online donation at www.canadahelps.org or via a cheque sent to our address. If you make the donation prior to July 15 we will be able to double it through the matching program.

Thank you for your gift of time and financial support- it is most appreciated.

Spring has sprung at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. The prairie crocus flowers are just about done, the bright yellow buffalo beans are plentiful, Mountain bluebirds and American goldfinches add a touch of colour to the skies and the birds are all singing as if their lives depended on it! We have also noticed a lot more Franklin’s gulls than usual and their plaintive cries are a welcome sound of summer.

We encourage you to get out and enjoy these signs of spring and summer at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. If you would like to come here for a hike we ask you to please follow our booking system. It’s simple- continue to pre-book your

visits via our website, register at the kiosk in the parking lot when you arrive and pay a $2 per person per visit user fee. Active volunteers and previously booked school/other groups are not required to pay this fee.

This booking and registration system allows us to keep track of visitors booked, as well as actual visitors using the Cross Conservation Area. Pre-bookings are required in order to fulfill our third guiding principle as requested by the donors, Ann and Sandy Cross. The user fee is in place to help us maintain the trails and facilities for your continued enjoyment.

Groups larger than 15 will be sent a confirmation through email, smaller groups will not be receiving a confirmation in order to reduce our administration time. Please remember

to register everyone and each vehicle at the kiosk when you arrive as our Volunteer Area Stewards will continue to check the registration binder in the kiosk and match vehicles in the parking lot with the users registered at the kiosk.

Further financial support for operations is always appreciated and if you would like to help support the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, beyond the nominal user fee, we would love to have you join us as a donor. Please go to our website at www.crossconservation.org to make a donation or book your hike.

Hiking season is in full swing at the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. We hope you have many good sightings and enjoy the peace and serenity of this beautiful gift of land.

Hiking Update By: Jacquie Gilson

Donate Online

http://canadahelps.org Type in: Ann & Sandy Cross

Conservation Area

http://www.canadahelps.org

http://www.crossconservation.org

http://canadahelps.org

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Congratulations to Jonathan R. Schmit creator of the “Still Motion” video, now the winner in the environment category at the Water Walker Film Festival. Watch the Film on our website!

Fish and Wildlife Elk Study On February 26, members of Alberta Fish

and Wildlife made another dramatic entrance at the Cross Conservation Area. They arrived in sty with their helicopter to complete the annual Elk

Study. After a few hours of aerial views of the land, they confirmed a count of about 200 head of elk on the Conservation Area and another few hundred on

sections bordering the Area!

And a few fun facts...

Garden Party Update On behalf of the Ann & Sandy Cross

Conservation Area, we regret to announce the official cancellation of the 2009 Cross

Conservation Garden Party that was scheduled to take place on June 20, 2009.

Thank you for your continued support.

~Jacquie Gilson~

2008 Annual Report now available online!!!

Check it out on our website:

www.crossconservation.org

Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area Merchandise

NEW!

Bottles and mugs and caps oh my!

Look for more information on the website about our new line of products.

Coming soon!

WINNER!!

http://crossconservation.org/main/page.php?page_id=67





www.crossconservation.org

Thank you for continuing to support the ASCCA.

Please call at any time if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact Us!

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Jacquie Gilson (403) 931-3377

Reg Rempel (403) 931-3111

Maureen Luchsinger (403) 931-2042

Catriona Laird (403) 931-2042

Lorenda Jahoda (403) 931-1042

Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Board of Directors 2009 Ralph Nelson Chairperson Rancher Joe McFarlane Secretary Treasurer Sabretooth Energy Ltd. David Dover Director

Robert O’Callaghan Vice- President Retired Investment Advisor Barb Castell Director Councillor, M.D. of Foothills Anita Donovan Director Chevron Canada Resources Dallas Droppo Q.C. Director Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP

Stanley Carscallen Q.C. Director Carscallen Leitch LLP J. Sherrold Moore Director Nature Conservancy of Canada

Marty Abbott Director TOM Capital Associates Inc.

Box 20, Site 23, RR8

Calgary, AB T2J 2T9

General Inquiries 403-931-1042

Education 403-931-2042

Land Issues 403- 931-3111

Fax 403-931-1045

ann & sandy cross conservation area news

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