JJ COLLETT NATURAL AREA

About Us

History & Info

OUR HISTORY

The JJ Collett Natural Area was once the property of the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

In 1974 the provincial government and Alberta Wildlife Foundation jointly purchased the land, in trust, to be used for environmental education. In 1976, the site was designated as the J.J. Collett Natural Area in memory of John Joseph Collett, Jack’s son, who had developed a love for the area and all of its beauty.
As early as age 9, he would camp out for the entire weekend with only his dog or a brave friend. John Joseph located all of the original trails on the present site and did a flora and fauna study. John Joseph Collett graduated as a Wildlife Technician in 1976, but tragically died in a forestry accident at the age of nineteen.

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Plan your hike

Some tour conditions may be changed according to the season. To learn more about the program, please contact us.

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Pick a date

We conduct tours all year round, almost every week, but the most comfortable weather for sightseeing is in summer.

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Start your journey

If necessary, we help you apply for a visa to Norway, as well as advise what things you should take with you.

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STRONGER TOGETHER

Volunteers Welcome!

Our Foundation is always in need of volunteers! If you have time for trail maintenance, cutting trees that have fallen on trails, cutting grass on trails, fence repairs, picking trash, or becoming a board member, your help would be very much appreciated. It is a fun group to work with, and very rewarding to be stewards of this beautiful area!

  • Trail Maintenance

    Enjoy the beauty of nature while cutting branches and clearing paths at JJ Collett. 

  • General Maintenance

    Get your daily dose of fresh air while picking trash and performing minor repairs.

  • Board Members

    Help us steer our foundation in the direction of a rewarding and successful future by joining our board.

OUR SPONSORS

Thank You

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A huge thank you to “Ember Resources” for sponsoring our Education Program. This program has instructors that tour approximately 500 Grade 6 Students from the Wolf Creek School division each spring. Students learn about local plants and wildlife and the importance of preserving the environment.

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Thank you to Birchcliff Energy. This oilfield company, based out of Calgary, has been a long time supporter of the natural area, with yearly donations to support the upkeep and operations of this beautiful natural area.

Thanks to “Little Jon’s for the Port-a-Potties! They donate the units, and maintenance and cleaning. The donation is appreciated, thank-you!

GET INVOLVED

The JJ CollettPark Bench Program

The Foundation now has a Park Bench Program. For $1000, you may honor a loved one by purchasing a park bench with a personalized plaque. Benches may also be purchased as “Donated By" and arrangements can be made to purchase in full or an instalment program. Bench, installation and plaque included in price.
The durable 6′ bench has a steel frame and 4×4 treated wood seat and back. The bench is set in concrete and should last for decades. Tax receipt will not be given.
For further information, please contact us

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DISCOVER

Checklists

What's there to see at JJ Collett? Glad you asked! The following is a non-comprehensive series of checklists covering the sights and sounds of our Provincial Natural Area

  • Birds

    Black-backed Woodpecker
    Three-toed Woodpecker
    Hermit thrush
    American White Pelican (overflying)
    Great Blue Heron (overflying)
    Canada Goose
    Tundra Swan (overflying)
    Mallard
    Green-winged Teal
    Northern Harrier (Marsh Hawk)
    Cooper’s Hawk
    Broad-winged Hawk
    Swainson’s Hawk
    Red-tailed Hawk
    Merlin
    American Kestrel
    Ruffed Grouse
    Sandhill Crane (overflying)
    Killdeer
    American Avocet
    Common Snipe
    Mourning Dove
    Long-eared Owl
    Short-eared Owl
    Great Horned Owl
    Great Grey Owl
    Boreal Owl
    Northern Saw-whet Owl
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird
    Belted Kingfisher
    Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
    Downy Woodpecker
    Hairy Woodpecker
    Northern Flicker
    Pileated Woodpecker
    Western Wood-Pewee
    Alder Flycatcher
    Least Flycatcher
    Eastern Phoebe
    Eastern Kingbird
    Northern Shrike
    Red-eyed Vireo
    Warbling Vireo
    Philadelphia Vireo
    Blue-headed Vireo (Solitary Vireo)
    Blue Jay
    Black-billed Magpie
    Common Raven
    American Crow
    Horned Lark
    Tree Swallow
    Barn Swallow
    Black-capped Chickadee
    Boreal Chickadee
    Red-breasted Nuthatch
    White-breasted Nuthatch
    Brown Creeper
    House Wren
    Ruby-crowned Kinglet
    Mountain Bluebird
    American Robin
    Veery
    Swainson’s Thrush
    Gray Catbird
    European Starling
    Bohemian Waxwing
    Cedar Waxwing
    Orange-crowned Warbler
    Tennessee Warbler
    Yellow Warbler
    Magnolia Warbler
    Cape May Warbler
    Yellow-rumped Warbler
    Palm Warbler
    Blackpoll Warbler
    Black & White Warbler
    American Redstart
    Ovenbird
    Connecticut Warbler
    Mourning Warbler
    Common Yellowthroat
    Wilson’s Warbler
    Canada Warbler
    Western Tanager
    Rose-breasted Grosbreak
    Spotted Towhee
    American Tree Sparrow
    Clay-coloured Sparrow
    Chipping Sparrow
    Le Conte’s Sparrow
    Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow
    Savannah Sparrow
    Vesper Sparrow
    Harris’s Sparrow
    White-throated Sparrow
    White-crowned Sparrow
    Fox Sparrow
    Song Sparrow
    Lincoln’s Sparrow
    Dark-eyed Junco
    Snow Bunting
    Brown-headed Cowbird
    Red-winged Blackbird
    Brewer’s Blackbird
    Rusty Blackbird
    Baltimore Oriole
    Evening Grosbeak
    Pine Grosbeak
    Purple Finch
    Red Crossbill
    White-winged Crossbill
    Common Redpoll
    Pine Siskin
    American Goldfinch
    House Sparrow
    *Species accounts listed as in National Audubon Society “The SIBLEY Guide to Birds”

  • Amphibians & Reptiles

    Bufo boreas – Western Toad
    Pseudacris maculata – Boreal Chorus Frog
    Rana sylvatica – Wood Frog
    Thamnophis sirtalis – Red-sided Garter Snake

  • Butterflies

    This preliminary list has been put together by Charles Bird. Please contact the compiler if you are able to make any additions. Back these up with a photograph if that is possible.

    HESPERIIDAE (Skippers)
    Erynnis icelus (Dreamy Duskywing)
    Erynnis persius (Persius Duskywing)
    Hesperia manitoba (Assiniboine Skipper)
    Oarisma garita (Garita Skipperling)
    Polites mystic (Long Dash Skipper)
    Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing)
    Thymelicus lineola (European Skipper)
    PAPILIONIDAE (Swallowtails)
    Papilio canadensis (Canadian Tiger Swallowtail)
    PIERIDAE (Whites and Yellows)
    Colias philodice eryphile (Clouded Sulphur)
    Pieris napi oleracea (Mustard White)
    Pontia occidentalis (Western Checkered White)
    LYCAENIDAE (Blues and Hairstreaks)
    Celastrina lucia (Spring Azure)
    Cupido amyntula albrighti (Western Tailed Blue)
    Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Silvery Blue)
    Incisalia polios obscurus (Hoary Elfin)
    Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper)
    Satyrium liparops (Striped Hairstreak)
    Satyrium titus immaculosus (Coral Hairstreak)
    NYMPHALIDAE (Brush-footed Butterflies)
    Aglais milberti (Milbert’s Tortoiseshell)
    Boloria bellona jenistai (Meadow Fritillary)
    Boloria chariclea glandis (Purple Fritillary)
    Boloria eunomia (Bog Fritillary)
    Danaus plexippus (Monarch)
    Limenitis arthemis rubrofasciata (White Admiral)
    Nymphalis antiopa (Mourning Cloak)
    Nymphalis vau-album (Compton Tortoiseshell)
    Polygonia faunus (Green Comma)
    Speyeria atlantis hollandi (Atlantis Fritillary)
    Speyeria cybele pseudocarpentri (Great Spangled Fritillary)
    Speyeria hesperis dennisi (Northwestern Fritillary)
    Phyciodes cocyta (Northern Pearl Crescent)
    SATYRIDAE (Nymphs, Satyrs and Arctics)
    Cercyonis pegala ino (Common Wood Nymph)
    Coenonympha inornata benjamini (Ringlet)
    Enodia anthedon (Northern Pearly-eye)
    Erebia discoidalis (Red-disked Alpine)
    Oeneis macounii (Macoun’s Arctic)

  • Mammals

    Moose
    Deer
    Cougar
    Coyote
    Beaver
    Badger
    Northern Pocket Gopher
    Richardsons Ground Squirrel
    Weasel
    Porcupine
    Skunk

  • Lichens

    This list has been compiled by Charles Bird and Janet Marsh based on numerous visits to the area by the former and by the latter’s presence in an outing on September 26, 2010. Both took part in inventories carried out by the Alberta Bryophyte and Lichen Group (ABLIG) on May 1 and October 6, 2013.

    Further research will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of additional species.

    CRUSTOSE+Arthonia patellulataCaloplaca cerina (Gray-rimmed firedot lichen)Caloplaca holocarpa (Firedot lichen)Candelariella aurella (Hidden goldspeck lichen)+Candelariella vitellina (Common goldspeck lichen)Lecanora impudens (Rim lichen)Mycobilimbia tetramera (Four-celled Moss-dot)
    FOLIOSECandelaria concolor (Candleflame or lemon lichen)Cetraria ericetorum (Iceland lichen)Flavopunctelia flaventior (Speckled greenshield)Hypogymnia physodes (Monk’s-hood lichen)+Leptogium tenuissimumMelanelixia albertana (Powder-rimmed camouflage lichen)Melanelixia subaurifera (Abraded camouflage lichen)Melanohalea exasperatula (Lustrous camouflage lichen)Parmelia sulcata (Hammered shield lichen)Peltigera canina (Dog lichen)+Peltigera didactyla (Alternating dog-lichen)+Peltigera elisabethae (Concentric pelt)Peltigera extenuata+Peltigera lepidophora (Scaly pelt)Peltigera malacea (Veinless Pelt)Peltigera neckeri (Black saddle lichen)Peltigera retifoveataPeltigera rufescens (Field dog-lichen)Phaeophyscia orbicularis (Mealy shadow lichen)Physcia adscendens (Hooded rosette lichen)+Physcia aipolia (Hoary rosette lichen)Physcia stellaris (Star rosette lichen)Physconia deters (Bottlebrush frost lichen)Vulpicida pinastri (Powdered sunshine lichen)Xanthomendoza fallax (Hooded sunburst lichen)Xanthoria hasseana (Poplar sunburst lichen) FRUTICOSEBryoria fuscescens (Pale-footed horsehair lichen)Cladonia coniocraea (Common Powderhorn)Cladonia fimbriata (Trumpet lichen)Cladonia gracilis (Smooth cladonia)Cladonia mitis (Green reindeer lichen)Cladonia multiformis (Sieve lichen)Cladonia phyllophora (Felt Horn Lichen)+Cladonia pocillum (Rosette pixie-cup)Cladonia pyxidata (Pebbled pixie-cup)Evernia mesomorpha (Boreal oakmoss lichen)Ramalina pollinaria (Chalky ramalina)Usnea lapponica (Powdered beard lichen)Usnea scabrata (Straw beard lichen)Usnea substerilis

  • Liverworts & Mosses

    This list has been compiled by Charles Bird and Sandra Davis with help from members of the Alberta Bryophyte and Lichen Interest Group (ABLIG) and Derek Johnson. Please notify either compiler if you come across an additional species. Back up your observation with a specimen if possible. A photograph may also help but the distinguishing features of most species are so small that they cannot be seen in an image.
    THALLOID LIVERWORTS
    Conocephalum conicum (Snakeskin Liverwort)
    Marchantia polymorpha
    Thalloid Liverwort

    LEAFY LIVERWORTS

    Lepidozia reptans
    Lophocolea heterophylla
    Lophocolea minor
    +Lophozia ventricosa
    Ptilidium pulcherrimum

    MOSSES (MUSCI)
    Abietinella abietina
    Amblystegium serpens
    Aulacomnium palustre
    +Barbula acuta
    Brachythecium campestre
    Brachythecium erythrorrhizon
    Brachythecium salebrosum
    +Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum
    Calliergon cordifolium
    Campylium chrysophyllum
    +Campylium hispidulum
    +Campylium stellatum
    Ceratodon purpureus (Fire Moss)
    Climacium dendroides (Tree Moss)
    Dicranum brevifolium
    Dicranum fragilifolium
    Dicranum fuscescens
    Dicranum undulatum
    Drepanocladus aduncus
    +Encalypta sp. (Candle-snuffer Moss)
    Eurhynchium pulchellum
    Funaria hygrometrica (Cord Moss)
    Hylocomium splendens (Stair-step Feathermoss)
    +Hypnum lindbergii
    Hypnum pallescens
    Hypnum revolutum
    +Leptobryum pyriforme
    Leptodictyum riparium
    +Mnium spinulosum
    Orthotrichum obtusifolium
    Orthotrichum speciosum
    Plagiomnium cuspidatum
    Plagiomnium ellipticum
    Plagiomnium medium
    Plagiothecium denticulatum
    +Platydictya jungermannioides
    Pleurozium schreberi (Redstem Feathermoss)
    Pohlia nutans
    Polytrichum commune (Common Haircap Moss)
    Polytrichum juniperinum (Juniper Haircap Moss)
    Ptilium crista-castrensis (Plume Feathermoss)
    Pylaisiella polyantha (Aspen Stocking Moss)
    Sanionia uncinata (Drepanocladus uncinatus)
    Syntrichia ruralis (Tortula ruralis)
    Tetraphis pellucida (Four-toothed Moss)
    Thuidium recognitum
    Timmia megapolitana
    +Tomenthypnum nitens
    +Tortula mucronifolia

  • Vascular Plants

    Club Moss Family – Lycopodiaceae
    Ground Cedar – Lycopodium complanatumSpike-moss Family – SelaginellaceaeLittle Club Moss – Selaginella densa
    Horsetail Family – EquisetaceaeCommon / Field Horsetail – Equisetum arvenseCommon Scouring Rush – Equisetum hyemaleSmooth Scouring Rush – Equisetum laevigatumMeadow Horsetail –Equisetum pratenseWoodland Horsetail – Equisetum sylvaticum
    Fern Family – PolypodiaceaeBotrychium multifidum – Leather Grape FernFragile Fern – Cystopteris fragilisNarrow Spinulose Shield Fern – Dryopteris carthusianaOak Fern – Gymnocarpium dryopteris Pine Family – PinaceaeWhite Spruce – Picea glaucaBlack Spruce – Picea marianaLodgepole Pine – Pinus contortaTamarack – Larix laricina Arrow-Grass Family – JuncaginaceaeSeaside Arrow-grass – Triglochin maritima Grass Family – PoaceaeWheat Grass, Streambank – Elymus laceolatumWheat Grass, Intermediate – Agropyron intermediumQuack Grass – Agropyron repensWheat Grass, Slender – Agropyron trachycaulumWheat Grass, Awned – Agropyron subsecundumWheat Grass, Pubescent – Agropyron trichophorumHair / Tickle Grass – Agrostis scabraRed Top – Agrostis stoloniferaWater Foxtail – Alopecurus aequalisSlough Grass – Beckmannia syzigachneBlue Grama Grass – Bouteloua gracilisBrome, Fringed – Bromus ciliatusBrome, Awnless – Bromus inermisReed Grass, Marsh – Calamagrostis canadensisWheat Grass, Slender – Agropyron trachycaulumReed Grass, Narrow – Calamagrostis neglectaSand Grass – Calamovilfa longifoliaDrooping Wood Reed – Cinna latifoliaHairy Wild Rye – Elymus innovatusPlains Rough Fescue – Festuca hallii (scabrella)Manna Grass, Tall – Glyceria grandisManna Grass Fowl – Glyceria striataHooker’s Oat Grass – Avenula hookeriSweet Grass – Anthoxanthus hirtum subsp. arcticaJune Grass – Koeleria macranthaRice Grass, White-grained Mountain – Oryzopsis asperifoliaRice Grass, Northern – Piptantherum pungensReed Canary Grass – Phalaris arundinaceaTimothy – Phleum pratenseBlue Grass, Fowl –Poa palustrisBlue Grass, Kentucky – Poa pratensisPurple Oat Grass – Schizachne purpurascensNeedle and Thread / Spear Grass – Hesperostipa comataWestern Porcupine Grass – Hesperostipa curtiseta Sedge Family – CyperaceaeBeaked Sedge – Carex utriculataBlunt Sedge – Carex obtusataSilvery-flowered Sedge – Carex aeneaWater Sedge – Carex aquatilisAwned Sedge – Carex atherodesGolden Sedge – Carex aureaBebb’s Sedge – Carex bebbiiHair-like Sedge – Carex capillarisDewey’s Sedge – Carex deweyanaTwo–stamened Sedge – Carex diandraTwo-seeded Sedge – Carex dispermaWoolly Sedge – Carex pellitaHairy-fruited Sedge – Carex lasiocarpa Bristle-stalked Sedge – Carex leptaleaSmall-winged Sedge – Carex micropteraPrairie Sedge – Carex praireaMeadow Sedge – Carex praticolaDry Sedge –Carex siccataBottle Sedge – Carex utriculataSheathed Sedge – Carex vaginataRussett Cottongrass – Eriophorum chamissonisThin-leaved Cottongrass – Eriophorum viridi-carinatumSmall Fruited Bulrush – Scirpus microcarpus
    Rush Family – JuncaceaeAlpine Rush – Juncus alpinoarticulatusWire Rush – Juncus balticusToad Rush – Juncus bufonius Lily Family – LiliaceaeWestern Wood Lily – Lilium philadelphicumStar-flowered Solomon’s-seal – Maianthemum stellatum3-leaved Solomon’s-seal – Maianthemum trifolium Family Convallariaceae [was Lilaceae]Fairy Bells – Prosartes trachycarpumWild Lily of the Valley – Maianthemum canadenseFamily Melanthiaceae [was Lilaceae}White Camus – Anticlea elegans Iris Family – Iridaceae Blue-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium montanum
    Orchid Family – Orchidaceae Coralroot, Pale – Corallorhiza trifidaCoralroot, Striped – Corallorhiza striataRattlesnake Plantain – Goodyera repensWhite Adder’s-mouth Orchid – Malaxis monophyllaRound-leaved Orchid – Orchis rotundifoliaNorthern Green Bog Orchid – Platanthera (Habenaria) hyperboreaLarge Round-leaved Orchid – Platanthera orbiculataWillow Family – SalicaceaeBalsam Poplar –Populus balsamiferaTrembling Aspen – Populus tremuloidesBeaked Willow – Salix bebbianaMyrtle-leaved Willow – Salix myrtillifoliaBog Willow – Salix pedicellarisBasket Willow – Salix petiolarisFlat-leaved Willow – Salix planifoliaCherry Willow – Salix pseudomonticolaSalix spp. [to be investigated in wet forest, riparian patches, etc.) Birch Family – BetulaceaeRiver Alder – Alnus tenuifoliaBog Birch – Betula glandulosaWater Birch – Betula occidentalisPaper Birch – Betula neoalaskanaDwarf Birch – Betula pumilaBeaked Hazelnut – Corylus cornuta Nettle Family – Urticaceae Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioicaSandalwood Family – SantalaceaePale Commandra – Comandra umbellataNorthern Commandra – Geocaulon lividum
    Buckwheat Family – PolygonaceaeWater Smartweed – Persicaria amphibian var. stipulaceaWater Smartweed – Persicaria amphibian var. emersaBushy Knotweed – Polygonum ramosissimumAlpine Bistort – Bistorta viviparumWestern Dock – Rumex occidentalis Amaranth Family – Amaranthacaea *[ was Goosefoot Family –Chenopodiaceae]Lamb’s Quarters – Chenopodium albumStrawberry Blite – Chenopodium capitatumMeadow Goosefoot – Chenopodium pratericola
    Pink Family – CaryophyllaceaeField Chickweed – Cerastium arvenseShort-stalk Mouse-ear Chickweed – Cerastium nutans RBlunt-leaved Sandwort – Moehringia (Arenaria) laterifloraDrummond’s Catchfly – Silene drummondiiLong-stalked Chickweed – Stellaria longipes Buttercup Family – RanunculaceaeBaneberry, Red or White – Actaea rubraCanada Anemone – Anemone canadensisLong-fruited Anemone – Anemone cylindricaPrairie Buttercup – Ranunculus rhomboideusPrairie Crocus – Pulsatila patensMarsh Marigold – Caltha palustrisButtercup, Small-flowered – Ranunculus abortivusButtercup, Seaside – Ranunculus cymbalariaButtercup, Early – Ranunculus glaberrimus Buttercup, Macoun’s – Ranunculus macouniiButtercup, Bristly – Ranunculus pensylvanicusVeiny Meadow Rue – Thalictrum venulosum
    Fumitory Family – FumariaceaeGolden Corydalis – Corydalis aurea
    Mustard Family – BrassicaceaeHoary Rock Cress – Arabis hirsutaNuttall’s Rock Cress – Arabis nuttallii ?????? out of normal rangePennsylvanian Bitter Cress – Cardamine pensylvanicaFlixweed – Descurainia sophiaGolden Whitlow Grass – Draba aureaWormseed Mustard – Erysimum cherianthoidesYellow Cress – Rorippa palustrisPenny Cress / Stinkweed – Thlaspi arvense
    Saxifrage Family – SaxifragaceaeGolden Saxifrage – Chrysosplenium iowenseRichardson’s Alumroot – Heuchera richardsoniiBishop’s-cap / Mitrewort – Mitella nuda
    Currant or Gooseberry Family – GrossulariaceaeCurrant, Wild Black – Ribes americanumCurrant, Skunk – Ribes glandulosumCurrant, Northern Black – Ribes hudsonianumCurrant, Bristly Black – Ribes lacustreGooseberry – Ribes oxyacanthoidesCurrant, Wild Red or Swamp – Ribes triste Rose Family – RosaceaeAgrimony – Agrimonia striataSaskatoon – Amelanchier alnifoliaStrawberry, wild – Fragaria virginianaAvens, Yellow – Geum aleppicumAvens, Large-leaved – Geum macrophyllumAvens, Purple – Geum rivaleAvens, 3 flowered – Geum triflorumCinquefoil, Silvery – Potentilla argenteaCinquefoil, White – Potentilla argutaCinquefoil, Early – Potentilla concinnaCinquefoil, Graceful – Potentilla gracilisCinquefoil, Woolly – Potentilla hippiana                                                                                                                                                                               Cinquefoil, Rough – Potentilla norvegicaCinquefoil, Marsh – Potentilla palustrisCinquefoil, Prairie – Potentilla pensylvanicaPincherry – Prunus pensylvanicaChokecherry – Prunus virginianaRose, Prickly – Rosa acicularisRose, Prairie – Rosa arkansanaRose, Common Wild – Rosa woodsiiStemless / Dwarf Raspberry –Rubus arcticus ssp. acaulisRaspberry, Wild – Rubus idaeusDewberry – Rubus pubescensWhite Meadowsweet / Spirea – Spiraea betulifolia
    Pea Family – FabaceaePurple Milk Vetch – Astragalus dasyglottisCreamy Pea Vine – Lathyrus ochroleucusReflexed Locoweed – Oxytropis deflexaLate Yellow Locoweed – Oxytropis campestris (monticola)Purple Prairie Clover – Dalea purpureaGolden Bean –Thermopsis rhombifoliaClover, Alsike – Trifolium hybridumClover, Red – Trifolium pratenseClover, White – Trifolium repensWild {American} Vetch – Vicia americana
    Geranium Family – GeraniaceaeWild White Geranium – Geranium richardsonii
    Violet Family – ViolaceaeEarly Blue Violet – Viola aduncaWestern Canada Violet – Viola canadensis va. rugulosumBog Violet – Viola nephrophyllaMarsh Violet – Viola palustrisCrowfoot Violet – Viola pedatifida RKidney-leaved Violet – Viola renifolia
    Oleaster Family – ElaeagnaceaeSilver-berry / Wolf Willow – Elaeagnus commutataCanada Buffalo-berry – Shepherdia canadensis
    Evening Primrose Family – OnagraceaeNorthern Willow Herb – Epilobium ciliatum? Narrow-leaved Willow Herb – Epilobium leptophyllumWhite Evening Primrose – Oenothera nuttallii
    Ginseng Family – AraliaceaeWild Sarsaparilla – Aralia nudicaulisCarrot Family – ApiaceaeWater Hemlock – Cicuta maculataCow Parsnip – Heracleum lanatumSpreading Sweet Cicely – Osmorhiza depauperataSnake Root – Sanicula marilandicaHeart-leaved Alexander – Zizia aptera
    Dogwood Family – CornaceaeBunchberry – Cornus canadensisRed Osier Dogwood – Cornus sericea var. stolonifera
    Wintergreen Family – PyrolaceaeOne-flowered Wintergreen – Moneses unifloraOne-sided Wintergreen – Orthilia secundaCommon Pink Wintergreen – Pyrola asarifoliaGreenish-flowered Wintergreen – Pyrola chloranthaWhite Wintergreen – Pyrola elliptica
    Heath Family – EricaceaeBearberry – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
     
    Primrose Family – PrimulaceaeFairy Candelabra – Androsace septentrionalisFringed Loosestrife – Lysimachia ciliataShooting star – Dodecatheon pulchellumTufted Loosestrife – Lysimachia thyrsiflora
    Gentian Family – GentianaceaeNorthern Gentian [purple and white] – Gentianella amarellaFringed Gentian – Gentianella crinitaSpurred Gentian – Halenia deflexa
    Buck-bean Family – MenyanthaceaeBuck-bean – Menyanthes trifoliata
    Dogbane Family – ApocynaceaeSpreading Dogbane – Apocynum androsaemifolium
    Milkweed Family – Apocynaceae * [ was Asclepiadaceae]Low Milkweed – Asclepias ovalifolia 
    Borage Family – BoraginaceaeNarrow-leaved Puccoon – Lithospermum incisumLungwort / Bluebells – Mertensia paniculata
    Mint Family – LamiaceaeGiant Hyssop – Agastache foeniculumHemp Nettle – Galeopsis tetrahitAmerican Water Horehound – Lycopus americanus RCommon Mint – Mentha arvensisBergamot / Monarda – Monarda fistulosaSelf-heal – Prunella vulgarisMarsh Skullcap – Scutellaria galericulataHedge Nettle – Stachys pilosa var. pilosa
    Broomrape Family – OrobanchaceaeOwl Clover – Orthocarpus luteusElephant’s Head – Pedicularis groenlandica
    Bladderwort Family – LentibulariaceaeGreater Bladderwort – Utricularia vulgaris
    Plantain Family – PlantaginaceaeCommon Plantain – Plantago majorLilac-flowered Beard-tongue –Penstemon gracilisAmerican Brooklime – Veronica americana
    Madder Family – RubiaceaeNorthern Bedstraw – Galium borealeSmall Bedstraw – Galium trifidumSweet-scented Bedstraw – Galium triflorum
    Honeysuckle Family – CaprifoliaceaeTwining Honeysuckle – Lonicera dioica Bracted Honeysuckle – Lonicera involucrataSnowberry – Symphoricarpos albusBuckbrush / WesternSnowberry – Symphoricarpos occidentalis
    *Twinflower Family – LinnaeaceaeTwin Flower – Linnaea borealis
    *Moschatel Family – AdoxaceaeElderberry – Sambucus racemosaLowbush Cranberry – Viburnum eduleHighbush Cranberry – Viburnum trilobum
    Bluebell Family – CampanulaceaeHarebell – Campanula rotundifolia
    Aster Family – AsteraceaeBroad-leaved Pussytoes – Antennaria neglectaYarrow, Common –Achillea millefoliumYarrow, Many-flowered – Achillea sibiricaFalse Dandelion – Agoseris glaucaSmall-leaved Pussytoes – Antennaria microphyllaBiennial Sagewort – Artemisia biennisPlains Wormwood – Artemisia campestrisDragonwort – Artemisia dracunculusPasture Sage – Artemisia frigidaPrairie Sage – Artemisia ludovicianaAster, Rush/Marsh – Symphyotrichum borealisAster, Lindley’s – Symphytotrichum ciliolataAster, Showy – Erybia conspicuaAster, Creeping White Prairie – Symphytotrichum falcataAster, Smooth Blue – Symphytotrichum laeveAster, Great Northern – Canadanthus modestusAster, Purple-stemmed – Symphytotrichum puniceaNodding Beggar Ticks – Bidens cernuaCanada Thistle – Cirsium arvenseShort-stemmed Thistle – Cirsium drummondiiAnnual Hawksbeard – Crepis tectorumFleabane, Rough – Erigeron glabellus var. pubescensFleabane, Tufted – Erigeron caespitosusFleabane, Tall – Trimorpha acris var. elatus [or is it lonchophylla needs checkingFleabane, Smooth – Erigeron glabellus [variety????]Fleabane, Philadelphia – Erigeron philadelphicusBrown-eyed Susan – Gaillardia aristataRhombic-leaved Sunflower – Helianthus pauciflorus subsp. subrhomboideusGolden Aster – Heterotheca villosaNarrow-leaved Hawkweed – Hieracium umbellatumLiatris – Liatris ? ligulistylisColt’s-foot, Palmate-leaved – Petasites frigidus var. palmatusColt’s-foot, Arrow-leaved – Petasites frigidus var. sagittatusColt’s-foot, Vine-leaved – Petasites vitifoliusRayless Ragwort – Packera indecorBalsam Ragwort – Packera pauperculaGoldenrod, Canada – Solidago canadensisGoldenrod, Low – Solidago missouriensisGoldenrod, Showy – ?Solidago nemoralisGoldenrod, Stiff – Solidago rigidaGoldenrod,Dwarf – Solidago simplexSow Thistle – Sonchus uliginosaTansy – Tanacetum vulgareDandelion – Taraxacum officinaleGoatsbeard – Tragopogon dubius

  • Fungi

    This list has been compiled by Charles Bird and Lu Piening. Please notify either compiler if you come across an additional species in the J.J. Collett Natural Area. Back up your observation with a photograph if possible and record the time of year and habitat on which it was located such as marshy area, on dead or living trees, dry sandy areas, shade of trees, open grasslands.
    MYXOMYCOTA (Slime Molds)Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa – Coral Slime MoldFuligo leviderma – no common nameFuligo septica – Scrambled Egg or Dog Vomit Slime MoldLeocarpus fragilis – Egg-shell Slime MoldLycogala epidendron – Wolf’s Milk Slime MoldPhysarum polycephalum – Many-headed Slime Mold ASCOMYCOTA (Sac Fungi)Apiosporina collinsii – Black leaf and Witch’s Broom of SaskatoonApiosporina morbosa – Black Knot of ChokecherryBisporella citrina – Lemon Disc FungusDacrymyces palmatus – Orange Jelly FungusDibotryon morbosum – Black Knot FungusDiscina perlata – Pig’s EarsExophiala (Caliciopsis) calicoides – no common nameGyromitra esculenta – Brain MushroomGyromitra infula – Hooded False MorelHelvella crispa – Fluted White HelvellaMicrostoma protracta – Rosy GobletMorchella elata – Black MorelNectria cinnabarina – Coral Spot Canker or FungusNeobulgaria pura – Jelly DiscOtidea alutacea – Ear-like FungusOtidea onotica – Donkey Ears or Orange OtideaPtychoverpa bohemica – Wrinkled Thimble or Early MorelRhytidiella baranyayi – False ChagaSarcoscypha coccinea – Tiny Scarlet Elf CupSclerencoelia (Encoelia) pruinosa – Sooty-bark Canker of AspenScutellinia scutellata complex– Eyelash CupUrnula (Sarcoscypha) hiemalis – Black Urn Fungus BASIDIOMYCOTAAgaricus arvensis – Horse MushroomAgaricus augustus – “The Prince”Agaricus silvicola – Wood AgaricusAgrocybe praecox – Spring AgrocybeAmanita muscaria – Fly AmanitaAmanita vaginata – GrisetteAntrodiella romellii – no common nameAntrodia serialis – A resupinate bracket. No common name.Armillaria mellea – Honey MushroomBaeospora myriadophylla – Lavender BadeosporaBjerkandera adusta – Smoky Polypore or Smoky BracketBoletus edulis – King BoleteBovista plumbea – Lead-colored PuffballCalocybe gambosa – Cream CalocybeCalvatia booniana – Giant Western PuffballCantharellula umbonata – GraylingCerrena unicolor – Grey or Mossy Maze PolyporChlorociboria aeruginosa-Emerald Cup FungusChrysomphalina chrysophylla – Golden-gilled MushroomClavicorona pyxidata – Crowned CoralClavulina cristata – White Coral or Crested CoralClitocybe geotropa – Trumpet MushroomClitocybe gibba – Slim Funnel MushroomClitocybe inversa – Orange Funnel CapClitocybe irina – False BlewitClitocybe (Lyophyllum) connata – White TuftClitocybe maxima – Large Funnel CapClitocybe maxima – Large White ClitocybeClitocybe odora – White Anise-scented ClitocybeClitocybe robusta – Strong or Sturdy ClitocybeClitopilus prunulus – The MillerCollybia dryophila – Forest-loving CollybiaColtricia cinnamomea – Fairy StoolConocybe kuehneriana – Kuehner’s ConocybeCoprinellus ellisii – Woodchip CoprinusCoprinopsis picacea – Magpie CoprinusCoprinopsis uliginicola – Bog PsathyrellaCoprinus atramentarius – Smooth Inky CapCoprinus comatus – Shaggy ManeCoprinus micaceus – Glistening Inky CapCortinarius alboviolaceus – Silvery Violet CortinariusCortinarius multiformis – Variable CortinariusCortinarius purpurascens – Purple-staining CortinariusCortinarius semisanguineus – Red-gilled CortinariusCortinarius trivialis – Early CortinariusCrepidotus cinnabarinus – Red CrepidotusCrepidotus mollis – Soft CrepidotusCuphophyllus virgineus – Snow-white WaxgillCystoderma carcharias – Pearly PowdercupDacrymyces chrysospermus – Orange Jelly FungusDacrymyces stillatus – Common Jellyspot FungusDaedaleopsis confragosa – Blushing BracketEntoloma clypeatum – Shield EntolomaEntoloma nidorosum – Strongly scented EntolomaFlammulina fennae – Velvet FootFomes fomentarius – Tinder ConkFomitopsis cajanderi – Rosy ConkFometopsis pinicola – Red-belted Bracket FungusGanoderma applanatum – Artist’s BracketGloeophyllum sepiarium – Rusty-gilled PolyporeGloeoporus dichrous – Gelatinous-pored PolyporeGloeoporus taxicola – no common nameGymnopus confluens – Tufted CollybiaGymnopus (Collybia) dryophilus – Forest-loving CollybiaHebeloma crustuliniforme – Poison PieHebeloma mesophaeum – Dark-centered HebelomaHemimycena albidula – no common nameHericium ramosum – Branched HericiumHohenbuehelia petaloides – Shoehorn OysterHygrophoropsis aurantiaca – False ChanterelleHygrophorus agathosmus – Grey Almond WaxycapHygrophorus camarophyllus – Smoky WaxgillHygrophorus chrysodon – Golden-fringed WaxgillHygrophorus eburneus – Ivory Waxy CapHygrophorus erubescens – Reddening WaxgillHygrophorus olivaceoalbus – Sheated WaxgillHygrophorus piceae – Spruce WaxgillHygrophorus pudorinus – Blushing WaxgillHygrophorus pustulatus – No common nameHypholoma fasciculare – Sulphur TuftHyphonoma capnoides – Conifer TuftHypsizygus marmoreus – Western HypsizygusInocybe dulcamara – Brown Scaly InocybeIrpex lacteus – Milk-white Toothed PolyporeLaccaria amethystina – Amethyst DeceiverLaccaria laccata – Orange LaccariaLactarius deliciosus – Delicious MilkcapLactarius fumosus – Smoky MilkcapLactarius pubescens – Downy MilkcapLactarius rufus – Red-hot LactariusLactarius torminosus – Woolly MilkcapLaetiporus confericola – Sulphur ShelfLeccinum boreale – Northern Roughstem or RedtopLeccinum ochraceum Ochre RoughstemLentinus strigosus – Hairy OysterLenzites betulina – White-gilled PolyporeLepiota alba – Small White LepiotaLepiota clypeolaria – Shaggy-stalked ParasolLepista gilva – Golden LepistaLepista inversa – Orange Funnel CapLepista (Clitocybe) irina – Woolly LepistaLepista irina – False or Flowery BlewitLeucoagaricus americanus – American ParasolLeucopaxillus (Clitocybe) gigantea Giant LeucopaxLeucopaxillus giganteus – Giant LeocopaxLeucopaxillus piceinus – Spruce LeucopaxLeucopaxillus septentrionalis – Northern LeucopaxLimacella glioderma – Fox-colored LimacellaLycoperdon marginatum – The Peeling PuffballLycoperdon molle – Soft PuffballLycoperdon perlatum – Warted or Gem-studded PuffballLycoperdon pyriforme – Pear-shaped PuffballLycoperdon umbrinum – Umber PuffballMacrolepiota rhacodes – Shaggy ParasolMarasmius epiphyllus – White PinwheelMarasmius oreades – Fairy Ring MushroomMarasmius pallidocephalus – Conifer PinwheelMarasmius strictipes – Tightly-bunched or Orange-yellow MarasmiusMelanoleuca alboflavida – Yellowish-white MelanoleucaMycena epipterygia – Yellow-stalked MycenaMycena galericulata – Common Tufted MycenaMycena haematopus (Bleeding Fairy Helmet or Blood-foot Mushroom)Mycena leaiana – Orange MycenaMycena niveipes – White-stemmed MycenaMycena pura – Pink or Lilac MycenaMycena rosea – Rosy BonnetMycena stannea – Pewter MycenaPanaeolina foensisecii – Haymaker’s MushroomPeniophora rufa – Red Tree BrainPeziza repanda – Brown CupPhaeocollybia christinae – Christine’s RootshankPhellinus igniarius – Willow Bracket FungusPhellinus tremulae – Aspen Trunk RotPholiota destruens – Poplar PholiotaPholiota spumosa – Shaggy PholiotaPholiota squarrosa – Scaly PholiotaPhyllotopsis nidulans – Smelly OysterPleurotus dryinus – Veiled OysterPluteus leoninus – Golden Deer MushroomPleurotus ostreatus – Oyster MushroomPluteus lutescens – Yello-stalked Deer Mushroom or Yellow-stemmed PluteusPolyporus alveolaris – Hexagonal-pored PolyporePolyporus badius – Blackleg or Liver-brown PolyporePolyporus varius – Penny Size BlackfootPsathyrella megaspora – Big-spored PsathyrellaPsathyrella uliginicola – Bog PsathyrellaPunctularia strigoso-zonata – Zoned PhlebiaPycnoporellus alboluteus – Orange Sponge PolyporeRamaria abietina – Green-staining CoralRickenella fibula – Orange Pin MushroomRhodocollybia (Collybia) maculata – Spotted CollybiaRussula albida – Soft White RussulaRussula americana – American RussulaRussula borealis – Northern RussulaRussula chaemaeoleontina – Small Yellow RussulaRussula decolorans – Greying Russula or Copper BrittlegillRussula emetica – The SickenerRussula fragilis – Fragile RussulaRussula laurocerasi – Almond RussulaRussula paludosa – Bog RussulaRussula xerampelina – Fishy-smelling RussulaSarcodon imbricatus – Scaly HedgehogSparassis crispa – Sponge or Cauliflower FungusStereum complicatum – Crowded Parchment FungusStereum hirsutum – False TurkeytailStereum sanguineolentum – Bleeding Conifer CrustStropharia kauffmanii – Kauffman’s StrophariaSuillus brevipes – Short-stemmed BoleteThelephora caryophyllea – Funnel-shaped or Carnation ThelephoraThelephora terrestris – Earth FanTrametes hirsuta – Hairy BracketTrametes pubescens – Bracket with no common nameTrichaptum subchartaceum – no common nameTricholoma inamoenum – Ill-scented TricholomaTricholoma populinum – The SandyTricholoma terreum – Earthy TricholomaTricholoma ustale – Burnt TricholomaTricholoma vaccinum – Scaly TricholomaTricholomopsis rutilans – King’s CoatTyromyces chioneus – White Cheese PolyporeVascellum pretense – Western Lawn PuffballVolvopluteus gloiocephalus – Big Shield MushroomXeromphalina fraxinipholia – Rufus Fuzzyfoot

"Absolutely loved exploring JJ Collett! The trails were well-maintained and the scenery was breathtaking. It was a perfect escape to reconnect with nature. Highly recommend visiting for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience."

Kurt Brown

FAQ

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We've tried to make our Natural Area as interesting as possible. If you still have questions, you can contact us directly or fill out the form below.

  • Is there a charge to use JJ Collett Natural Area?

    No, there is not a charge to use the area, but donations are appreciated, and essential for the upkeep and maintenance of the area. You can mail your donation to JJ Collett Natural Area, RR 4, Site 5, Box 40, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 2L4. You can also donate through ATB Cares ATB will contribute an extra 15% to your donation. See the donation tab for further information.

  • Do I have to have my dog on a leash at JJ Collett?

    Yes, dogs must be on a leash. According to the Lacombe bylaw officer, all handlers must be in control of their dogs at all times for the safety of wildlife, humans and other canines. Remember, animals can be unpredictable. Please be responsible.

  • Just wondering if campfires are allowed in the area?

    Enjoy the area with some hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, or photography. Sorry, campfires are not allowed at JJ Collett Natural Area.  

  • If I encounter a problem at JJ Collett, who do I contact?

    If you witness/encounter a problem with dogs or any other issue visiting the natural area contact the Red Deer District Office at 403-748-3939. To report wildlife sightings, hunting violations, vandalism, public safety concerns, or any other matter that may require a Conservation Officer, please call the Alberta Parks Enforcement Line 24/7 at 403-350-5066”.

    Please provide description of problem canine, handler, date, time and a license plate number, as this information is essential to correct any issues that may arise.

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