September 22
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department is working with Parks Canada to hold a Citizen volunteer event to collect seeds from a variety of native plants within the National Park. The seeds collected from this event will be planted on Métis-led Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in Alberta to increase the presence and abundance of native plants.
This is a free event, and no prior experiences is needed to participate. By volunteering, you will gain some hands-on experience with plant identification and seed collection, including access to all the tools and plant ID materials necessary, a catered bagged lunch, and transportation from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park and back. Transportation to and from Elk Island National Park is provided at Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre (11830 Kingsway NW, Edmonton AB T5G 0X5)
The event will occur from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM.
Itinerary:
8:45am: Event check-in and bus boarding
9:15am: Departure from Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre.
10:00: Arrival at Elk Island National Park Visitor Center (washrooms, water refill station, giftshop)
10:00 – 10:15am: Board bus to seed collection location #1 (Bison Loop)
10:15 – 10:45am: Parks Canada safety talk
10:45 – 11:15am: Intro to native seed collection techniques
11:15 – 12:15pm: Seed collection at location #1
12:15pm: Bus to Tawayik Lake Recreation Area for lunch
12:30 – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm: Walk to seed collection location #2 (Simmons Trail)
1:45 – 2:45pm: Seed collection at seed collection location #2
2:45 pm: Board bus to Visitor Center
3:00 – 3:30pm: Stop at Visitor Center (washrooms, water refill station, giftshop)
3:30pm: Departure from Elk Island National Park.
Note for Attendees: This event will take place rain or shine. Please check the weather report for the date and dress appropriately, consider bringing:
Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
Backpack
Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.)
Raingear (raincoat, boots, etc.)
Bug spray
Water bottle + extra snacks
If you have any questions, please reach out to environment@metis.org.