Dry Island Buffalo Jump
Provincial Park
Location:
215040 Twp Rd 34-4. Go 13 km north of Trochu on Hwy 21, then east for 19 km on Twp Rd 34-4. Follow signed road down to day use area.
Habitat:
Red Deer River badlands. The area is so named because of a flat-topped mesa called a “dry island” that rises 130 m above the Red Deer River.
Access:
Several unmaintained trails can be found throughout the area.
Notable Species:
Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Swainson’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Common Nighthawk, Belted Kingfisher, Prairie Falcon, Horned Lark, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Bluebird, Snow Bunting, warblers, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow. In winter: possibility of Snowy Owls in the Dry Island/Trochu/Three Hills area.
Other Details
Main entrance gate is open from 7am to 11pm; closed in the winter.
There is no camping in the park. Camping is permitted at Tolman West or East Campground.
The bentonite soils in the area become very slippery when wet making both vehicle and foot traffic unsafe or impassable.
Disclaimer:
The Red Deer River Naturalists are not liable for any injury or damage whatsoever caused to yourself or others by using this guide.
- Use discretion when venturing into natural habitats.
- Do not trespass on private land.
- Some sites allow livestock grazing.
- Some sites allow hunting.
- Some sites in western regions are in bear/cougar habitat. Take all necessary precautions.
Note:
More birds will be seen in the spring and summer seasons, but all locations will have some winter birds. Typical and common species can be expected for each habitat described. Large deep lakes typically attract migrating waterfowl, (ducks, swans, and geese). Notable Species are species of special interest that have been recently recorded in or near the area.
Alberta Conservation Association’s (ACA) Alberta Discover Guide has 170 + Conservation Sites listed for the Central Alberta area. Check their website www.albertadiscoverguide.com for locations to pick up a printed version or get the pdf or app version at: www.albertadiscoverguide/getyourguide.cfm