We may be smack in the middle of winter, but that isn't stopping folks from exploring the trails of the J.J. Collett Natural Area near Morningside.
That is something that staff encourage, along with the bringing onboard of new board members, said Jack Surbey, president of the foundation.
"We can have anywhere from six to 10 on the board, and we only have four or five right now," he said.
"We are looking for people who are interested in the natural area here. Usually, it's people who frequent that area, too - although not necessarily," he noted of prospective board members.
The site consists of 635 acres of Aspen Parkland and is open year-round, with spring and fall walks that feature guided tours with local naturalists who identify plants and wildlife against the backdrop of the season.
These days, things are pretty steady at the site.
"It always amazes me how many people are here in the winter. One couple comes out to feed the birds, as there are bird houses out by the gazebo," he said.
There aren't groomed trails for cross-country skiing, but folks still take up the sport on site, along with snow-shoeing and just strolling along the trails as well.
According to the website, more than 18 km of maintained trails, “Wind through a mosaic of shrub lands, aspen groves, stands of white spruce on moist shady hillsides, wetlands, and grassy meadows typical of the area.”
Dunes are a unique feature of this area as well.
Meanwhile funding for projects comes from supporters who donate annually, fundraisers, the selling of memberships, and provincial grants.
The J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation was established in 1985, and it also gained charitable status around that time as well.
Surbey, who joined the foundation in the 80s and has been president for much of the time since, said a ongoing goal this year is to see a more accessible trail constructed for those with mobility issues.
Currently, they are awaiting more permits to move further ahead with the project, and he hopes to see more work done on it this spring.
"The boardwalk is there, and we want to go on either side of the boardwalk - the north and the south sides," he explained, adding they are planning for 400 ft. on the one side and about 160 ft. on the other. Maintenance issues in general will be ongoing through the season as well.
For more information about the area, visit www.jjcollett.com.
