Edmonton’s River Valley system, embracing both the North Saskatchewan River and major tributaries like Whitemud Creek, is often called “The Jewel of Edmonton”. It is the only continuously-wooded, relatively-undeveloped stretch of land running through the City. It provides water, ecological linkages and wildlife corridors through to adjacent lands.
Larch Sanctuary is part of this treasure. It is a stretch of Whitemud Creek ravine, near its confluence with Blackmud Creek. Click here for a map.
The landowners, the Poole family, took the initiative to work together with the Edmonton & Area Land Trust, Melcor and The City of Edmonton to protect this special place forever. This visionary group has succeeded in designating the Sanctuary as a Natural Area, a much more protective zoning than is typical for the river valley. Talks continue to further enhance the Sanctuary's status as an important conservation area.
Larch Sanctuary is important due to its:
- Old coniferous forest.
- Deciduous forest containing a diversity of canopy and ground vegetation.
- Shoreline vegetation and the aquatic environment of Whitemud Creek.
- Oxbow, home to many waterfowl and semi-aquatic furbearers.
- Excellent habitat for a diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates.
- Relatively undisturbed ecosystem.
This site is an opportunity to learn about the Sanctuary and surrounding areas: the geological and human history; ecological connections; and truly wonderful biodiversity.
