Taylor Lake Natural Area encompasses a gently rolling landscape that is part of a pre-glacial lake bottom consisting of mainly black spruce-tamarack peatland communities with some willow/sedge shrubland [1]. It is ideal for botanists and birdwatchers, with limited facilities and overall low ratings for recreational value.

Two NAs for the Price of One

Halfway Lake Natural Area – South Parcel and this site are neighbours with a grazing lease filling the intervening space

Road to Climate Change. The TWP forms the Northern border of the site. It is suspected the road has further accentuated climatic differences between the NA to the South and its Northern Neighbour. For example, the North property supports jackpine which favours dryer conditions. In the NA, there are different hydrophilic plant regions including tall mature aspen and white spruce; as well as labrador tea, blueberries, and green alder,

Wet All Around. A RR231 right of way continues south from TWP 592A and forms the Eastern border of the NA. It is described as an Alaskan birch wetland with lots of reed canary grass forming the understory. Tamarack trees where also noted suggesting an organic soil.

Wet Bushwhacking. The route used followed an animal track, Southeast into the NA. It went through a willow swamp and continued to be very wet for the entire track. Other biological observations included feather mosses, typical sedges for a peat land.

The animal track continued into the adjoining property which we followed back to RR231. An interesting feature of the south fence line was the use of scrap steel for fence posts – a good idea given the wetness of the surrounding landscape.

Tamarac, Botanists, and Hip-Waders. The site supports a large population of mature and healthy Tamarac trees. The wet area supports a number of organic and non-organic bogs of interest to those who like bugs, botany, and birds. It is good the site is here to collect water and recharge the aquifer – it is just not welcoming to those who lack fins or web feet.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

• Winter Challenge Category: NOT MUCH HERE.
• Not Worth Visiting unless you are a botanist or seek out wet areas for birding, etc.
• No Washrooms.
• Not Kid Focused

Area Details

• Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council, Protected Notation Natural Area.
• Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (2 out of 5); A very wet location that can only be accessed with hip waders, or during a freeze. Excellent for seeing tamarac trees.
  • Consider visiting if you are going to Halfway Lake Natural Area – South Parcel.
• Wayne Gretzky Units: 62 KM
• Trail Classification: Rating: 2; Access: Granted; Develop: Traditional Trail. ; Maint: No Human Interventions. ; Season: Single Season: Both RR 231 and any tracks heading into the NA go through a variety of wet areas.
  • The Drive Out: Always interesting driving through the industrial heartland and into the increasingly wild (but not yet) boreal forest.
• The Other Shoe: Possibly accessible in winter but with the risk of finding a spring and rotten ice.
• Frank’s Trip Notes
• First done: 2024-04-06. Weather: Overcast cool with temperatures near freezing.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

Notes and Reference

1. Taylor Lake Natural Area | SAPAA.

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.