Join AWA for a two-day adventure on May 30 and 31st, 2026, showcasing unique and lesser-known ecosystems in the province: Rumsey and the Wainwright Dunes.

Please note: These day trips are ~2.5 hours apart from each other. AWA will NOT be providing transportation or lodging.

May 30, 2026
Rumsey (meeting details will be emailed to participants a few days before the event)
10:00 a.m.
Difficulty: Moderate, with approximately 10km of walking across uneven ground

Located approximately 40 km north of Drumheller, Rumsey is a transitional area of Central Parkland and Northern Fescue that is also an exceptional example of a knob and kettle landscape (hummocky moraine) within Alberta. In wet years, the kettles fill with water, and the resulting pothole country becomes some of the most diverse waterfowl habitat in North America.  As the largest remaining tract of plains rough fescue grassland and aspen parkland in North America, Rumsey provides important habitat for moose, elk, beaver, and a plethora of waterfowl and songbirds. Spanning the transition between the Grassland Natural Region and the Central Parkland sub-region of Parkland Natural Region, the Rumsey area protects plants, birds and mammals at both the northern and southern extent of their ranges.

Join Cheryl Bradley, Terry Krause, and Cliff Wallis to explore this wilderness and observe local land uses such as livestock grazing, windmills, and oil and gas developments.

Learn more about the area here: Rumsey – Alberta Wilderness Association

Be sure to wear proper walking shoes; we will be walking on grasslands and not necessarily on trails. Bring snacks, lunch, sunscreen, insect spray, and plenty of water. Bring clothing suitable for variable weather conditions: jacket, sweater, hat, and raingear, and optionally, binoculars, camera, and/or hiking poles.

May 31, 2026
Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve (meeting details will be emailed to participants a few days before the event)
8:00 a.m. (approx. end time 4:30 p.m.)
Difficulty: Moderate, with 10km+ of walking across uneven ground

Join AWA and Cliff Wallis for a unique hike and birding tour out among the grasslands and wetlands of the Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve, northwest of Provost. The Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve contains one of the world’s last large remnants of the aspen parkland. Situated adjacent to the southern boundary of the Wainwright Canadian Forces Base, this protected area is a unique combination of ecosystems. Aspen groves and sand dunes are interspersed with marshy bogs and the valley of Ribstone Creek. The Ecological Reserve has a diverse bird life representing the interface between boreal and prairie including both upland and wetland habitats. Relatively isolated and remote, this natural wonder allows for quiet moments of discovery.

Note the meeting point will be near the Wainwright Dunes, approximately 4.5 hours’ drive from Calgary. Times and location will be provided to registered participants a few days in advance of the adventure.

AWA will not be providing transportation or lodging.

Suggested accommodation: Multiple hotels and inns available in Provost (~40 minutes from Wainwright Dunes), or camping at Capt. Ayre Lake (~45 minutes from Wainwright Dunes).

If you wish to register for only one of the days above, please do so here:

• May 30 Birds and Blooms in Rumsey: Adventure for Wilderness – Birds and Blooms in Rumsey – Alberta Wilderness Association
• May 31 Wainwright Dunes Discovery: Adventure for Wilderness – Wainwright Dunes Discovery – Alberta Wilderness Association

Register below by donation