Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary

05/19/2026

Good day everyone.

We have been receiving a lot of messages asking when the boardwalk will be installed. As of now, we do not have an update on this.

The next scheduled meeting with Ducks Unlimited is booked for May 26. We hope to be able to provide you with an update after.

Thank you

04/18/2026

Good morning, trails are extremely wet and flooding has been reported in some areas.

Send a message to learn more

08/13/2025

Warblers are in migration, going back South from their nesting sites in the Boreal forest. Warblers eat bugs and small fruits.
In just the last few years, we anecdotally noticed a decline in numbers and variety of insects... Don’t spray at all for bugs or w**ds in your yard, the decline in insects is still confusing and concerning.
Here is a Yellow Warbler eating a caterpillar.
Photo: Gail Kozun Bruckner

07/16/2025

Please Respect the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary

This place is called a sanctuary for a reason. It’s meant to be a refuge—for wildlife, for plants, and for people seeking peace in nature. But right now, it’s being damaged.

People are leaving the trails, creating new ones, entering areas that are closed, destroying wetlands, and worse, ATVs and dirt bikes—which are strictly not allowed—are tearing through the area.

This isn’t just disheartening; it’s dangerous. The risk of forest fires is real and rising, and reckless behavior puts everything and everyone at risk.

Our heart breaks seeing the harm done to a place that’s supposed to be protected. Please, treat the sanctuary with the care it deserves. Stay on the designated paths. Leave no trace. Help keep this place wild and safe.

Let’s not lose something we can never get back.

Send a message to learn more

06/05/2025

A Friendly Reminder: Let the Wildlife Feast First

With no boardwalk in place, it can be tempting to pick the wild raspberries growing along the trails—but we kindly ask that you leave them for the animals who depend on them to survive. These berries are a vital food source for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife that call this area home.

Please don’t take their food—help us protect the delicate balance of this natural habitat.

If you’re craving fresh berries, there are plenty of wonderful local options! Follow the link below to explore you-pick farms located just 30–40 minutes outside of Edmonton. Support local and let nature thrive.

Thank you for respecting the land and those who live in it.

https://www.albertamamas.com/u-pick-farms-in-alberta/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKuwtNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGYWNGMXpYUnlKMGZiMzlJAR5SAXuKZ0PJFdiPUT2i0tVo17MVTzkPRI8v13cc2rKfPh-uqQ1Xp00k6VBB5w_aem_KNXrVkZFRsJ47NHBj_5-kw #:~:text=These%20farms%20are%20within%2030%2D40%20minutes%20of%20Edmonton,U%2DPick%3A%20Happy%20Acres%20U%2DPick%20in%20Spruce%20Grove.

04/13/2025

UPDATE: the front entrance of the sanctuary is officially closed. Please do not enter from this side. Please do not remove the signs, or fence as that seems to be missing now, to get in! As there is no boardwalk there is no trail!

Thank you

04/06/2025

First weekend and we had our signs removed. It’s very disappointing to see this happening.
People are not sticking to the trails and are destroying our natural habitat.

We put the signs back only to find them removed twice more.

We will have a meeting to determine what steps we need to put in place next.

Thank you

04/01/2025

Over the last few days, we have received multiple messages that were disrespectful. We are doing our best given the circumstances, and while we understand your frustration, we ask you to be respectful.

Unfortunately, the boardwalk had become unsafe in many areas, posing a high risk of injury, which is why it was removed.

Rebuilding the boardwalk is a complex process due to its location in wetlands. Weather conditions play a significant role, as the ground must be frozen before construction can begin. This winter’s mild conditions delayed the demolition, which in turn has postponed the rebuild.

Please know that a team of knowledgeable professionals is working diligently on this project, making the best use of available resources, funding, and weather conditions. A project of this scale is highly complex and costly, and we are committed to ensuring it is done properly.

Thank you,

Send a message to learn more

03/31/2025

All Trails in Brown ARE CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT WALK over the former boardwalk area or through the wetland! The boardwalk will be rebuild in winter 2025/2026. Until then, they will be closed.

Open: Woodland Flower Trail, Aspen Ridge Trail, Pine Knoll Loop

03/31/2025

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The demolition of the boardwalk at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is now complete. While the boardwalk reconstruction project will be ongoing, we’re pleased to announce that the non-boardwalk areas of the park has reopened to visitors.

Thank you for your patience during this process. For your safety, please respect all posted signage.

To help protect the delicate wetland ecosystem, please stay on designated trails and avoid walking over the former boardwalk area or through the wetland. These habitats are home to sensitive plant and wildlife species that can be easily disturbed. By keeping to the trails, you’re helping to preserve this special space for both nature and future visitors.

We understand this partial closure may inconvenience visitors, but ensuring safety during the project is essential.

Please consider supporting upgrades to the sanctuary and DUC’s habitat conservation efforts by donating today. Every contribution helps ensure the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary remains a thriving ecosystem and beloved destination for years to come.

DUC conserves, restores and manages wetlands and grasslands to benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people. DUC's goal is to ensure abundant wetlands and waterfowl for generations to come while improving Canadian lives.