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THE WAGNER NATURAL AREA ( WNA ) OF ALBERTA

    Natural Areas are Government protected lands with a dual purpose: To allow some recreation but also to preserve aspects of the province's biological and physical diversity. Though not strictly protected as parks and ecological reserves, they are not highly developed for recreational use either. All Natural Areas are owned by the Alberta Government, although the exact department responsible has changed several times. Natural Areas are valuable for educational purposes as well as for research studies.

    The Wagner Natural Area (also known as the Wagner Bog) is a rich calcareous peatland and is a prime example of a rich spring fen. Although it is often called the "Wagner Bog", this name is technically incorrect as a bog refers to specific acidic soil types, but the name has stuck, even with people who should know better.

    Its rich diversity of flora and fauna make it an important area for amateur naturalists as well as students and professional biologists. It has held the interest of Edmonton area naturalists since the late 1940's.

    Wagner is located approximately 6.5 km west of the Edmonton city limits and directly to the south of Highway 16 and east of Atim road (Range Road 270).

To reach the parking lot, there is an access road just south of Highway 16 on Range Road 270. Follow the access road east a short distance to the gravel parking lot and the entrance gate.

The western portion of the Natural Area is intended as the public access area, and includes a picnic shelter, outhouses, and the self guided Marl Pond Trail.

In season, rubber boots may be necessary to negotiate the Marl Pond Trail. Due to the sensitive nature of the wetlands we request that everyone, particularily children and dogs, stay on the trail at all times.

There is no overnight camping or open fires allowed in the area, and please take your garbage with you when you leave.

    Wagner Regional Map
    Map modified from one courtesy of Alberta Environment's Alberta Wildlife Viewing Guide

A more detailed description of the WNA can be found in the 1982 December issue of "The Edmonton Naturalist" in articles by Don Prosser, Dale H. Vitt and J. Derek Johnson.

    The mailing and property address of the WNA is;
      26519 Highway 16
      Spruce Grove, Alberta
      T7X 3L4.

    The email address and phone number for the Wagner Natural Area Society are;
      wagner@fanweb.ca

      780-427-8124

      Please leave a message, and it will be passed along

      All information on this site © copyright Wagner Natural Area Society, 2001

      Site designed and maintained by Michael Jenkins