Natural Areas are Alberta Government-owned and protected lands with a dual purpose: To allow some recreation but also to preserve aspects of the province's biological and physical diversity. Alberta’s natural areas are not highly developed for recreational use because of the fragile nature of the property.  Natural Areas are invaluable for educational purposes, for research studies, and observation of a minimally-changing natural landscape.

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

Wagner Natural Area is approximately 1.6 km west of the junction of Yellowhead Highway 16 and Highway 44. Turn south on to Atim Road (Rge. Rd. 270), then east on to the service road. Follow the service road east to the gravel parking area and the entrance gate to the Natural Area.

Wagner Natural Area, originally known as “Wagner Bog”, is a rich calcareous peatland and is a prime example of a rich spring fen.  Its rich diversity of flora and fauna make it an important area for amateur naturalists as well as students and professional biologists.  It has captured the interest of naturalists since the late 1940’s.
 
Only the western portion of the Natural Area, delineated by the Marl Pond Trail, is open to the public.  Access to areas outside the Marl Pond Trail is restricted to authorized persons only.  Because of the moisture content in much of the soil, it is advisable to have waterproof footwear with you when visiting the Natural Area.  In the spring and summer, it is advisable to have insect repellant with you. 

While there is no drinking water in the Natural Area, a Picnic Shelter and Outhouses are provided near the start of the Trail.  Wagner Natural Area is not an off-leash area for dogs because of the fragile nature of the off-Trail landscape.  Prohibited in the Natural Area are:  Lighting Fires, Cutting Trees, Camping, Hunting, and use of Motorized Vehicles.  Because of the extremely fragile nature of the Natural Area, and because there is no garbage removal from the Area, visitors are requested to pick up after their dogs, and to take all garbage away with them.

In 1983, the Registered Charity Wagner Natural Area Society was accredited, obtained a recreational lease on the Area from the Alberta government, and became the Volunteer Steward and Manager of the property, presently within the Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture department of the Alberta Government. The Society is in need of Supporters, Volunteers, and Friends for Wagner Natural Area.  Go to the Society pages to learn how you can help Wagner Natural Area and the Society.