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New interpretive signs to enhance community trails

Emilie Brien photo of the Crowsnest Community Trail featuring information about the conservation site.

Nicholas L. M. Allen

Jul 19, 2023

Signage connects visitors and locals to the wonders of the local environment

 The Crowsnest Conservation Society, in collaboration with the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is proud to announce the installation of informative signage along the Crowsnest Community Trail. This initiative aims to provide both residents and visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural wonders found within this breathtaking region.

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rocky Mountains, Crowsnest Pass offers a wealth of natural recreational opportunities, attracting individuals from far and wide. Recognizing the significance of this unique environment, the Crowsnest Conservation Society, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Municipality of Crowsnest Pass have joined forces to develop the Crowsnest Pass Community Interpretive Trail Project.

“I’m so excited that my vision of educational signage on our community trail is finally coming to light,” said Heather McCubbin, Crowsnest Conservation Society board member, “With over 20 kilometres of trails connecting us all together, we are now able to educate and connect our visitors to all the living things that also call this place home. It has been a long time coming but the signs are finally here, and it couldn’t have been possible without the numerous partners and grantors.”

To enhance the trail experience, Fuse Consulting was hired to create a series of interpretive signs that align with the project’s objectives. These visually captivating signs, which will be unveiled on July 20, will be strategically placed along the Crowsnest Community Trail. The first five signs being installed will highlight the fascinating wildlife and plant species that call Crowsnest Pass home, including bighorn sheep, river plants, cutthroat trout, moose and waterfowl. Plans are underway to install an additional 12 signs, further enriching the trail experience for all who explore it.

“Conservation goes beyond just preserving the land,” says Emilie Brien, NCC’s natural area manager for the Castle-Crowsnest Natural Region. “It’s also essential to educate people and get them interested in our natural environment. The community of Crowsnest Pass is a very special place for me, and I’m thrilled to see these beautiful interpretive signs added to the community trail for everyone to enjoy.”

These interpretive signs have been thoughtfully designed to connect with both residents and visitors, offering educational and captivating content that appeals to a broad range of individuals according to the designers. By highlighting relevant topics and incorporating eye-catching imagery, the signs aim to create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the local environment. Through messages that convey the seasonal nature of the species in the area, the signs will foster a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that exists within the Crowsnest Pass ecosystem.

In addition to providing information, the signage will also feature QR codes, allowing those interested in local conservation efforts to access more in-depth resources and learn about the ongoing work being carried out by the Crowsnest Conservation Society and its partners.

The unveiling of the first set of interpretive signs on July 20 will mark a significant milestone in the project. Residents and visitors are invited to join to mark the occasion and take a short walk from 5 to 6 p.m., meeting at the parking lot just east of the Shell gas station in Blairmore.

As more signs are added in the coming years, there will be a cohesive and purposeful narrative that ties the entire trail system together, reinforcing the importance of protecting the remarkable natural heritage of this special place.

The Crowsnest Conservation Society is a charitable organization based in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, dedicated to working collaboratively with community partners to ensure a sustainable future for the natural environment, as well as the people and wildlife that depend on it.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. 

To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.

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