The Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation is moving into its fall schedule as the summer visitor season comes to an end.
In a Sept. 4 social media post, the centre encouraged visitors to make one last visit over the Labour Day long weekend before its regular hours changed.
“Autumn is here,” the centre said, encouraging visitors to explore the trails and take part in its Melvin the Moose Murder Mystery before the summer season wrapped up.
Beginning after the long weekend, the centre’s fall operating hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be closed on weekends and statutory holidays except when special events are taking place.
The centre thanked visitors for a successful summer season and said the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory and Alberta Parks were looking forward to the fall.
While regular weekend access is winding down, the Boreal Centre and the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory will continue to offer programming in the coming weeks.
One of the upcoming highlights is Owl Night, a free, two-hour, family-friendly program scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26.
The program will include an owl research presentation, hands-on activities, crafts and an opportunity to see a real northern saw-whet owl up close.
Both Owl Night sessions begin at 8:30 p.m. and are open to all ages. Space is limited and pre-registration is required online through Zeffy, or by calling 780-849-8240 or by emailing info@borealbirdcentre.ca.
The centre has also put out a call for old Walkman or MP3 players that residents may have sitting unused in their homes. The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory is preparing for its fall owl migration monitoring program and is looking for several older audio players to operate audio lures on a new speaker system.
Anyone wishing to donate a player can contact the Boreal Centre at the contact info above. The centre will also be closed Monday, Sept. 28, reopening Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Even outside the regular visitor season, the Boreal Centre remains a starting point for exploring the surrounding Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park.
The 600-metre Songbird Trail is a mostly flat, wheelchair-accessible loop through an aspen poplar forest. Interpretive signs along the trail introduce visitors to birds and the boreal forest, while benches provide places to stop and observe the surrounding area.
The trail can also be used during the winter, when it provides an opportunity to practise cross-country skiing. Winter residents that can be spotted in the area include black-capped chickadees, downy woodpeckers and pine siskins.
Alberta Parks describes the Boreal Centre as an education and research facility with exhibits focused on the boreal forest and bird conservation. Winter information from Alberta Parks also notes that the centre provides snowshoe and cross-country ski loans, although visitors are encouraged to call ahead during winter weekdays because staff may be occupied with school programs.
Visitors can also explore the centre’s interactive exhibit gallery, borrow binoculars, browse the gift shop, and receive information about birding opportunities in the park.
For those looking for an overnight stay, The Nest comfort-camping facility near the centre is currently booking stays through Nov. 1, 2026. The facility accommodates up to 10 people and includes a fully equipped kitchen, washrooms, bedrooms and an indoor wood-burning fireplace.
Aside from the Songbird Trail, those looking to get outdoors this fall can check out the Nine Mile Recreation Area, about 10 km west of Slave Lake, for a network of trails accessed from Range Road 73, or Birch Road.
Another option is the 4.8-kilometre trail from Devonshire Beach to Northshore in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park. The trailhead is at Devonshire Beach, about a 10-minute drive from Slave Lake, and follows the shoreline.
William Hetherington
Lakeside Leader