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Beehive

Beehive Natural Area, while only  about 100 kilometres southwest of Calgary, is a jewel of wilderness landscape.  This site is bordered on the west by the Continental Divide and on the east by the upper reaches of the Oldman River.

From the alluvial plains of the Oldman River, to the heights of Mounts Beehive and Lyall, there is a great diversity of habitats.  Alpine tundra, cliffs and rockslides provide a backdrop for extensive old-growth spruce-fir forests.  These forests may be over 1000 years old, with some trees in them as old as 300 years.  Lodgepole pine forest, grassland and moist herb meadows are some of the other habitats.  Rare plant species have been found in a number of locations.

The old-growth forests in Beehive provide excellent habitat for woodpeckers, warblers, pine marten and fisher.  Grizzly and black bear, mule deer and Rocky Mountain goat have been seen here while Elk summer range and bighorn sheep lambing sites are within the Natural Area as well.

Backcountry recreation activities such as hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing can be undertaken in the Natural Area.  The site's rugged terrain and remote location necessitate that care be exercised when visiting.  However, if you decide to venture out to Beehive, you should be prepared for changeable mountain weather conditions!  

Beehive Natural Area protects an important part of Alberta's wilderness.  Please ensure that your use of the site reflects a respect for the landscape and wildlife and does not damage any of the natural features.

For more information on the Beehive Natural Area see Alberta Environment's online Alberta Wildlife Viewing Guide.

Reprinted with permission from "Alberta's Natural Areas" with permission from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

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