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.
[Beehive][Castle
Mountain]
[Banff Museum]
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