Bunchberry Meadows

Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area (Photo by Kyle Marquardt)

Find directions and visitor guidelines here >

Conservation region: Capital Conservation Region
Natural priority area: Upper North Saskatchewan River Basin

Located approximately 30 kilometres from downtown Edmonton, Bunchberry Meadows is a 260-hectare conservation area featuring old-growth forests, open meadows and wetlands. The area is jointly owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the Edmonton and Area Land Trust (EALT).

History and conservation efforts

In 1974, five local families purchased what is now known as Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area — a beautiful tract of land bordering Edmonton, near the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. For over 40 years, they acted as dedicated stewards of the property, protecting its rich habitats for countless other species.

When the families eventually decided to sell the land, they approached NCC with a remarkable offer. United by their shared love of the land, they agreed to sell it for half of its appraised value, ensuring it would be protected and accessible for people to enjoy and connect with nature. Without their extraordinary generosity, this conservation project would not have been possible.

Max Berretti, one of the co-owners, reflects on their decision:

“It is so important that we protect as much of the wild spaces as we can; not just for us, but for everything that lives here. When I came to Canada 55 years ago, I fell in love with the wild spaces here — they make this country so unique and so special.”

The families chose to donate a portion of the project to NCC through the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, which protects ecologically sensitive land while offering significant tax benefits. Thanks to their vision and generosity, the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bunchberry Meadows will be conserved for generations to come.

Ecological significance

Bunchberry Meadows is home to a diverse range of habitats and species, including:

• Jack pine forests, which provide habitat for northern flying squirrels, porcupines and long-tailed weasels.
• Wetlands and willow thickets, sheltering species from tiger salamanders to moose.
• Larger mammals, such as deer, coyote, lynx, cougar and black bear.
• At least 58 species of birds, including seven of concern.

Public access

Bunchberry Meadows is open to the public year-round for foot access only. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on its almost 9 kilometres of trails, but must adhere to the following rules:

• The property is open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
• Access the site on foot only.
• Horseback riding, bicycles and OHV use are not permitted.
• No hunting.No dogs on site.
• Do not smoke or light campfires.
• Refrain from using camp stoves and BBQs.
• Liquor is prohibited.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Dispose of your garbage in the receptacles provided.
• Respect wildlife and give them space.
• Refrain from collecting plants, mushrooms and berries.
• Do not use electronic surveillance devices.
• Do not place geocaches on the property.

Note: NCC has electronic surveillance on the property to track visitor numbers and non-permitted activities.

Directions

From Edmonton:

1. Head west on Whitemud Drive.
2. Turn south onto 215 St/Winterburn Road (6.5 km).
3. Turn west onto Highway 627/Maskekosihk Trail (1.6 km).
4. Turn south onto Range Road 261/Fleming Drive (5.6 km).
5. The entrance to Bunchberry Meadows will be on your right.

Click here to find Bunchberry Meadows on Google Maps.

The Bunchberry Meadows conservation project was supported by:

• Families of the Parkland Syndicate
• Government of Canada
• Edmonton and Area Land Trust
• Government of Alberta
• John & Barbara Poole Family Funds
• Parkland County
• Carol & Rae Allen and Family
• Johanna & Otto Holzapfel