Brooks & District Fish and Game

Sproule

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A Food Plot For Wildlife
Since 1950, a quarter section of land near Rolling Hills, Alberta has been set aside as a natural habitat area for birds, and other wildlife. Originally purchased by DR J.C. Sproule, a Calgary medical doctor, the land has been tended and protected for the last 47 years, firgt by the Sproule Foundation, an organization formed in memory of Dr Sproule to continue the habitat protection work, and then by Fish and Wildlife staff and volunteers. Fish and Wildlife purchased the land in 1985. Ducks Unlimited has also participated in wetlands development the property to enhance water fowl habitat and nesting. The area which is surrounded by agricultural land is full of long grasses, small bushes, and some trees that were planted as a shelter-belt. as well the property contains a 20 acre corn
field. The corn is planted each year to supplement the natural food sources for wildlife in the area.
Early in 1997, wildlife technicians Randy Lee (Lethbridge) and Reg Russel (Brooks) inspected the property asses use of the corn crop and to identify wildlife species using the property during the winter. They inspected the corn crop and cattail area on foot to observe without disturbing the animals and to find tracks species not seen. Randy and Reg observed 32 whitetail deer, 35 pheasants, 15 Hungarian partridge, 70 red winged black birds and 50 common Redpolls. They also observed numerous deer and pheasant tracks in the corn crop field and cattail areas, some coyote and possible mink tracks, and winter dens of various animals.
The number of animals located in this area is encouraging to wildlife managers as is the variety. furthermore, it is especially encouraging to see Red Winged Black Birds, which do not usually over-winter in Alberta. Obviously the corn planted as a food source enticed them to stay for the winter. The properties many stake holders and partners are pleased to see how the property has become an oasis for wildlife in the midst of an agriculture region. The 20 acre corn plot has been seeded over to hay grass mix as of 2017. This hay grass mix still has nice habitat for pheasants, deer, and a number of birds in the area. In May 2022 the BDFGA applied for a grant through the ACA to plant trees and berry bushes on the north end, close to a water supply. Planted was 600 native variety of trees and berry bushes. Plans to add another 1200 trees and bushes close to the recently planted sites in 2024/2025. (Harvestyourown.ca)

The BDFGA is looking for anyone that wants to get involved for the 2024/2025 tree planting
and any other habitat improvements through the ACA.

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https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=F4&number=15

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Quarter Sections

SE-35-014-14-W4M