Visit the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website for information about hunting access and permission.

Please note that Hicks is open for hiking from December to August.

During the regular hunting season (September 1 - November 30) hiking and hunting access must be booked on Connect2Nature.ca.

Wildlife and Habitat

Hicks contains wetlands and Aspen Parkland habitat that have a diverse array of plant life and are home to species such as coyotes, elk, moose, beaver and several species of woodpecker, waterfowl and great horned owl.

Do you plan on trying to identify plants and animals while exploring? Consider helping EALT with some Citizen Science. There are lots of easy ways to share your finds with our conservation team and your input is greatly valued!

Importance

Hicks is located in the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Prairie Pothole region, which contains numerous wetlands and aspen forest, and provides critical habitat for wildlife.

The close proximity of Hicks to our Golden Ranches and Ministik sites, as well as other protected areas in the region, adds an important habitat link in the Cooking Lake Moraine Natural Area. EALT jointly owns the land with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Indigenous Connections

Hicks, Golden Ranches, Ministik, and the Smith Blackburn Homestead are all a part of the Beaver Hills region which was very important for resting when travelling between the hills and the plains in the spring and the fall. Historically, the Beaver Hills region was important for the Tsuut’ina, Nehiyawak (Cree), Anishnaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), the Nakota Sioux, and the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot). The hills are called Amiskwaciy by the Nehiyawak, Chaba hei by the Nakota and Kaghghik-stak-etomo by the Niitsitapi, referring to the abundance of beavers. The region’s dense forests, open plains, and lakes offered many resources for different Nations to rest and replenish their stores through hunting, gathering and fishing.

Stewardship Highlights and Recent News