The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and the critters are out at Ellis Bird Farm. 

Site Manager Myrna Pearman said they are welcoming people to come to check out the site and to take a walk on their newest feature - a recycled bridge made from a mix of plastic and fallen trees.

"We're very excited about our new bridge. Last year Dow gave us a grant for this bridge that showcases two important things: one is recycled post-consumer plastic and the other is to repurpose local trees. The base is recycled plastic, but the sides are from trees that have blown over. One is a huge tree from Pine Lake, and the other is a tree from right here in our yard that was killed by beavers," Pearman said. 

"It's a beautiful work of art, it's very functional and it's such a celebration of using our resources wisely. "

Catherine Costin, Operations Director for Dow's Alberta sites and Vice-president of Dow Chemical Canada ULC, cut the ribbon to officially open the bridge in late July 2020. Photo by Kirstin Bouwsema

The new bridge fits in perfectly with Ellis Bird Farm's values of conservation, repurposing and appreciating the beauty of nature. Pearman said they were very excited to have this new piece serve as a reminder of how we can coexist within nature, and repurpose man-made items such as plastic into something beautiful.

"Ellis Bird Farm is all about celebrating the old and celebrating the new. We're this amazing juxtaposition between high-tech and down-home, between rural and upscale - this bridge showcases this philosophy we have. It's earthy, inexpensive, and it's recycled. It's just a beautiful experience to walk over that bridge," she said. 

The bridge was unveiled at the Farm recently and at the same time, two people were honoured with the 2020 Blue Feather Award for bluebird conservation. 

Each year, EBF recognizes those who have worked to support and preserve the protected bluebird population. 

Clarke Snell of Hanna was honoured for his work in starting an Eastern Bluebird trail in Manitoba. When Snell moved to Hanna 15 years ago, he started another trail which he has maintained ever since.

The second recipient this year is is Bill Taylor of Calgary. He was a teacher who started a bluebird trail in south Calgary, expanded that trail to nearby ranches, has helped students complete research projects and he has been the organizer of the trail records for the Calgary area for many years. 

Pearman said both of these people were very deserving and very honoured to be recognized by these awards. 

Blue Feather Awards: Each year, Ellis Bird Farm honours Albertans who have been exemplary in their efforts to conserve bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds. This year, two bluebirders were recognized, Clarke Snell of Hanna (left) and Bill Taylor of Calgary.

Coming up for the month of August, a number of special site events will be taking place. Pearman encourages people to take part in the guided tours and events such as:

  • Knee-High Naturalists (August 5, 12, 19)
  • Garden Tours with Linda Sommers (August 5, 12, 19)
  • Art and Nature for Kids Day (August 6)
  • Nature Nut Walk with John Acorn (August 8)
  • Bird Walk with Shaye Hill (August 9)
  • Butterfly Walk with Benny Acron (August 9)
  • Site Tour with Myrna Pearman (August 15, 23)

More information on these programs, including cost and time, is available at ellisbirdfarm.ca.  Visitors are asked to follow all Alberta Health Services recommendations include physical distancing and propoer hand hygeine. 

"The site is beautiful, the gardens are spectacular, the birds are active. We have some events, for example, we have John Acorn doing a site walk, Dr. Diana Lewis doing a bug walk, and we haveour bat night coming up - lots of fun activities for the whole family," Pearman said.