The ODFGA is the steward of Jim Graham Park on the southeast side of Okotoks near the Costco. The park is largely inaccessible at the moment, but will be opened up to the public once the subdivision is developed nearby. We ask that anyone visiting the site does not bring dogs, as they will frighten off the wildlife that resides on this property.
Here's a BurnsWest/Burnco Video describing the site. (Our ODFGA members are in the background) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PD0zP6F7Zw
In the summer of 2017 a group of ODFGA volunteers installed the metal poles and tunnels for mallard duck nests in the ponds at Jim Graham Park. These tunnels are made of plastic mesh that is zip tied around to secure them into a tunnel. The poles are solid square rods with a cradle that attaches to the top to hold the tunnel. We were suited up in hipwaders and pounded in the poles in the pond with a handheld post-pounder. The tunnels are later stuffed with straw to provide a safe and warm nesting site for ducks in the spring. Another option would have been to come back in the winter with an ice auger and pound them in standing on the ice.
Pat McKnight returned in March 2019 to repair one of the metal poles and stuff the duck tunnels with straw. It's a lot easier to get around when the ground and ponds are frozen! These nests are now ready for ducks to move in.
Special thanks to Pat and all of our volunteers that help to steward this great property and provide habitat for waterfowl and mule deer.