Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Ellis Nature Centre: Ellis Nature Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, education & sustainable agriculture. We promote environmental education and wildlife conservation, monitor and conduct research on mountain bluebirds, tree swallows and purple martins, and manage over 480 acres of agricultural land. The Visitor Centre, original farmhouse, demonstration gardens and wetlands are set aside for wildlife and public enjoyment. ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [Soap Making Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/soap-making-workshop-4/): Make your own soap with us! You'll get to choose the colours and scents, and take 6-8 bars worth of soap home with you. - [Intro to Fermented Veggies Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/intro-to-fermented-veggies-workshop/): Come make your own fermented veggies and learn about the time-honoured methods of wild fermentation in this workshop led by The Fermentation Station! - [6 – Week Deep Dive Nature Journaling](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/6-week-deep-dive-nature-journaling/): Engage in the practice of Forest Bathing using mindfulness techniques, located in ENC's West Woods. - [Dandelion Salve Making](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/dandelion-salve-making/): Make a dandelion salve, excellent for relieving sore muscles and joints, with plants harvested at Ellis Nature Centre. Make salve at the workshop and take more dandelion home to do it on your own! - [Wetland Tools for Wetland Managers](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/wetland-tools-for-wetland-managers/): Learn about practical tools and resources available for wetland managers. - [2026 Senior Explorers](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/2026-senior-explorers/): Join us as learning knows no age with our new seniors educational programming, Senior Explorers! - [G.O.A.T Goodbye](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/goat-goodbye/): Join us August 29 - 31 as we give our goats the GOAT sendoff! - [Hawks & Raptors Presentation](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/hawks-raptors-presentation/): Come learn all about American Kestrels, North America's smallest raptors from Strix Ecological, a team dedicated to finding out more about these birds! We'll also look for other hawks & raptors on our site. - [To The Core Equestrian Afternoons with Amy & Katie (mini pony)](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/to-the-core-equestrian-with-amy-katie-mini-pony/): Join Amy Mawson of To The Core Equestrian & Wellness and her miniature horse, Katie, for a series of unique experiential learning programs at Ellis Nature Centre. - [Lauren Cowles Barn Quilt Art Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/lauren-cowles-barn-quilt-art-workshop/): Join Lauren Cowles as she guides you through a bird themed barn quilt painting. - [To The Core Equestrian Mornings with Amy & Katie (mini pony)](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/to-the-core-equestrian-amy-mawson-pony/): Join Amy Mawson of To The Core Equestrian & Wellness and her miniature horse, Katie, for a series of unique experiential learning programs at Ellis Nature Centre. - [WolfWillow Beading Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/wolfwillow-beading-workshop/): Join Métis artist and cultural educator Alexa Lizotte for a hands-on Wolf Willow Beading Workshop. In the workshop, you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of the Wolf Willow (Silver Berry), including its traditional uses in First Nations and Métis art and culture.  - [Bluebird Festival](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/bluebird-festival/): Celebrate mountain bluebirds and other songbirds with us on the second Saturday in July at our Bluebird Festival! - [Forest Bathing](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/forest-bathing/): Engage in the practice of Forest Bathing using mindfulness techniques, located in ENC's West Woods. - [Naturalist Walks](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/naturalist-walks/): Take part in Naturalist Walks at ENC to learn about identifying species in Central Alberta and connect with nature! - [Purple Martin Condo Tours](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/purple-martin-condo-tours/): Join us for an inside look at the purple martin condos on our site! We will lower the condos so you can get an inside look and watch the various stages of the nesting process. - [Knee High Nature Summer Programs](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/knee-high-nature-summer-programs/): Welcome to our parented Knee high Nature Summer Programs, running from July 7 - August 20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-11:30am. Each program is $8 per child and welcomes up to 15 children aged 3-6, engaging in themes such as Indigenous Knowledge, Wildlife Explorations, and more. Programs include a craft, story time, and outdoor activity on site that reflects the weekly theme. - [Nature Skool with Dawn Derrien](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/nature-skool/): We’re excited to introduce Nature Skool, a new-to-Ellis program launching this summer hosted by Dawn Derrien. Running July 3–August 21 from 10:00–11:30 am, this 8-week series invites families to explore, learn, and play together in nature. - [Junior Naturalist Day Camps](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/junior-naturalist-day-camps/): Join us this summer for our Junior Naturalist Day Camps, running from July 7 to August 21, 2026. Campers will spend their time immersed in nature, exploring the Nature Centre through hands-on activities focused on wildlife, indigenous knowledge, outdoor skills and more. - [The World of Bees (Honeybee Workshop)](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/the-world-of-bees-2/): Help us harvest honey from our honey bee hives, and learn all about honey bees in the process! - [Ellis Nature Centre Birding](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/enc-birding/): Join Ellis Nature Centre as we host a 2-hour birding session during the height of migratory bird season! - [Site & Garden Tours](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/site-garden-tours/): Come learn more about the history of Ellis Nature Centre and the features of our gardens with our site & garden tours! - [Spring 2026 School Program](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/spring-school-program/): Thank you for the incredible response to our 2026 spring school program! Registration is now closed and we will not be accepting anymore groups. - [AGM Reports](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/agm-reports/): Please find our AGM Reports below. - [Probiotic Soda Making Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/probiotic-soda-making/): Come make your own probiotic soda and learn about the time-honoured methods of wild fermentation in this workshop led by The Fermentation Station! - [Fall 2025 School Programs](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/fall-2025-school-programs/): Ellis Nature Centre offers a Grade 5/6 focused school program in the fall, with an exploration of forests, wetlands, and grasslands of the Aspen Parkland. - [2026 Harvest Dinner Fundraising Gala](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/2026-harvest-dinner-fundraising-gala/): Join us for the 5th annual Harvest Dinner Fundraising Gala, in support of Ellis Nature Centre & Lacombe Museums! - [Event Cancellation Policy](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/event-cancellation-policy/): We require minimum 48 hours notice to cancel your event registration and issue a full refund. - [Summer Camp / Club Program](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/summer-program/): Bring your summer camp or club for a program with us in July & August! Join us for an ultimate nature learning experience focused on Species & Land right here in Central Alberta. Students are sure to leave buzzing with excitement about the natural world around them! - [Giving Tuesday – December 3](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/giving-tuesday-december-3/): Donate to our Giving Tuesday campaign in support of our owl camera. - [Ellis Nature Centre eGift Cards](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/ellis-nature-centre-egift-cards/): Grab the perfect gift for anyone with an Ellis Nature Centre eGift Card! These can be used both online & in person at ENC. Use them for gift shop purchases, event/workshop registration, and more. Whether you're shopping for a bird nerd, nature enthusiast, art lover, or budding environmentalist, we have something for everyone at our site. Available in denominations between $5 and $100. - [Chickadee Nestbox – Building Instructions](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/chickadee-nestbox-building-instructions/): Learn about how to build your own nestbox to attract chickadees & house wrens. - [Bluebird Nestbox – Building Instructions](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/bluebird-nestbox-building-instructions/): Learn about how to build your own nestbox to attract bluebirds & tree swallows. - [Seniors Teas](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/seniors-teas/): Join us for a seniors tea on the last Thursday of every month from May to August! Featuring hommade goodies, coffee, and tea! - [Legacy Gift Planning](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/legacy-gift-planning/): Planned giving is an opportunity for you to designate a future gift that will be part of your ongoing legacy. A legacy gift to Ellis Nature Centre will help us continue our conservation, research and education programs. - [Charlie, Winnie, & the Bluebirds](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/charlie-winnie-the-bluebirds/): We sell books! Purchase your book and pickup at your next visit. Our books are focused on improving your space for birds and other wildlife. - [Nestboxes for Prairie Birds](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/nestboxes-for-prairie-birds/): We sell books! Purchase your book and pickup at your next visit. Our books are focused on improving your space for birds and other wildlife. - [Naturescape](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/naturescape/): We sell books! Purchase your book and pickup at your next visit. Our books are focused on improving your space for birds and other wildlife. - [Mountain Bluebird Trail Monitoring Guide](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/mountain-bluebird-trail-monitoring-guide/): We sell books! Purchase your book and pickup at your next visit. Our books are focused on improving your space for birds and other wildlife. - [Backyard Bird Feeding](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/backyard-bird-feeding/): We sell books! Purchase your book and pickup at your next visit. Our books are focused on improving your space for birds and other wildlife. - [Beauty Everywhere](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/beauty-everywhere/): We sell books! Purchase your book and pickup at your next visit. Our books are focused on improving your space for birds and other wildlife. - [Bug Jamboree](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/bug-jamboree/): Join us in August for the Bug Jamboree! Fun for all ages! Go on a bug hunt, a butterfly walk and learn about native bees and pollinators!  - [Butterfly Count Training – June 9](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/butterfly-count-training-june-9/): Join us for an afternoon of butterfly counting to assist Citizen Science. - [Volunteer](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/volunteer/): Thank you for your time and commitment to serving the Ellis Nature Centre. We have lots of volunteer opportunities! - [Birding Walk with Rob Wapple](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/birding-walk-with-rob-wapple/): Join Rob Wapple on opening day, May 20, for a birding walk. - [High School Scholarship](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/high-school-scholarship/): The Ellis Nature Centre annual scholarship deadline is May 31. - [Intro to Gardening Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/intro-to-gardening-workshop/): Join us and Sharon Wiebe on Saturday, June 15 from 1-2pm for a FREE intro to gardening workshop! - [eBird Training Session](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/ebird-training-session/): Learn how to use the eBird app to track your sightings. - [“The Outside Book” Author Reading](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/the-outside-book-author-reading/): Join local author Jess Pallister-Dew for a reading of 'The Outside Book' on July 26, 11am-12pm. - [General Donation to Ellis Nature Centre](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/general-donation-to-ellis-nature-centre/): Help sustain the wonders of nature Donate to Ellis Nature Centre today. - [In Memory Donation – Bench and Plaque](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/in-memory-donation-bench-and-plaque/): The in memory bench can be personalized and established on Ellis Nature Centre to continue the legacy of your loved ones, where many people can also enjoy their ongoing contribution. - [In Memory Donation – Tree and Plaque](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/in-memory-donation-tree-and-plaque/): Plant a tree in memory of your loved ones and watch it grow and be enjoyed by many for years - [In Memory Donation – Memorial Bird House and Plaque](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/in-memory-donation-memorial-bird-house-and-plaque/): You can choose between a Chickadee/House Wren nest box or Bluebird/Tree Swallow nest box with a plaque to be placed on site in memory of your loved one. - [Bird Collage Workshop](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/bird-collage-workshop/): Create your own bird collage with Lauren Cowles! Ages 12+ welcome. - [Gavin McKinnon Birding Walk](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/gavin-mckinnon-birding-walk/): An early morning birding walk with Gavin McKinnon! - [Pollinator Walk & Talk](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/pollinator-walk-talk/): Walk & Talk with Charity Briere on June 23 to search for pollinators! - [ME Global](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/me-global/): MEGlobal is a proud supporter of environmental education and sustainability in Central Alberta since operations began on the Prentiss site more than 40 years ago. - [Friend of Ellis](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/friend-of-ellis/): Join our new community and show your lifetime support by becoming a Friend of Ellis. Ellis Nature Center provides access to wildlife habitats, walking trails and public nature playground while showcasing sustainable agricultural practices, biological research, tranquil gardens, historical farm buildings and educational displays. - [Birthday Parties](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/birthday-parties/): We do birthdays at Ellis Nature Centre! Children's parties and adult birthday parties can be accommodated, with various times and spaces to rent. - [AWES Berry Shrub Planting](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/awes-berry-shrub-planting/): On May 25, AWES will be on site hosting a day full of planting fruit and food shrubs on the Ellis Nature Centre site. We need your help to plant as many shrubs and bushes possible so we can create & enhance habitat for the wildlife on our site. - [Lino Cut Bird Print](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/lino-cut-bird-print/): Join us Saturday, June 8 for an art workshop. Ages 8+. - [Butterfly Count Training – May 26](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/butterfly-count-training-may-26/): Join us for an afternoon of butterfly counting to assist Citizen Science. - [Blue Feather Award](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/blue-feather-award/): Ellis Nature Centre will present the Blue Feather Award each year in July at the Blue Bird Festival. - [Wildlife Reports](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/wildlife-reports/): Please find our Wildlife Reports below. - [Year End Reports](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/year-end-reports/): Please find our Year End Reports below. - [European Starling and House Sparrow Control – Fact Sheet](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/european-starling-and-house-sparrow-control-fact-sheet/): European Starlings and House Sparrows are exotic pest bird species. Introduced into North America from Europe in the 1800s, both species are secondary cavity nesters. - [Attracting Bluebirds – Fact Sheet](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/attracting-bluebirds-fact-sheet/): Our virtual library includes fact sheets for the purple martin, bluebirds and bird control. - [Sustainable Grazing](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/sustainable-grazing/): Visitors to Ellis Nature Centre can learn about agricultural research projects, including Adaptive Multi-paddock (AMP) grazing plans aimed at managing 400 acres of farmland sustainably. The farm serves as a demonstration site for conservation agriculture, showcasing practices that benefit both cattle and ecosystem health. - [Purple Martin](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/purple-martin/): Purple Martins are fairly common birds, especially in the southeastern U.S., but their numbers decline by approximately 0.5% per year, resulting in a cumulative decline of about 25% between 1966 and 2019, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. - [Mountain Bluebird](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/mountain-bluebird/): The Mountain Bluebird is one of three species of bluebirds found on the North American continent. Although it is not restricted to mountains, the Mountain Bluebird is so named because it will nest at high elevations. - [Purple Martins in Alberta – Fact Sheet](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/purple-martins-in-alberta-fact-sheet/): Purple Martins (Progne subis subis) are North America’s largest swallows and are one of the most beloved of all backyard summer birds. - [Facility Rental Rates](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/facility-rental-rates/): Our Facility Rental Rates for the 2024 Summer Season and Off-Season. Book your next birthday party, wedding, spring tea, or corporate party with us! - [Weddings](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/weddings/): Our beautiful gardens and grounds are the perfect place for your wedding! Contact us to help you celebrate. ## Pages - [Get Involved](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/get-involved/): Donate: Through your generosity, Ellis Nature Centre is able to continue to offer educational activities and operate our facility, such as the nature playground, gardens and walking trails with no admission fee to the public.  - [Teahouse](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/visit/cafe/): We have some exciting news here at the Ellis Teahouse!  - [Calendar](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/calendar/): let alreadyExpandedOccurrences = ; - [Media](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/media/): @Ellisnaturecentre - [FAQ](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/about/faq/): You've come to the right place. See below for frequently asked questions and answers! Or reach out at (403) 885-4477. - [Donate](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/donate/): Through your generosity, Ellis Nature Centre is able to continue to offer educational activities and operate our facility, such as the nature playground, gardens and walking trails with no admission fee to the public.  - [Team](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/about/team/): Ellis Nature Centre is staffed year-round with the Site Manager/Biologist, Office Administration, Education Coordinator, Site Foreman, Gardener, and Research Biologist. - [History](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/about/history/): The Ellis family of Pakenham, Ontario, came west in 1886 to settle on a ranch near Calgary. Their son John, then a teenager, was married in 1894 to Agnes Clark who had come west from Ontario in 1888 to teach school. They lived near Calgary until 1906 when they moved with their family of four children to a quarter-section homestead in the Joffre district. - [About](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/about/): Ellis Nature Centre was established as a non-profit company in 1982 to carry on the legacy of pioneer conservationists, brother and sister Charlie and Winnie Ellis. They dedicated their lives to native birds and their Lacombe-area farm was renowned for supporting the highest nest density ever recorded for mountain bluebirds.   - [Contact](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/contact/): Ellis Nature CentreBox 5090Lacombe, AB, CanadaT4L 1W7 - [Stewardship](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/stewardship/): Ellis Nature Centre is a demonstration site for sustainable agriculture, wildlife friendly gardening and environmental conservation. We promote and showcase beneficial management practices so you can learn about how you can adopt more sustainable practices at home. Learn about our Mountain Bluebird nest-box trail or purple martin research and monitoring. We have information on backyard bird feeding, bird houses and bird identification guides. - [Education Programs](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/education-programs/): Our summer education programs focus on inspiring and growing a love of nature in kids of all ages. We have three summer programs – Nature Skool, Knee High Nature, and Junior Naturalists. - [Visit](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/visit/): Active: borrow a pair of binoculars and hike our West Woods Trail 4km loop that takes you past the farm fields into a mature Aspen forest with loads of bird life.  Or sign out a dip net from the visitor centre and spend some time exploring the critters in the wetland – from water boatman, fathead minnows, to even a salamander – you can learn all about aquatic life and water quality at the blue wetland center. - [Ellis Nature Centre](https://ellisnaturecentre.ca/): Ellis Nature Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, education & sustainable agriculture. We promote environmental education and wildlife conservation, monitor and conduct research on mountain bluebirds, tree swallows and purple martins, and manage over 480 acres of agricultural land. The Visitor Centre, original farmhouse, demonstration gardens and wetlands are set aside for wildlife and public enjoyment.