O'Mahony Conservation Area

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The O’Mahony Conservation Area (OCA) was designed and developed by the O'Mahony family of McLennan in the late 1990s with the help of G.P. Vanier School (located in the Village of Donnelly) and other community members. The original vision for the area was to preserve a representative area of boreal forest habitat in close proximity to area school in order to facilitate outdoor science and natural heritage learning opportunities for area students. This site, located on the west side of Winagami Lake, offered several unique habitat types that hosted many species of wildlife and a diversity of vegetation.

A recipient of the Emerald Award in 2003 in recognition of the efforts to establish and maintain the Conservation Area, John O’Mahony was always striving to offer new programs and experiences for children.

Today, the OCA consists of a network of 9.0 km of maintained trails and is accessible 24 hours a day, all year long. There are self guided interpretive signs, regular trail junction signage so you will always know where you are and numerous small bridges that cross ephemeral watercourses that lead into Winagami Lake. Interestingly, each bridge within the OCA has been constructed by female members of the Junior Forest Rangers aged 15-17.​
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The central entrance and parking area with sufficient parking for several school and many passenger vehicles is located 9.2 km south of the McLennan Birdwalk on highway #2. ​

​Be sure to pick up a map at the kiosk beside the parking lot, or download your own copy here.  

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​What You Need to Know When Visiting:

The trail network is organized into loops with several time and length options. All of the trails are basically level elevation. Depending on the time of year, portions of the trail may be wet.

Here are some suggested routes:
  • For people with small children, Owl Loop will take you about an hour and runs from the parking lot, to the shore of Winagami Lake and back to the parking lot.
  • For longer hikes, heading north along Eagle Trail at the east end of Owl Loop leads you to Beaver Browse loop (2 hours return to parking lot) and Woodpecker Wander loop (2.5 hours return to parking lot).
The OCA lies within Winagami Lake Provincial Park. Therefore all regulations pertaining to activities within Alberta’s Provincial Parks apply. This includes prohibition for the use of motorized vehicles, horses, fires and overnight camping. Hunting and collecting natural materials is not permitted. Please pack out your garbage.

There are no washrooms at the OCA.
Be BearSmart- The OCA is home to black bears. Carry pepper spray, hike in groups and be aware of your surroundings and pay attention for evidence of bears (scat, tracks, digging). For more information review the BearSmart kiosk at the parking area or visit:

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-bearsmart.aspx

The trails, which are natural tread surface are maintained frequently, but not necessarily weekly. All visitors use the trails at their own risk. The trails are not patrolled by Conservation Officers.

Annual Hike at the O'Mahony Conservation Area

​Emergency Contacts:
Conservation Officer (780) 849-7100, after hours (780) 849-0577
Report-A-Poacher (1-800-642-3800), Kimiwan Birdwalk Interpretive Centre (780) 324-2004. (May-Aug)
Or dial 911.