Antelope Hill Provincial Park is a winter haven
By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist
Antelope Hill Provincial Park offers a beautiful cross-country skiing destination for area residents this winter season. Located just 2.5 km east of Dowling Lake and north of Hanna, its close proximity provides easy access.
Nestled in a unique setting, this 940-acre parcel of unbroken rangeland is managed for wildlife purposes and low-impact recreation use such as hiking or cross-country skiing. Hunting, overnight camping and off-highway vehicle use are not permitted in the park.
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Wildlife and plant observations make it stand out. It’s home for Sprague’s pipit and Baird’s sparrow, the Thirteen-line ground squirrel, along with deer, antelope, elk, wolves, skunks, ducks and other small animals. On the slope, there are small cacti populations with the presence of green needle grasses and healthy populations of Rough Fescue and Rocky Mountain Fescue. The Plains rough fescue grasslands are essentially only found in Canada, with the best remaining examples in Alberta.
It was gifted from Gottlob Schmidt (Schmitty) to the people of Alberta to be “preserved in perpetuity for the wildlife that dwell there and for future generations of Albertans to experience and enjoy.” It is enjoyed and protected as a Provincial Park.
Born in Romania, “Schmitty” immigrated to Canada in 1927, and by 1933, the family settled in the location now known as Antelope Hill Provincial Park. He resided here for most of his entire life, moving to Hanna for just a few short years before his passing. Operating a purebred Herford cattle ranch, he was connected to the land and its beauty. In retirement, he took up gardening and then raising birds, particularly pheasants and peacocks. He was known for his gentle nature and generous spirit, his deep love for the land and wildlife and a keen sense of humour.
Those wishing to take a winter hike or cross-country ski in the area are reminded to be respectful of the region. All Albertans can enjoy and experience this cherished native grassland property due to the generosity and vision of “Schmitty.” Well done, sir and thank you!