Morningside Spring Orienteering
forest orienteering event at J J Collett Natural Area, near Morningside
UPDATE: [May 2] marshes are drier than most years, but water in the beaver ponds and creek (on the advanced courses) is high. Deer and grouse have been spotted. If you are lucky you may see some of the last prairie crocuses.
EOOC will be collecting donations for the J J Collett Foundation who maintain the trails, repair fences, erect gazebos, benches and outhouses etc.
Date: Saturday May 7, 2016
Map: Morningside 1:10,000; 2.5m contours;
Original fieldwork – Kitty Jones (1983), latest update – Don Riddle (2014)
Location: 3 km south of Morningside, an hour south of Edmonton city limits. See directions and location map below.
Registration: on-site from 11:00am until 1:00pm (beginner clinics available at the same time)
Starts: 11:00 am until 1:00pm
Courses close: 3:30 pm – everyone must check back in by this time
Courses:
1 Beginner: controls on paths, 3.3km 19 controls
2 Novice: controls within 20 – 30m of linear features such as trails, fences 3.5km, 16 controls
3 Intermediate: 3.5km 12 controls
4 Advanced (shorter) technically difficult: 4.4km or 4.3km 15/14 controls
5 Advanced (longer) technically difficult: 6.8km 18 controls
Terrain: Aspen Parkland underlain by ancient sand dunes. Over 18km of trails wind through a mosaic of shrublands, aspen groves, stands of white spruce on moist shady hill sides, wetlands and grass meadows. Entire one-mile-square area is surrounded by a border fence (no need to worry about wandering away!) Area is detailed with many small hills, depressions and a few large marshes. variable vegetation ranges from open meadows to runnable open forest with some patches of thick undergrowth and deadfall.
Entry Fees:
Members: $10 per map, which may be shared by a family/small group. Fee includes SPORTident electronic timing card, plus, if necessary, compass and whistle.(Deposit of driver’s permit required for rentals)
Non-members: $15 per map, which may be shared. Fee includes SPORTident electronic timing card, plus, if necessary, compass and whistle.(Deposit of driver’s permit required for rentals). $5 each additional map for groups going out together.
Whistle compulsory – any kind will do. A group needs only one between them.
Watch/ time piece strongly advised, to remind you of the 3:30pm closing time.
Organisers:
Course Planner: Chris S (OC level 200 in training),
Event Director: Laura M (OC level 200 in training);
Supervisor: Don R (OC Level 300 Official)
More Information: contact Chris: rockguy@telus.net 780 238 1116
What to bring:
Whistle compulsory – any kind will do. A group needs only one between them.
Watch/ time piece strongly advised, to remind you of the 3:30pm closing time.
Be prepared for any weather – jacket and warm underwear if it’s cool; hat and sun-screen if it’s sunny. Long pants recommended. Dry socks to change into. Water and cookies provided. Optional: camera, picnic.
Directions: From Edmonton take QEII Hwy south to the Morningside exit #439. Turn left onto SH 604 and go under the bridge. After crossing Hwy 2A and the railway tracks, turn right into the village of Morningside. At the far end of the village (3 blocks), turn left. Follow this road (RR 261A / 261) for 3.5km. At the crossroads, turn right onto Twp 414. The entrance to the J J Collett Natural Area is about 800m on the right. Park in the parking lot or on the side of the road and walk in through the gate. Watch for orienteering signs, as well as NEW signs to the JJ Collett Natural Area.
From Calgary: take exit 431, follow Milton Road until RR262. Go north about 3km on RR 262 to the T-junction. Turn east/right on Twp414. The entrance to the J J Collett Natural Area is about 800m on the left. Park in the parking lot or neatly on the side of the road, and walk in through the gate. Watch for orienteering signs, as well as NEW signs to the JJ Collett Natural Area.
