A PROJECT BY C2HOMES
C2 Homes celebrates being proud new builders in the innovative, nature based community of Starling At Big Lake. This development, being progressive in preserving and supporting varied aspects of nature, has created a beautiful residential neighborhood, promoting harmony with the environment. Starling is architecturally advanced in creating a sustainable community within a lush lake setting. Starling has been constructed as a Low Impact Development, with efforts in conservation and site based natural elements:
- Bioswales
- Rain Gardens
- Wetlands
- Green Spaces
- Natural Tree Areas
- Bird Sanctuaries/ Nesting Areas
- Lake Land
Visit Starling at Big Lake to really experience nature.
Big Lake - Lois Hole Provincial Park
On the west side of St. Albert is Big Lake, where a little time spent can be a soaring wildlife experience.
More than 235 bird species have been recorded at Big Lake, some 180 are recorded annually. At risk species that use the lake include Trumpeter Swans, Sprague's Pipits, Peregrine Falcons, Short-eared Owls and Bald Eagles that nest on the west end of the lake.
In the fall the lake is a staging area for Tundra Swans and Pelicans. Fall populations of swans have been as high as 20,000. Cormorants, Loons, Great Blue Herons and Ospreys fish the lake. Lesser Yellowlegs, Dowitchers, American Avocets and Sandpipers reside during low water years.
Fish species found in the lake include Northern Pike, Goldeye, White Sucker, Walleye and Sticklebacks. Big Lake was once a spawning area for Sturgeon for which the river system is named.
Lands surrounding Big Lake provide important habitat for Moose, White-tailed Deer, Beaver, Muskrat, Mink, Skunk, Coyote, Red Fox, Porcupine, Snowshoe Hare and Red Squirrel.
Big Lake Facts
• Alberta Fish and Wildlife considers Big Lake to be one of the 20 most important habitat areas in Alberta.
• In May 1999, the Alberta Government created the Big Lake Natural Area comprising 1,119 hectares of lake and wetlands.
• The lake was declared a "Special Places 2000" site and on June 5, 2001 became an Important Bird Areas site.
• It has been designated a "Wetlands for Tomorrow" by Ducks Unlimited Canada.
• On Earth Day 2005, the Alberta government made Big Lake the province's newest Provincial Park, dubbed Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park in honour of the late Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
• Big Lake is about 8 km in length and 3 km at its widest point. The lake offers one of only three birdsfoot deltas in Alberta.
Big Lake information taken from the City of St. Albert Website. More Info can be found HERE
