Bragg Creek Old Growth Forest
Conservation and Wildlife Protection in Bragg Creek
Old Growth Forest
There aren’t a lot of old growth trees here in Bragg Creek. During the early 1900s wildfires wiped out most of the forest in the area. That made it attractive for farmers and ranchers to move into the area. But they soon learned that the conditions were harsh and one man said, “you can’t feed your family on scenery.” Despite that there are still a few old trees around. Those trees are 200-300 years old and they are a treasure. Most of the trees in the area are about 100 years old.
One of the concerns is that West Fraser Logging have those special trees in their plans for harvesting on the eastern edge of West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis, near the Crystal Line trail. Likely the old growth trees on private property are safe.
The map above shows areas of potential and known old growth forest.
Old Growth Project Launches at Banded Peak School: Youth Lead the Way in Forest Conservation in Bragg Creek
by BCEC | Oct 15, 2025 | Citizen Science
The Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition (BCEC) has officially launched the Old Growth Project, an exciting new community initiative aimed at identifying and protecting old-growth forest groves in and around Bragg Creek. Currently the oldest tree identified is 420 years old. The groves of trees identified so far sustain unusual good genes for surviving that long. They are instrumental genetic reservoirs for future growth, particularly as harbours for the genes that are best adapted to the hotter and more volatile precipitation events the future holds.
These trees over 150 years old—are the elders of our forests. They serve as vital genetic reservoirs for regeneration, provide essential habitat for wildlife such as black bears, martens, squirrels, and countless bird species, and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
This project builds on BCEC’s ongoing commitment to conservation and education. (To learn more about why protecting old-growth refugia matters, read our earlier article Why Protect Old Growth Refugia in Alberta.)
Engaging Bragg Creek’s Youth as Citizen Scientists
Phase One of the Old Growth Project began in early October in partnership with teacher Chris Ellard and students at Banded Peak School (Grades 1–8). The students participated in a presentation followed by outdoor field experience in the adjacent Bragg Creek Provincial Park.
Students, teachers and parent volunteers, practiced identifying and measuring tree circumferences of four native tree species in an old growth grove. These experiences offered a meaningful blend of science, connection to nature and action.
From Learning to Action
Banded Peak Families are now invited to participate by measuring and photographing large trees in their own yards or nearby forests and submitting their findings to Banded Peak’s Google classroom created by Mr Ellard. These data that will contribute to BCEC’s growing map of Old Growth Refugia with a 15km radius of the Hamlet of Bragg Creek.
Every participant will receive a token of appreciation, and special prizes (donated by area retailers) will be awarded for the largest trees of each species.
To symbolize the cycle of renewal, in the spring of 2026, Banded Peak School students will plant seedlings creating a future forest.