From Beavers to Bats: Okotoks Scouts Continue to Support High River's Natural Spaces 

Logo of Town of High River

by Town of High River

24/04/2026

Community

From Beavers to Bats: Okotoks Scouts Continue to Support High River's Natural Spaces 

HIGH RIVER, AB – Caring for natural spaces often brings communities together, and this spring, that collaboration is on full display in High River. 

Members of the 1st Okotoks Scouts – Beaver Colony, based just minutes away in Okotoks, have been working alongside the Town’s Parks team to support local environmental initiatives. What started as a hands-on learning opportunity has grown into an ongoing partnership making a real impact. 

In 2025, the Scouts helped protect local trees by installing mesh to prevent beaver damage, learning new skills while contributing to the health of High River’s green spaces. 

Now they are back, this time with a new mission. 

This spring, the Scouts are building five bat houses to support High River’s bat population. Bats play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by helping to control insect populations naturally. 

Three of the bat houses were installed at Sunshine Lake on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with support from the Parks team. The remaining two will be installed at Montrose Pond in the coming weeks. 

This initiative builds on the Town’s ongoing bat house program and reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and community collaboration. 

Projects like this show how small actions can make a big difference. From protecting trees to supporting wildlife, these Scouts are helping shape the future of High River, one natural space at a time. 

Next time you're visiting Sunshine Lake or Montrose Pond, take a moment to look up; you might just spot one of High River’s newest nighttime residents at work. 

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For more information, please contact: 
Town of High River 
403-652-2110 

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