From its humble, resourceful beginnings in 1883 as a reservoir, Wascana Lake and its surrounding area, known as Wascana Centre, have developed into a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of the City of Regina. Wascana Centre has something for everyone--from recreational enthusiasts who hike, skate and cycle on its shores and paddle its waters to motorists who enjoy scenic drives; from wildlife that make their home in the vegetation along its banks to waterfowl that drop in en route to other destinations; from institutions that educate about nature to those that endow careers upon future generations and govern society; from locals to tourists who picnic in its parks and admire its flower gardens. The beauty of nature is evident in all seasons to the many people from near and far who have enjoyed what Wascana Lake and its surroundings have to offer.

All the photographs in this book were taken in Wascana Centre between the Albert Memorial Bridge and the Broad Street Bridge, and most were taken within steps of the pedestrian trail that encircles the lake between these two bridges. Photographer Sheena Simonson trekked this four-kilometre circuit 82 times over three years to collect images of Wascana Lake and the nature surrounding it through all seasons. An estimated 328 kilometres of trail were covered in order to come up with the final 331 images that make up this book. Although on occasion Sheena had a specific shot she wanted to capture, most often she went to the lake and photographed what nature had to offer that day, keeping in mind that the best shot might be above, below, in front, behind, or beside her. Sometimes it was simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time in the right light.

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