Yes, its an Alder of some description.
The two most common alders around her are Hazel alder (Alnus serrulatus) and Speckled Alder (Alnus incana). The main way I can tell them apart is that Speckled has more white on the trunk and the leaves are lighter on the underneath side.
More than likely one of those, but can't tell from those pictures. Not much difference in them in terms of wildlife value anyway.
I bet that is a low, moist spot where it is growing. Never seen one in any other type place.