Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss
2023-09-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-09-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-09-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-10-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-10-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-10-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-10-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-11-01 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Edmonton) | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Good Grief – Fall 2023
Wednesday, September 13, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Bow Valley Ranch, Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Being outdoors provides many healing benefits – it allows us to breathe, reflect and connect with our natural surroundings. While we may not even be aware of it in the moment, the benefits are there. In fact, research has shown the healing benefits of nature for people experiencing significant loss or transitions in life.
As a way of supporting people who may be on this journey, the Friends of Fish Creek have created Good Grief: Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss. Good Grief is an eight-week series of gentle walks that brings together people moving through the shared experience of loss with the intent that they will find support from each other, their community, and their time in nature. All walks are between 1.5 to 2.0km round trip on relatively flat, paved pathways in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and include time for reflection and discussion with other participants and Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer Companions who guide the group.

Register Here

Photo courtesy of Stan Kwasniowski

Bats of Alberta
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | 13931 Woodpath RD SW Calgary Alberta T2W 5R6, 13931 Woodpath RD SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Bats of Alberta
Thursday, September 14, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Online and in person, Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SE
Presented by Susan Holroyd MSc, Calgary Regional Coordinator, Alberta Community Bat Program
The Alberta Community Bat Program’s mission is to raise awareness of bat conservation issues, help local residents manage bats in buildings, and to collect data needed to monitor and better understand bats in the province. Susan Holroyd of the Alberta Community Bat Program will discuss this province’s bat species, the threats bats face, the ecological services they provide and how Albertans can help with bat conservation. At this presentation you can also learn about what to do if you find a bat, how to construct a bat house and have your questions answered about these fascinating flying mammals.

Register through Eventbrite

Hoary Bat, photo courtesy of Jason Headley

Park Watch Day
2023-09-26 15:00 - 19:00 | AB
Park User Awareness
Tuesday, September 26, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park, 13931 Woodpath Road SW
The Friends’ Park Watch Stewardship Program has been in existence since 2001, and since then, Volunteer Stewards have actively taken on the role of helping to foster a safe, beautiful and enjoyable natural environment for park users.
Park Watch Stewards provide a visible presence that encourages responsible park use while providing user education and the reporting of important observations via a new mobile Park Watch app to Fish Creek Provincial Park staff and the Friends. Providing assistance and information to park visitors, especially those who may be new to Fish Creek or the city, is one of the most rewarding ways to create awareness and encourage environmental stewardship.
The theme for this Park Watch Day is Pet Etiquette. The Friends and our community of volunteers will be at Shannon Terrace to provide information to park users. Bring your fur babies to our booth to receive free swag!
Our goal for the day is to provide the public with an opportunity to build a meaningful connection with nature and to learn about Fish Creek.
Should you find yourself in this area, please stop by and say hello!
Please contact our Visitor Services Coordinator, Kumiko Kamiike, for more information at kumiko@friendsoffishcreek.org.

Gratitude Park Tour 2023
2023-10-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7
A Tour of Gratitude in 2023
Tuesday, October 13th, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Fish Creek Provincial Park, Bow Valley Ranch. 15975 Bow Valley Ranch, City of Calgary.

Presented by Friends of Fish Creek Staff

Join Us for a Remarkable Day of Gratitude and Celebration at Fish Creek Provincial Park
We are thrilled to invite you to a special event that is close to our hearts—a Park Tour Walk to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers, members, and donors who have made the past year a resounding success.

Why Join Us?
Fish Creek Provincial Park has thrived and flourished because of the unwavering dedication and support of individuals like you. This Park Tour Walk is an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our collective achievements, shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of our volunteers, members, and donors. And most of all, to say thank you for all of your continued help and efforts.

What to Expect:

Guided Park Tour: Explore the breathtaking beauty of Fish Creek Provincial Park on an interpretive walk tour led by our knowledgeable park staff. Discover hidden gems, hear fascinating stories, and witness the impact of your contributions firsthand.

Education: Learn about our ongoing park conservation projects such as Watershed Resiliency and Riparian Restoration Activities.

Recognition and Appreciation: We will take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the loyalty of our members, and the generosity of our donors. Your commitment has transformed this park into a true natural wonder.

Networking and Bonding: Connect with fellow park enthusiasts, share stories, and build lasting connections within our vibrant community. This event is a perfect opportunity to socialize, forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones.

How to RSVP:
You can RSVP by registering on our link to EventBrite, emailing us at monica@friendsoffishcreek.org or calling 587-317-7107.
Join us as we walk through the heart of Fish Creek Provincial Park, relishing the memories we’ve created and looking ahead to an even brighter future. Your presence will make this celebration truly meaningful.
Let’s come together to honor our dedicated volunteers, members, and donors who have made Fish Creek Provincial Park a place of natural wonder and community spirit.
We can’t wait to share this memorable day with you!

Register through Eventbrite

The Ghosts of Fish Creek
2023-10-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7
Guided Walking Tour
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The fascinating history of Fish Creek Provincial Park lends itself to a myriad of mysterious happenings! Learn about it all on this fun and freaky night time walking tour of the Bow Valley Ranch area. Dress warm and festive if you wish for this fun dark walk in the park. If you bring a flashlight, please cover the light with red cellophane so as not to interfere with wildlife or fellow walkers’ night vision.
Distance: 2km, mostly paved trails, small amount off-trail walking/standing
Group size: 25
Tour will be guided by Wayne Meikle – with 35 years of experience, Wayne worked in the area of urban park management and has been involved in the operations, construction and planning of several urban parks. He is also one of the founders of the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society and an active member of our community!
Event is officially SOLD OUT!

The Ghosts of Fish Creek
2023-10-26 17:30 - 19:30 | AB
Guided Walking Tour
Thursday, October 26, 2023 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The fascinating history of Fish Creek Provincial Park lends itself to a myriad of mysterious happenings! Learn about it all on this fun and freaky night time walking tour of the Bow Valley Ranch area. Dress warm and festive if you wish for this fun dark walk in the park. If you bring a flashlight, please cover the light with red cellophane so as not to interfere with wildlife or fellow walkers’ night vision.
Distance: 2km, mostly paved trails, small amount off-trail walking/standing
Group size: 25
Tour will be guided by Wayne Meikle – with 35 years of experience, Wayne worked in the area of urban park management and has been involved in the operations, construction and planning of several urban parks. He is also one of the founders of the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society and an active member of our community!
Event is officially SOLD OUT!

Human-Wildlife Conflict
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:00 | AB
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Thursday, October 26, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online
Presented by Alexandra Kellington BHSc, Community Engagement Coordinator, Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
In a city like Calgary that has many natural parks, interactions with and sightings of wildlife can be a common occurrence. In this presentation you will learn about some common causes of human wildlife conflict, why this topic is important, and how individuals can help. We will talk about a species that lives in Calgary, the bobcat, and we will discuss how to identify where bobcats have been, and how to safely share spaces with these animals.
About the presenter: Alex Kellington is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). She has a passion for all animals and loves sharing her perspective with other people. Her background is in human health, but is grateful to be doing work in the area of conservation.

Register through Eventbrite

Bobcat, photo courtesy of AIWC (2023)

The Ghosts of Fish Creek
2023-10-27 17:30 - 19:30 | AB
Guided Walking Tour
Friday, October 27, 2023 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The fascinating history of Fish Creek Provincial Park lends itself to a myriad of mysterious happenings! Learn about it all on this fun and freaky night time walking tour of the Bow Valley Ranch area. Dress warm and festive if you wish for this fun dark walk in the park. If you bring a flashlight, please cover the light with red cellophane so as not to interfere with wildlife or fellow walkers’ night vision.
Distance: 2km, mostly paved trails, small amount off-trail walking/standing
Group size: 25
Tour will be guided by Wayne Meikle – with 35 years of experience, Wayne worked in the area of urban park management and has been involved in the operations, construction and planning of several urban parks. He is also one of the founders of the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society and an active member of our community!
Event is officially SOLD OUT!

Leafy Spurge
2023-11-16 19:00 - 20:00 | AB
Leafy Spurge – Contending with this Invasive and Pervasive Species

Thursday, November 16, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online
Presented by Natalie Zardecki MSc. University of Calgary, with Emma Stroud Friends of Fish Creek Team Lead – Ecology & Conservation

You have most likely seen Leafy Spurge in Fish Creek and though out the city’s greenspaces. The bright yellow flowers are easy to see from a distance, and this invasive plant species continues pose serious challenges in managing its proliferation. Leafy Spurge is native to Europe, and has become one of the most troublesome weeds to invade North America, especially in areas where the soil has been disturbed and its seeds have been able to spread to different areas. Like all invasive species, Leafy Spurge displaces native vegetation, reduces wildlife habitat, and decreases biodiversity. In recent years a variety of methods have been implemented to manage and contain this invasive plant such as spraying, burning, grazing, biocontrol and more. Learn how Leafy Spurge is being managed here in Alberta and how you can help prevent its spread.
Free for Friends members and $10 for non-members. Registration required.

Register through Eventbrite

Good Grief - Winter 2024
2024-01-10 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-01-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-01-24 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-01-31 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-02-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-02-14 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-02-21 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-02-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15979 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5E8
Good Grief: Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss in Winter, 2024
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Mount Royal University Professor Sonya Jakubec, Good Grief: Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss will be offered in Winter 2024. This program is aimed at providing support to those experiencing grief, loss or major life transition.
This eight-week program simply provides an opportunity for participants to connect with nature while connecting with others who share similar experiences. Although not a grief therapy program, Good Grief may provide valuable connection and healing for both participants and volunteer companions. Companions are not providing counseling or therapy; they simply share a common goal of connecting with nature as a place of refuge in acceptance of our journeys of life transition.
Regardless of the transition you are experiencing – be it the loss of a loved one, job or relationship, a significant change in health or mobility, or other deep changes in your life – spending time in nature with people who are on a similar journey might be just the support you need.
We invite you to come walk with us. We are going to have two separate sessions this Winter.

Wednesday Afternoon: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, From January 10 to February 28

Registration required. Outings will run in a variety of weather conditions, but may be canceled if severe weather is in the forecast. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers.
Register Here

Each outing will begin with a reading or a shared experience, followed by a walk on a fairly easy 1.5-2 km route. Each of the four routes will be repeated once during the eight-week program – a chance to reflect on the changes in the landscape and ourselves over time. Time, nature and low pressure companionship can be our best supports.
If you would like to learn more about the Good Grief program or discuss the program goals and discoveries from previous Good Grief programs, please feel free to contact Sonya Jakubec, our partner at Mount Royal at sjakubec@mtroyal.ca. Inquiries regarding program accessibility can be directed to Rose Ratliffe, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer Good Grief Companion at ratliffe@shaw.ca.
Thank you to our Partners and Volunteers for keeping the Good Grief program going! Proceeds support the Friends of Fish Creek’s ongoing efforts to engage the public in responsible stewardship of Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Photo courtesy of Stan Kwasniowski

Backyard Bird Watching
2024-01-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Online, Canada
Backyard Bird Watching

Thursday, January 25, 2024 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Presented by John McFaul, Chair of Bird Friendly Calgary
Join us for a fun-filled online adventure and explore the fascinating world of birds right from the comfort of your own home! Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, this event is perfect for all bird enthusiasts. There are four parts to this talk – the first is a review of some of the interesting birds that might visit backyards or are seen while backyard bird watching. The second part describes the tools for identifying the avian visitors. You can learn how to attract birds to your backyard, and ways to keep the birds safe within the city.
John McFaul is the Chair of Bird Friendly Calgary, and past-president and an honourary member of Nature Calgary.
Bird Friendly Calgary works to support biodiversity in the City of Calgary. With the support of Nature Canada, they are working to identify and mitigate threats to birds. Bird Friendly Calgary is a group of NGOs that was formed to promote making Calgary a Bird Friendly City as certified by Nature Canada. For example it was through their efforts that the Black-capped Chickadee was accepted by City council as Calgary’s official bird. Read more at www.birdfriendlycalgary.ca
Free for Friends members and $10 for non-members. Registration required.

Register through Eventbrite

Photo, John McFaul

Rare Plants in Alberta - Green Milkweed and Sticky Purple Geranium
2024-02-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Online, Canada
Rare Plants in Alberta – Green Milkweed and Sticky Purple Geranium
Assessing the Community Co-occurrence Patterns and Pollinator-mediated Relationships of Green Milkweed and Purple Geranium in Southern Alberta

Thursday, February 22, 2024 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Presented by Tory Blanchard, Masters of Ecology Student – University of Calgary
Conservation needs a greater focus on how rare species interact within their neighborhoods. Rare plants have been found to exist in areas that are positively associated. These are areas with plant communities that facilitate or help one another. One example of facilitation occurs through shared pollinators. Common plants may attract numerous pollinating species, such as bees and butterflies, to a community and the rare plants who rely on these pollinators for their reproduction will benefit indirectly from the common plants. Although studies have examined how pollinators can facilitate indirect relationships with other plants, few works have addressed how rare plants may benefit from pollination facilitation that does not involve co-flowering, such as sequential mutualism. Tory’s work will examine the distribution, assembly, and pollinator-mediated plant interactions of two rare species in southern Alberta: Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) and Sticky Purple Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum). The study will involve collaboration with members of the Kainai First Nation and will use data from community science platforms such as iNaturalist to address these occurrences.
Tory Banchard is Ojibway from Batchewana First Nation. Their Anishinaabe name is Espana Eque. Tory grew up in various places—the Netherlands, Calgary, and Venezuela—but calls Calgary their home. Receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, Tory completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Literature, and minors in Environmental Biology and Book and Media Studies, and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Ecology from the University of Calgary. Tory is interested in studying plant ecology and pollinator relationships and working on projects that involve collaboration with Indigenous communities, and enjoys practicing the bass guitar, producing music, and skateboarding.
Free for Friends members and $10 for non-members. Registration required.

Register through Eventbrite

Photo courtesy of Tory Blanchard

Volunteer Open House
2024-03-18 15:00 - 19:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada

Rocky Voices – Geological Stories from the Rocky Mountains
2024-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Online, Canada
Rocky Voices – Geological Stories from the Rocky Mountains

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Presented by Dr. Eva Enkelmann, Associate Professor at the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary
Do you ever wonder what rocks would tell you if they could talk? Dr. Enkelmann is the author of “Rocky Voices: The memories of minerals that form the Rocky Mountains” – a roadside geology book for all ages. The presentation will show how she combined scientific facts about the millions-of-years long history of the Rocky Mountains with creative writing to tell entertaining short stories. Her presentation will highlight some well-known locations such as Lake Louise, Canmore, or Mount Yamnuska. The presentation is followed by a Q&A period with the author.
Dr. Eva Enkelmann is a geology professor at the University of Calgary and researches mountain-building processes and educates the next generation of scientists. She has been studying mountain evolution in the Himalayas, Alaska, and Western Canada for more than 20 years. She was born and raised in Germany and worked in the US for ten years before she moved to Calgary, in 2017.
Free for Friends members and $10 for non-members. Registration required.

Register through Eventbrite

Connect with Eva!
https://www.enkelmann.org
X: @GeoEnkelmann

Photo, Lake Louise at Night by Brian Zurek

Good Grief - Spring 2024
2024-04-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15979 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5E8
Good Grief: Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss in Spring, 2024
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Mount Royal University Professor Sonya Jakubec, Good Grief: Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss will be offered in spring 2024. This program is aimed at providing support to those experiencing grief, loss or major life transition.
This eight-week program simply provides an opportunity for participants to connect with nature while connecting with others who share similar experiences. Although not a grief therapy program, Good Grief may provide valuable connection and healing for both participants and volunteer companions. Companions are not providing counseling or therapy; they simply share a common goal of connecting with nature as a place of refuge in acceptance of our journeys of life transition.
Regardless of the transition you are experiencing – be it the loss of a loved one, job or relationship, a significant change in health or mobility, or other deep changes in your life – spending time in nature with people who are on a similar journey might be just the support you need.
We invite you to come walk with us.

Wednesday Morning: 10:00 am – 11:30 am, From April 3 to May 22, 2024

Registration required. Outings will run in a variety of weather conditions, but may be canceled if severe weather is in the forecast. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers.
Registration is now open.
Register Here

Each outing will begin with a reading or a shared experience, followed by a walk on a fairly easy 1.5-2 km route. Each of the four routes will be repeated once during the eight-week program – a chance to reflect on the changes in the landscape and ourselves over time. Time, nature and low pressure companionship can be our best supports.
If you would like to learn more about the Good Grief program or discuss the program goals and discoveries from previous Good Grief programs, please feel free to contact Sonya Jakubec, our partner at Mount Royal at sjakubec@mtroyal.ca. Inquiries regarding program accessibility can be directed to Rose Ratliffe, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer Good Grief Companion at ratliffe@shaw.ca.
Thank you to our Partners and Volunteers for keeping the Good Grief program going! Proceeds support the Friends of Fish Creek’s ongoing efforts to engage the public in responsible stewardship of Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Photo courtesy of Stan Kwasniowski
