Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

Unleash the Power of Your DSLR Camera!
2016-07-19 21:00 - 23:00, 2016-08-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2016-09-10 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Edmonton)
Join instructor Bob Bakker and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society for this beginner’s level photography class, and learn how to capture the park’s diverse and stunning beauty on your DSLR camera. From expansive landscapes to macro images of tiny flower buds, Bob will show you the basics, including composition, lighting, depth of field and “The Exposure Triangle” (Aperture-Shutter-ISO). There will be several stops along the way to put your photo theory into practice as we tour the park in our open-air electric minibus!
What to bring: your DSLR camera, of course, along with a tri-pod (optional), bug spray, sunscreen, hat and water. And don’t forget to wear good walking shoes so you can get close to the shots you want, and dress for the weather! Mobile devices or “point and shoot” cameras (ie those that do not have a variety of settings) are not suitable for this class. Please dress for the weather, as this is an outdoor class.
Register through Eventbrite
Seating is limited to 8 people. $20 per person.
Meeting place: next to the red barn in the Bow Valley Ranch parking lot of Fish Creek Provincial Park
(take Bow Bottom Trail south as far as you can until you enter the park, then take your first right into the parking lot).
Instructor Bob Bakker is a film and photography enthusiast who has completed the photography certificate program at SAIT. He moved to Calgary in 1997, and one of the first places his family frequented upon their arrival was Fish Creek Park. Now his kids have grown up and gone, but you can find Bob and his wife – avid recumbent trike enthusiasts – pedaling through Fish Creek Park most weekends. Bob’s passion for photography was handed down to him by his dad who owned a photography and photo finishing business in Winnipeg. When he is not taking photos, he also enjoys drifting down the Bow and doing a bit of fishing.

Spring Forest Qi Gong
2016-07-26 18:30 - 19:30
This meditative practice is based on the ancient wisdom and belief that we all have the power and ability to heal ourselves. Spring Forest Qi Gong incorporates simple moving meditations to help open your heart, mind and physical self. Side effects – more happiness, improved mobility and health! Join instructor Diane Smith on a journey towards balanced and flowing energy this summer
Registration is highly recommended.
Register through Eventbrite
Diane Smith is certified as a Master Healer, Practitioner and Instructor of Spring Forest Qi Gong. She leads practice groups throughout the city.

Archaeology in the Park: Finding the Pioneers
2016-08-10 09:00 - 13:00, 2016-09-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2016-10-01 13:00 - 16:00
Calgary’s Euro-Canadian history dates back 142 years to where Fish Creek flows into the Bow River, and archaeological evidence discovered in the park offers a unique glimpse of life on the western prairie for pioneers and cowboys. Climb aboard the minibus to learn about archaeology in the park on a scenic tour exploring the creation of our community.
Join tour guide Drew McKibben on this tour from the Bow Valley Ranch to Bebo Grove in our open-air electric minibus, and learn about the history of the early pioneers who made this area their home, as well as the archaeological evidence they have left behind.
Only 8 seats available, register today through Eventbrite

Full Moon Meditation & Spring Forest Qi Gong
2016-08-18 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Friends of Fish Creek for a rare opportunity to celebrate and meditate with the amazing full moon energy in Fish Creek Provincial Park!
A Special Spring Forest Qi Gong Session will be included on August 18!
Registration is highly recommended
Register through Eventbrite
Our Instructors:
Naomi Parker, of Elemental Wellness, is a Certified Fairy Intuitive Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, Registered Yoga Teacher, Mudra Therapist, and Spiritual Response Therapist (SRT). She grew up in Northern Alberta where, surrounded by wilderness, grew a fondness for the Earth and its elements. She has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and was guided three years ago to become a certified yoga teacher. You can find out more about Naomi’s practice and services offered through Elemental Wellness at www.elementalwellnessandyoga.com
Gwen Draude Woolverton received her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification in 2012 from Sunshine Yoga Academy in Calgary. Yoga continues to teach her the fundamentals of slowing down, being present, breathing deeply, and learning to let go of meaningless worries or thoughts.
Diane Smith is certified as a Master Healer, Practitioner and Instructor of Spring Forest Qi Gong. She leads practice groups throughout the city.

Capturing Nature: Painting Day in the Park with Debbie.lee Miszaniec
2016-08-20 09:00 - 12:00
Appreciate nature like Monet! Capture the colours of the late summer landscape with local artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec in this outdoor class. This Plein Air painting workshop in picturesque Fish Creek Provincial Park will have you looking at the landscape like an artist, and capturing the essence of nature on canvas. This class is perfect for any skill level of painter, from beginner to experienced, and while it will be taught in acrylic paint, any medium of paints will do!
Artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec has a degree in painting and has been practicing for the better part of two decades. Her studio specializes in fine art, commissions and painting lessons. Visit www.onelifefineart.com for more info on Debbie.lee.
Only $40, space is limited to 10 people. Register through Eventbrite
For more information and the supply list for the class, please visit https://friendsoffishcreek.org/programs/wellness-clinics/
Participants receive a 15% discount on supplies from Swinton’s Art Supply7160 Fisher St SE, Calgary, AB – 403-258-3500

Spring Forest Qi Gong
2016-09-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7

Yoga in the Park
2016-09-07 19:00 - 20:00
Naomi Parker and Gwen Draude Woolverton team up again for their fourth season of yoga in the park! They focus on a form of practice known as Raja or “Royal” yoga, which emphasizes the connection between body, energy, and mind through postures, meditation, and breathing techniques; it incorporates all eight limbs of yoga, and each session will include breath connection, asanas (poses), relaxation, and meditation. Creating a connection to your body through your breath will ensure your learning in honouring oneself, gaining a more balanced mind, body and spirit in the process. Find your balance with Naomi and Gwen in beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park and connect with true bliss – if only for an hour & a half at a time!
Registration highly recommended
Register through Eventbrite
Naomi Parker, of Elemental Wellness, is a Certified Fairy Intuitive Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, Registered Yoga Teacher, Mudra Therapist, and Spiritual Response Therapist (SRT). She grew up in Northern Alberta where, surrounded by wilderness, grew a fondness for the Earth and its elements. She has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and was guided three years ago to become a certified yoga teacher. You can find out more about Naomi’s practice and services offered through Elemental Wellness at www.elementalwellnessandyoga.com
Gwen Draude Woolverton received her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification in 2012 from Sunshine Yoga Academy in Calgary. Yoga continues to teach her the fundamentals of slowing down, being present, breathing deeply, and learning to let go of meaningless worries or thoughts

Spring Forest Qi Gong
2016-09-13 18:30 - 19:30, 2016-09-20 18:30 - 19:30, 2016-09-27 18:30 - 19:00 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7
This meditative practice is based on the ancient wisdom and belief that we all have the power and ability to heal ourselves. Spring Forest Qi Gong incorporates simple moving meditations to help open your heart, mind and physical self. Side effects – more happiness, improved mobility and health! Join instructor Diane Smith on a journey towards balanced and flowing energy this summer.
Registration is highly recommended.
Register through Eventbrite
Diane Smith is certified as a Master Healer, Practitioner and Instructor of Spring Forest Qi Gong. She leads practice groups throughout the city.

Painting in the Autumn Breeze
2016-09-14 17:00 - 19:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7
Painting in the Autumn Breeze
Wednesday, September 14, 5:00 – 7:30 pm, Instructed by Sylvia Prochownik
$30 per student. Maximum 10 students and registration required.
Register through Eventbrite
Celebrate the amazing beauty of nature found in Fish Creek Provincial Park and express your artistic spirit. Explore balance and contrast through the use of light and colour. Record and interpret your experiences, and see the world in a new way through painting with acrylics. Join local artist Sylvia Prochownik for this evening outdoor painting session, perfect for beginner and experienced artists.
Sylvia Prochownik is a long time supporter of the Friends of Fish Creek and finds some of her inspiration through nature in Fish Creek Provincial Park. She has over 15 years of professional painting experience and her paintings have been exhibited at a variety of art shows and sold internationally. Sylvia has donated multiple paintings to community-based organizations and worked on artistic projects throughout Alberta. She studied at Alberta College of Art and Design and U of C. One of Sylvia’s goals is to inspire the next generation of artists to appreciate art and nature, and interpret the natural world through painting.
Painting in Fish Creek participants receive a 15% discount on supplies from Swinton’s Art Supply7160 Fisher St SE, Calgary, AB – 403-258-3500

Geology on your Doorstep
2016-09-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Geology on your Doorstep: Exposed Rocks and Fossils within an Hour’s Drive from Calgary
Thursday, September 22, 2016 7:00 pm – 8:00 pmPresented by Jon Noad, Geological Consultant
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd. SW – Access via 130 Ave. SW and 37 St. SW)
Calgary lies on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, at the junction between very different geological settings. Fortunately there are abundant rock outcrops that provide us with windows into the past. From these clues we can build the story of Calgary’s geological history, beginning more than 1.6 billion years ago and continuing to the present. In this presentation you will be introduced to arid deserts before life made its way onto land, to warm seas where thick limestones formed, and to a Mesozoic world where thick coals formed in swamps. The world’s richest dinosaur depository formed later, in the Cretaceou period, though river systems continued to cross the Calgarian plains of the Paleocene. A gap in the fossil record continued until glacial times, punctuated by at least one striking volcanic eruption affecting our region.
Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members and $5 for non-members.
Register through Eventbrite
Jon is an exploration geologist with 18 years of experience in the oil industry. After graduating in 1985, he worked for five years in South Africa as a mining geologist, and then as a marine geologist, analyzing cable routes, leading to an MSc and PhD. in Sedimentology, the latter working in eastern Borneo on shoreface systems and fossil mangroves.
He then joined Shell International, exploring across the Middle East before moving to Canada in 2006. Roles at Shell Canada and Murphy, including Team Lead Frontier and Exploration Manager, focused on western Canadian plays and the Orphan Basin. He joined Husky as Geological Specialist in 2012. He left Husky in February 2016 and is now an active geological consultant.
Mississippian limestones on Highway 1A, photo courtesy of Jon Noad

Paint What You See - "Plein Air" Painting with Jim Pescott
2016-10-22 12:00 - 16:00
Spend the day painting among the trees and let the landscape speak to you. This painting workshop in Fish Creek Provincial Park will have you experiment with a unique painting technique called “pointillism” where images are created through the use of many tiny, colorful dots. This class is perfect for any skill level of painter, from beginner to experienced; you are invited to try this new technique or simply paint as you see fit!
This class is intended to take place outsite; if the weather doesn’t permit this, we will work indoors.
Artist Jim Pescott paints Alberta landscapes and his work has been exhibited internationally. His unique painting style is meditative and explores how everything on our Earth is connected.
To find out more about this class and for information on the supply list, please visit https://friendsoffishcreek.org/programs/wellness-clinics/
Only $45, space is limited to 10 people. Register through Eventbrite
Painting in Fish Creek participants receive a 15% discount on supplies from Swinton’s Art Supply7160 Fisher St SE, Calgary, AB – 403-258-3500

The Ghosts of Fish Creek Provincial Park
2016-10-26 18:30 - 19:30
WE’RE SORRY, THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

The Ghosts of Fish Creek Provincial Park - Encore Event!
2016-10-27 18:30 - 19:30
Join us, if you dare!!! You never know what you’re going to see! Mwahahahahaaaaa!
Tour the historic Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park to learn about the ghosts that are rumored to haunt here! Hot chocolate will be served to keep you warm and toasty (please remember to bring a travel mug). Great for all ages (although it may be a bit scary for younger listeners).
WE’RE SORRY, THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Exploring the Native Grassland Elements of Fish Creek Provincial Park
2016-10-27 19:00 - 20:00
The October Fish Creek Speaker Series – Exploring the Native Grassland Elements of Fish Creek Provincial Park
Presented by Ian Macdonald, Professional Biologist and Botanist
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre at Shannon Terrace in Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, access via 130 Ave. SW and 37 St. SW)
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest natural environment parks located in a large urban centre anywhere in Canada. It has been heavily impacted over decades by a variety of human uses and the growth of Calgary around all of its borders. However, even with all of this disturbance there remain many traces of the native grasslands that once flourished here. Join us to explore and learn about these grassland elements still in existence today.
Ian Macdonald, is a professional Biologist and Botanist, who has spent a great deal of his personal time over the last several years surveying the north slopes of Fish Creek examining, recording and reporting on his findings of the native grassland elements.
Register through Eventbrite
Photo of westerly-facing slope courtesy of Ian Macdonald

The Place for Parks and Nature at End of Life
2016-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Push To Open Nature Speaker Series
The Place for Parks and Nature at End of Life
We all feel it, whether looking outside, at a beach, in a field, or on a mountain nature gives us perspective about life and death. Join us to hear the discoveries and practical applications of lead researchers Sonya Jakubec, RN, PhD (Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, MRU), and Don Carruthers Den Hoed, PhD candidate (East Kananaskis Area Manager— Alberta Environment and Parks, and Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, MRU). Together this team bridges their work in nursing care and parks management in order to understand the role of parks in community health.
Thursday November 3, 2016
7:00pm—8:30pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Road SW Shannon Terrace Area (Access via 37 St SW at 130 Ave SW)
Registration: Please contact Jill Jennings to register Jill.Jennings@gov.ab.ca 403-297-7850

Alberta Parks - White Goat and Siffleur Wilderness Areas of the Central Rockies
2016-11-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Alberta Parks – White Goat and Siffleur Wilderness Areas of the Central Rockies
Thursday, November 24, 2016 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by Graham Thursfield Visitor Services Coordinator – Rocky Mountain House
Wilderness areas along the Central Rockies are home to incredible wildlife and spectacular scenery that many of us in the Calgary area may not think of visiting. This is your chance to see and learn about some magnificent spots in our Parks network. Join our presenter Graham Thursfield for this virtual grand tour of some truly stunning places.
Tucked far and away in the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains in Central Alberta lie the supremely majestic, harshly wild and highly protected Siffleur and White Goat Wilderness Areas. The only way in is by foot, the only way out is by traversing steep rocky passes, glacier scoured valleys and crossing cold, rushing rivers. Hear stories from on the “trail”and admire incredible scenic photos collected by Alberta Parks’ staff during the most recent patrols into the heart of these incredible areas. You’ll come away with a sense of wonder and deeper understanding of these lesser known but vitally important Wilderness Areas.
Based out of Rocky Mountain House, Graham Thursfield works for Alberta Parks as a Visitor Experience Coordinator. This work focuses on public engagement, information services and volunteer coordination…whatever it takes to connect people to Parks! He has found endless adventure in the David Thompson Corridor and Bighorn Backcountry Area and enjoys taking people out to experience this remarkable and unheralded place for themselves.
Register through Eventbrite
White Goat Wilderness Area photo courtesy of Julia Millen

Growing Up in Alberta’s Eastern Parks
2017-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Growing Up in Alberta’s Eastern Parks
Thursday, January 26, 2016
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd SW)
Presented by Alison Cole, Visitor Experience Coordinator, Alberta Environment and Parks, Parkland Area
What do Alberta’s badlands, sand-covered toes and foot-long hot-dogs have in common? Nothing really, except that they have all played a part in Alison Cole’s discovery of eastern Alberta’s lesser-known provincial parks. Join Alison on a photographic tour of some of the most interesting protected areas in the east-central portion of the province, and explore countless opportunities for both nature and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Alison Cole is the Visitor Experience Coordinator for the east-central portion of the Alberta Parks system of protected areas. She primarily oversees the information delivery, education programming, and interpretation that occurs throughout the area east of HWY 2, west of the Saskatchewan border, north of Drumheller and south of the North Saskatchewan river. More importantly, Alison is a nature-enthusiast, an adventurer, and a strong advocate for exploring the lesser-known protected areas across the province.
Register through Eventbrite
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park photo courtesy of Alison Cole

Snow-Qi: Snowshoe and Qi-Gong in Fish Creek Provincial Park
2017-02-11 12:30 - 14:30
Another Friends of Fish Creek first! Join our Wellness Program instructors Gwen Draude, Naomi Parker and Diane Smith,as they team up to bring you this unique class! Bring your snowshoes for a fun excursion through the forest, followed by a bit of relaxing outdoor meditation and yoga. Hot tea will be offered at the end of this class.
Only $15.00 Find out more and register through Eventbrite

Beaches, Birds, and the Boreal Forest
2017-02-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Beaches, Birds, and the Boreal Forest: Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Thursday, February 23, 20177:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd SE)
Presented by Ceiridwen Robbins, Visitor Services Coordinator, Alberta Environment and Parks, Slave Lake District
Allow Ceiridwen Robbins of Alberta Parks to transport you to northwestern Alberta and explore the fascinating landscape and diversity of life in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park – all without leaving Calgary! Learn about the beaches, birds, and boreal plants that abound in this provincial park, including some rare and unusual species.
Ceiridwen Robbins is the Visitor Services Coordinator for the Slave Lake District of Alberta Parks. She moved to Slave Lake in 2013 to begin work for Alberta Parks. Prior to that she worked on the Atlantic Coast, the Arctic Coast, and in northern Alberta with Parks Canada. She has a background in biology, law enforcement, and museum studies, all of which are inspired by her lifelong love and respect for the world around us.
Register through Eventbrite
Photo courtesy of Ceiridwen Robbins

Yo-Qi: A Wellness Experience (Heart Opening)
2017-02-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Join the Friends of Fish Creek as we embark on a new Wellness Program experience that we’re calling “Yo-Qi”. Yo-Qi combines yoga and Qi-Gong – and each of our monthly sessions will have a different wellness-focused theme. Sessions will be lead by Dianne Smith, Spring Forest Qi Gong Certified Instructor, and Yoga and Guided Meditation Instructors Gwen Draude of Birds of a Feather and Naomi Parker of Elemental Wellness.
$10 per person, Register through Eventbrite

Yo-Qi: A Wellness Experience (Spring Cleaning and Detox)
2017-03-23 07:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada

Uncharted: A Photographic Wildflower and Book Evening with Graeme Connell
2017-03-23 19:00 - 20:00
Uncharted: A Photographic Wildflower and Book Evening with Graeme Connell

Thursday, March 23, 2017
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd SW)
Presented by Graeme and Lois Connell
Calgary author Graeme Connell’s novel “Uncharted,” centres on Fish Creek Provincial Park and the Rocky Mountains. In this novel, the main character, Brewster, has lost his wife and his reason to live – then, with help from a profoundly deaf woman and a family facing difficult times, his life finds new meaning through wildflowers and a botanical project in Fish Creek. It is a truly uplifting story for anyone who has experienced deep loss and found solace in nature. Join us on March 23 as Graeme reads from Uncharted: An Inspirational Novel, presents a show of dazzling wildflower photos from the Kananaskis region, including Fish Creek Provincial Park, and signs copies of his new book. Join us for the official launch of Uncharted and its bonus companion Uncovered, a full colour collection of wildflowers!
Uncharted recently won a Bronze Medal for general fiction at the Independent Publisher 2017 Illumination Awards!
Register through Eventbrite
Shooting Star, photo courtesy of Graeme Connell

Purchase Uncharted and Uncovered for only $25.00

Pricing Options

Novel and Guide $25.00 CAD

How would you like to retrieve book?

Will pick up at Friends officePlease mail to address provided

Discover Calgary’s Best Walks
2017-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Discover Calgary’s Best Walks with author Lori Beattie
Thursday, April 20, 2017
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join Lori Beattie, author of Calgary’s Best Walks, for a visual presentation on the very best walks in Calgary.
Calgary is a walking city! Fresh, crisp air, big blue skies, nature tucked into all quadrants, hidden stairways, over 500 km of paved pathways and wonderful independent cafe’s where you can stop and recharge. I think the best way to celebrate Canada’s birthday is to introduce Calgarians to their wonderful city, to help them meet their neighbours, to help them experience the pleasure, the perspective, that comes from taking a walk.
Learn more about Lori’s Walk 150 initiative to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and her partnership with Friends of Fish Creek to offer the “Good Grief! Walking through Grief and Loss” walking program coming to Fish Creek Provincial Park in May.
Take a look at Lori’s book at www.calgarysbestwalks.ca

Register through Eventbrite

Pricing Options

Calgary’s Best Walks $25.00 CAD

How would you like to retrieve book?

Will pick up at Friends officePlease mail to address provided

Yo-Qi: A Wellness Experience (Connecting to Earth)
2017-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
