Yoga in the Park
2015-08-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2015-08-26 19:00 - 20:30, 2015-09-02 19:00 - 20:30, 2015-09-09 19:00 - 20:30, 2015-09-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2015-09-23 19:00 - 20:30, 2015-09-30 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Naomi Parker and Gwen Draude Woolverton team up again for their third season of yoga in Fish Creek Provincial Park!
Relax, revitalize and restore body and mind while connecting with the earth in the beautiful setting of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Raja yoga incorporates all eight limbs of yoga and emphasizes the connection between the union of body, energy and mind through postures, meditation and breathing techniques. Find your balance with Naomi and Gwen in beautiful Fish Creek Park this summer, and connect with true bliss – if only for an hour & a half at a time!
Register through Eventbrite
Only $10.00
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.
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

Wetlands Walking Tour of Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs
2015-08-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Bebo Grove Day Use Area Parking Lot
While Fish Creek exists as a wondrous gift to our city, its urban setting has created challenges to the health and balance of this watershed. Engineered wetlands were constructed as a way of minimizing the level of pollutants running into the creek from the hard surfaces of the city landscape, and have begun to restore some of the healthy balance that had been lost. In this walking tour around the Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs areas, you will discover how this was accomplished, along with some nature and history thrown in for good measure!

Tour guide Wayne Meikle worked for Provincial Parks in Alberta for 35 years until he retired as an Urban Park Planner. He worked especially in the area of urban park management and has been involved in operations, construction and planning of urban parks. Wayne has been on numerous planning teams involving the planning and construction of major roadways, constructed wetlands and new subdivisions. He is also one of the founding members of the Friends of Fish Creek and one of our most active and supportive volunteers!
$5 per person; please bring exact cash or cheque.
Meet at the Bebo Grove Day Use Area (take 24 St. SW south as far as possible, then follow the signs for Fish Creek Provincial Park)

Close-Up/Macro and Low Light Photography with your DSLR Camera!
2015-08-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Alberta
Back by popular demand, join Friends volunteer Bob Bakker to learn the art and science of close-up and low light photography!
$40 per person, space is limited to 12 people
Register through Eventbrite

Unleashing the Power of Your DSLR Camera in Fish Creek!
2015-09-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Join instructor Bob Bakker and 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 all the basics, including composition, lighting, depth of field and “The Exposure Triangle” (Aperture-Shutter-ISO). You will be driven to various points on our electric open-air minibus, with a variety of stops along the way to put your photo theory into practice.
$25 per person, only 8 seats available
Register through Eventbrite
Meet in the Bow Valley Ranch parking lot beside the red barn (take Bow Bottom Trail south until you enter Fish Creek Provincial Park; make a right turn into the main parking lot).
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 – pedalling 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.

Capturing Nature: Painting Day in the Park
2015-09-12 09:00 - 15:30 | Alberta
Capturing Nature: Painting Day in the Park
Saturday, September 12th from 9am to 3:30pm
(Rain date: Saturday, September 19th)
Appreciate nature like Monet! Capture the colours of early fall landscape in paint. This “Plein Air” (outdoor) painting workshop in Fish Creek Provincial Park’s picturesque Stream Changes Loop will have you looking at the landscape like an artist, composing quick studies 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.
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Register through Eventbrite
Photo image is of Debbie.lee’s amazing art!
Receive a 20% discount on supplies for this session at Kensington Art Supply & Instruction, Please register through Eventbrite, and print and bring ticket to Kensington Art Supply & Instruction. 120, 6999 – 11 St. SE Calgary, AB T2H 2S1, 403-283-2288, (www.kensingtonartsupply.com)

Connecting with Nature Meditation
2015-09-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Join Hetty Laidlaw for her third season of meditation in the park. Her meditations will bring you into the present moment and allow you to just “be”. She will gently guide you into letting go of outside distractions while focusing on the breath. Hetty uses Tibetan Singing bowls at the beginning and closing of her meditations; using sound to evoke the “relaxation response” is one of the simplest and non-invasive ways to de-stress and promote harmony within the mind and body
$10 per session, meet beside the red barn at the Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Register through Eventbrite
Hetty was born and raised in the Netherlands and emigrated to Canada when she was 26. Throughout her own wellness journey, Hetty has come to experience how important meditation and relaxation is to stay balanced, focused and relaxed.

Yoga in the Park
2015-09-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
This session has been cancelled due to cold weather.
Naomi Parker and Gwen Draude Woolverton team up again for their third season of yoga in Fish Creek Provincial Park!
Relax, revitalize and restore body and mind while connecting with the earth in the beautiful setting of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Raja yoga incorporates all eight limbs of yoga and emphasizes the connection between the union of body, energy and mind through postures, meditation and breathing techniques. Find your balance with Naomi and Gwen in beautiful Fish Creek Park this summer, and connect with true bliss – if only for an hour & a half at a time!
Register through Eventbrite
Only $10.00
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.
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

Paint, Parks and Pathways in Acrylics
2015-09-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Alberta
Paint, Parks and Pathways in Acrylics
Saturday, Sep 19, from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Students will use acrylic glazing techniques to create a painting on site. They will receive instruction in how to apply glazes, learn about color mixing and how to start a painting in a “plein air” (outdoor) environment. Students will be instructed to work toward a completed painting by the end of the day. Some experience with acrylic painting is required for this class.
Largely influenced by the natural beauty of our city Parks, artist Sheila Shaetzle has spent years learning many different mediums. Sheila enjoys using bold strokes, interesting shapes and vibrant colors to paint creatively; making her style a great option for plein air painting
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Register through Eventbrite
Photo image is of Sheila’s amazing art
Receive a 20% discount on supplies for this session at Kensington Art Supply & Instruction, Please register through Eventbrite, and print and bring ticket to Kensington Art Supply & Instruction. 120, 6999 – 11 St. SE Calgary, AB T2H 2S1, 403-283-2288, (www.kensingtonartsupply.com)

A Day in the Life of the Urban Conservation Officer
2015-09-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Thursday, September 24, 2015 – 7:00pm—8:00pm
Presented by Conservation Officers from Fish Creek and the East Kananaskis Management Area
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest and busiest urban parks in all of Canada. Surrounded by a city of over 1,000,000 people and getting 2 – 3 million visitors every year Conservation Officers in Fish Creek see and deal with a lot. Their role is varied to say the least and changes with almost every shift they work. Join us for a behind the scenes look at the role of the Conservation Officer in Fish Creek and the East Kananaskis Management Area. You will be surprised by what you learn. Conservation Officers from Fish Creek and the East Kananaskis Management Area will share their stories and experiences from working in a large urban park.
Register through Eventbrite
Free to Friends’ members and $5 each for non-members.
Refreshments available on a fist-come, first-served basis.
Please park near washroom facility.
Become a Member or renew your membership

Nature and History Walking Tour of Votier's Flats
2015-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Votier’s Flats, Fish Creek, South end of Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
As one of the largest urban parks in North America, Fish Creek Provincial Park has a long and fascinating history that includes First Nations groups, North West Mounted Police, homesteading and ranching. Take a stroll back in time and learn about the dance hall days of the area – long before the city joined the landscape – and about the creation of this beautiful urban park.
Tour guide Wayne Meikle worked for Provincial Parks in Alberta for 35 years until he retired as an Urban Park Planner. He worked especially in the area of urban park management and has been involved in operations, construction and planning of urban parks. In Calgary, Wayne has been on numerous planning teams involving the planning and construction of major roadways, constructed wetlands and new subdivisions. He is also one of the founding members of the Friends of Fish Creek and one of our most active and supportive volunteers!
Register through Eventbrite
$5 per person
Meet in the Votier’s Flats Day Use Area (take Elbow Drive south as far as you can go until you enter Fish Creek Provincial Park)

The Flood Giveth and the Flood Taketh Away
2015-10-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
The Flood Giveth and the Flood Taketh Away: Excavation of a Two Thousand Year Old Buried Tipi Ring in Fish Creek Provincial Park
Thursday, October 22, 2015 – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pmPresented by Dr. Dan Meyer, Lifeways of Canada Limited (Calgary, Alberta)
In conjunction with Alberta Parks plans to repair damage along the banks of the Bow River and Fish Creek sustained during the 2013 floods of southern Alberta, Lifeways of Canada Limited was hired to investigate some known Precontact archaeological sites before construction work commenced. This talk will describe one of the sites excavated, which revealed a two thousand year old tipi ring buried under almost a metre of soil along the newly formed banks of the river.
Dr. Dan Meyer is a Senior Project Archaeologist with the private archaeological consulting firm Lifeways of Canada Limited. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, and his Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of Calgary in 1999. He works all across Alberta finding Precontact and Historic archaeological sites and, when necessary, excavating them before they are lost to development or natural processes. His recent projects have taken him from the Oilsands of Northern Alberta to the Coal Branch along the Eastern Slopes of Western Alberta, to the banks of the Bow River at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary, and many other places in between.
Register Through Eventbrite
Free to Friends’ members and $5 each for non-members. Refreshments available on a fist-come, first-served basis. Please park near washroom facility.
Become a Member or renew your membership
Photo courtesy of Dr. Meyer, collection of bone identified at the site

The Ghosts of Fish Creek!
2015-10-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Alberta
The Ghosts of Fish Creek!
Join us, if you dare!!! You never know what you’re going to see! Mwahahahahaaaaa!
Join Friends volunteer Wayne Meikle for a tour of the historic Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park and learn about the ghosts that are rumored to haunt here! Hot chocolate will be served to keep you warm and toasty! And don’t forget to wear your scariest Halloween costume!
Great for all ages (although it may be a bit scary for younger listeners).
Tickets only $5 per person Register through Eventbrite

The Place of Parks and Nature at End of Life
2015-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
The Place of Parks and Nature at End of Life
Thursday, November 19, 2015 – 7:00pm—8:30pm
Presented by Sonya L. Jakubec, RN, PhD, Associate Professor with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Mount Royal University and Don Carruthers Den Hoed, Head of Inclusion and Public Engagement Parks Division – Kananaskis Region Alberta Environment and Parks
There is growing evidence that health, quality-of-life and nature are inter-related. In this talk Sonya will share findings from a ground-breaking study conducted in collaboration with Mount Royal University’s Institute for Environmental Sustainability and Alberta Parks. The study aimed to develop a better understanding of people’s (including those who identify as palliative, caregivers and those experiencing grief and bereavement) beliefs and experiences about the connection with parks at the end-of-life. Join us in hearing the discoveries and recommendations from this recently completed research project.
Sonya L. Jakubec is an Associate Professor with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Mount Royal University. She is a community mental health nurse who explores the social and environmental determinants of mental health, and fosters community inclusion and social interventions for health and wellbeing.
Stick around after Sonya’s presentation to learn about Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Fish Creek!
Register through Eventbrite
Free to Friends’ members and $5 each for non-members.
Refreshments available on a fist-come, first-served basis.
Please park near washroom facility.
Become a Member or renew your membership

Fish Creek - From Gentle Stream to Wild River and Everything in Between
2016-01-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Fish Creek – From Gentle Stream to Wild River and Everything in Between
Thursday, January 21, 2016 — 7:00pm – 8:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm) Presented by Katie Pearson, Program Coordinator, Friends of Fish Creek
Join us for a special “watershed stewardship” edition of the Speaker Series! We’ll be sharing the highlights and lessons learned from the Friends of Fish Creek Water Quality Monitoring Program. From 2007 to 2013, the Friends worked with volunteers and community partners to test the quality of the water in the creek.
Watershed Stewardship Groups from neighbouring watersheds will also be joining us to share their successes and stories of watershed protection. The following groups will be setting up interactive displays at the event.

Doors open at 6:30pm with talk taking place from 7-7:30pm to allow lots of time to explore the displays both before and after.
Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek Members and Water Quality Monitoring Project Supporters, and $5 for non-members.
Register through Eventbrite
Fish Creek at Votier’s Flats, photo courtesy of Jason Dorn

Pathways to Physical Literacy
2016-02-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Alberta
Push to Open Nature Speaker Series Pathways to Physical Literacy
Children with disabilities benefit from physical activity as much if not more than their able bodied peers. Evidence suggests, however, that children with disabilities are not as actively engaged as their able bodied peers in physical activity and recreation. One way to address this is by focusing on improving physical literacy for children with a disability. In this one hour presentation, David Legg will review a recent Calgary and area initiative that is working to address this need.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 – 7:00 pm Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. S.W. Shannon Terrace (Access via 37 St. SW at 130 Avenue SW)
PRESENTER: Mount Royal professor David Legg is an educator, a researcher and a volunteer in sport management and adapted physical activity. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the King Clancy award, and bringing the joy and power of sport to people with disabilities has been David’s life’s work.
No registration necessary For more information, please contact Jill Miller Email: jill.miller@gov.ab.ca Phone: 403-297-7850

Sticks and Stones: Using Bioengineering to Improve Fish Habitat
2016-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Sticks and Stones: Using Bioengineering to Improve Fish Habitat
Thursday, February 25, 2016 — 7:00pm – 8:00pmPresented by Lesley Peterson (P.Biol) Provincial Biologist Trout Unlimited Canada
The process of bioengineering was used to improve fish habitat along a side channel of the Bow River here in Fish Creek. Trout Unlimited Canada undertook this project in the spring of 2015 to improve and enhance the side channel located at Mallard Point. The entire area was heavily impacted by the flood of 2013 and Trout Unlimited Canada saw the opportunity to explore bioengineering as an effective way to repair and enhance the area to improve fish habitat. The presentation will also explore the needs of fish during their life cycle and offer people background on Trout Unlimited Canada and the work they do provincially and nationally.
Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members, and $5 for non-members.
Register through Eventbrite
Lesley Peterson (P. Biol.) works as the provincial biologist for Trout Unlimited Canada. Lesley obtained both a diploma and degree here in Alberta in the natural resources fields and has worked with Trout Unlimited in a variety of roles since 2006. She is a member of a variety of committees and working groups including the Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group, Alberta Fisheries Management Roundtable and the new Bull Trout Advisory Council.
Photo courtesy of TUC: Log structures were installed along the bank in the project area to improve fish habitat and reduce erosion.

Fish Creek CommUnity Fair
2016-02-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Would you like to Be a Volunteer in Fish Creek Provincial Park?The Friends of Fish Creek Need YoU!
If you regularly visit Fish Creek Provincial Park, a natural urban oasis we are fortunate to have within our own backyard, then you are part of the Fish Creek Community! No matter your age, skill level or physical ability, the Friends of Fish Creek have volunteer opportunities for you to get involved in helping to engage the community, raise awareness and maximize peoples’ enjoyment of this area. Come to the 3rd Annual Fish Creek CommUnity Fair to learn about amazing programs, courses, events and opportunities taking place in 2016.
There will also be a free draw for amazing prizes!
Spring starts now in Fish Creek!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Learn about volunteering and Friends programs:

TD Learning Naturally
Park Watch
Minibus Tours
Birding Courses
Fish Creek Speaker Series
Trail Care
Wellness programs
Special Events like Creekfest
Weed Whackers
Riparian Restoration Projects
Scout Programs

Register through Eventbrite
Meet with the Friends of Fish Creek, volunteers and like-minded community organizations including the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance, the Venturers Society, The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society and Fish Creek Provincial Park Staff.
Take part in a Qi Gong session as part of our Wellness program!Check out slideshows relating to volunteer programs!Enjoy a draw for door prizes and raffle fundraiser!
Special thanks to McLeod Law LLP for supporting the 3rd annual Fish Creek CommUnity Fair.

Top Dog: The Ecology, History and Survival of Gray Wolves in Kananaskis and Alberta
2016-03-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Alberta
Top Dog: The Ecology, History and Survival of Gray Wolves in Kananaskis and Alberta
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT AND FULL TO CAPACITY – THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REGISTERED
Thursday, March 24, 2016 — 7:00pm – 8:00pmPresented by Melanie Percy, Regional Park Ecologist, Heritage Protection Team Lead
The topic of gray wolves (Canis lupus) elicits a spectrum of human responses that extend from passion and respect, to fear and hatred. A subject of absolute fascination for many, wolves are a top predator native to Alberta and are often considered integral to the maintenance of ecological health. While few of us have actually seen wolves, their presence can be confirmed by paw prints on trails and by the occasional howl on a moon-lit night. This presentation will discuss aspects of wolf ecology, social behaviour, and research techniques, as well as some of the challenges that wolves face throughout Alberta and much of this continent. Melanie will highlight these topics with anecdotes and personal stories from her years studying wolves.
Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members, and $5 for non-members.
Melanie has worked as the Senior Park Ecologist for the Kananaskis Region since 2009, and is responsible for supervising and directing the Park Ecology Program in the region, which includes Fish Creek Provincial Park. She began working in the field of wildlife conservation in Alberta over 20 years ago, when her passion for wolves led her to Banff National Park and Kananaskis to work with the Central Rockies Wolf Project. While working with the CRWP, she undertook her MSc thesis through the University of Alberta, focusing on habitat use and movement patterns of wolves, black bears and grizzly bears. Since that time, she has diversified into other aspects of wildlife and park ecology, but still maintains her passion for wolves and their ecology.
Photo courtesy of Steve Anderson.

Estate Planning – Leave a Lasting Legacy for Cherished Green Spaces and Healthy Families
2016-04-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Estate Planning – Leave a Lasting Legacy for Cherished Green Spaces and Healthy Families
Thursday, April 28, 2016 — 7:00pm – 8:00pm Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Access via 130 Ave and 37 St SW)
Presented by Marissa German, McLeod Law Associate and Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
Now that your children have families of their own, their quality of life is enhanced by having Fish Creek Provincial Park, a natural expanse of wilderness in the city, at their doorstep. A planned gift in your will is a wonderful way to help protect and preserve this park so that future generations can enjoy it as much as you and your family do. Join Estate Planning professional Marissa German to learn how you can leave a lasting legacy for this park, this city, your grandchildren’s children and beyond. Marissa will discuss topics including, what happens if you don’t have a will, what falls into your estate, who can claim against your estate, important provisions to include in your will, the responsibilities of an executor and the estate administration process. You can also learn about incapacity issues including Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives. If you are considering leaving a gift or donation to the Friends of Fish Creek or other charity in your final wishes, then this presentation is for you!
Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members and non-members!
Register through Eventbrite
Read more about Estate Planning
Marissa is a lawyer whose practice focuses on will and estate planning, estate administration and incapacity issues. Marissa is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, Canadian Bar Association, Wills & Trusts Executive Member, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP designation) and the Calgary Estate Planning Council.

Seeing Beavers as Nature's Helpers
2016-05-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Burnsmead Day Use Area, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
If you’ve ever visited Fish Creek Provincial Park in south Calgary, you’ve probably seen some of the effects of beaver activity in the park. Perhaps one of your favourite trees was felled or the trail you were planning to use has been flooded by a beaver dam. For some, it is understandable that a negative view of beavers may emerge from these experiences.
This walk is meant to open minds to some of the positive effects of beavers on the park as well as the bigger picture of beaver ecology.
Some of the questions we may discuss are:

Why are there so many beavers in Fish Creek Provincial Park?
Why do beavers dam water? Why do they fell trees?
What good are beavers to the ecosystem?
What good are beavers to park users?

This event is part of the Jane’s Walk initiative a movement of free, citizen-led walking tours around the world. Seeing Beavers as Nature’s Helpers walk led by Friends of Fish Creek Program Coordinator, Katie Pearson, dedicated naturalist both at work and in life.

Push to Open Nature Speaker Series - Living Without Limits
2016-05-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Alberta
Push to Open Nature Speaker Series – Living Without Limits
What prevents you from living your dreams? How can you overcome barriers and fears to live your most authentic life? Join Ross Watson as he recounts stories of adventure and adversity and how he breaks through barriers to get outside and play!
Thursday May 19, 2016 – 7:00 – 8:00pm at the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. S.W. Shannon Terrace (Access via 37 St. SW at 130 Avenue SW)
PRESENTER: Dr. Ross Watson is a blind outdoor enthusiast and a keystone speaker. Blind since the age of 12, the recently retired Alberta Parks employee continues to empower people to believe in themselves and achieve their own personal summits of success.
To register, please contact Jill Miller at jill.miller@gov.ab.ca or 403-297-7850

A Journey through the Mountains and Meadows of Kananaskis
2016-05-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
A Journey through the Mountains and Meadows of Kananaskis
THIS PRESENTATION IS SOLD OUT AND FULL TO CAPACITY
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 — 7:00pm – 8:00pm Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park (13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Access via 130 Ave and 37 St SW)
Presented by John McFaul, Professional Hiking Guide and Owner of Alpenglow Nature Hikes
Kananaskis Country has an abundance of breathtaking hiking trails that offer a truly unique way to explore the natural wonders of this region. Discover, or revisit, the high alpine meadows of Plateau Mountain, swathed in beautiful highland flowers like moss campion. Explore the fragrant pine/aspen woods of Jumping Pound Creek, that seem to reverberate with the drumming of the rough grouse. Gaze upon sparkling mountain tarns ringed with golden larch like Chester Lake, and be dazzled by the sunny meadows of glacier lilies treaded by grizzly bears. Join John McFaul of Alpenglow Nature Hikes for a virtual hike through the majestic mountains and meadows of Kananaskis Country.
Registration required. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members, and $5 for non-members.
John McFaul is a professional naturalist who has been leading nature walks and hikes for 30 years. A native Calgarian, he received a BSc
degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Calgary. From 1986-2003 he worked for City of Calgary Parks as a naturalist for theInglewood Bird Sanctuary. From 2004 to the present John has been the owner/guide for Alpenglow Nature Hikes. John is a program director and an Honourary Member of the Calgary Field Naturalists’Society and a recipient of the prestigious Loran L. Goulden Award from the Federation of Alberta Naturalists. John is an accredited Professional Interpreter with the Interpretive Guides Association. Alpenglow Nature Hikes is dedicated to introducing Calgarians to the natural wonders of Calgary’s Nature Parks as well as Kananaskis Country and the mountain national parks.
THIS PRESENTATION IS SOLD OUT AND FULL TO CAPACITY
Photo courtesy of John McFaul: Mt. Wintour, and the peaks of Mt. Burney, Mt. Jerram, Elpoca Mountain and Gap Mountain.

Scotiabank Charity Challenge
2016-05-29 | Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 2W1, Canada
2016 Scotiabank Charity Challenge

“I found it rewarding knowing I was helping support a cause I believed in and had an amazing time running with fun like-minded community citizens. I also really enjoyed running down the middle of the usually congested 17th avenue – with no traffic noise, past all the funky cafés and restaurants, and finishing off through the revitalized East Village!” -Phil Greer, Scotiabank Charity Challenge Runner – Friends of Fish Creek

On May 29, take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to support the Friends of Fish Creek and our conservation efforts in the park. Whether you visit Fish Creek everyday, live nearby or simply share our vision of a sustainable Fish Creek Provincial Park, your participation will provide much needed funding to support this amazing natural area. Fish Creek Provincial Park has over 50 km of pathways and trails, which are perfect for running and walking. The park’s pathways and trails offer a variety of challenges, sweeping as well as intimate vistas and settings, and diverse terrain to explore, including flat and inclined sections. River valley, forest, and grasslands are only some the unique areas of the park runners enjoy.

Help the Friends raise $10,000 to support conservation and community outreach activities in Fish Creek Provincial Park!

Step 1: Register as a Participant (enter Promo Code 185785 for 10% discount on registration fee)
Step 2: Register as a Fundraiser
Step 3: Get your team together
Step 4: Train
Step 5: Run or Walk to support Fish Creek!

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Donate Now

Please note – this marathon does not take place in Fish Creek, but provides an amazing way to experience a unique and vibrant area of the city.

Photo courtesy of Running Room

Unleash the Power of Your DSLR Camera!
2016-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Alberta
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.
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 – pedalling 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 fishi
