Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

Archaeology in the Park: Finding the Pioneers
2016-10-01 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Alberta
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

Paint What You See - "Plein Air" Painting with Jim Pescott
2016-10-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Alberta
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 | Alberta
WE’RE SORRY, THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

The Ghosts of Fish Creek Provincial Park - Encore Event!
2016-10-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Alberta
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 | Alberta
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 | Alberta
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 | Alberta
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

Everyone Belongs Outside
2017-04-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Everyone Belongs Outside – Inclusion Showcase
Join Alberta Parks and Prospect Human Services in celebrating inclusion and improving accessibility to the outdoors! Come on down and meet our exhibitors who provide adaptive and inclusive programming. You can also enjoy fun activities including adaptive equipment demos, forest therapy sessions, accessible yoga, art in the park, and much more!
For more information please contact Mandi.Parkin@prospectnow.ca
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Fish Creek Stories: The History and Nature of Votier's Flats
2017-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Alberta
Did you know the area that is now protected as Fish Creek Provincial Park was once home to some of the first and most prominent settlers in Calgary’s history? And that this area – now a backdrop for many different recreational activities – was at the epicenter of our city’s burgeoning cattle and ranching heritage in the late 1800’s? And that, before this, it was home to First Nations communities? Learn more about the park’s fascinating and sometimes colourful history, and how it’s development was impacted by – and continues to impact – the city that surrounds it.
Join tour guide Wayne Meikle as we offer this free walk through the national Jane’s Walk event.

Good Grief! Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss
2017-05-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Friends of Fish Creek – The Cookhouse
In partnership with Mount Royal University and Alberta Parks, the Friends will offer this 8-week program for those experiencing grief and loss. Good Grief provides the opportunity to take part in a series of gentle, accessible guided walks through nature, allowing you to observe, to chat, to enjoy fresh air and the natural world. The program is not intended to be a counseling experience, but simply a time to walk in nature, guided, and with others who are walking a shared path. If participants wish to gather together at a local coffee shop for further conversation and socializing, we will plan to stay for a bit longer.
Good Grief will run on Mondays from 7-8pm from May 8 to June 26, 2017. Please meet at the Friends’ of Fish Creek office (the Cookhouse) in the Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Cost is $25 and includes a complimentary copy of the book “Calgary’s Best Walks” by Lori Beattie
Register through Eventbrite
For more information, please contact Shana at shana@friendsoffishcreek.org or 403-238-3841
For more information, please check out our Wellness Program

Yo-Qi: A Wellness Experience (Gratitude for Mother)
2017-05-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada

The May Fish Creek Speaker Series - Beavers
2017-05-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Beavers: Nature’s Engineers, Troublesome Rodents, Iconic Canadian Symbol and So Much More
Thursday, May 18, 2017
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Presented by Kathryn Hull, Cows and Fish; Shalane Friesen, Formal and Environmental Educator Fish Creek Provincial Park; and Ryan Hannusch, Fish Creek Provincial Park Conservation Officer
We call them nature’s engineers for good reason. No other species other than humans has the potential to change the landscape as much as beavers do. They are strong, intelligent, hard working and yes very busy. Their industrious nature means that their work frequently brings them into conflict with humans and our infrastructure. In this presentation, Cows and Fish and Alberta Parks will share some of the beaver’s natural history and role they play in watershed resiliency, while also discussing some ways we can manage them that will reduce conflict and may help increase our tolerance of beavers. Join us on May 18 to learn about these fascinating creatures and integral members of the wildlife community.
Registration Required. Free for Friends members and $5 for non-members.
Register through Eventbrite

Photo courtesy of Phil Smith

Introduction to Photography Minibus Tour with Bob Bakker
2017-06-20 18:30 - 20:30, 2017-07-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Alberta
This introductory level photography class is for people who need help or ideas with photographic composition and camera operation. Any camera will do, DSLR, Film, mirrorless, point and shoot or camera phone. The class will tour the park in an open-air minibus, and we’ll make a few stops along the way so that you can take some pictures, try out technique, and ask questions.
Bring your camera, camera manual, and enthusiasm. Tripod optional. Dress for the weather, bring sunscreen, insect repellent etc. All tours leave from the Bow Valley Ranch.
$20 per person (seating limited to 8 people) Register through Eventbrite

The June Fish Creek Speaker Series - Art in the Park
2017-06-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Art in the Park – Art Exhibit, Meet and Greet and Special Presentations with Local Artists Jim Pescott, Yasmin Irani and Gerry Mulhall

The June Fish Creek Speaker Series is an evening celebration of art and nature, that will also launch the Wellness suite of summer programs! Take this opportunity to meet with local artists Jim Pescott, Yasmin Irani and Gerry Mulhall, view their work and discuss their art and techniques.
Join us for the unveiling of the 25th Anniversary Friends of Fish Creek Legacy Signature Piece by internationally recognized and award-winning pointillism artist Jim Pescott! A limited number of prints will be available for sale.
Free for Friends members and $5 for non-members.
Register through Eventbrite
About the Artists
Jim Pescott
Jim Pescott’s unique painting technique is called pointillism, and images are created with many tiny, colourful dots. Jim paints Alberta landscapes and he has exhibited his art internationally in France, Italy, Brazil, the United States and Monaco. His unique painting style is meditative and explores how everything on our Earth is connected. Jim has received awards from Academie Arts-Sciences-Lettres, exhibits at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and was recognized as a Master Pointillist by ArtTour International Magazine.

Yasmin Irani
Yasmin Irani graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, from The College of Art, New Delhi. Painted across more than a couple continents for many years. Her painting style is impressionist whether in acrylics, oils, pastels, inks or watercolours. Yasmin’s other passions are traveling, interior decorating, gardening, photography and long hikes in our great Canadian outdoors.
Gerry Mulhall
Gerard Mulhall is originally from Tipperary, Ireland, and received his BA in Art and Design Education as a mature student from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. Many of his paintings reflect his love of nature and Alberta landscapes, and he is an experienced instructor and member of the Leighton Art Centre and Calgary Sketch Club.

Paint Out! June 23
2017-06-23 18:30 - 21:00 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15979 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5E8
Painting in the Park

Join the Friends as we venture into all things artistic with a few fun and creative outdoor painting workshops at various locations in the park.
Please note that these outdoor workshops may need to be moved indoors due to inclement weather.
Paint Out!
What better way to connect with nature than to immerse yourself and try to capture it in paint! This 2.5 hour painting workshop lead by instructor Gerry Mulhall, will help you learn to simplify composition and capture the natural light using a limited palette and your imagination! Perfect for those with a bit of experience, and you can paint in any medium (oil, acrylic or watercolour.)
View Supply List
Only $35 (8 spaces available) – Register through Eventbrite

For Painting in the Park classes, please print your ticket and bring to Kensington Art Supply & Instruction for a 15% discount on supplies
(120, 6999 – 11 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2S1 403-283-2288)

Spring Forest Qi-Gong
2017-07-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2017-07-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2017-07-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Alberta
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!
Sessions run from June 26 to August 28, Monday evenings from 7-8pm
All sessions are outdoors and will be held at the Bow Valley Ranch
$10 per session – Register through Eventbrite

Griefwalker Film Screening
2017-07-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
Film Screening of Griefwalker
The Friends of Fish Creek, Alberta Parks and Mount Royal University want to celebrate the success of our first ever Good Grief: Walking Through Grief and Loss program with a special event to thank our volunteers, further engage program participants and endeavour to encourage others to learn more about this important work.
Griefwalker (2008, 70mins) is a National Film Board of Canada documentary of Stephen Jenkinson’s work with and on behalf of dying people, directed by Tim Wilson. Jenkinson asks, ”What does it take to fall in love with being alive?”, and the answer that he offers, both unwelcome and vitally necessary, is, “Being willing to see the end of what you love.”
This film screening is free to our valued Good Grief Companions (volunteers) as well as to past Good Grief participants. Admission to the general public is by donation in our efforts to raise funds that will enable us to keep this program going.
Register today through Eventbrite

Full Moon Meditation
2017-08-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Alberta
Our Wellness instructors will each take a turn in offering full moon meditation sessions on full moon evenings throughout the summer. Join in on the amazing full moon energy!
All sessions are outdoors and will be held at the Bow Valley Ranch from 7-8:30pm

$10 per session – Register through our Wellness Page

Leave It To Beaver Minibus Tour
2017-08-08 16:30 - 18:00 | Alberta
We call them nature’s engineers for good reason. No species other than humans has the potential to change the landscape as much as beavers do. They are strong, intelligent, hard working and make a significant contribution to watershed resiliency. Join us to understand their role in Canadian history and the part they play as integral members of the greater wildlife community.
Join us for this open air minibus tour from the Bow Valley Ranch out to Hull’s Wood to see lots of beaver activity and learn all about how we work to coexist in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
$15 per person (seating limited to 8 people) Register through Eventbrite
