Yoga in the Park
2018-08-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Alberta
Naomi Parker and Gwen Draude team up again for their sixth 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.
Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, July 3 – August 28
All sessions are outdoors and will be held at the Bow Valley Ranch.
$10 per session – Register through Eventbrite

From Movement to Stillness - Meditation in the Park
2018-08-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Friends of Fish Creek – The Cookhouse
You will be introduced to simple yet effective techniques to deal with stress, quieten the mind and find mind-body-soul alignment. You will have the opportunity to move from the outer realm of your life to the inner sanctuary of being, experiencing a deep sense of peace and fulfillment, all while connecting with the beauty of the park. An unparalleled inner adventure that you don’t want to miss!
Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm at the Bow Valley Ranch, from August 8 to 29
$10 per session – Register through Eventbrite

Photo Credit: Dingzeyu Li on Unsplash

Wellness "Superclass": Dedication class for the BC Wildfires
2018-08-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7
Join the Friends for a special wellness practice that includes yoga, meditation and Qi Gong all in one. This is a dedication class as we work together to send positive energy to those experiencing the BC wildfires first hand; proceeds from this class will be donated by the Friends to the Red Cross, with all Red Cross donations being matched by the BC Government.
DONATE NOW TO THE RED CROSS
Only $10 Register through Eventbrite

Introduction to Photography Minibus Tour with Bob Bakker
2018-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Friends of Fish Creek – The Cookhouse
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.
July 11 and Sept 11, 6-8pm
August 18, 9-11am
Only $20 – Register through Eventbrite

ReWilding Through Restoration Walking Tours
2018-09-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2018-10-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, T2P 2M7
ReWilding Through Restoration Walking Tours
Many areas within Fish Creek Provincial Park suffer from the intensity of human use; this is particularly the case along the banks of Fish Creek where human activity can contribute significantly to an overall decline in ecosystem health. Join the Friends of Fish Creek to learn about how this happens and how we work to engage the community at large to “ReWild” the park through hands-on stewardship work.
This walking tour will be mainly on flat, paved trails, with a walk of approximately 2km round trip.
Please remember to dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes in case the tour takes us on uneven ground. Sunscreen, water, bug spray, umbrella and a hat are also recommended so that you are ready for any kind of weather.
$5 per person. Register Through Eventbrite
Meet at the Friends of Fish Creek office (the Cookhouse) in the Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Tour guide Tobin Benedict has always had a very strong connection with nature. She grew up going camping, hiking, skiing and loved doing anything in the outdoors. In high school, she started to learn about the environmental degradation and exploitation facing the world, and this lead her to pursue her passion for nature through studying Environmental Science at the University of Calgary. She believes that conservation starts with learning how to respect and love yourself and then you will want to respect and love the planet you live on. This is Tobin’s first year as a Friends’ Tour Guide!

Planned Giving
2018-09-20 19:00 - 20:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Planned Giving – Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations and Healthy Families
Thursday, September 20, 2018
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by Henry Villanueva, Wills and Estates Lawyer
Do you have a legal will? Most people think about writing a will or changing their will following a life-changing experience, like a marriage or divorce, having a child, or a family member’s passing. A will is an important part of an estate plan – a plan for the future that should reflect and protect what is most important to you and your family. Estate planning is having a say in what happens to your assets, and it protects your wealth for the enjoyment of your loved ones. Through proper estate planning you can help reduce the tax your family will pay, and determine who will have custody of your underage children in the event of an unexpected death. Having a planned gift is also a great way to help support causes that are important to you, and regardless of the size of your gift, your contribution will make a lasting and vital impact.
Fish Creek Provincial Park is a cherished natural area we are fortunate to have within the city, and considering the Friends of Fish Creek in your legal will is one of the best ways to support the long-term sustainability of this cherished park. By remembering the Friends through a planned gift, you will be helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy this park as much you and your family do today. Join Henry Villanueva, Wills and Estates Lawyer, to learn about wills, estate plans, trustees, beneficiaries, charitable planned giving and leaving a lasting legacy that improves the quality of life for future generations.
Register through Eventbrite
About Henry
Henry Villanueva is a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Fish Creek for over 5 years. He is honored to positively contribute back to the community by supporting local non-profits and charities. Henry practices in wills and estates with a focus on estate planning, trusts and succession planning. He also provides advice regarding corporate and commercial matters with a focus on business transactions, corporate structuring and tax. He combines 12 years of professional work experience; 9 years in legal and 3 years as a Certified Public Accountant.
Photo courtesy of Shelby Deeter, Unsplash

Night Sky Wonders with Don Hladiuk
2018-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Bow Valley Ranch Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15975 Bow Bottom Tr. SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5E8, Canada
Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder about what it is that you see? Join the Friends of Fish Creek to learn about local fall and winter constellations and events. Presenter Don Hladiuk will start the evening with an indoor presentation to provide some astronomy basics, then we’ll head outside (weather permitting) for a look at the night sky in all it’s wonder! Complementary hot drinks will be available, so please bring a travel mug!
$15 per person, children 12 and under are free! Register through Eventbrite

Ghosts of Fish Creek Walking Tour
2018-10-23 18:30 - 19:30, 2018-10-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Friends of Fish Creek – The Cookhouse
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 walking tour of the Bow Valley Ranch area.
$7 per person, Register through Eventbrite
No drop in’s please

Castle Wildland Provincial Park
2018-10-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, AB, T2W 5R6, Canada
The Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park
Thursday, October 25, 2018 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by Julie MacDougall, Senior Parks Planner – South Region Alberta Environment and Parks
Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park – 13931 Woodpath Rd SW
The Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park were established in January 2017. Concurrent with the establishment of the Parks a management plan was released for public consultation, with the final plan being approved in May 2018. This presentation will cover the rational for the establishment of the Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park, an overview of the conservation, wildlife and ecological values of the area and the unique opportunities that we have to work with Indigenous Peoples and to establish new recreational opportunities. The Vision for the Castle Parks: “Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park are managed as world-class protected places, employing high standards in protection and conservation, respecting Indigenous rights, and providing sites and facilities for exceptional recreational and tourism experiences.”
Register through Eventbrite
Photo courtesy of Julie MacDougall

East Coast Exploration
2018-11-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, AB, T2W 5R6, Canada
East Coast Exploration – Newfoundland

“Stay where you’re to ‘til I comes where you’re at…”
Thursday, November 22, 2018 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by Julia Millen, Acting Community & Partner Relations Team Lead – Alberta Environment and Parks
Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park – 13931 Woodpath Rd SW
When the sun rises at the eastern edge of North America, on one of the “four corners of the world”, the first land to see the break of day is Newfoundland. It is one of the best places to see and appreciate nature in all its glory. Dramatic coastlines, sweeping barrens, boreal forests, tuckamore, and ancient rock formations make up the natural, wild beauty of this place. The living landscape holds its own wonder – teeming with seabirds, moose, caribou, and whales. Mix that in with the colourful history and culture for an experience that will never be forgotten. Julia has made it a quest to visit as many of Canada’s National Parks and National Historic Sites as she can. This past summer she added several to her list, including backpacking the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park, and will share her Adventures on November 22.
Register through Eventbrite
Photo courtesy of Julia Millen

Alberta Native Bee Council
2019-02-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 5R6, Canada
The February Fish Creek Speaker Series
Alberta Native Bee Council
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park
13931 Woodpath Rd SW Calgary, AB T2W 5R6 (access via 139 Ave and 37 St SW)
Presented by Megan Evans, Alberta Native Bee Council
Alberta has over 300 native bee species but most research and attention is focused on a handful of managed species. Our native bees face many of the same threats as managed bees in addition to competition for food caused by the increasing presence of non-native, managed bees. More awareness of the diversity and
conservation issues surrounding our native bees is needed.
In 2017, the Alberta Native Bee Council was formed. The mission of the ANBC is to promote conservation of native pollinator communities through research and monitoring, advocacy, education, and collaboration to realize healthy and resilient native pollinator populations and habitat in Alberta.
Admission is free to Friends Members and $10 each for non-members. Youth 16 years of age or younger can attend free of charge with registered adult.
Registration is required.
Register through Eventbrite
Photo courtesy of Megan Evans

Calgary Captured
2019-03-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, AB, T2W 5R6, Canada
Calgary Captured – Urban Wildlife on Film
Thursday, March 21, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park
Presented by Vanessa Carney, Calgary Parks, The City of Calgary
Vanessa Carney is a landscape ecologist with Calgary Parks, investigating questions around how we can improve our approach to planning and management of urban parks to protect biodiversity. Calgary Captured, developed as part of The City’s 2015 BiodiverCity strategy, is helping to fill in gaps in The City’s collective knowledge around which wild species are successfully making a living in Calgary’s natural spaces and how well The City is doing in terms of planning for and maintaining healthy, connected ecosystems to support habitats and the species that rely on them. Camera images of wildlife found across the city in 13 municipal parks and Fish Creek Provincial Park provide data for this program. Vanessa will share the results and insights from Calgary Captured, highlighting findings from cameras placed in Fish Creek Provincial Park. This presentation will also examine how Calgary Captured data from Fish Creek Provincial Park compares with citywide patterns of bobcat, coyote, moose and others species detections.
Registration Is Required.
Free for Friends Members and $10.00 for Non-Members.
Free for Youth 16 Years of Age and Younger with Registered Adult.
Register through Eventbrite
Photos courtesy of Vanessa Carney, graphic courtesy of pixabay.com

Solitary Bee Nesting Box Building Workshop
2019-04-06 09:30 - 12:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Solitary Bee Nesting Box Building Workshop
Saturday, April 6, 2019
9:30 am -12:30 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park
13931 Woodpath Rd SW
Learn to build, and take home, your own Solitary Bee Nesting Box. Solitary bees or wild bees are some of our greatest pollinators. Promote conservation and enhancement of native pollinators and their habitats in Alberta and your garden. Learn more about bee habitat and what you need to promote native bees in your yard.
This workshop was inspired by the Alberta Native Bee Council presentation in Fish Creek in February.
Fee $30.00
$20.00 of this fee is donated to The Venturers Society for supplying your kit.
About Lindsay
Lindsay Watkinson began taking courses through the Calgary Zoo in 2003 including; Woodies ID, Master Gardener, Landscape Design and Horticulture Therapy Certificate Program. In 2008, she got a great job working with The Venturers Society, and has been there for 11 years. The Venturers Society supports their staff to develop their own interests and share them with our participants. One of Lindsay’s many interests is supporting participants to learn about, design, build, and sell habitats for various good bugs in the garden. In her spare time she enjoys sharing my observations, research and experiences with the public at various events and workshops.
Registration Required and space is limited to 12 participants.
Register through Eventbrite

Call of the Wetland
2019-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Call of the Wetland – Combining Science, Nature and Community for the Health of Calgary’s Wetlands
Thursday, April 18, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park
Presented by Nicole Kahal, Conservation Analyst, Miistakis Institute
Call of the Wetland is a citizen science program that calls Calgarians to action by surveying local wetlands for amphibians as an important indicator of ecological health. With its third season launching mid-April, Call of the Wetland will gather the data needed so the state of our urban wetlands can be better understood, and to inform wetland conservation. Fifty-two wetland locations are surveyed through out the city, many of which can be found along the Calgary Greenway path. Volunteers record observations about amphibians like frogs, toads and salamanders in wetland sites located in Fish Creek, North Glenmore Park, Discovery Ridge, and Nose Creek, among many other natural areas. Since 2017, 180 volunteers have conducted 716 wetland surveys, and they cite a personal interest in wetlands, a desire to contribute to science, and a desire to spend time in nature as the most popular reasons for helping. Join Nicole Kahal from the Miistakis Institute to learn more about this citizen science project, and how you can get involved to answer the call of the wetland!
Registration Is Required.
Free for Friends Members and $10.00 for Non-Members.
Free for Youth 16 Years of Age and Younger with Registered Adult.
Register through Eventbrite
Photo courtesy of Kris Kendell

Good Grief: Nature Walking Through Grief and Loss
2019-05-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-05-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2019-05-14 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-05-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2019-05-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-05-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2019-05-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 and 4 more dates | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Being outdoors provides many healing benefits; it allows us to breathe, reflect and connect with our natural surroundings, and while we may not even be aware of it in the moment, the benefits are there. In fact, research conducted by Alberta Environment and Parks and Mount Royal University has shown the healing benefits of nature for people experiencing significant loss or transitions in life. Death and loss so often bring us to parks and natural places; favorite places to remember and sites simply to let grief be, just as it is – natural. Parks and nature also connect us to the cycles of life and death, reminding us of endurance, beauty, and the only constant – change.
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. This 8-week series of gentle walks 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 2km round trip on relatively flat, paved pathways in Fish Creek Provincial Park, and routes change each week to offer varied experiences in the park. The program is not intended to be a counseling experience, but simply a time to walk in nature with others who are experiencing a shared path of transition.
Only $25, space is limited to 15 walkers per group
Register through Eventbrite

Planting for Pollinators
2019-05-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, AB, T2W 5R6, Canada
Planting for Pollinators – How Native Plant Species Beautify Your Garden and Attract Pollinators
Thursday, May 16, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park
Presented by Catherine Dowdell of cath-earth-sis Services Inc.
Catherine Dowdell is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, a Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturist, and holds a Certificate in Sustainable Landscapes from the University of Guelph. Her company cath-earth-sis is the first business in Calgary to receive designation as a Bee City Canada Business, which recognizes the company’s commitment to pollinator habitat. Catherine enjoys the challenge of working with different hardiness zones and how plants behave differently, depending on their location. Planting for pollinators in residential and commercial areas in Calgary provides opportunities to attract native bees, butterflies and birds. Connecting green corridors within the city will give pollinators the uninterrupted habitat they require.
Registration Is Required.
Free for Friends Members and $10.00 for Non-Members.
Free for Youth 16 Years of Age and Younger with Registered Adult.
Register through Eventbrite
Photo courtesy of Catherine Dowdell

Introduction to Photography Tour in Fish Creek Provincial Park
2019-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Bow Valley Ranch – picnic area by the red barn, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Come capture the beauty of Fish Creek under an experienced guiding hand. 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.
$20 per person. To Register, Visit Eventbrite
