Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

Engineered Wetlands Minibus Tour with Wayne Meikle
2018-07-25 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Votier’s Flats, Fish Creek, South end of Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
Enjoy a two-hour spin on the open air electric Minibus through the heart of Fish Creek Provincial Park! Learn about the park’s engineered wetlands which were constructed as a way of minimizing the level of pollutants running into the creek and have benefited the overall health of the park ecosystem.
Only $20 – Register through Eventbrite

Spring Forest Qi Gong
2018-07-31 09:30 - 10:30, 2018-08-07 09:30 - 10:30, 2018-08-14 09:30 - 10:30, 2018-08-21 09:30 - 10:30
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!
Sessions run from July 3 to August 28 on Tuesdays from 9:30 am – 10:30 am
All sessions are outdoors and will be held at the Bow Valley Ranch
$10 per session – Register through Eventbrite

Yoga in the Park
2018-07-31 19:00 - 20:30, 2018-08-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2018-08-14 19:00 - 20:30, 2018-08-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2018-08-28 19:00 - 20:30
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

Watercolour Painting to Feed the Soul
2018-08-02 10:00 - 13:00 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7, Canada
Watercolour Painting to Feed the Soul with Yasmin Irani
Hesitant to try watercolour painting? Now is the time to give it a try! Lose yourself and learn to paint in the beautiful surroundings of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Good for beginners and all skill levels.
Thursday, August 2, 10am-1pm
Only $45 – Register on Eventbrite
Yasmin Irani studied Fine Arts and graduated with Honours from the College of Art in New Delhi. She has painted across different continents for many years with an impressionist style in several mediums (acrylic, oils, pastels, inks and water coulours). Her passions are traveling, interior decoration, gardening, photography and long hikes in the great Canadian outdoors.

From Movement to Stillness - Meditation in the Park
2018-08-08 18:30 - 19:30, 2018-08-15 18:30 - 19:30, 2018-08-22 18:30 - 19:30, 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

Introduction to Photography Minibus Tour with Bob Bakker
2018-08-18 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.
August 18, 9-11am
September 11, 6-8pm
Only $20 – Register through Eventbrite

Archaeology in the Park: Finding the Pioneers with Drew McKibben
2018-08-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Friends of Fish Creek – The Cookhouse
Calgary’s Euro-Canadian history dates back 142 years to where Fish Creek flows into the Bow River. Archaeological evidence discovered in Fish Creek Provincial Park offers a unique glimpse of life on the western prairie for pioneers and cowboys. Climb aboard the minibus for a scenic tour from the Bow Valley Ranch are to Bebo Grove and explore the creation of our community; learn about the history of the early pioneers who made this area their home and about the archaeological evidence they have left behind.
Only $30 – Register on Eventbrite

Spring Forest Qi Gong
2018-08-28 09:30 - 10:30 | 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M7

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
