Voice of the Friends - Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

Voice of the Friends
Voice of the Friends
Our mission is: To engage the community through education and awareness
to conserve a truly unique naturalized urban park.
www.friendsoffishcreek.org
Volume 21, Issue 4
Aug / Sep 2016
PO Box 2780 Calgary, Alberta T2P 2M7 403-238-3841
AUTUMN BIRDING COURSE
15 WEEK COURSE STARTS MONDAY, AUGUST 29
Autumn is one of the best times of year for birding. Between September and December, you can see, hear
and learn about more than 150 bird species. As the leaves drop off the trees in the cooler months many of
the smaller migratory birds will be much easier to see. All sessions are held in the great outdoors - in Fish
Creek Provincial Park and other natural areas in Calgary. Outings are conducted by Gus Yaki, a lifelong
naturalist who has birded around the world - and other experienced instructors.
EACH OUTING IS APPROX. 2.5 HOURS. START TIMES MONDAY - THURSDAY: 9:15AM
SATURDAYS: 9:00AM, SUNDAYS: 9:00AM OR 1:15PM CHOOSE TO COME 1 OR 2 DAYS / WEEK
FEE: ONCE A WEEK OUTING - FRIENDS OF FISH CREEK MEMBERS: $60.00,
NON-MEMBERS: $100.00. TWICE A WEEK OUTINGS - FRIENDS MEMBERS: $100.00, NON-MEMBERS: $150.00
YOUTH 16 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER WITH REGISTERED ADULT: $5.00
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.FRIENDSOFFISHCREEK.ORG/PROGRAMS/BIRDING-COURSE
Black-Necked Stilt, Tim Hopwood
Also in this Issue:
Page 2:
Page 3:
Page 4:
Page 5:
Page 7:
Fish Creek Speaker Series, Summer Tours, Quiz Question
A Taste of Autumn
Birdies for Kids presented by Altalink
Parks Day & Creekfest
Wellness - Painting in Fish Creek
Page 8:
Page 9:
Page 10:
Page 11:
Page 12:
Wellness Programs, Ghosts in Fish Creek
Leave a Lasting Legacy for Fish Creek
Weed Whackers, Minibus Tours
2016 - 17 Membership Renewal
Supporters, Quiz Answer, 2016 Executive, Park Protector, Nature Calgary
Voice of the Friends
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Fish Creek Speaker Series
The Friends of Fish Creek Speaker Series program has been
combined with the Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Slideshow
series. Presentations will take place at the 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). Refreshments are available on a first come, first served
basis. Please park near washroom facility.
NEW FRIENDS OF
FISH CREEK T-SHIRTS
NOW AVAILABLE!
FOR INFO, VISIT
FRIENDSOFFISHCREEK.ORG
CALL 403-238-3841
OR EMAIL INFO@
FRIENDSOFFISHCREEK.ORG
Geology on your Doorstep:
Exposed Rocks and Fossils within an Hour's Drive from Calgary
Thursday, September 22, 2016 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presented by Jon Noad, Geological Consultant
Devonian limestone at Grassi Lakes
Alberta, photo courtesy of Jon Noad
Calgary lies on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, at the junction
between very different geological settings. Fortunately there are abundant
rock outcrops that provide us with windows into the past. From these clues
we can build the story of Calgary’s geological history, beginning more than
1.6 billion years ago and continuing to the present. In this presentation you
will be introduced to arid deserts before life made its way onto land, to warm
seas where thick limestones formed, and to a Mesozoic world where thick
coals formed in swamps. Jon is an exploration geologist with 18 years of
experience in the oil industry. He has worked for Shell and Husky, among
others, and his work has brought him to the Middle East, South Africa,
Borneo and Western Canada.
For more information or to register visit
www.friendsoffishcreek.org/event/geology
FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK SUMMER TOUR SERIES 2016
This summer discover the natural wonders of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Bring your family and friends and join
us as we explore this oasis in the city. Come prepared for the weather and walking (easy trails). Bring sunscreen,
water, hat, bug spray, binoculars, walking shoes and a camera. Registration Required: Please phone 403-297-7927
or email Roland.Kirzinger@gov.ab.ca
Admission: By donation (suggested $5.00 per person). All donations go to The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial
Park Society to support education programs in the park.
Birding Basics: Tuesday, Aug 16, 7:00 – 9:00pm. Meet at Votier’s Flats, Fish Creek (South end of Elbow Dr. SW)
The Good, The Bad and the Beavers: Tuesday, Aug 23, 7:00 – 9:00pm. BVR Visitor Centre, Fish Creek
Quiz Question
For how many years was the Great Blue Heron preservation site used by herons for nesting prior to the creation of
Fish Creek Provincial Park in 1975? The correct answer will be announced in the next issue of Voice of the Friends.
Voice of the Friends
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 – 6:30-9:00 PM
MEADOW MUSE PAVILION, BOW VALLEY RANCH, FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK
FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER CHRIS FISHER,
WRITER, ECOLOGIST, AND CO-AUTHOR OF BIRDS OF ALBERTA
This September, the Friends of Fish Creek will be hosting the 3rd annual A Taste
of Autumn – Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction at the Bow Valley Ranch
and we invite you to be a part of this important fundraiser. Join us to help
support our mission of engaging the community for the long term
sustainability Fish Creek Provincial Park. Bid on amazing silent auction items,
enjoy a variety of delicious appetizers, and sample fine beer and wine from
local producers.
For more information contact the Friends of Fish Creek or visit
www.friendsoffishcreek.org/event/autumn
Tickets are $75 and you will receive a tax receipt for $35!
Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase tickets. Sponsorship opportunities are available!
Long-Eared Owl photo courtesy of Phil Smith
Voice of the Friends
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Support Learning Naturally
The Friends of Fish
Fish Creek Provincial Park, therefore it costs only $100
Creek facilitates the
to fund an unforgettable learning experience for 10
TD Learning
students, and so on.
Naturally program,
which provides
valuable educational
opportunities in Fish
Creek for Calgary
students between
grades K – 6. This
program gives disadvantaged children and newcomers
to Canada – who wouldn’t normally have these learning
opportunities – the chance to experience nature first
2016 will mark the second year that the Friends of Fish
Creek’s TD Learning Naturally program has been
chosen to participate in Birdies for Kids presented by
AltaLink (BFK). The Shaw Charity Classic will run from
August 31 – September 4 at the Canyon Meadows Golf
and Country Club and Birdies for Kids provides an
amazing opportunity to support the Learning Naturally
program and bring more students to Fish Creek
throughout the year.
hand. For children to better understand how we are
You can support TD Learning Naturally by making a
interconnected with nature, Learning Naturally offers a
one-time flat donation or a pledge for each birdie made
variety of curriculum-linked activities that teach
by PGA TOUR Champions players during the 2016
children about being active outdoors, respecting nature
Shaw Charity Classic. Every dollar donated for Learning
and understanding the diverse ecosystems of Fish Creek Naturally through BFK will be matched up to 50%.
Provincial Park.
Through collaborating with the BFK program, your
Through TD Learning Naturally these students are
given unforgettable learning opportunities and learn
lifelong lessons about the diversity of nature and the
importance of environmental conservation. This
indispensable program reaches close to 5,000 young
students per year, but as it does not receive any
government funding, its continuation is in jeopardy. For
only $10 you can fund one child’s day of education in
initial donation will be combined with other donations
and have the opportunity to increase. If you enjoy
visiting Fish Creek with your family, and recognize the
importance of instilling a lifetime of unforgettable
memories in today’s youth, then please donate to the
Friends of Fish Creek through Birdies for Kids. For more
information, please visit
www.friendsoffishcreek.org/birdies
Voice of the Friends
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Sunday, July 17, 2016
The unification of two established events, Creekfest and
Alberta’s Parks Day, was christened Parks Day &
Creekfest and moved to the central Glennfield area of
Fish Creek. The focus of this year’s event was a
celebration of this province’s breathtaking natural areas
and an opportunity to learn about protecting our
watersheds. The first Parks Day & Creekfest celebration
took place on July 17 and thousands of people came out
to celebrate parks, nature and watersheds. We faced
some logistical challenges with hosting this event at
Glennfield rather than at the Bow Valley Ranch, but
seeing as Parks Day & Creekfest was much larger in size
Coyote Kids Theatre’s A Muskrat’s Tail at Parks Day &
and broader in focus than Creekfest had been in
Creekfest, photo courtesy of Ronnel Chua
previous years, the new location worked out well.
“So honoured and delighted to share the stage
We had an amazing team of community and Alberta
promoting water stewardship and caring for AB Parks,
Parks representatives to kick off the festivities. Roland
with innovative educators and presenters, Fish Creek
Kirzinger, Environmental Education Coordinator acted Staff, and K-Country interpreters at the Parks Day &
as the MC for the fifth year in a row and we are truly
Creekfest in Fish Creek Provincial Park July 17... A
grateful for his support and participation. We were
FUN, highly educational celebration to put on family
pleased to welcome back Mr. Graham Sucha MLA to
calendars for 2017!”
Fish Creek, as well as Mr. Richard Gotfried MLA. The
new area manager of Fish Creek Provincial Park, Don
There were also more adult-focused activities lead by
Carruthers Den Hoed, also addressed the audience and some of the Friends of Fish Creek’s most dedicated and
welcomed them to the event.
hard-working volunteers and supporters. Wayne
Meikle, Founding Member of
Alex Boisselle, a local blues/
the Friends of Fish Creek and
Cajun musician came out for
retired park planner, lead a
the second year in a row to
guided walk of Glennfield.
get the festival off to a
Ruth Zinck, also a founding
musical start. Rosemary Gell
member of the Friends of Fish
and her troupe Coyote Kids
Creek and fly fisher with over
Theatre performed A
80 years’ experience, discussed
Muskrat’s Tail, a musical
fly fishing with an interested
story about water loving
group. For the second year in a
mammals, for the forth year
row, Friends of Fish Creek
in a row to the delight of a large audience of children
volunteer yoga instructors Naomi Parker and Gwen
and families.
Draude Woolverton lead an outdoor yoga session. A
Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales returned to Fish Creek for the sizable group of children and families participated in
sixth year in a row and held an interactive song writing Tyler McClure from Wildsmart’s discussion and
demonstration on the proper and effective use of bear
workshop and performed a concert. The Juno-award
spray (pictured at left, courtesy of David Mitchell)
winning children’s performer stated via Facebook,
Voice of the Friends
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Parks Day & Creekfest - cont’d from prev page
Boston Pizza’s mascot Lionel
made his second appearance
in Fish Creek to the delight of
young children. New this year
Bertie Beaver from Calgary
Forest Area also made the
rounds at Parks Day &
Creekfest, charming kids and
families (pictured at right,
courtesy of David Mitchell.)
Carnivals for Kids at Heart
have helped us bring this
event to life since 2014 and
they set up some amazing
games and activities for
children that are always very popular. We gratefully
acknowledge the support and participation of Great
Events Catering and the Bow Valley Ranche
Restaurant, the exclusive concession partner for Parks
Day & Creekfest. Great Events provided hotdog, burger
and ice cream stands, and the volunteers, exhibitors and
performers were provided lunch at a generous discount.
On the main stage, Duncan Baker of the K-Country
Interpretive theatre presented “Good Night and Good
Duck,” a film noir style detective story from the world of
waterfowl. Despite the torrential rain and wind that
showed up around 2:30 and did not let up until well
after Parks Day & Creekfest was over, the event’s
headliner Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales set up in the back
corner of the Glennfield amphitheatre and delivered his
show to an appreciative audience.
Society of AB, Bow Valley
WildSmart, Calgary Forest
Area, Canadian Parks and
Wilderness Society, City of
Calgary: Parks–ReTree and
Wildlife, Library, and
Watershed; Cows and Fish,
Crime Stoppers, Friends of
Kananaskis Country, Green
Calgary, Kananaskis Outfitters,
MEC, Nature Alberta, Ranche
at Fish Creek Restoration
Society, Researching
Amphibian Numbers in
Alberta, Rocky Mountain
Adventure Medicine, Rocky Mountain Eagle Research
Foundation, St. Mary’s University, Tourism Canmore
and Trout Unlimited Canada
Special thanks to First Calgary Financial – a division of
ConnectFirst Credit Union, and McLeod Law LLP for
supporting Parks Day & Creekfest. We gratefully
acknowledge the generous donation from The Calgary
Foundation that helped make the use of "The Calgary
Foundation Centennial Stage" possible.
Over 70 volunteers comprised of Friends of Fish Creek
volunteers and Bow Valley Stewards helped out in a
wide array of roles and responsibilities, including
parking control, photography, information booth, and
many other tasks. These volunteers were cheerful,
organized and efficient, and the event could not have
happened in such a smooth and seamless manner
We would like to thank the following exhibitors for their without them. We would like to express our gratitude to
participation in Parks Day & Creekfest: AB Biathalon
Dave Arnott, lead Parks Day & Creekfest volunteer who
Club, AB Bike Swap, AB Institute for Wildlife
helped in virtually every aspect of event planning and
Conservation, AB Invasive Species Council, AB
execution.
Mycological Society, AB Native Plant Council, AB Off
Thank you to all performers, exhibitors, special guests,
Highway Vehicle Association, AB Parks: Ecology,
tour leaders, volunteers, and community members who
Inclusion, Information, Interpretation, Public
came out to make the inaugural Parks Day & Creekfest
Engagement, and Trail Crew; AB Wilderness
a truly memorable and amazing event!
Association, Alpine Club of Canada, Archaeological
FirstCalgary.com
Voice of the Friends
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WELLNESS IN THE PARK
PAINTING IN FISH CREEK
With the park as your backdrop, join the Friends in a restorative session of outdoor painting, facilitated by one of
several experienced local artists. Three different classes are offered, all with a focus on acrylic media.
Capturing Nature: Painting Day in the Park:
Aug. 20, 9:00 am – 12 noon,
Instructed by Debbie.lee Miszaniec
Appreciate nature like Monet! Capture the colours of the late
summer landscape with local artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec in this
outdoor class. This Plein Air painting workshop in picturesque
Fish Creek Provincial Park will have you looking at the
landscape like an artist, and capturing the essence of nature on
canvas. Visit www.onelifefineart.com to learn
more about Debbie’s work. Only $40 and
space is limited to 10 people.
Golden Autumn by Debbie.lee Miszaniec
Painting in the Autumn Breeze: Sep. 14, 5:00 – 7:30 pm,
Instructed by Sylvia Prochownik
Celebrate the amazing beauty of nature found in Fish Creek
Provincial Park and express your artistic spirit. Explore balance and
contrast through the use of light and colour. Record and interpret
your experiences, and see the world in a new way through painting
with acrylics. Only $30 and space is limited to 10 people.
The Cookhouse by Sylvia Prochownik
Paint What You See:
Sep. 24, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm,
Instructed by Jim Pescott
Painting among the trees – this is about allowing the scene to speak to you and
sharing what you see on the canvas. Experiment with a unique painting
technique called “pointillism” where images are created through the use of
many tiny, colorful dots. Award winning artist Jim Pescott paints Alberta
landscapes and his work has been exhibited internationally. To learn more
about Jim and his creative endeavours visit www.jimpescott.com or
www.gentleharbourforyoursoul.com. Only $45 and space is limited to 10
people. A Familiar Place by Jim Pescott
For more info or to register visit: www.friendsoffishcreek.org/programs/
wellness-clinics
See next page for info on other exciting Wellness-based programs
Participants receive a 15% discount on supplies from Swinton's Art Supply
7160 Fisher St SE, Calgary, AB - 403-258-3500, www.swintonsart.com
Voice of the Friends
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WELLNESS IN THE PARK
CONT’D FROM PREV PAGE
Fish Creek Provincial Park is the perfect setting to reconnect
with nature and practice mindfulness. The Friends of Fish
Creek are working with professional instructors to bring you
the following programs, designed to help participants relax
and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.
Yoga: Naomi Parker and Gwen Draude Woolverton team up
again for their fourth season of yoga in the park! They focus
on a form of practice known as Raja or “Royal” yoga, which
emphasizes the connection between body, energy and mind through postures, meditation, and breathing
techniques; it incorporates all eight limbs of yoga, and each session will include breath connection, asanas
(poses), relaxation and meditation. Creating a connection to your body through your breath will ensure your
learning in honouring oneself, gaining a more balanced mind, body and spirit in the process. Find your balance
with Naomi and Gwen in beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park and connect with true bliss – if only for an hour
and a half at a time! No experience necessary.
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm in August and September
Spring Forest Qi Gong - Extended Into September!
New for 2016 - Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Gong) is based on the
ancient wisdom and belief that we all have the power and ability to
heal ourselves. This ancient form of exercise incorporates simple
moving meditations to help unify physical, mental and spiritual
aspects in participants. Join Spring Forest Qi Gong Certified
Instructor Diane Smith on a journey towards balanced and flowing
energy this summer! Learn about the general principles and history
of Qi Gong, enjoy the simple movements, and learn some of the
basic exercises that you can practice at home.
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm in September.
Full Moon Guided Meditations: Let go of outside distractions and just be. Join Naomi Parker and Gwen
Draude Woolverton for an outdoor meditation session on this full moon evening at the Bow
Valley Ranch in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Thursday, August 18.
Find out more about Naomi’s practice and services offered through Elemental Wellness at
www.elementalwellnessandyoga.com
For more information visit www.friendsoffishcreek.org/programs/wellness-clinics
GHOSTS IN FISH CREEK
Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Join us, if you dare! Tour the historic Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek Provincial Park to learn
about the ghosts that are rumored to haunt here! Great for all ages (although it may be a bit scary
for younger listeners). Tickets only $7 per person, registration is required. For more info or to
register: www.friendsoffishcreek.org/programs/other-tours
Voice of the Friends
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ESTATE PLANNING
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY IN YOUR WILL TO BENEFIT FUTURE GENERATIONS!
Remembering family in your
will is most likely an important
part of your final wishes.
Considering the Friends of Fish
Creek in your legal will or
through other philanthropic
means is one of the best ways to
ensure that future generations
will enjoy this breathtaking
natural area as much as you and
your family do. For over 20 years
the Friends have collaborated with park management,
volunteers, community organizations and members to
raise awareness about environmental stewardship in
Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Legacy gifts (Planned Giving) allow you to make a
future donation to the Friends of Fish Creek without
affecting your current financial circumstances.
Regardless of the size of your planned gift you can be
sure that your gift will continue to make a lasting and
vital impact on the park that you care for. Giving
options may even substantially reduce your taxes. Your
legacy will help ensure that the important programs
operated or sponsored by the Friends of Fish Creek can
continue to be maintained and expand.
You can leave the Friends of Fish Creek a gift (bequest)
in your will either as a specific amount or as a portion
of your assets. You can designate funds to a certain
program or as an unrestricted contribution, which will
enable the Friends to invest the monies as needed. If
you are considering leaving a charitable gift for the
Friends of Fish Creek in your will, it is best to designate
a lump-sum or fixed amount of shares, rather than a
percentage of assets. This will simplify the process of
fund allocation for both the Friends and the executor of
your estate.
Having a trustee manage your estate after death may
also be a viable option. In your will, you can bequeath
funds to charities of your choice or arrange to have
donations made regularly from your estate. Your estate
will benefit from tax advantages
on the portion left to charity. A tax
receipt will be issued for the
present value of the assets placed
in trust.
Did you know that in recent years,
tax legislation has been amended
to eliminate capital gains tax on
donations of stock to registered
charities? You, as a donor, will not
pay any tax on the gain and a tax receipt will be
provided for the full value of the donation. With the
elimination of capital gains tax on this type of donation,
the incentive to donate listed securities becomes
significant.
Life insurance also allows you to make a major
donation at a modest cost. A policy, which names the
Friends of Fish Creek as both beneficiary and owner
may be purchased or amended. You then receive a tax
receipt for the cash surrender value of the policy,
accumulated dividends and interest. Further payments
will also entitle you to a tax receipt.
With an annuity, you will receive payments, for a
specified period of time or for the remainder of your
natural life, from the Friends of Fish Creek Park in
return for a lump-sum donation. Some or all of the
income from the annuity that you receive may be
tax-free.
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. By including the Friends of Fish Creek in
your final wishes, you can leave a lasting legacy for this
park, this city, your grandchildren’s
children and beyond.
For more information, contact your
financial planner or the Friends of Fish
Creek at 403-238-3841 or visit
www.friendsoffishcreek.org/ffc-donate.
Voice of the Friends
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WEED WHACKERS UPDATE
Grade 10 students removing invasive
plants near Mallard Point in on June 17.
Although it’s not quite over yet, the 2016 Weed Whackers season has been a
success! Over 8 outings, 150 volunteers and participants actively contributed to the
health of the Fish Creek watershed by removing bags upon bags of invasive plant
material from Fish Creek Provincial Park. Weed Whackers is an integral
component of the Friends of Fish Creek’s Community Watershed Stewardship
Project, where we engage nearby residents and park visitors in hands-on
stewardship activities. On each outing, participants learn to identify invasive
plants, and about the importance of preventing further invasive introductions by
planting native species and annuals in home gardens. We weigh the bags on each
outing, and so far this year we have removed 819 kg of weeds from the park!
Some of the species include spotted knapweed, common tansy, common burdock, yellow clematis, scentless
chamomile, dame’s rocket and more. To learn more about these plants, please visit the Alberta Invasive Species
Council (www.abinvasives.ca/fact-sheets) where you can find Fact Sheets for each invasive species found in
Alberta.
Stewardship outings make great Team Building opportunities for employee groups! If you are interested in
booking a stewardship outing, please email katie@friendsoffishcreek.org
MINIBUS TOURS AND COURSES IN FISH CREEK
Photography Tours: Unleash the Power of Your Digital SLR Camera
Saturday, Sep 10, 9:00 - 11:00am
In this beginner’s level photography class, you will learn all the basics of photography, including depth of field,
composition, lighting and more, using the stunning beauty of the park as your subject! Tour guide and instructor
Bob Bakker is a film and digital photography enthusiast who has completed the photography certificate program at
SAIT. This is Bob’s third year offering photography tours in the park!
$20 per person, only 8 spaces available per tour.
Archaeology in the Park: Finding the Pioneers
Saturday, Sep 17, 1:00 - 4:00pm and Saturday, Oct 1, 1:00 - 4:00pm
Climb aboard the minibus for a scenic tour from the Bow Valley Ranch area of Fish Creek 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. Tour Guide, Fish Creek Provincial Park Heritage
Interpreter, Drew McKibben has been in the communications business for nearly 25 years as a journalist, broadcaster
and author of nature stories for children. Join Drew and Diane Bailey, writer and editor, for a minibus ride into the
past in Fish Creek! $30 per person, only 8 spaces available per tour.
Book a Private Minibus Tour!
Tours are available between June and October. If you are interested in booking a private tour for a group of up to 8
people, please contact the Friends of Fish Creek.
For more information or to register visit www.friendsoffishcreek.org/programs/minibus
Voice of the Friends
11
2016 - 17 Membership
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR FISH CREEK RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR BECOME A MEMBER
The Friends of Fish Creek sincerely thank you for
your support as a member. Members are the foundation
of our Society and share our vision of a sustainable Fish
Creek Provincial Park that improves the quality of life
for present and future generations.
We had 869 paid members in the 2015 - 16 year, and we
thank all of you for your support. We encourage you to
renew your commitment to Fish Creek Provincial Park
for the October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017 season.
Friends’ membership benefits include discounts on
courses like the popular Autumn, Winter and Spring
Birding Courses, a subscription to our newsletter Voice
of the Friends, regular notifications about programs and
events happening year-round in Fish Creek Provincial
Park and admission to educational Fish Creek Speaker
Series presentations.
We hope that you and your family have enjoyed some
of the community-focused activities we help organize
here in Fish Creek Provincial Park, such as Parks Day &
Creekfest, A Taste of Autumn, the Fish Creek
CommUnity Fair and the Wellness Showcase. Minibus
tours focused on nature, photography and history allow
more people to experience this park. Popular Wellness
sessions, like full moon meditation, yoga, Qi Gong and
painting provide new and innovative ways to bring
people together and celebrate nature.
All of our volunteer programs and community
engagement activities are made possible by our modest
membership fees.
Please visit www.friendsoffishcreek.org/friends-of-fishcreek-membership-signup to renew your membership
or complete and mail in the form below. We thank you
for your continued support and look forward to
seeing you in the park.
The Friends of Fish Creek
P.O. Box 2780 Calgary, AB T2P 2M7
403-238-3841 info@friendsoffishcreek.org www.friendsoffishcreek.org
Name:
Phone:
email:
aAddress:
City and Province:
\
c
a Postal Code: ________
Work place (optional):____________________________
O Membership Renewal
O New Member
O Park Protector Monthly Donor Plan:
Monthly Contribution O $10.00 O $30.00
Membership:
Individual
O
Senior (+60 years of age)
Individual
O
Donation:
O $25
O $50
O
Please Fill out:
Membership
FRIENDS OF
FISH CREEK
MEMBERSHIP
MAKES A
GREAT GIFT!
O I would like to make a donation
O $50.00
$35.00
$25.00
$100
$
Family
O $45.00
Family
O $30.00
O
Other:$ ___
Donation
$
Total
$
To pay online: www.friendsoffishcreek.org/friends-of-fish-creek-membership-signup or donate on CanadaHelps.org
(Charitable Registration #891199747 RR0001)
NEWSLETTER:
O
email
O
Signature of donor or member:
Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10.00 or more or if requested.
send paper copy
a
Voice of the Friends
12
This issue dedicated to Helen Hiebert, wife of Bill Hiebert - dedicated volunteer and supporter of the Friends and the park.
Thank You Supporters! Without your contributions our Programs and Events would not be possible!
Bobcat Level:
Beaver Level:
QUIZ ANSWER - JUNE / JULY ISSUE
Which 2 distinct but similar mammal species in the park
can successfully breed, thus producing hybrid offspring?
If you guessed the white tail and the mule deer, you are
correct. These two species generally inhabit different areas,
mate at slightly different times of year, and produce mating
scents that are indecipherable to each other. Hybrid deer
are quite rare, and do not have a long life span due partially
to different and internally conflicting practices for evading
predators. In Fish Creek, where deer have very few to no
natural predators, this may not be an issue. A hybrid may
look like a mule deer, but with a tail similar to that of a
white tail’s that is dark on top and white underneath. The
ears of a hybrid are larger than those of a white tail but
smaller than those of a mule deer. If you see a deer in Fish
Creek that you think may be a hybrid, please send in your
photos to info@friendsoffishcreek.org
2016 Executive
Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
Director at Large
Director at Large
Director at Large
Director at Large
Park Liaison
Tom Jackman
Phil Greer
Stewart Scott
Bob Morrin
Richard Link
Henry Villanueva
David Mitchell
Jennell Rempel
Staff
Nic DeGama-Blanchet, Executive Director
nic@friendsoffishcreek.org
Katie Pearson, Program Coordinator
katie@friendsoffishcreek.org
Shana Barbour-Welsh, Program Coordinator
shana@friendsoffishcreek.org
Chris Lalonde, Communications Coordinator
www.coueswhitetail.com
chris@friendsoffishcreek.org
As an alternative to traditional membership, we offer the Park Protector monthly donor program. The Park
Protector plan may suit your busy lifestyle a little better as there is no need for the annual renewal procedure. Join
the growing team of Park Protectors to have a specific amount withdrawn monthly from a bank account or credit
card. It’s easy, affordable, and comes with benefits such as an annual tax receipt, subscription to the monthly
e-publication the Park Protector Update and an invitation to exclusive events.
For more information or to become a Park Protector: www.friendsoffishcreek.org/park-protector-signup
Nature Calgary Outings
These free Birding seminars will take you to various natural areas in and around Calgary where you can explore
the bird species found in these diverse environments, increase your bird knowledge and have fun. Willing to share
your knowledge with others? Call the Calgary Field Naturalists’ Society - 403-243-2248 to specify a date and location. For a complete list of upcoming outings, visit naturecalgary.com
Tuesday, Aug 30, 2016 6:30 pm—Birding at Carburn Park. Meet at 67 Riverview Dr. SE, Calgary, AB. Riverbend, j ust west
of 18 St SE along Bow River. Leader Sue Konopnicki, 403-918-6637