Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park: Projects/Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities | Objectives | Membership | Merchandise

Please contact Bonnie at the Friends (238-3841) for more information about our volunteer opportunities.

Fish Creek/Bow River Clean-Up
Saturday, May 5th (May 12th in the event of rain)
Sign-in starts at 10:00 a.m.
Registration is required.
Please telephone 238-3841 or email info@friendsofishcreek.org
Help sweep the banks of the Bow River and Fish Creek clean of trash and refuse following the spring run-off. This event improves the Park's appearance and benefits wildlife species, especially those who live in wetland environments.

Invasive Alien Species Events
June through August
Alien plant species, such as leafy spurge, common tansy, and common burdock are very damaging to the Park because they displace wildlife, out-compete native vegetation, reduce biodiversity and have very few or no natural predators to control their spread. Pulling and digging up these weeds and disposing them according to Alberta Weed Management regulations helps to control their spread and eradicate them.

Purge-the-Spurge
Saturday, June 9th (June 16th in the event of rain)
This weed produces thousands of seeds and has a root system that can extend 9m into the ground. Pulling it will prevent its dispersion through the Park and deplete the food energy stored in its roots.

2nd Annual Tackle-the-Tansy
Saturday, July 28th (August 5th in the event of rain)
Its spread is a major problem in the Park because of its ability to take over certain areas. This European invader can also be toxic if consumed by people or animals.

2nd Annual Battle-the-Burdock
Saturday, August 18th (August 25th in the event of rain)
This weed came from Europe in the 1600s and was growing wild in Ontario by 1860. Common Burdock produces prickly seed heads that attach to people or animals passing by. Burdock spreads rapidly and is a threat to the Park's biodiversity.

Trail Care
The Friends are looking for individuals or groups of volunteers to help construct a new single track trail for hikers and cyclists that will extend through the entire Park. This new trail is designed to be fun and exciting and offers some nice views of the Park.

Park Watch
Park Watch Stewards monitor Park activities and promote responsible behaviour while providing an educational resource for visitors. The Friends are looking for a few more volunteer stewards to compliment the team already in place. This position is both important and easy to do; you can walk, bike or hike and you determine your shift

Beaver Monitors
Beavers form a vital part of the wildlife community and it is important to monitor their populations. Information gathered will be used in educational programs offered at the Environmental Learning Centre and for the Park Management Plan. Observations will be submitted to Provincial Park staff in early April and mid September.

Amphibian Monitors
It is believed that the overall numbers of amphibians across Canada are in decline and the Friends have organized this program to report on their populations in Fish Creek Park. The populations of frogs and salamanders will be studied and documented, and this information will be entered into the Fish and Wildlife Information System database and used to evaluate the amphibian population in Alberta. This will assist in conservation management for the Province and the Park itself.

Committee Positions
The Friends are looking for volunteers to join some newly-established committees. Such a position will enable you to take part in significant decisions to benefit the Park. These committees will uphold our mission statement at all times: To protect, preserve and enhance the diverse natural and human heritage found in Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Program Committee - Jocelyn Fish, Secretary
The role of program committee member will be to help Bonnie maintain and coordinate programs, assist at events, investigate new program opportunities and develop contacts with potential presenters. Monthly commitment includes a 2 hour meeting (evening or weekend) and 2 hours assisting with program execution.

Governance Committee - Phil Greer, Vice-Chairperson
Do you have a law degree or legal experience? If so, the Friends would like you to be a part of the governance committee to help out with legal issues and give advice.

Financial Stewardship Committee - Stewart Scott, Treasurer
Help devise a planned approach to ensure the long-term financial success of the Friends, help develop a financial reserve using planned giving and special promotional activities and develop corporate partnerships.

Membership Committee - Bob Morrin, Director at Large
Do you have great ideas for generating excitement in the community and attracting new members? Join the membership committee and help the Friends increase our membership.