Weaselhead AGM
Thursday, November 21, 2024 7:00-9:00pm
Haysboro Community Association
1204 89 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V 0W4
Join us for our 2024 AGM with guest speaker Jesse Salus on the History of the Weaselhead
Full agenda yet to come.
Doors open 6:30pm
AGM & Presentation – 7:00pm
Drinks and refreshments by donation.
The evening will start with guest speaker Jesse Salus talking on the History of the Weaselhead, as we celebrate 30 years as a Society!
Jesse’s presentation will look at 140 years of the use, planning and ownership of the Weaselhead. We will trace the establishment and naming of the Weaselhead as part of the Tsuut’ina Nation reserve, look at Calgary’s extraordinary (and ultimately unconstructed) plans in the 1950s to reimagine the Glenmore Reservoir as Calgary’s largest park, and learn about the use of the land for a Provincial Highway, which still defines the way we use the Weaselhead today.
Jesse Salus is a 20-year resident of Lakeview, author of CalgaryRingRoad.com, and works as Senior Land Researcher at the Tsuut’ina Nation. He has researched and written extensively about the history of the Weaselhead, the Southwest Calgary Ring Road, and the Tsuut’ina Nation reserve.
This presentation will be followed by our formal AGM including a look at the final findings of our 7 year SW Calgary Ring Road impact study presented by Lisa Dahlseide.
Halloween Night Hike
Thursday, October 31, 2024 7:30-10:00pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Learn about and seek out nocturnal creatures that call Calgary home, such as bats, owls, flying squirrels and more!
Hike will be about 4-5km in length- partly on paved pathways, and partly on uneven hiking trails. Please wear appropriate footwear. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. We recommend one with a red light (or putting red tissue paper in front of light, to have less impact on the wildlife.
We will meet by the North Entrance, in the parking lot at the corner of 37 St. & 66 Ave.
This event will be directed at adults – although kids are welcome to attend. Let us know if there are any accommodations you need to be made for you to join us!
Dress up in costume if you like!
Members: FREE (Become a Member)
Non-Members: $10
Children 12 and under: $5
Walk in the Watershed
September 25, 2024 6:00-7:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Come join us for a fun and educational evening of exploring in the beautiful Elbow Watershed! Meet us at the North Weaselhead Parking Lot (37th St and 66th Ave), where we will start our adventure.
Discover the hidden world of edible plants as you journey through the Elbow River watershed, where the landscape serves as a natural pantry brimming with edible treasures. Learn to identify and uncover the secrets of wild rose hips, cattails and more that flourish in this environment. Engage with the natural world in a whole new way as you gain a deeper appreciation and acquire knowledge of nature’s abundance of edible plants.
Our knowledgeable guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through the park. This is a great way to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!
All ages are welcome. Family friendly. Let us know if there are any accommodations needed for you to be able to join the hike.
ERWP – Is similar to the Weaselhead Preservation Society in that we are a non-profit advocating for areas in the Elbow watershed with outdoor education and hands-on stewardship activities. We primarily focus upstream of the weaselhead. More info here. www.erwp.org
Note: Foraging is not permitted in the Weaselhead. This is an educational hike only. If you would like to try harvesting after this hike, join Elbow River Watershed Partnership (ERWP) on September 29th at the West Bragg Creek Day Use Area!
Details of that event here:
A bit about the Leaders:
SIERRA VONGRAD is a current Mount Royal University student studying Health and Physical Education with a major in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership. She is passionate about connecting people with the outdoors and passing on her knowledge of the wonders of nature. She is currently working with ERWP as an Environmental Educator, finishing a 160-hour practicum.
Sierra has her Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) Field Leader (Hiking) Certification, OCC Field Leader (Winter) Certification, as well as her Wilderness First Responder (80-hour Program) and Intermediate First Aid (Standard First Aid) Certifications.
ANDI ANTAL is an environmental educator with the Elbow River Watershed Partnership. They have been leading naturalist walks for the public and school groups since 2016 with a variety of environmental organizations that operate within Treaty 7. Andi is also a wildcrafter and runs a foraging business, called Saint Alchemy, selling plant-based products and herbal supports. They are passionate about making knowledge of the use of medicinal and edible plants accessible for all. Andi believes that this will deepen our collective and cultural relationship with nature to inspire stronger land stewardship.
RAY HAWKINS: Ray is passionate about educating the community about the vital need to understand, support, and enjoy our ecosystems. You are likely to find Ray on his day off with deep thoughts, or no thoughts, in Weaslehead. Ray affectionately calls this his ‘home away from home’. Ray furthers his contribution to community as a yoga therapist specializing in aging populations, post rehab care, and restoring functional movement throughout the body. Because that doesn’t seem to be enough, Ray is also in his fourth year of a psychology degree. Ray’s ambitions in grad school include developmental psychology for children and adolescents, and helping men in crisis find meaning and purpose. A guided tour with Ray integrates his knowledge in herbology, meditation from yoga, and the psychological benefits of the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. If time permits, Ray finds a way to sneak in another passion as he shares some of his favourite mythological stories. A guided tour with Ray is sure to put a smile on your dial.
Tickets: $10
Children under 12: $5
Past Events:
Fungi of the Weaselhead
September 14, 2024 9:00-11:30am
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
This event will provide a chance to learn about the fungi that grow in the Weaselhead, and an opportunity to photograph specimens to help contribute to our understanding of park biodiversity.
Guest hike leader Heather Addy will guide us through the park sharing her expertise, while seeing what fungi we can find!
Terrain for this hike will be a mix of paved trail and dirt trails with a total of approximately 4km traveled.
This event is directed at adults but children are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.
If there are any accommodations we can make in order for you to join us, please let us know!
Tickets: $15
Members: $10
Children under 12: $5
Gardening for Biodiversity: Getting your garden ready for Fall
September 17, 2024 7:00pm-8:30pm
Online via Zoom
Spring is usually the time we start thinking about our garden for the year but fall is an even better time to start planning for the next year! Learn about why autumn is a great time to plant, which seeds you can plant in the fall and how to make your garden a friendly place for wildlife to overwinter.
This event is by donation. Participants who donate $10 or more will be entered to win a native garden seed pack to get your garden started!
Flight by Night: Moth Lighting in the Weaselhead
August 3, 2024 8:00pm-12:00am
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
This event will provide inquisitive moth-ers of all abilities a chance to learn about moth lighting, the moths (and other nocturnal insects) that live in the Weaselhead, and an opportunity to photograph specimens to help contribute to our understanding of park biodiversity.
Terrain for this hike will be a mix of paved trail and dirt trails.
This event is directed at adults but children are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.
Tickets: $20
Members: $10
Children under 12: $5
Amphibians of the Weaselhead
June 8, 2024 7:30-10:00pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Calgary historically was home to 6 amphibian species but now is home to just three, Boreal chorus frogs, Wood frogs and Tiger salamanders. All three of them happen to live in the Weaselhead! Join us for a hike to learn about amphibians, what has caused declines in the City and what you can do to help them thrive. Along the way, visit a couple of the park’s wetlands and hopefully catch a glimpse of these awesome critters!
This hike will be directed towards adults, however, children are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult)
We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Hike will be approximately 4km in length on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
Let us know if any accomodations need to be made in order for you to be able to join!
Bug Hunt
June 17, 2023 9:00am-11:30
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
For National Insect Week we will be holding a bug hunt!
Our Naturalists will lead you through the park to see what insects make their homes in Weaselhead Park.
Get a close up look and help identifying the insects we find. We will then help you upload what we find to iNaturalists to contribute to the biodiversity collection of the park.
We will stop at various locations and conduct a leaf litter study to take a closer look at what might be hiding from plain sight. Walk will be on a mix of paved pathways and uneven trails.
If there are any accommodations need to enable you to join us, please let us know!
Adults: $10
Children 12 and under: $5
Members: FREE
History of the Weaselhead
May 26, 2024 2:00-4:00pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
As the Weaselhead Preservation Society turns 30 this year, we want to share alittle about the history of the park and how it came to be!
Guest speaker Jesse Salus will guide you through the park on a hike, sharing is extensive knowledge of the area.
-Walk along a Provincial Highway that ran through the park.
-See the old fox holes dug by soldiers in WWII.
-Learn about how the Ring Road threatened the Weaselhead.
This hike will be directed towards adults, however, children are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult). It will take place on a mix of paved and dirt trails.
We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW.
City Nature Challenge: Guided Photo Hike
April 26, 2024 9:00am-11:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Join us for a guided guided hike to look for and document a variety of species in the Weaselhead, including birds, plants, insects and whatever else we might stumble upon.
One of our Naturalists will lead you through the park giving you the chance to photograph and submit observations of anything you might see to iNaturalist, contributing to the City Nature Challenge!
This event is geared towards adults, although kids are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult)We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, on both paved pathways and dirt trails.
Let us know if we can make any accommodations for you to be able to attend.
Coexisting with Coyotes (And other wildlife)
March 16, 2024 6:00-8:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Join our Naturalists for an educational coyote hike in the park, where they will dispel the many myths of the misunderstood and essential animal to our ecosystem. We will also discuss, how we, as Calgarians can coexist with other wildlife that live in our city, such as bobcats, moose and more.
This event is geared towards adults, although kids are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult)
We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, with a distance of about 4km on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
Members: FREE (Become a Member)
Non-Members: $10
Children 12 and under: $5
Bird Nesting and Breeding
March 23, 2024 1:00-3:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Join us for a guided hike as we explore the wonderful world of bird nesting and breeding.
During this event, we will delve into the nesting habits of various bird species found in the Weaselhead, as well as their unique breeding behaviors.
This hike will be directed towards adults, however, children are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult)
We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, with a distance of about 4km on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
Note: We will not be seeking out nesting birds during this event, as well we will discuss the ethics around bird nesting and the activity of bird watching.
Wild Love: Wildlife mating in the Weaselhead
February 10, 2023 1:00-3:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
It is February and Love is in the air. Not only is Valentine’s Day coming up, but February and March is the time that many animals around here starting their mating season.
Learn of the various courting and mating rituals of wildlife and other species in YYC and the Weaselhead – maybe even here some mating calls!
This is an adults only event.
We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, with a distance of about 4km on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
As trails may be snowy and or icy, microspikes and or hiking poles are recommended. Dress according to the weather. If weather is very bad, event may be cancelled or postponed.
Animal Tracking
February 17, 2023 1:00-3:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Join us for a guided hike through the Weaselhead looks for signs of wildlife that have moved through the area.
Learn how to identify different animal prints and track patterns, as well as other signs that animals have been around and gain an understanding of their winter behavior and habitats.
This event is family friendly (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
We will meet in the North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, with a distance of about 4km on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
As trails may be snowy and or icy, microspikes and or hiking poles are recommended. Dress according to the weather. If weather is very bad, event may be cancelled or postponed.
Members: FREE (Become a Member)
Non-Members: $10
Children 12 and under: $5
Webinar: Bee-Friendly to Bugs – Native Plants Gardening for Biodiversity
February 29, 2023 7:00-8:30pm
Online via Zoom
Join us for a thought-provoking webinar into the heart of ecology with the Weaselhead Glenmore Park Preservation Society as we delve into the intricate web of life on our planet and in our backyard. “Symbiosis and Survival” invites the general public to discover the fascinating world of symbiosis, parasitism, and the profound interconnectivity that sustains ecosystems.
This event is pay what you can.
A minimum $10 payment will enter you into a draw for a wildlife combo seed pack which includes birds, bees and butterfly friendly seeds generously donated by Wild About Flowers
Coexisting with Coyotes (And other wildlife)
March 17, 2023 7:00-9:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Join our Naturalists for an educational coyote hike in the park, where they will dispel the many myths of the misunderstood and essential animal to our ecosystem. We will also discuss, how we, as Calgarians can coexist with the many wildlife that live in our city.
This event is geared towards adults, although kids are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult)
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, with a distance of about 4km on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
Members: FREE (Become a Member)
Non-Members: $15
Children 12 and under: $5
Register Here
Wild Love: Wildlife mating in the Weaselhead
February 11, 2023 7:00-10:00pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Learn of the various courting and mating rituals of wildlife and other species in YYC and the Weaselhead – maybe even here some mating calls!
This is an adults only event.
Hike will be approximately 2 hours in length, with a distance of about 4km on paved pathways and dirt trails, led by one of our Naturalists.
Afterwards we will gather around a fire in North Glenmore Park to mix and mingle and have some tasty treats.
Register Here
Webinar: Invasive Plants in the Weaselhead
February 23, 2023 6:30-7:30pm
Online via Zoom
Learn all about the Invasive Plants that try to take over the Weaselhead and why and how we are working to remove them from this natural area in Calgary.
This event is FREE but Donations are welcome to support our Invasive Plant Program
Register Here
City Nature Challenge – Kick Off Event
April 22, 2023 1:00-3:00pm
Mollie’s Market inside VCA Animal Hospital
11162 11 St NE, Calgary
Get ready for this year’s City Nature Challenge!
Learn about the City Nature Challenge and how you can easily be involved. We will also discuss the importance of contributing nature observations to iNaturalist. Then we’ll take a walk outside around the property and help people make their first observations in the area so they are all ready to go at the end of the week!
With raffle prizes from Arc’teryx
This event is FREE although participation is limited so please register:
Register Here
City Nature Challenge: Plants Fungi and Mosses
Saturday April 29, 2023 9:00-11:00am
Weaselhead Park, North Entrance (Corner or 37 St and 66 Ave SW)
A Naturalist will lead you through the Weaselhead to search for plants, fungi and mosses and submit observation to iNaturalist for this years City Nature Challenge.
Travel will occur on a combination or paved and unpaved surfaces. As we will be documenting what we see while we go, we may not cover that much distance but please wear appropriate footwear and bring what you need to be outside for 2 hours.
City Nature Challenge uses iNaturalist app. We recommend downloading the app before coming. Bring either a smartphone with the app or a camera to capture what you see to upload later.
This event is directed towards adults, however children are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.
Let us know if there are any accommodation needed for you to join us.
This event is FREE although participation is limited so please register:
Register Here
City Nature Challenge: Insects and Aquatic Invertebrates
Saturday April 29, 2023 1:00-3:00pm
Weaselhead Park, North Entrance (Corner or 37 St and 66 Ave SW)
A Naturalist will lead you through the Weaselhead to conduct a pond study and leaf litter study to document and submit observation to iNaturalist for this years City Nature Challenge.
Travel will occur on a combination or paved and unpaved surfaces. As we will be documenting what we see while we go, we may not cover that much distance but please wear appropriate footwear and bring what you need to be outside for 2 hours.
City Nature Challenge uses iNaturalist app. We recommend downloading the app before coming. Bring either a smartphone with the app or a camera to capture what you see to upload later.
This event is directed towards adults, however children are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.
Let us know if there are any accommodation needed for you to join us.
This event is FREE although participation is limited so please register:
Register Here
May Plant Count
May 28, 2023 6:00-8:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Help us count and document the flowering plants in the Weaselhead!
For the past several years we have been taking part in the May Flower Count, documenting which flowers are blooming this time of year and the changes we see from year to year.
NOTE: This will be a slow moving walk as the aim is to record as many flowing plants in the park as possible.
We will probably cover about 3-4km in the 2.5 hours.
No experience necessary! Just bring your observations skills, and a camera/iPhone if possible.
Can’t join us on the day? We still encourage you to head out on your own through the Weaselhead and make a list or snap a picture of any plant/shrub you see flowering. No need to identify the plant if you are unsure. Just upload all your sitings to iNaturalist and contribute to the data collection!
This event is FREE but registration is required
Sign up Here
Bug Hunt
June 17, 2023 9:00am-11:00
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
For National Insect Week we will be holding a bug hunt!
Our Naturalists will lead you through the park to see what insects make their homes in Weaselhead Park.
Get a close up look and help identifying the insects we find. We will then help you upload what we find to iNaturalists to contribute to the biodiversity collection of the park.
We will stop at various locations and conduct a leaf litter study to take a closer look at what might be hiding from plain sight. Walk will be on a mix of paved pathways and uneven trails.
If there are any accommodations need to enable you to join us, please let us know!
Adults: $15
Children 12 and under: $5
Members: FREE
Register Here
Pond Dipping for Families and Adults
August 9, 2023 9:00am-11:30 (Directed towards Families)
August 16, 2023 9:00am-11:30 (Directed towards Families)
August 16, 2023 6:00pm-8:30 (Directed towards Adults)
August 23, 2023 9:00am-11:30 (Directed towards Families)
August 23, 2023 6:00am-8:30 (Directed towards Adults)
All dates start at North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
A Naturalist will guide you on a walk to the wetlands in Weaselhead park, where we will do a pond sample to give you an up close view of the aquatic invertebrates that live in the Wetlands. Experts and identification keys will help you learn what you see.
Walk will be on a mix of paved pathways and uneven trails.
If there are any accommodations need to enable you to join us, please let us know!
Adults: $10
Children 12 and under: $5
Members: FREE
Register Here for Family events
Register here for adult events
Flight by Night: Moth Lighting in the Weaselhead
August 7, 2023 8:00pm-12:00am
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
This event will provide inquisitive moth-ers of all abilities a chance to learn about moth lighting, the moths (and other nocturnal insects) that live in the Weaselhead, and an opportunity to photograph specimens to help contribute to our understanding of park biodiversity.
Terrain for this hike will be a mix of paved trail and dirt trails.
This event is directed at adults but children are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.
Tickets: $15
Members: $10
Register Here
Morning Bird Walk to South Glenmore Park
September 16, 2023 9:00-11:30am
South parking lot – 3520 90 Ave SW Calgary, Calgary, AB, T3E 5M9
Embark on an unforgettable bird walk adventure through the scenic South Glenmore area in Calgary, Alberta. As you stroll along the picturesque pathways, surrounded by the beauty of nature, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Led by experienced guides, this bird walk is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced birders. As you listen to the melodic tunes and observe the graceful flight patterns, you’ll learn to identify the diverse birdlife that thrives in the South Glenmore area.
From the stunning sight of colorful songbirds perched in the treetops to the elegant waterfowl gracefully gliding across the tranquil Glenmore Reservoir, every step of the way offers new and exciting birding opportunities.
This bird walk through South Glenmore is not only a chance to discover the rich avian diversity of Calgary but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serenity and natural beauty of this remarkable area. So grab your binoculars, join our knowledgeable guides, and prepare to be captivated by the feathered wonders that await you in South Glenmore.
This walk will start at the South Entrance to the Weaselhead.
The walk will be on a mix of paved pathways and uneven terrain.
Let us know if there are any accommodations needed for you to attend.
This walk is directed towards adults, children are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.
Registration required (Tickets here)
Adults: $10
Children: $5
Members: FREE (Become a member)
Webinar: Relationships in Nature
October 17, 2023 7:00-8:30pm
Online via Zoom
Join us for a thought-provoking webinar into the heart of ecology with the Weaselhead Glenmore Park Preservation Society as we delve into the intricate web of life on our planet and in our backyard. “Symbiosis and Survival” invites the general public to discover the fascinating world of symbiosis, parasitism, and the profound interconnectivity that sustains ecosystems.
This event is pay what you can.
Halloween Night Hike
October 31, 2023 8:00-10:30pm
North parking lot at the corner of 37 St and 66 Ave SW
Learn about and seek out nocturnal creatures that call Calgary home, such as bats, owls, flying squirrels and more!
Hike will be about 4-5km in length- partly on paved pathways, and partly on uneven hiking trails. Please wear appropriate footwear. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. We recommend one with a red light (or putting red tissue paper in front of light, to have less impact on the wildlife.
We will meet by the North Entrance, in the parking lot at the corner of 37 St. & 66 Ave.
This event will be directed at adults – although kids are welcome to attend. Let us know if there are any accommodations you need to be made for you to join us!
Dress up in costume if you like!
Members: FREE (Become a Member)
Non-Members: $10
Children 12 and under: $5
Weaselhead AGM
November 13, 2023 7:00pm
Haysboro Community Association (1204 89 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V 0W4)
