Nose Creek Preservation Society (NCPS) is the ‘new kid’ on the ecological advocacy block here in Calgary. Nature advocacy has a long history in Calgary – both Fish Creek Park and Nose Hill Park owe their existence to Calgarians who spoke up.
Established in 2023, the mission from the beginning has been to “Speak for Nose Creek” by advocating to preserve the health and natural beauty of the Nose Creek Valley and improve equitable access to nature in the north region of Calgary.
After years of being both a dumping ground and home for industrial development, members of surrounding communities began to question the city’s Area Structure Plans that did not account for the impact on the health of the watershed or natural environment. Alberta is consistently losing native grassland and the biodiversity that is key to a sustainable future. We want to advocate for improved long-term development that builds ‘better’ in the region. Once our native land is dug up and replaced, there is no going back.
This is not a simple task, and we believe that this work has no end date. Our initial organizational structure was a traditional hierarchical model with decision-making led by a limited few and often felt like ‘work.’ As a volunteer-run organization, it’s important to ensure all efforts are appreciated and volunteers are supported.
This year, we decided to take mother nature’s lead and design our advocacy team to mimic the flow of nature.
We have been working together to create a community-collaborative model inspired by circular/egalitarian/matriarchal ideologies. Instead of one leader, we have developed a leadership council made up of key members who share the load while also having autonomy in each person’s skillset and interest. This is a volunteer gig – so it shouldn’t feel like being another cog in a system that doesn’t matter. Everyone matters.
We began this work by determining our core values:
- Connection and Community
- Ecological Integrity and Sustainability
- Knowledge and History
- Equity
If you have an interest in learning more about Nose Creek, we have many ways you can engage. Between volunteering with Creek Watch, joining the council, or becoming a member, the only limit is your own creative ideas and interest.
First Annual Nose Creek Discovery Day
In this spirit we are hosting our first annual Nose Creek Discovery Day on Sunday, May 24, 2026. You are invited to learn more about the NCPS and the Nose Creek valley. Between 1:00 and 4:00 pm you and your family can play Discovery bingo and experience nature in your own backyard for free.
