by The City of Calgary
Griffith Woods has always been a busy area, long before it was the park we know today. Nestled along the Elbow River it would have been an important site for indigenous people to gather, as the river is rich in resources. There are over 30 known sites within a kilometre of the park, some of which are thousands of years old. Through all that time this area has remained a beautiful slice of nature, something the City of Calgary wants to continue. You can help with this, by staying on marked pathways, not picking up flowers, respecting and keeping a distance from wildlife, and keeping pets on leash, you help to keep this park the special place that people have known about for thousands of years.
The Elbow River continues to be an important feature here in Calgary. It fills the Glenmore reservoir, providing drinking water to a good part of the city. From its headwaters west in the mountains around Elbow Lake, it travels undammed through forests, the hamlet of Bragg Creek, and through numerous small communities until it spills into the reservoir, and eventually, the Bow River. In 1907 The City of Calgary, growing quickly and needing fresh water for drinking and fire suppression, built a 30” diameter wooden pipeline that moved water until it was decommissioned in 1933. When Discovery Ridge was being constructed parts of the pipeline were excavated.
With summer fast approaching it also means the return of many animals to Griffith Woods. Be on watch for all kinds of returning birds as they complete their spring migration or stop by on their way further north. Recent sightings include great blue herons, osprey, eagles, and numerous songbirds and waterfowl. As migrating birds return, they often begin nesting, and many of those nests reside on the ground. One of the reasons to stay on path is that shoreline and ground nesting birds hide their nests well, and it is easy to not notice those nests until we step on them. If you see birds flying out of tall grasses as you pass by, a behaviour called flushing, it may suggest a nest is present. Staying on the path reduces the likelihood of frightening birds off the nest or accidently crushing eggs underfoot.
Other wildlife have become more active as well. White-tailed and mule deer, as well as moose, are just finishing calving season, so they may be extra protective with little ones around. In early May we had reports of a mother black bear and cubs seen in the Weaselhead, not too far downstream. At all times we should be remembering to give wildlife plenty of space. Parks Canada recommendations are three bus lengths (30 meters) from deer and moose, and 100 meters from bears.
Speaking of bears, they have just woken up in the last month or so from their winter sleep, and after not eating for several months, they will be hungry. Please make sure we are not leaving out garbage or compost bins that may contain attractants that could bring the bears or other wildlife into our neighbourhoods. For both our own safety and the safety of the bears, it is best to keep them out of our back yards. If you do see bears in our parks, contact 3-1-1 or Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 310-0000. Knowing that bears are present allows us to take steps to alert citizens and keep both people and bears safe.
Have a great summer and enjoy another beautiful season out in Griffith Woods. For more information you can go to: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/griffith-woods-park.html.
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