Friends of Fish Creek Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the diverse natural and human heritage found in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Volunteer Opportunities Mosaic Tile Artwork Course Instructed by Anja Hertle The history of mosaic tile artwork dates back more than 4,000 years. Ancient Greeks in the 4th century developed this art form by using precise geometric patterns to create detailed scenes of people and animals. Mosaic artwork represents one of the highest expressions of art, and one of the most striking ornamentation techniques. This fascinating course, designed to teach you how to create beautiful mosaic artwork, will give you a taste of ancient history. Anja Hertle, an experienced artist that has been teaching mosaic art to adults and children for nearly 10 years, will instruct this course for the second time as part of the Art in the Park program. Anja is passionate about her artwork and with each piece, tries to convey a warm, 3-dimensional quality that invites viewers into the scene. Take one look at Swinging Girl (above) and you will understand why mosaic tile art is so appealing. This course will teach you how to create vibrant and colourful art using three-dimensional objects, such as ceramics, glass, and metals. All materials needed for this course will be supplied. When: Saturday, May 24th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm & Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Where: Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre (Shannon Terrace area off 37th St. and 130th Ave. SW) Cost: $100.00 for members and $150.00 for non-members Bring: Lunch and your imagination Please contact the Friends of Fish Creek to register: 238-3841 or info@friendsoffishcreek.org Amphibian Monitoring Amphibian Survey: Evening of Monday, June 16, 2008 Please contact Project Manager Vaughn Hauser to register: vaughn@friendsoffishcreek.org or 238-3847 The Friends will be looking for volunteers to help monitor and survey Amphibian behaviour in the Park. Volunteers will study wetland environments where amphibians may be found, listen for their calls, and study the water and riparian environments for their signs, like egg masses. Species we expect to find in the Park are the Wood Frog, the Boreal Chorus Frog, and the Tiger Salamander. The data generated and recorded by the Amphibian Monitoring and Survey volunteers will be assessed and compiled into documentation and passed on from the Friends to the Fish Creek Provincial Park Management Team, the nationally based Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN), the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) and its Alberta Volunteer Monitoring Program (AVAMP) coordinator, Kris Kendell who ensures the information is forwarded to the Alberta Sustainable Resource Department (ASRD) and its Fish and Wildlife Monitoring Information System (FWMIS), and the North West chapter of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). About the Friends The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society (the Friends) was established in 1992 and became a Registered Charity in 1994. Most of the volunteer opportunities in Fish Creek Provincial Park (the Park) are organized through the Friends. As a volunteer-driven, non-profit Society, volunteers are utilized in all Friends’ programs and activities and serve at all levels of decision-making. Volunteers run our Board of Directors. The Friends work closely with Park staff to help ensure that Fish Creek Provincial Park continues to prosper well into the future. A Bit About the Park Located in south Calgary, Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest Provincial Parks in Canada located within an urban setting. It encompasses 1348 hectares and three of Alberta’s natural regions, grasslands, parkland, and foothills forest. The Park stretches some 19 kilometres from the Tsuu T’ina Nation in the west to the Bow River in the east. A rich diversity of habitats can be found in the Park, including: wetlands, grasslands, spruce forests and riparian woodlands of balsam poplar, aspen, and shrubs. Glacial melt waters originally carved out the Fish Creek valley. Today the landscape continues to be shaped by the meandering flow of Fish Creek. The area is home to many species of birds and wild animals, a variety of aquatic life, and an abundance of wildflowers and plants. It has been an important site to humans for many centuries, with over 80 archaeological sites. The Fish Creek valley was first proposed as a Provincial Park in 1966. The dream became a reality in 1972 when the land was purchased and government funds were set aside for Park development. Today the Park attracts more than 3 million visitors annually, from naturalists to history buffs, nature photographers, hikers, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and picnicking families. Calgarians and tourists alike come to enjoy the many opportunities offered by this natural area in the midst of Calgary’s dynamic urban environment. top
	Last updated: May 6, 2008