Calgary Parklands: Bebo Grove, Fish Creek Provincial Park

---

The Bebo Grove Stormwater Pond in west Fish Creek Park spread its sunny hillsides in welcome to the C group. Although the pond was modestly filled after a dry spell, our leader Suzanne showed us how far and wide it flooded under the onslaught of July’s rain and hail. As we walked along the close-by path, Wendy’s keen eyes caught sight of a wading bird picking through the mud for edibles. A few steps away, ducks bobbed and dived for luscious underwater greens.

We wandered through a hundred shades of green; most of the wildflowers have pulled back and gone to seed, already preparing for fall. From full sun we passed into a cool, deeply shaded woodland leading us up a stiff hill to the ridge of the escarpment. The view of Fish Creek itself was disappointing, since the water was low. Nevertheless, a group of boisterous kids we had seen cycling were now loving the felled tree trunks on the dusty grey banks.

Cyclists, walkers and dogs abounded on the paths, requiring us to pay attention, plus affording us many “good morning” and “nice day” greetings, happily returned. At the highest elevation, our curiosity encouraged us to look into the back yards of Evergreen Estates – many had beautiful flower gardens, and one had been dedicated to a home children’s playground.

Through another woodland, we wended our way back down towards Bebo Pond, marvelling at the berries ripening on bushes. Suzanne led us on a quick detour to see where the beavers’ need for creek passage had triumphed over the humans’ desire for pathway. The beavers wisely stayed out of sight, although the evidence of their determined activity was obvious.

---

Photos

Bebo Grove Stormwater Pond
Fish Creek Park

Nonbreeding Spotted Sandpiper
A quiet stroll for the sandpiper

Fish Creek
Low after a dry August

Grasses
Shades upon shades of green

Tansy
Little pops of yellow

Bebo Grove
Shades upon shades of green

Top of the escarpment
Fish Creek meanders below

Ripe berries
Welcomed by wild life

Fish Creek
The illusion of a mountain park

Asters
A few brave flowers still with us

Prairie Goldenrod
Nature's colour scheme

Comments

[Vivian Brennen]

Fish Creek
You captured very nice picutes of Fish Creek & the flowers & grasses that abound in there. Thank you for this blog. Vivian

[Isabel Gibson]

And in the city
Boy, I wouldn't think I was in a good-sized city if I woke up in the middle of Fish Creek Park. I was interested so I looked it up - 13.48 sq. km. - although there seems to be nothing square in it. :-) Great reflection shot of the stormwater pond.

[beentouring]

Natural Parks in the city
Fish Creek Park in the south and Nose Hill Park in the north are natural resources for the soul.

[beentouring]

Natural Parks in the city
Fish Creek Park in the south and Nose Hill Park in the north are natural resources for the soul.