Calgary Bowmont Natural Environment Park

About Bowmont Natural Environment Park

"River valleys are dynamic. Living systems. They are compromised of flowing waters, springs, wetlands, riverbanks, ravines, escarpments, terraces, and forested slopes. They change yearly with the seasons and over decades and centuries as bank erosion, flooding and channel realignment alter their courses.

…As cities like Calgary have matured, the river valleys around which they have grown increasingly become sanctuaries from the stresses of daily life, aesthetic resources and areas for recreation." (Urban Park Master Plan, 1994).

  About Bowmont Natural Environment Park

"River valleys are dynamic. Living systems. They are compromised of flowing waters, springs, wetlands, riverbanks, ravines, escarpments, terraces, and forested slopes. They change yearly with the seasons and over decades and centuries as bank erosion, flooding and channel realignment alter their courses.

…As cities like Calgary have matured, the river valleys around which they have grown increasingly become sanctuaries from the stresses of daily life, aesthetic resources and areas for recreation." (Urban Park Master Plan, 1994).

Introduction

Bowmont Natural Environment Park is a ribbon of land that stretches for 4 km (2.5 miles) from east to west along the north side of the Bow River between 52nd Street/Home Road N.W. and 85th Street N.W. Being part of Calgary’s river valley park system, Bowmont Park forms an essential link between Shouldice and Bowness Parks. Communities bordering this park are from east to west: Montgomery, Varsity, and Silver Springs on the north bank, and Bowness on the south bank of the river.

Parking is available on the east side off 52nd Street N.W. and on the west side at 85th N.W. Street. Street parking is possible along 40th Avenue N.W. west of 53rd Street. A gravel parking lot is located off the south end of Silver Springs Boulevard N.W.

 

History

 

Archaeologists have identified numerous sites including tipi rings, campsites and tools

on the gravel terraces of the Bow River, where they believe early people have camped after the last ice age 14 000 years ago.

1787: David Thomson representing the Hudson Bay Company meets with Peigan Indians camping on the grassy slopes beyond Bowness.

1881: The cattle empire of Cochrane Ranch extends over 109 000 acres including Bowmont Park.

1883: The CP Railway reaches Calgary. Surveyors decided to have the track cross the Bow River west of Bowness in order to avoid the steep north facing slopes.

At the east end, Harry Shouldice built a mansion at 52nd Street and 21st Avenue to take advantage of the view of Bowmont. The mansion was later removed as part of the land stabilization at the extreme east end of the area.

At the west end, the only other resident in the area was the Fournier family.

To the North, the land had several owners including James Walker, a famous bird watcher.

Silver Springs was named after a place in Florida by M Horner, another resident of the area to the North

1940’s: The flood plain at the east end of the park is named after Bernard Montgomery, an army commander in World War II.

1946: John Black purchases land at the eastern end of the park and farms there until 1965. He named the area Glen Carse.

1949: Gravel mining operations starts.

1964: Al Klippert Ltd. purchases the gravel pit.

1981: The City of Calgary re-names the area Bowmont Park in its Proposed Bowmont Master Plan.

 

Geology

In Bowmont Park we can observe river (fluvial), ice (glacial) and lake (lacustrine) deposits. All these sediments cut into and have reworked each other and have shaped the Bow valley as it is today in Bowmont Park.

Millions of years ago, in early Tertiary, the valley of the Bow River was formed as one of many west-east drainage corridors from the rising Rocky Mountains. During the Pleistocene ice ages, glaciers expanded and retreated along these valleys. Glacial erratics (boulders carried by glaciers) are still present on the prominent south-facing slopes. Four of such large (quartzite) boulders can be seen on the flat area along the pathway where the access road to the Silver Springs Golf Course turns off.

When the ice retreated, the ancient glacial valley of the Bow River was filled with more than 70 meter (210 feet) of sediments. This sediment material was deposited and many times reworked by the river and by the glacial melt water. Evidence of such fluvial and glacial forces can be seen in the forested area west and north of the access road to the Silver Springs Golf Course turns off.

At the end of the last ice (glacial) period, there is evidence that melt water and fluvial drainage was blocked by a mass of ice or another obstruction further to the east in the Bow River Valley. Water backed up to form a lake, which inundated a large low-lying area including what is now Bowmont Park. Large amounts of fine lake lacustrine sediments were deposited in these calm waters. Today these fine-grained sandy sediments are evident in the exposed cliffs above the gravel pit.

With the melt down of the ice blockage in the east, drainage resumed its pre-glacial course. The river has since cut through the lacustrine and glacial sediments, and in some places into the more consolidated Paleocene bedrock of the Porcupine Hills Formation, as can be seen in the Waterfall Valley (the ravine below Silver Springs Boulevard). By doing so, the river has deposited huge amounts of sand and gravel on its (Montgomery area) floodplain.

The "Silver Springs" are located at the south end of the Waterfall Valley. The springs are fed by groundwater that percolates down from the north through the lacustrine, glacial and fluvial sediments meanwhile dissolving large amounts of calcium carbonate. When the water reaches the sandy shale of the Porcupine Hills Formation, it reappears as a series of springs. The calcium carbonate then precipitates to form an unusual deposit called tufa, similar to the deposits at the well-known Big Hills Springs, about 20km west of Calgary.

Natural History

The park’s area of 64 hectare (158 acres) includes a diversity of environments such as prairie grasslands, shrub lands, aspen groves, three major ravines, riverine woodlands, and aquatic habitats. In addition, Bowmont Park holds 172-recorded species of birds, and mammal, reptile, fish, and insect populations.

Prairie Grasslands

The native grasslands include species such as blue gamma grass and awnless brome.

In the spring, prairie crocus, early blue violet, blue eyed grass, old man’s whiskers, golden bean, and sweet vetch amongst many other wild flowers paint the grassy slopes, while shrubby cinquefoil, golden rod, fleabane, and several aster varieties are found in abundance in the summer and early fall.

Shrub Lands

 

Between the grasslands and the riverine forests one can find the scrub communities. Wild rose and silver berry can be found in the drier areas, while the more moist areas contain buffalo berry, Saskatoon berry, choke cherry, and red osier dogwood. Many birds call these shrub lands their home, such as the American robin, cedar waxwing, eastern kingbird, and brown thrasher.

Aspen Groves

Aspen groves are found in small-scattered areas on the slopes and gravel terraces. Plants and animals found here are similar to those in the shrub communities. In early summer, some woodlands are abundant with the star-flowered false Solomon’s seal.

Riverine Forest

The fertile soil of the flood plains allows balsam poplar and black birch to grow. The scrubs previously listed thrive here as well below the canopy of these tall trees. Among the birds that nest here are the yellow warbler, the northern oriole, the red-tailed hawk and American kestrel.

Aquatic Habitat

These habitats are prevalent in the Waterfall Valley and along the Bow River, where the fragile fern, the bog violet, and in sheltered areas the wild mint and elephant head can be found.

Bowmont Park supports a large variety of mammals including coyote, mule deer, weasel, beaver, muskrat, and bats.

Code of ethics for park users

Bowmont Park is a multi-use area. A paved pathway that is part of City’s greater River Valley Pathway runs through the full length of the park. Other maintained trails are found in the Waterfall Valley. In addition, a number of so-called undesignated trails have developed over the years that are used by horseback riders, pedestrians and cyclists alike. Some dangers may arise when different users share the same pathways. However, awareness of different usage will help reduce conflicts and environmental damage.

Trail etiquette:

Use common sense:

In general, trail users protocols call for the most mobile to yield the right of way to less fast moving trail users, thus bikers yield to pedestrians. However, it makes sense to assess the situation before deciding who can get out of the way more easily. Sometimes it is easier for a pedestrian to step aside to let a cyclist pass rather than the cyclist avoiding the pedestrian adding to trail braiding and erosion.

Courtesy:

Let other trail users know that you are on the path and that you would like to pass. A cyclist about to pass a pedestrian from behind should realize that the latter likely did not hear him or her approaching. Call or ring your bell well in advance to warn the slower moving trail user that you intend to pass, and slow down while passing.

Communicate on the trails:

A friendly word lets others know of your presence. Communicate to slower moving trail users how many there are in your party so they can prepare to let you and your companions pass. Tell others on the trail if you have seen any wild life so that they can prepare themselves (e.g. call the dog back and put him on the leash).

Preservation:

To preserve its natural beauty, please respect the park by leaving its habitat undisturbed.

Pack out all garbage

Please, use the many trashcans provided throughout the park.

Prevent fires

Open fires destroy the habitat of the more than 500 plants and animal species that make the park so unique.

Removal of habitat

Do not remove any deadfall, plant material, snags, rocks, or soil. Deadfall provides nesting sides, habitat, and/or food to numerous birds, insects, and small mammals. It also provides the soil with nutrients while decaying, thus feeding the surviving plants and shrubs and trees. Disturbing their habitat will result in loss of the great variety of animal and plant life we enjoy in the park today.

Prevent the spread of noxious weeds

Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle thrive in disturbed areas, choking out native plants. Staying on the trail while walking or cycling helps to prevent this prickly problem from spreading.

Prevent erosion:

Stop soil from sliding down steep, slippery slopes. Use caution on trails during wet or extreme dry conditions to prevent further degradation from soil erosion. Prevent the occurrence of trail braiding by staying on the trail.

Dogs:

Most of Bowmont Park is designated as on-leash according to City of Calgary Bylaws. The 2 legal off leash areas are accessible from Home Road at 52 St. NW, extending to the west end of the Klippert Gravel Pit and from the south end of SilverSprings Gate NW at SilverView Dr and SilverView Way NW. The two playgrounds in the Park are designated "no dogs". The rest of the Park is defined as on-leash. The possibility of increasing the off-leash areas is being examined as part of the creation of the Bowmont Park Natural Area Management Plan, which is currently under way (February, 2001). It is hoped the plan will be adopted by City Council in late spring, 2001.

Off-leash regulation:
That means that dogs are permitted off-leash only in those areas. Off-leash or not, dogs must stay under the owners control at all times.   Dogs must not be permitted to disturb wild life.

Removal of dog defecation

According to City by-law 23M89, dog owners are obliged to pick up after their dog. Unfortunately, to date not all dog owners are abiding by this law. Apart from spreading diseases from one dog to another, not picking up after your dog may become a health hazard to humans as well, in particular to little children. So please, make an effort to remove your dog’s feces.

Acknowledgements:

Susan Hill for use of the pamphlet on Bowmont Park (1994)

Kees Visser for his contribution to the geology chapter of this website

Trail User’s Code of Ethics, published by the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.

November 2000

 

BOWMONT NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PARK COMMITTEE

 

MISSION STATEMENT

To protect, preserve and enhance Bowmont Natural Environment Park as a natural area.

GOALS

  1. Educate and inform neighbouring community residents about integrated land use, political and administrative issues relating to benefits and the long-term feasibility of Bowmont Natural Park as a unique landscape within the city of Calgary. This by:
    1. promoting community awareness of the park’s history and natural diversity;
    2. educating all users and stakeholders regarding the park’s natural assets, and responsible and sustainable use of the park.
  2. Park usage shall be consistent with City bylaw 10, which defines policies for the protection, and maintenance of environmentally sensitive and natural areas, establishes precedence over recreational use when long-term survival is at risk, and encourages informed citizen participation in the stewardship of the resource.
  3. Work in partnership with the City of Calgary and stakeholders to maintain the long-term continuity of Bowmont Natural Environment Park. This by:

3.1 supporting efforts to maintain access to designated trail networks while protecting and enhancing natural environments;

3.2 fostering the highest environmental standards of practice on private and public properties.

OBJECTIVES 2000-2001

1. Continue to pursue acquisition of the Klippert property by the City of Calgary. Consult the City on the best option for use of this private property. Assist the city in establishing partnerships and other strategies in order to implement the preferred option. (Ref. Goal 3)

2. Monitor seasonal use by human and wildlife populations at key locations. Various stakeholders will be invited to assist in these surveys. (Ref. Goal 2)

3. Continue to encourage the activities of the Education and Public Relations sub-committee, with a focus on youth.

4. Prepare to respond to:

    1. the amendment pertaining to the Klippert operation;
    2. the Terms of Reference for the Master Park Plan, and

4.3 the undesignated trails project.

5. Develop a strategy with the City to incorporate the Fournier property into the Park

6. Formalize representation from neighbouring communities.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The Bowmont Natural Environment Park Committee was reactivated in the spring of 1998, mainly to respond to the City of Calgary's intent to address the use of undesignated trails in Bowmont Park. Previously the committee had been active in responding to the City of Calgary's Go Plan, to several concerns with respect to one of the private properties surrounded by the park, namely Al Klippert Ltd. and to maintenance, conservation, education and safety concerns within the park. Throughout the fall of 1998, the committee worked on revising its vision statement and developing goals and objectives. The Vision statement of the sub-committee is:

"To protect, preserve and enhance Bowmont Natural Environment Park as a natural area". Since its reactivation, the committee has been working actively to oblige that vision.

In the last 18 months, Bowmont Park has been faced with many issues. Rather than respond to them from only a Varsity Community Association perspective, the committee felt it could be more effective if it represented the opinions of all of the communities adjacent to the park. To date, we have official committee members from both Montgomery and Silver Springs Community Associations, and are hoping to soon have official representation from Bowness Community Association as well.

At the moment we are actively working with City Parks and Recreation to develop a revised Management Plan for Bowmont Park. The intention of the Plan is to set priorities for needed improvements in the Park, and to address issues to stabilize and enhance the Park over the next 20 to 25 years. In the past year we have also provided input into the new City of Calgary Bikeways and Pathways Plan; prepared to respond to the amendment to the operating approval of Al Klippert Ltd., required by Alberta Environment; responded negatively to inquiries by a developer to change the gravel pit into a golf course; been active in pursuing site clean up of the gravel pit and supported the Fournier family in the City's acquisition of their property within the Park.

Two of our members have led numerous Nature Walks through the Park in conjunction with the Calgary Field Naturalists Society.

If you are a Park user and have an interest in the well being of the Park, new participants and new ideas are always welcome.

 

CONTACTS:

For more information and/or comments the Park itself or the Committee, please

e-mail us at bowmontpark@shaw.ca,

Ken Cooksley @ 288-7668

or contact your community association:

Silver Springs Community Association: telephone: 288-2616

fax: 247-0820

Varsity Community Association: telephone: 288-9001 fax: 247-3100

Montgomery Community Association: telephone: 247-3116

Bowness Community Association: telephone: 288-8300 Fax: 288-8307

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