Support for the Canmore Area Trails Strategy 

The Government’s Canmore Area Trails Strategy (CATS) seeks to create a trail network in the Bow Valley that balances ecological values with quality outdoor recreation. Unmanaged human recreation on trails is as harmful as development when it comes to how wildlife use – or don’t use – this valley; and over two thirds of trails in the Bow Valley are unsanctioned. CATS is our best hope to balance recreation with environmental stewardship.

Sharing the Bow Valley By RObin Contos

“The Rocky Mountains are a hugely popular destination in Alberta. Residents and tourists alike converge in the Bow Valley to go hiking, skiing, mountain biking and to enjoy the scenery and terrain afforded by the mountains.

This area, however, is not used by humans alone. The Bow Valley provides a wildlife corridor for elk, bears, wolves and other animals.” 

Trusted Messengers

This project, funded by Alberta Ecotrust, addressed wildlife conservation by empowering Bow Valley community members to design, deliver, and evaluate tailored human-wildlife coexistence messages together with Biosphere Institute staff.

Biosphere staff worked with Trusted Messengers from community groups, mostly online due to COVID-19, to develop conservation messages tailored to their peer or recreational user group. Messages were delivered through conversations, video, social media, or a combination. We used surveys and interviews to evaluate the effectiveness of messages delivered. We assessed target audiences’ knowledge and behaviours before and after our communications efforts.

Below you can see a selection of the media that was created by groups and organizations who participating in the Trusted Messengers project

Co-existing with Wildlife in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley by Diana MacGibbon

“Between population growth in the Bow Valley and Calgary, the increasing popularity of mountain activities and the pandemic drawing more people into the outdoors, many of us are seeking new places to go, heading off official trails, or recreating at times when there are fewer people about. But what does our seeking solitude mean for the animals who make the Bow Valley and K-Country their home?”

Sharing the trail with our furry friends: a guide for mountain bikers

“As trail users, it’s important to realize that we are recreating in the natural habitat of the wildlife that helps make this place so special. More specifically, as mountain bikers, it’s also crucial to understand that there are aspects of riding, namely speed, that present additional challenges compared to other user groups. This article is meant to educate and raise awareness about our impact on wildlife so that trail users can make informed decisions about how to potentially try and reduce that impact.”

tips to keep your pets safe whilst exploring Canmore and Kananaskis

“Some of the best experiences you can have in the mountains can be hiking with your pets. It’s important to think ahead so that your memories are of spectacular views and not an extra trip to the vet. So what do you need to know about keeping your pet safe whilst adventuring in the mountains?”

This project was generously funded by: