We are the voice of our rivers
Land Use Education
Land use and development practices are critical to watershed health. Like all rivers, the water quantity and quality in the Bow and Elbow Rivers are impacted by how the land is used within their watersheds. With the support of the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program, Calgary River Valleys provides educational information to the public, and land use decision-makers, about practices that may limit negative impacts on our rivers, creeks, and wetlands.
Brown Trout Counts & Education
Brown Trout spawn in the fall, and each year, CRV conducts a count of spawning nests, or redds, and also provides an opportunity to observe and learn about Brown Trout spawning activity. These annual projects are supported by funding from City of Calgary Water Services.
Riparian Restoration
Over the last several years, Calgary River Valleys has been restoring sections of degraded riverbanks within Calgary, with funding from the Government of Alberta’s Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. These projects are intended to improve the health and functionality of the riparian (transition) area between the aquatic environment and the uplands area.
Upcoming Events
Follow Us
Today is our annual count of Brown Trout Redds (spawning nests) in the Elbow from the Glenmore Dam to Fort Calgary. This Citizen Science project is supported by @cityofcalgary Water Resources.
So, you may see some folks rafting & walking in the river today. Below pic fr Bow
It’s #WorldRiversDay! Alberta’s rivers have tremendous ecological, social and economic value.
Did you know that Alberta is home to seven major river basins and most Albertans get their drinking water from rivers that originate along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains?
111 years wasted when we could have acted to avoid climate collapse but instead fossil fuel companies lied and fueled the problem and our politicians repeatedly failed to do what is needed.
We still have a window to avert disaster but it gets shorter by the day. #ActOnClimate
Perfect flight conditions to see and hear Sandhill Cranes in #AB. Be extra aware to the east!
Calgary River Valleys
We are the voice of your rivers! A community-based, collaborative, non-profit, non-governmental, urban environmental planning and education organization.
Help support the Alberta Society for Injured Birds of Prey in their quest to receive a share of grant funding to support their programs,
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🌊 Have Your Say in Calgary’s River Valleys! 🌿
The City of Calgary has launched Phase 3 of the River Valleys Project, and this is our chance to shape the future of the spaces we love — our pathways, wildlife habitats, and river access areas.
🗓 Last day to complete the survey: Friday, December 12
📌 Your voice truly matters!
👉 Take the survey here:
engage.calgary.ca/rivervalleys/rivervalleysp3
Let’s help build a healthier, more resilient Bow & Elbow River system for generations to come. 💚🌎
#CalgaryRiverValleys #BowRiver #ElbowRiver #YYCNature #CitizenScience #ConservationInAction #ProtectWhatYouLove #EcoVolunteers #ClimateAction #CalgaryFloodResilience #EnvironmentalStewardship #NatureConnectsUs #CommunityScience #ProtectOurWaters #EcoEducation #environment #environmentstudies #riparian #wetlands #trending #climate #ClimateAction
🌊 Calgary River Valleys 2025 Brown Trout Redd Count – What a Season! 🐟✨
Over the past few weeks, our volunteers, partners, and community members came together for two incredible Redd Count events along the Bow River and Elbow River — and the results are inspiring!
📍 Bow River Count:
327 redds counted — an 84% increase from 2024!
📍 Elbow River Count:
422 redds spotted — nearly tying last year’s record-high of 427!
Each of these counts tells a story — of resilient trout populations, healthy ecosystems, and community collaboration that safeguards Calgary’s waterways for generations to come.
💧 Why It Matters:
Brown trout build redds (gravel nests) where they lay their eggs, returning to the same stretch of river year after year. Tracking these redds helps us monitor the river’s health, understand the impacts of development and climate change, and protect the delicate ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and people.
🤝 Huge Thanks To:
The City of Calgary (Climate & Environment) for funding this vital project
Water Services Team at Glenmore Water Treatment Plant for their incredible support
Rocky Mountain Paddling for providing rafts, PFDs & expert river guides
And our friends at @CityNatureYYC and every volunteer who joined, learned, and paddled alongside us!
🌿 About Calgary River Valleys:
We’re a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, protecting, and celebrating Calgary’s rivers and river valleys through education, collaboration, and hands-on action. Our programs bring together volunteers, experts, and community partners to engage in stewardship projects, river cleanups, and citizen science initiatives like the annual Redd Count.
✨ Get Involved – Be Part of the Action!
We’re currently welcoming:
🧤 Volunteers — for field events, river cleanups & data collection
💬 Volunteer Board Members — passionate individuals who want to make an impact in climate action, ecosystem protection, and community planning
If you care about protecting Calgary’s natural heritage, join our action team!
📩 For details or to get involved, reach out to Anne, Program Manager, at [email protected]
Let’s continue to protect what connects us — our rivers. 💙
#CalgaryRiverValleys #BrownTroutReddCount #BowRiver #ElbowRiver #YYCNature #CitizenScience #ConservationInAction #ProtectWhatYouLove #EcoVolunteers #ClimateAction #CalgaryFloodResilience #EnvironmentalStewardship #NatureConnectsUs