CALGARY - A unique development is occurring in Calgary. Ducks, fish, mammals and songbirds are finding homes in the Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland...a series of constructed aquatic habitats that demonstrate the importance of wetlands in the natural world.

September 4 marks the unveiling of the first phase of the 14.6-hectare, $1.5 million development - a family-oriented, educational area that promotes conservation and ecology of aquatic habitats through interpretive signage, nature trails and educational programs.

Developed through a partnership between government, industry and the not-for-profit sector, the wetland park has been built by thousands of volunteers over the past two years. Major partners include BP Canada Energy Company, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the City of Calgary, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Infrastructure and the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery Volunteer Society.

"Support for educational projects like this one is a key part of our Improving Alberta's Fisheries program," said Mike Cardinal, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. BP's President, Dennis Roemmich, emphasized, "Our entire company embraced this project because it makes a difference in our community, establishes an enduring legacy and helps create a sustainable community." Mel Belich, President of Ducks Unlimited Canada, added, "We are very proud to be a partner in this project because it provides a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the broad range of benefits that wetlands provide to all Albertans."

The City of Calgary is also very supportive. "The City of Calgary strongly supports initiatives that reinforce to our children the value of our natural environment," said Mayor Dave Bronconnier. "We're pleased to have partnered with like-minded organizations in developing this exceptional natural classroom."

The interpretive wetland is located at 1440 - 17A St. S.E., adjacent to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery. It will also provide an "outdoor classroom" for the fish hatchery's Bow Habitat Station, an education-interpretive center, which will be built in the coming months.

Media contact:

David DePape
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Calgary
(403) 297-6589

Leigh Patterson - Ducks Unlimited Canada - Edmonton - (780) 489-2002

Phil Cochrane - BP Canada Energy Company - Calgary - (403) 233-1985

Peter Brodsky - Office of the Mayor, The City of Calgary - Calgary - (403) 268-5622

Backgrounder

Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland

What is it?

A unique collection of aquatic habitats common to Alberta, Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland is located in Pearce Estate Park, 1440-17A St. SE, Calgary -adjacent to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery. The development demonstrates various aquatic habitats and illustrates how wetlands function.

Wetlands are home to a variety of fish, animal, bird and plant species, and act as natural filtration and water storage systems.

Construction of the interpretive wetland began in spring 2000, through a joint partnership between Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, BP Canada Energy Company, Alberta Infrastructure, the City of Calgary and the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery Volunteer Society.

The wetland is associated with the Bow Habit Station at the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery. When completed, the Station will be an education-interpretive centre, focusing on aquatic habitats, stewardship and conservation of Alberta's water and fisheries resources. The facility will provide hands-on learning opportunities and programs, through a multimedia theatre, interactive exhibits, "discovery room" and classroom.

The City of Calgary owns the land on which the Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland is built, and Alberta Infrastructure holds a long-term, renewable lease on the land to operate the fish hatchery.

How can you build a wetland?

Disturbed areas of Pearce Estate Park were renaturalized and wetland landscapes found elsewhere in Alberta were built onsite. Work included planting native grasses, wetland vegetation and native shrub and tree species common to particular riparian zones.

Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland was actually constructed as an "outdoor classroom" for the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery's planned Bow Habitat Station, which will be built in the coming months.

The 14.6-hectare interpretive wetland presently includes a winding stream, a pond and forested area environments, comprising the first phase of the $1.5 million project. But more is yet to come.

A subsurface wetland, floating bog and fen will also be built-to function as a treatment system for water used by the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and showcase how constructed wetlands improve water quality.

The final phase of the project will be the construction of a new marsh pond this fall, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada. The marsh pond will provide opportunities to inform and educate visitors and schoolchildren about the importance of wetlands and the variety of native plant and animal species that depend on them. Students can sample water to understand the role that wetlands play in conserving water and improving water quality.

Serving our community

The interpretive wetland offers many opportunities for learning and exploration. It features viewing areas with interpretive signage and a network of hiking paths that highlight various plant and animal species. Another section of the park includes a family recreation area.

Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland is expected to attract 50,000 visitors per year.