Weaselhead And Glenmore Park Showcased ( Calgary Alberta )

Weaselhead And Glenmore Park  ( Calgary Alberta )

Showcased

Written By : Jeffrey R Hilton

Feb. 13, 2012

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Area History

Weaselhead,  Got it's name from the,  Sarcee Indian Chief,  that presided in the area.  The natural park was originally part  of the land the Sarcee's settled on,  after breaking off from the rest of the tribe known as the,  Danezaa,  Beaver,  Indians,  and migrating south in the 1700s.  The reserve that backs onto the area from the west is now known as T'suu, T'ina Nation Reserve.  The Elbow River that flows through it was originally called,  The Swift River by the local natives.  While Calgary has two major rivers flowing through it,  the Elbow River,  provides the only river delta in Calgary.  Weaselhead spans across 237 hectares of wetland's,  varied forest,  river bank,  flats,  and some of the reservoirs shoreline and is accessible from the West end of Glenmore Park,  in Calgary.  The mouth of the Elbow River is here,  and forms the Glenmore Reservoir that quenches the thirst of half of Calgary's population.  The reservoir itself was created when Glenmore Dam was completed in 1933.

Weaselhead Pedestrian Bridge

  


The pedestrian bridge that crosses the Elbow River and allows passage into Weaselhead from south Glenmore Park,  has been replaced more than a few times after being washed away by winter ice and flooding over the years. Glenmore Park itself wasn't created until the early 1980's and the entire area was used for military training purposes.  Foxholes are still to be seen in some parts of Weaselhead.  This area is extremely important to the survival of many animals and birds that make their home there or include the area on their migratory paths.

This park is one of Calgary's finest gems and part of a 3 park system that surrounds the reservoir,  and is interspersed with paved trails and unpaved paths.  The park is well kept and well used by many people pursuing many different activities from,  simple picnics and sitting under a tree relaxing with a book,  to dog walking,  horseback riding,  fishing,  sailing,  canoeing,  hiking,  biking,  jogging and bird watching.  Canoes can be launched from the Glenmore Rowing Club,  at the other end of the park.  Motorized water transport is strictly forbidden on the reservoir. Calgary's,  Heritage Park is located on the shores of the reservoir not far away from Weaselhead.  The parks provide an excellent place to x-country ski in winter without leaving the city.   Dragon Boat races are held yearly in the reservoir.

 260 species of birds have been identified at Weaselhead.  This number includes,  3 species of Hummingbirds,  The Rufous,  The Calliope,  and the Ruby Throated Hummingbird.  To see all 3 sharing the same habitat is a rare treat for bird watchers.  A fourth species,  The Black Chinned Hummingbird may have disappeared from the area.  Some of the other birds found here periodically are,  Loons,  Tundra Swans, 9 different species of Owls, 10 species of Woodpeckers,  Turkey Vultures,  The American Avocet,  Lesser Yellow Legs,  and Red And White Winged Crossbills.  Two of my favorite birds have been known to frequent the area often,  The Great Blue Heron,  and the Falcon.   Once in awhile  Black Bears are spotted in the park,  but these instances are sporadic and rare and the bears rarely cause trouble as they move through this wildlife corridor that runs through Calgary.  The park also provides habitat for Mink,  Coyotes,  Deer,  Moose and many other smaller animals.  The flats themselves,  were created after the dam was built.     

Trembling Aspen

Weaselhead has a diverse collection of both flora and fauna.  While White Spruce dominates a lot of Weaselhead,  Balsam Poplar,  Trembling,  Aspen,  Sandbar Willows  and Water Birch also thrive here.  The entire reservoir can be circumnavigated by bicycle or on foot.  If you come to the park for a hike in spring,  make sure you bring sufficient footwear as the trails are often muddy and partially ice covered.  If you plan on fishing,  Brown Trout could be on the menu as well as Yellow Perch, and Mountain Whitefish.  Just make sure you have a valid fishing license.  If you go to this park once,  you will be back many times and it's diversity lends itself to being one of Calgary's top parks.

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Thanks kindly for your support 

Do Have A Good Day And A Pleasant Week.  

Jeffrey Robert Hilton