The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Photo Gallery:
Calgary's Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a true urban oasis. The sanctuary is a great place to enjoy a nature walk while taking a break from the rush of traffic downtown, which is only minutes away.
The Walk: This 100 acre wildlife preserve offers two kilometers of walking trails that wind around the lagoon, throughout the cottonwood forest, and along the beautiful Bow River. You can expect to find many local species of birds as well as many migratory species, over 270 species have been identified in this area. The sanctuary is also home to other types of wildlife including foxes, coyotes, deer and even fish! History: The Brick House by the lagoon is the original homestead built by prominent Calgary pioneer Colonel James Walker. The house, originally built in 1910, was known as "Inglewood" and this is the name later adopted by the surrounding community as well.
Other Attractions Nearby: Pearce Estate Park, Bow Habitat Station, Restaurants and Shopping in The Inglewood Neighborhood Directions: The Nature Center and Parking lot is located at 2425 9 Ave. S.E.. Simply follow 9 ave out of Inglewood, the sanctuary parking lot is located on the south side of ninth avenue at 24 st South East.
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History Continued: Colonel James Walker was originally an officer in the first North West Mounted Police detachment to move west. However, in his life time he also had success as a ranch manager, farmer, sawmill owner and school board chairman. He was even named Calgary's "citizen of the century" in 1975. He was also owner of the first telephone in Calgary, he helped organize the first school, and also donated the wood used to build the historic Knox United Church.
In 1929, the Walker Family donated 59 acres on the west side of the Bow River designated as a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, this is thought to be the first sanctuary of it's kind in Alberta. |