Griffith Woods - Calgary, AB CANADA
Posted by: 
GeoKs
N 51° 00.631 W 114° 12.452
11U E 695885 N 5654706
This 93 hectare park is Calgary's newest Natural Environment Park. Located in SW Calgary, Griffith Woods has been designated a Special Protection NEP, because of its overall environmental sensitivity and significance. In fact, 31 rare plant species are estimated to live within its boundaries.
Waymark Code: WMTBE
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 10/05/2006
Views: 26
Griffith Woods is one of Calgary’s three “special protection” natural environment parks, parks of the highest significance to wildlife within Calgary. It is bordered on the north and east by the community of Discovery Ridge, on the south by the Tsuu T'ina Nation and on the west by the Municipal District of Rockyview.
Griffith Woods includes forest, meadow, and wetland communities. This land and its diverse natural vegetation provide extensive habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Deer, coyotes, weasels, hares, and muskrat frequently visit the area as well as the occasional moose, bear, lynx, skunk, fox, and cougar. Over 70 species of birds can also be expected to visit.
Prior to the establishment of the park, the area was
used for agricultural and ranching purposes. In
addition, a 138 kV powerline and a ranch road
network have impacted the site. The City of Calgary has developed a restoration program with the ultimate goal of re-establishing diverse native plant communities comprised of grass, wildflower, and shrub species.
This site has loess soils (wind-delivered, high calcium soils) where compaction happens easily and is
difficult to reverse. The park is home to an understory of orchids and mosses, both susceptible to trampling and disturbance. The combination of soils, plants, and canopy white spruce has created a provincially significant forest.
The Elbow River, intermittent streams and springs, old
ranch roads, along with beaver activity, have created
unusual oxbows and perched water tables. The park is within the Elbow River floodway. A healthy natural environment will make the area more resilient to flood damage as well as keep our river and groundwater clean.
Users of Griffith Woods have a privilege and a
responsibility. They play a critical role in maintaining park health and beauty for the appreciation and enjoyment of others as well as park protection for the benefit of future generations.
Due to the fragile nature of many areas in the park, The City of Calgary requests all park users to:
• Stay on the designated trail and pathway network, or
in designated areas.
• Keep dogs on leash. There is a fine for dogs off-leash.
• Pick up after your dog. There is a fine for failing to do so.
• Leave no trace. Please do not disturb wildlife, pick
vegetation or leave garbage behind.
Name: Griffith Woods
Street Location: south end of Discovery Ridge Link SW
Local Municipality: Calgary
State/Province, etc.: Alberta
Country: Canada
Web Site: [Web Link]
Picnic Facilities: There are a couple of picnic tables off one of the gravel trails near the southern boundary of the park.
Recreational Facilities:
There are several kilometers of hiking / walking trails in Griffith Woods. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash.
Ponds/Lakes/Streams/Rivers/Beach: Several creeks, beaver dams, Elbow River
Traditional Geocaches:
There are quite a few traditional geocaches and it seems another one or two are placed each month. When going after traditional geocaches, please take care to stay on established trails and paths and to minimize your impact on the vegetation and soil.
Memorial/Commemoration: Not listed
Date Established: Not listed
Monuments/Statues: Not listed
Art (murals/sculpture, etc.): Not listed
Fountains: Not listed
Special Events: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
One photo of the park that is a different view from the one on the page, and give the date and description your visit.
Add any additional information that you may have about this park. A GPSr photo is NOT required.