Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Location: 2425 9 Ave S.E.
Area: 36 hectares
This 36-hectare wildlife reserve offers more than two kilometres of level walking trails and over 1 km of nature trails, throughout the riverine forest, by the flowing river and alongside a peaceful lagoon.
While spring and summer are prime times for viewing birds, a variety of wildlife can be seen throughout the year. The public is welcome to visit the Sanctuary during daylight hours, year-round but please leave your pets, bicycles, roller blades and bird food at home. Most of the trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible and can be reached from the paved pathway leading from the Nature Centre. Admission is free; however, the Sanctuary gratefully accepts donations.
Sanctuary Hours:
trails are open year-round, daily from sun-up to sundown, and are accessible through the gate on the south side of the Nature Centre.
Park Features
- Picnic tables
- Hiking trails
- Washrooms
- Nature Centre
Nature in the city
Plant & Wildlife
The following plant and wildlife species have been observed in the area:
- More than 270 species of birds
- 21 species of mammals
- Two species of amphibians
- Two species of reptiles
- Seven species of fish
- 27 species of butterflies
- 347 species of plants
History
We have been a Migratory Bird Sanctuary since 1929. That's more than 80 years of conservation!
In 1883, Colonel James Walker settled the land that is now occupied by the Sanctuary. In 1910 the current brick house, named Inglewood, was built. The surrounding area also became known as Inglewood - named for the most prominent property in the area.
In 1929, Colonel Walker's son Selby, applied to the Federal government to have 59 acres on the west side of the Bow River be designated as a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. His request was granted and the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary was born.
When Selby died in 1953, Ed Jefferies, who in turn leased it to the Alberta Fish & Game Association, acquired the property. In 1970 the City of Calgary purchased the property and has been managing it as a natural area ever since.
The Colonel Walker House is currently both a private residence and office space for Sanctuary volunteers. In 1996 a few more acres were added to the Sanctuary and we were able to build a Visitor Centre and undertake some new grassland restoration projects.
Nature Centre
The Nature Centre at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary offers knowledgeable staff, interactive displays, and nature programs for school groups and specialty groups. As well as the exhibit hall, the Nature Centre has a meeting room available for rent.
On your next visit to the sanctuary, stop at the Nature Centre to:
- find out what birds have been seen recently
- discover where some of our common birds migrate to
- learn about local birding hot spots
- check out our interesting bird merchandise for sale including books, games, stickers, stuffed animals, and organic bird friendly coffee