Our History

About Bow Habitat Station

Bow Habitat Station is a public environmental education facility dedicated to fostering an appreciation for Alberta’s air, land, water, and biodiversity. It consists of the Discovery Centre, Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, Kids Can Catch Trout Pond, and Pearce Estate Park Interpretative Wetland.

A Unique Learning Experience Awaits

Through hands-on discovery and investigation, visitors learn about Alberta wildlife and gain an appreciation for the province’s diverse aquatic ecosystems. Located just minutes east of downtown Calgary in the vibrant community of Inglewood, Bow Habitat Station offers a unique learning experience that’s sure to leave you hooked.

Bow Habitat Station is operated by the Government of Alberta, and is a part of the Ministry of Alberta Environment and Parks.

Our Mission

To inspire positive and meaningful environmental action through hands-on learning experiences related to Alberta’s fish, wildlife and ecosystems.

History

The vision for Bow Habitat Station began to take shape in the early 1990’s. At that time, the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery had been operating for over 20 years and had drawn a keen interest from the public to learn more about fisheries management and the province’s fish species. Educational volunteers established the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery Volunteer Society (SLFHVS) and began work to form a visitor centre.

With the help of community stakeholders and the Government of Alberta, the SLFHVS formed a Core Committee to develop conceptual plans, themes and key messages for the Bow Habitat Station visitor centre, which would open as the Discovery Centre in 2009. From the development of the Pearce Estate Park Interpretive Wetland in the late 1990’s to the opening of the Kids Can Catch Trout Pond in 2012, Bow Habitat Station would not be what it is today without the tireless efforts of a small group of dedicated individuals.

These volunteers formed the fabric of Bow Habitat Station, helping to create a place to share fisheries education and stewardship information with curious Albertans. Ultimately, their efforts continue to spread environmental stewardship messaging, empowering visitors to think, plan and act with the environment in mind.

Through educational programs, public activities, special events, and self-guided opportunities, Bow Habitat Station has something for everyone to explore and discover.

Visit Us

For hours, admission prices and how to find us, see:

Updated: Aug 17, 2022