Welcome

The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is a non-profit charitable society dedicated to enhancing understanding of ecological integrity as it pertains to the Bow River Watershed.

The Biosphere Resource Centre houses a document and map library, and digital databases of information on ecological, economic and social documents relevant to the Bow Valley ecosystem. The facilities are used by a wide range of organizations and individuals including environmental organizations, governments, developers, industry and the general public.

The Resource Centre also acts as the base for a number of community and regional programs including the Natural Step for a Sustainable Canmore program and energy efficiency programs. The Institute also facilitates, encourages, supports and co-ordinates ecological, economic, and social research pertinent to the region's ecosystem.

Featured Programs

Wrigglers and Waste

Worm composting is a great way to turn your discarded fruit and vegetable scraps into high quality compost. The Biosphere Institute is organizing worm composting workshops where you can assemble your own composter. Read more.

Solar Power- Lasso the Sun!

The Town of Canmore has installed solar panels on the Biosphere Institute's roof (a municipal building). The panels are part of the Alberta Municipal Solar Showcase program. Stop by and see the solar system or read more.

The Bow Valley Sustainability Hub

Working today for a sustainable tomorrow
The Biosphere Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its newest program, The Bow Valley Sustainability Hub. As a legacy program of The Natural Step to a Sustainable Canmore, the Hub offers resources, education, and support designed to "create a culture of sustainability in the Bow Valley." Read More

Bow Valley Wildsmart Community Program

The Biosphere Institute is proud to be a partner in the Bow Valley Wildsmart Community Program. Wildsmart is a proactive conservation strategy that encourages efforts by communities to reduce negative human-wildlife interactions. Read more at www.bvwildsmart.ca or contact Kim Titchener, the program's Environmental Educator at 403-678-3445x2 or info <at> bvwildsmart.ca

Community Indicators

Community based monitoring is a process whereby concerned citizens, government agencies, industry, academia, community groups and local institutions collaborate to monitor, track, and respond to issues of common community concern. Read More

Support the Biosphere Institute

$Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!\$

News and Events

Spring 2008 - Banff National Park Research Updates Spring Speaker Series, Thursday evenings at the Whyte Museum.

May 15-19, 2008 - Understanding and Managing Amenity-led Migration in Mountain Regions, Banff AB.

May 9-13, 2008 - Parks 2008 Conference. Canadian Parks for Tomorrow 40th Anniversary Conference, Calgary AB.

April 25, 2008 - "Hotter and Drier, The West's Changed Climate" a new report from the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization and the the NRDC.

March 18-19, 2008 - Application of Hydrology to Prediction of Water Resources: An IP3 Users/Stakeholders Community Workshop. Canmore, Alberta.

February 26, 2008 - Solar Panel Launch! Stop by the Biosphere Institute to see the Town of Canmore's newly installed solar system. 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.

February 1, 2008 - Deadline for applications to join the Banff National Park Volunteer Program.

January 13, 2008 - LEARN AND LIVE! at the 10th annual Avalanche Awareness Night. 7:30 p.m. Max Bell Auditorium, The Banff Centre. FREE admission!

January 9, 2008 - Wildsmart Speaker Series:

Wolves of the Bow Valley: Past, Present and Future & Coyotes: Separating Fact From Fiction.

Canmore Recreation Centre (Community Hall) 7:15 - 9:15 pm.

November 27, 2007 - "Build a Greener Business" presentation at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club. Part of CEDA’s Build a Better Business Luncheon Series. Download the presentation.

Previously posted news and events are available in the archive.