Community climate conversations
Looking for connection, inspiration, or a way to make a difference? Community Climate Conversations bring Bow Valley residents together for open, welcoming conversations about climate change—no background knowledge needed. Hosted by Bow Valley Climate Action and the Biosphere Institute with support from the Calgary Foundation, this is a welcoming space to share ideas, ask questions, and explore local climate solutions together.
Over the past year, we hosted six Community Climate Conversations at the Biosphere office. Each session focused on a different theme, including:
Sustainable travel
Food systems
Hopeful responses to climate anxiety
Climate communication
Eco-friendly holidays
“Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.”
Community Climate Conversations gathering in April.
Community-led Microgrants
As a direct outcome of the Community Climate Conversations, we launched a call for community-led project proposals. From a strong pool of submissions, we selected and supported five projects that reflected the creativity and passion of local residents. These initiatives were envisioned and led entirely by community members but supported by the Biosphere Institute. Keep reading to learn about these amazing projects below!
1. Building Soil, Building Knowledge at Star6 Ranch
2. Jam for Jasper Benefit Concert with Digital Hobo
3. Grow and Glow with Ethiocare
4. The State of the Earth, The State of the World: Indigenous Intercultural Talking Circle with Ariole and Tobias
5. Watt’s Up With That? Community Educational Videos with Amy and Edmund
Building Soil, Building Knowledge
Workshop at Star6 Ranch with Christian and Sarah
On July 2nd, we hosted a community workshop where we explored the role of worms in soil health and what they need to thrive.
Participants had the opportunity to interact with our new vermi-composter, help transfer the worms into their new home, and enjoy fresh, wood-fired pizza together. We had a great turnout and meaningful conversations about sustainability and stewardship. Your support made it possible, so thank you!
2. Jam for Jasper: A night of music, community and connection
Benefit concert for wildfire resilience with the Digital Hobo and the Climate Changers
Nearly 200 people joined us for Jam for Jasper on May 31! The evening included an elegant combination of incredible live music, storytelling and a spirit of collective care, which brought our community together in a powerful way to support wildfire resilience and recovery.
Together, we raised $2,795.91 in support of the Jasper Community Team Society Fund and a new wildfire resilience initiative.
3. Grow and Glow workshop
A Community Workshop with Fathima and Ethiocare
On May 30, 2025, Ethiocare hosted “Grow & Glow: A Community Wellness & Sustainability Day” at the Canmore Public Library—generously provided at no cost by the library—and made possible by funding from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and the Calgary Foundation. Although 21 community members had signed up, twelve participants (eight adults and four children) joined us to paint biodegradable flower pots with uplifting affirmations, plant herbs or wildflowers, and prepare their creations.
Attendees uniformly rated the evening as “Good” or “Excellent,” sharing that they felt more connected to their neighbours, learned new planting and mindfulness techniques, and experienced genuine emotional uplift.
4. The State of the Earth, The State of the World
An Indigenous Intercultural Talking Circle with Ariole and Tobias
Organized by Canmore community member Ariole K. Alei and led by Tobias Ear of Mini Thni, this evening brought together 35 participants ranging in age from 2 months to 80 years at Ralph Connor United Church in Chuwapcîpchiyan Kudebi / Canmore.
The event blended Indigenous and non-Indigenous teachings, centered around a Talking Circle where attendees felt deeply heard and respected in a safe, welcoming space. Two trained therapeutic support people were present, ensuring emotional care was available if needed.
“The group was buzzing as people gathered and mingled for refreshments following. Many expressed keenness for next opportunities to gather in this unique and healing way. Thank you to the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and the Calgary Foundation for making this meaningful evening possible. Your support is deeply appreciated.”
5. Watt’s Up With That?
Community Educational Videos with Amy and Edmund
We wanted to make a series of short videos explaining complex topics in simple ways. It seems that many people have questions around climate science, greenhouse gas emissions, and green technology, but getting a clear answer can be hard. Two of our team members worked together to make a series of short videos answering questions that come up a lot, but most people might not find the energy to puzzle out themselves. We made about ten short videos and edited them with this money. We will release them on our social media and in our newsletter in the coming months!
Climate Conversations are currently paused. Stay tuned for future events!
Thank you to the Calgary Foundation Neighbour Grant for supporting this work.
