North side of Beddington Tr. between Harvest Hills Blvd. & Deerfoot Trail N.E. (73 hectares)
Experience Nature in the City
Revel in a riparian zone - that narrow green space along the edge of a water body. The riparian zone is not just green, the plants and animals found in this habitat are different from those a few metres away on either side. The creek still meanders through multiple curves in the valley bottom. The slow and steady movement of the water produces a rich riparian zone.
This park also has a considerable amount of native grassland, shrubland and a historic stone quarry. Further, the park contains "Split Rock", one of the best known glacial erratics in the city.
About the Park
West Nose Creek Park lies along both banks of West Nose Creek near its confluence with Nose Creek in the northeast part of the city. The park was created in the early 1990s and occupies about 73 hectares. The name comes from its relationship with Nose Creek whose name is somewhat obscure. One story holds that it arose from an incident when someone's nose was bitten off during a drunken melee on its bank.
Natural and Human History
The valley was forged by runoff from the last glaciation and is therefore considerably younger than the Bow and Elbow river valleys. In certain areas, the creek has carved through the bedrock. Outcroppings of the bedrock, known as the Porcupine Hills Formation are exposed along the north bank. You will also find "Split Rock", the glacial erratic along the north bank. The erratic was once part of Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper National Park.
Much of the valley floor and walls are native Rough Fescue grassland, whereas the uplands have been converted to Smooth Brome. The remainder of the valley floor is a rich riparian zone with several species of willows growing along the banks. Along the north-facing valley slopes there is an extensive shrub community composed of Saskatoons, Northern Gooseberry, American Silverberry and Red-osier Dogwood.
Birds adapted to this range of habitats are easily seen from the extensive trail and pathway network. They range from waterfowl to several species of swallows and raptors such as Northern Harriers. This park is one of the best locations in the park system to obtain a close-up view of beaver dams and lodges.
There are several significant archaeological sites within the park, not the least of which is Split Rock. It undoubtedly served as a rendez-vous point for centuries. The uplands have been farmed since the late 1800's and a stone quarry operated for several years near the west end. Stone from this quarry was used to build many of the historic buildings in Calgary—once known as the "Sandstone City".
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