Discover Lethbridge’s Environmental Attractions

Welcome to Lethbridge, Alberta! We’re hometo many things, but you be surprised to learn that we have tons going on whenit comes to environmental initiatives. Firstly, we have the sixth-best solar resourceson the planet, and we’re also a wind power hotbed. But that’s just thebeginning!

With Lethbridge being my hometown, I wantedto share all that we had going on when it came to environmental initiatives.So, through funding from TELUS STORYHIVE, I created the In Over My Headpodcast, an interview-style show where I talk to environmental experts abouthow we can all do our part to save the planet. From talking with experts Idiscovered there are a lot of ways to enjoy our city while keeping yourenvironmental impact low.

With over 200 km of trails throughout the city, there are lots to exploreyear-round. From the river bottom to 4 nature reserves, you can escape tonature without leaving the city! You can also visit the Helen Schuler Nature Centre and learn about the many animalsthat call this place home — check out their amazing programming and discoverthe wild side of Lethbridge. If you’re into birding, visit the ElizabethHall Wetlands and Pavan Park and other NatureReserves in the city. If you want to further your appreciation ofthe natural environment, check out my chat with John Chief Calf,called Listening to Nature.

Did you know the Oldman River flowsthrough the city of Lethbridge?

Many locals spend their time exploring theriver bottom by walking or a favourite low-emissions source of relaxation —floating down the river! In the Water Water Everywhere episode, I had a refreshingconversation with Shannon Frank From the Oldman Watershed Council all about ourwatershed and how to protect it. It’s a precious resource and by spendingtime in and around the Oldman River, you’ll appreciate it that much more.

Free Fruit?

From apples to cherries Lethbridge is fullof fruit trees ready for the picking! In the Down to Earth episode, Mandy Sandbach from theLethbridge Sustainable Living Association mentioned their Fruit Rescue Program, where they collect fruit from treesthat would otherwise go to waste and make good use of it. You can usethis interactive map to go on your own fruit rescuingadventure! Who doesn’t love free fruit?

In the Tiny House Big Impact episode, Kathleen Sheppard fromEnvironment Lethbridge told me about Seedy Saturday, aSpring event that promotes growing your food and eating and shopping locally. Ican’t wait for this! There are many restaurants that source — or grow — locallysourced ingredients. Check out how amazing locally grown food is at BroxburnVegetables and Café and Mocha Cabana!

So if you care about the planet, come toLethbridge, and enjoy all the low-impact attractions we have to offer. Oh, andif you’re wondering if you should fly, drive, or maybe bike here, checkout season two of the podcast, which is all abouttransportation.

Happy exploring,

Michael Bartz

In Over My Head Podcast Producer & Host

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