Discover Lethbridge’s Environmental Attractions

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Welcome to Lethbridge, Alberta! We’re home to many things, including a large number of environmental initiatives. We have the sixth-best solar resources on the planet, and we’re also a wind power hotbed. And that’s just the beginning!

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With Lethbridge being my hometown, I wanted to share all of our environmental initiatives. So, through funding from TELUS STORYHIVE, I created the In Over My Head podcast, an interview-style show where I talk to environmental experts about how we can all do our part to save the planet. From my discussions with these experts, I discovered that there are a lot of ways to enjoy our city while keeping your environmental impact low.

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With over 200 km of trails throughout the city, there's lots to explore year-round. From the river bottom to Lethbridge's four nature reserves, you can escape into nature without even leaving the city! You can also visit the Helen Schuler Nature Centre and learn about the many animals that call this place home. When you're there, check out their amazing programming and discover the wild side of Lethbridge. If you’re into birding, visit the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands and Pavan Park alongside the other nature reserves in the city. If you want to further your appreciation of the natural environment, check out my chat with John Chief Calf, called "Listening to Nature."

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Did you know the Oldman River flows through the city of Lethbridge? Many locals spend their time exploring the river bottom by walking, or live it up a little in the summer by floating down the river! In the "Water Water Everywhere" episode, I had a refreshing conversation with Shannon Frank from the Oldman Watershed Council all about our watershed and how to protect it. It’s a precious resource and by spending time in and around the Oldman River, you’ll appreciate it that much more.

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Lethbridge also has free fruit available for all its residents and visitors! From apples to cherries, the city is full of fruit trees ready for the picking! In the "Down to Earth" episode, Mandy Sandbach from the Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association mentioned their Fruit Rescue Program, where they collect fruit from trees that would otherwise go to waste and make good use of it. You can use this interactive map to go on your own fruit rescuing adventure! Who doesn’t love free fruit?

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In the "Tiny House Big Impact" episode, Kathleen Sheppard from Environment Lethbridge told me about Seedy Saturday, a spring event that promotes growing your own food as well as eating and shopping locally. I can’t wait for this! There are many restaurants that source—or even grow—local ingredients. My personal favourite farm-to-table restaurant has to be Broxburn Vegetables and Café!

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

Happy exploring,

Michael Bartz

In Over My Head Producer & Host