River Valley Alliance

08/24/2026

🍂 Fall Bird Walk in the River Valley 🦉

Fall is an incredible time for birding in the North Saskatchewan River Valley! As the seasons begin to change, the valley becomes an important corridor for birds preparing for or passing through on their fall migration.

Join the River Valley Alliance for a guided 3-hour Fall Bird Walk led by the knowledgeable team at Wildbird General Store.

🗓 Sunday, September 13
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Alfred H. Savage Centre

Spend a relaxed morning exploring one of Edmonton’s great birding areas while learning how to identify birds by sight and sound, spotting seasonal visitors, and discovering more about the important role the river valley plays as habitat for both resident and migrating birds.

🦉 All experience levels are welcome
🥾 Dress for the weather and trail conditions
🔭 Bring binoculars if you have them

🎟 Registration is required – https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/autumn-bird-walk/

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just curious about the birds sharing our river valley, come enjoy a beautiful fall morning outdoors with us. 🍁

08/20/2026

🌿 Only a Few Days Left to Register! 🌿

There’s still time to join us for All Our Relations: Youth Nature Discovery Day on Saturday, August 29!
The River Valley Alliance’s Indigenous Committee invites Indigenous youth—and all youth ages 12–18—to join us for a FREE day of land-based learning, exploration, and connection in the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

📅 Saturday, August 29
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Registration begins at 8:45 AM

Throughout the day, youth will learn from an Elder, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and local experts through guided walks, teachings, and hands-on activities.
🍄 Explore mushrooms and fungi with Martin the Mushroom Man
🦉 Discover local birds and their habitats with the Wild Bird General Store
🐝 Get a closer look at bugs, bees, pollinators, earthworms, and other small but important parts of our ecosystem with a University of Alberta expert
🌿 Learn about the Seven Sacred Teachings
🙏 Begin the day with a traditional opening smudge and prayer led by Elder Lance Scout

🥪 Lunch is included! Registered youth will receive a boxed lunch from Tee P*e Treats featuring a bannock sandwich, salad, and dessert. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.

✨ Registration is completely free, but space is limited to 30 youth participants. With only a few days left to register, now is the time to reserve your spot!

If your plans change after registering, please cancel with as much notice as possible so we can offer the space to another young person.

🔗 Register today:
https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/all-our-relations-youth-nature-discovery-day/

All Our Relations: Youth Nature Discovery Day is made possible with the generous support of (TCT). We are grateful for their support in creating opportunities for youth to connect with the land, learn, and spend time together in the river valley. 🌿

08/12/2026

🌿 Happy International Youth Day! 🌿

Today, we celebrate the curiosity, leadership, and unique perspectives that young people bring to our communities.

At the River Valley Alliance, we're committed to creating opportunities for youth to connect with the land, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships with nature and community.

To celebrate, we're excited to invite Indigenous youth—and all youth ages 12–20—to our upcoming All Our Relations: Youth Nature Discovery Day on Saturday, August 29.

Participants will spend the day outdoors learning from Elders, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and local experts, exploring:
🍄 Mushrooms and fungi
🦉 Birds and their habitats
🐝 Bugs, bees, pollinators, and earthworms
🌿 Plant identification and the Seven Sacred Teachings
🥪 A complimentary boxed lunch is included, and participation is free, but registration is required. Space is limited to 30 youth participants.

Let's celebrate International Youth Day by encouraging the next generation to explore, learn, and connect with the land.

🔗 Register today: Link in bio or visit https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/all-our-relations-youth-nature-discovery-day/

08/10/2026

🚴 Take on the RVA Annual Cycling Challenge!

Join the River Valley Alliance for our first annual RVA Cycling Challenge and experience approximately 65 km of the Beaver Hill Road Trail (Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw)—a scenic, multi-use trail spanning the North Saskatchewan River Valley from Terwillegar Park to the Lamoureux/Fort Saskatchewan area.

📅 Sunday, September 20
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Meet at 8:30 AM)

This guided ride begins at Terwillegar Dog Park and finishes north of Lamoureux Church at the start of the historic Athabasca Overland Trail.

Designed for cyclists comfortable riding longer distances on both paved and gravel trails, this challenge features gently rolling terrain with several hills to climb. Most riders can expect to complete the route in 4–5 hours, including short breaks, although faster riders may finish sooner.

💧 Water refill stations and washrooms are available along the route, and there are several opportunities to exit the ride if needed, with the halfway point located approximately at Rundle Park.
🏅 All participants who complete the challenge will receive light refreshments and a completion certificate at the finish.
Important reminders:

✔️ This is a self-supported ride—please arrange your own transportation to the start and from the finish.
✔️ Bring your own bicycle in good working order.
✔️ A helmet and working bell are required.
✔️ E-bikes are welcome (please arrive with a fully charged battery).
✔️ Bring plenty of water, weather-appropriate clothing, and any food or snacks you may need.

🎟️ Registration is required and space is limited.

🔗 Register today: visit https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/rva-annual-cycling-challenge/

08/07/2026

🚴 Ride Through History!

Join the River Valley Alliance for the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamoureux Historical Cycling Tour and discover the stories, landscapes, and history that make this stretch of the North Saskatchewan River Valley so unique.

📅 Sunday, August 23
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 West Rivers Edge Pavilion, Fort Saskatchewan

🚴 22 km guided ride
🌉 Scenic river valley trails
📖 Historical stops along the way

Whether you're interested in local history or simply looking for a beautiful ride, this tour offers a unique way to experience the river valley.

⛑️ Bring your own bike, helmet, and a working bell.

🎟️ Registration is required.

🔗 Register today! https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/fort-sask-lamoureaux-historical-cycling-tour/

08/06/2026

🌿 Connect with the Land This Summer 🌿

The River Valley Alliance's Indigenous Committee invites Indigenous youth—and all youth ages 12–20—to join us for All Our Relations: Youth Nature Discovery Day, a FREE outdoor learning experience in the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

This event is designed to create opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with the land through Indigenous teachings, while welcoming all youth ages 12–20 who are interested in learning, exploring, and spending the day outdoors.

📅 Saturday, August 29
🕘 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Registration: 9:45–10:00 AM)
Spend the day learning from Elders, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and local experts through guided walks and interactive activities.

🍄 Learn about mushrooms and fungi with Martin the Mushroom Man
🦉 Discover local birds and their habitats with the Wild Bird General Store
🐝 Explore the fascinating world of bugs, bees, pollinators, and earthworms with a University of Alberta expert
🌿 Learn about local plants and the Seven Sacred Teachings
🙏 Begin the day with a traditional opening prayer and smudge led by Elder Lance

🥪 Registration includes a boxed lunch from Tee P*e Treats, featuring a bannock sandwich, salad, and dessert. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.

✨ This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Space is limited to 30 youth participants, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

If your plans change, please cancel your registration as soon as possible so that another young person can attend.

🔗 Register today:https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/all-our-relations-youth-nature-discovery-day/

07/24/2026

🍄 Discover the Hidden World of Fungi! 🌿

Have you ever wondered what's growing beneath the forest canopy in Edmonton's river valley?
Join the River Valley Alliance for a guided Edmonton Mushroom Walk and explore the fascinating world of mushrooms with local expert Martin Osis. Learn how to identify a variety of fungi, discover their important role in the ecosystem, and gain a whole new appreciation for the incredible biodiversity found right here in our river valley.

Whether you're a curious beginner, a nature enthusiast, or an experienced mushroom lover, this walk offers a fun and educational way to explore the outdoors.

📅 Thursday, August 6
📍 Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton
🎟️ Registration is required, and spaces are limited.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the river valley from a whole new perspective!
Register today: https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/edmonton-mushroom-walk/

Mushroom Walk 🍄 Mushroom Walk Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton Discover the fascinating world of fungi on a guided evening ... Read More

07/17/2026

🌿 Slow down. Breathe deeply. Reconnect with nature.

Take a break from the busyness of everyday life and join us for a guided Mediation Walk through the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley at Prospectors Point in Parkland County.
Led by Allan Bly of Forest Lens, this mindful experience isn't about hiking farther or faster—it's about slowing down, engaging your senses, and experiencing the forest in a whole new way. 🍃

🗓️ Saturday, July 25
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Prospectors Point, Parkland County

✨ What to expect:
🌲 Guided mindfulness invitations
👣 A gentle, relaxed pace
🍃 Time to unplug and reconnect with nature
💚 A peaceful morning focused on well-being

🎟️ Space is limited! Register today to reserve your spot.
Register here: https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/july-forest-bathing-walk/

07/15/2026

🍄 Discover the Hidden World of Fungi! 🌿

Did you know the North Saskatchewan River Valley is home to an incredible variety of mushrooms and fungi? Join the River Valley Alliance for a guided Mushroom Walk and uncover the fascinating role these organisms play in our ecosystem.

Led by local mushroom expert Martin Osis, this evening walk will introduce you to the amazing diversity of fungi found along the trails. Learn how to identify different species, discover their ecological importance, and gain a new appreciation for the hidden life beneath the forest canopy.

📅 Tuesday, August 11, 2026
🕡 6:30 – 8:30 PM
📍 Battery Creek Trailhead, Devon
🍄 Perfect for nature lovers, curious beginners, photographers, and anyone looking to explore the river valley from a new perspective.

⚠️ Space is limited, and registration is required.
Register today: rivervalley.ab.ca/events/mushroom-walk or through the link in our bio

07/13/2026

🍄 The Wild Mushroom Expo is next month! 🍄

Calling all mushroom enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies, and curious minds! Join us at the Wild Mushroom Expo on Sunday, August 16 at the Devon Community Centre for a day dedicated to the incredible world of fungi.

Discover everything the expo has to offer:
🍄 Fascinating fungi displays
👩‍🍳 Cooking demonstrations
☕ Mushroom Café
🧒 Kids' Zone
🎤 Educational presentations
🔬 Microscopy demonstrations
🛍️ Local vendors and artisans
🧺 Hands-on workshops

The River Valley Alliance will be there as one of the local vendors! Stop by our booth to learn about Alberta's incredible river valley trail system, as well as upcoming guided walks and bike tours.

Whether you're an experienced forager or simply mushroom-curious, there's something for everyone. We hope to see you there!

📅 Sunday, August 16, 2026
📍 Devon Community Centre