Discovery Weekends

*** NEW *** MEDITERRANEAN COOKING WEEKEND June 18th and 19th

• Bridge Tournament May 31st to June 1st & Sept. 20th to 21st.
• Birding in Jasper Discovery Weekend: June 11th to 13th.
• Mediterannean Discovery Weekend: June 18th to 19th.
• Wildflowers of Jasper Discovery Weekend: July 16th to 18th
• 401 years since Galileo, a Dark Sky Discovery Weekend: July 30th to August 1st.
• Walking the Wilds of Jasper Discovery Weekend: August 13th to 15th.
• Human History Discovery Weekend: September 17th to 19th.
• Quilting in the Lazy Bear Lounge: Sept 17th to 19th.
• Artist in the Pines: September 24th to 27th
• Tree Ring Circus Discovery Weekend: October 1st to 3rd
• David Thompson Discovery Weekend: October 8th and 9th

Bridge Tournament

Contact:Norma Franche at (780)865-2503
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- Keep the same Partner -
Registration: 1:00pm
Play Bridge: 1:30 - 4:30pm
Evening Bridge: 7:00 - 9:00pm
Entry Fee for Bridge is $5.00
Dinner and Breakfast $20.00 +Taxes
Fee for one nights accomodation $50.00 per night/per person (based on double occupancy)
Single room rate $75.00 per night/per person

**** CASH PRIZES ****

Birding in Jasper Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Gord Ruddy
June 11th to 13th.
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Gord Ruddy was born and raised in Jasper and from an early age showed interest in the natural world. Gord has birded in Jasper National Park for nearly 30 years. He organizes Jasper’s Bird Count and regularly leads the friends of Jasper National Park Sunday morning birding walks. The avian world is definitely his passion.
Explore the forests around Jasper which are home to over 180 species of birds fauna in the summer months. Learn about and observe birds such as the Warblers, Waxwings, Finches, Bald Eagles and Harlequin Ducks while surrounded by the breath taking beauty of Jasper National Park. Please keep in mind that due to bad weather all field trips are subject to change. We will also respect all Parks Canada trail closures. Maximum 12 people, children under 8 exempt.

Equipment needed:

* Good sturdy walking footwear for all participants. Most important that shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots are proven comfortable.
* Layers of outerwear- fleece or sweater, wind and water proof layers
* Binoculars
* Birding field guide/book
* Hat and gloves (just in case)
* Sunscreen
* Water bottle for each person
* Backpack to carry your family’s lunches, clothes, and camera.
* Hiking stick or ski poles if you like to use them.
* Sense of adventure.

Itinerary

Friday:
2 pm to 6 pm- Check in
7 pm – Meet and Greet
Presentation
Fire side chat

Saturday:
7 am Breakfast
8 am to 1 pm – Field trip
1 pm till dinner – Free time
7 pm – Dinner
Presentation

Sunday:
8 am Breakfast
9 am – 11 am – Short field trip
12 pm Wrap up and check out

Meditrannean Cooking Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Cynthia Fawcett
June 18th to 19th.
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Cynthia Fawcett is a Nutrition and Metabolism graduate at the University of Alberta. Cynthia's research centers on how Albertan's can eat in the same healthy traditional way the people of Meditrraneon have. Cynthia is equally passionate about local foods and has been an active member of Alberta's agri-food education community for nearly 15 years. Since 2002, Cynthia has studied and taught Italian Food Culture and the Mediterranean Diet between Italy and her home province of Alberta. Her Italian experiences vary from Tuscany to Naples and the brilliant Mediterranean Island of Ischia. Her Alberta experiences include growing up on a beef farm, rodeoing and front yard gardening at her home Edmonton.

Wildflowers of Jasper Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Barb Zimmer
July 16th to 18th
(max. people = 14)
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Barb Zimmer loves to share her extensive knowledge of wildflowers. Her dynamic approach to the subject and her enthusiasm about the topic are infectious. Barb’s career has spanned many areas, including research, writing, teaching and interpretation. She is active and passionate about environmental issues.
Learn tips and tricks to easily identify wildflowers, see what life is like from a flowers perspective and find out where flowers fit into the big picture on earth. You’ll have a chance to explore the amazing floral splendors of Jasper National Park.
Please keep in mind that due to bad weather all field trips are subject to change. We will also respect all Parks Canada trail closures. Maximum 12 people children under 8 exempt.

Equipment needed:

* Good sturdy walking footwear for all participants. Most important that shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots are proven comfortable.
* Layers of outerwear- fleece or sweater, wind and water proof layers
* Hat and gloves (just in case)
* Sunscreen
* Water bottle for each person
* Backpack to carry your family’s lunches, clothes, and camera.
* Hiking stick or ski poles if you like to use them.
* Sense of adventure.

Itinerary

Friday:
2 pm to 6 pm – Check in
6 pm – Meet and Greet
7 pm to 9 pm – Introductory session

Saturday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – 3 pm – Field trip
3 pm to 7 pm – Free time
7 pm – Dinner
Video presentation
Fire side chat

Sunday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Walk about on the property
12 pm – Wrap up and check out

401 years since Galileo, a Dark Sky Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Frank Florian
July 30th to August 1st.
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Frank Florian is Director of Space Science and Special Assistant to the President at the Telus World of Science in Edmonton. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Alberta, with a focus on nuclear and astrophysics as well as a Bachelor of Education degree specializing in secondary education with a major in the physical sciences and mathematics. His Telus World of Science experience has included working as a science interpreter, science demonstrator, community astronomer, public programmer, planetarium operator, show producer, and laser show producer. Frank has received the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Edmonton Centre’s George Moores Award for Excellence in Public Education in 2003 and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Edmonton Centre’s Presidents Award in 1997. Frank has been a regular guest on many new stations including CRFN, Global, with a bimonthly radio spot on astronomy and space science on CBC Radio. He is also the point’s person for the media in Edmonton when astronomical or space events occur, including being involved with the meteorite search in Saskatchewan which recovered material from the November 20, 2008 fireball. Frank is also a current member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre, and the Edmonton Model Rocketry Association, and holds a license as an Amateur Radio Operator.

Equipment needed:

* Telescope and Binoculars (optional, some supplied)
* Good Sturdy walking footwear for all participants
* Layers of outerwear- fleece or sweater, wind and water proof layers\
* Sunscreen

Itinerary:

Friday:
2 pm to 6 pm – Check in
7 pm – Meet and Greet
8 pm till dusk – Fire side chat
Dusk till? – View the Moon, Jupiter, star clusters, galaxies, with an introductory to Telescopes and sky charts.

Saturday:
9 am – Breakfast
10 am – 12 pm – Telescope lesson to showcase the Sun and Venus as well as how to use a planisphere.
1 pm to 4 pm – Planetarium presentation
4 pm to 7 pm – Free time
7 pm – Dinner
8 pm till dusk – Fire side chat and star gazing

Sunday:
9 am – Breakfast
10 am – 12 pm – Property Tour
12 pm – Wrap up and check out.

Walking the Wilds of Jasper Discovery Weekend.

Featuring: Kirsten Smitten
August 13th to 15th.
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Kirsten’s naturalist career started back in the 1980’s, writing and performing interpretive theatre in Kananaskis Country. She obtained her degree in Environmental Studies and Physical Geography. Her happiness lies in awaking our sense of wonder and igniting our passion for protecting wild spaces, through exploration and story. Kirsten hopes to transport people into the soul of the mountain landscape, and get us dreaming about our inner adventure.
Join us for a weekend of magical walks and outdoor exploration. Lace up your boots and get your family out into the hidden treasures of Jasper National Park. Kirsten Schmitten, owner of one of Jasper’s premier hiking companies and a professional interpretive guide, will share her tips on safe and enjoyable hiking, and the amazing wildlife and plant life of the Canadian Rockies. Learn great tricks to turn your kids into hiking enthusiasts! Discover Kirsten’s favorite trails and takes in this fun family weekend adventure.
Please keep in mind that due to bad weather all field trips are subject to change, we will also respect all Parks Canada trail closures.

Equipment needed:

* Good sturdy walking footwear for all participants. Most important that shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots are proven comfortable.
* Layers of outerwear- fleece or sweater, wind and water proof layers
* Hat and gloves (just in case)
* Sunscreen
* Water bottle for each person
* Backpack to carry your family’s lunches, clothes, and camera.
* Hiking stick or ski poles if you like to use them.
* Sense of adventure.

Itinerary

Friday:
2 pm to 6 pm – Check in
6:30 pm – Meet and Greet
Kirsten will join the BBQ to meet everyone and go over the next day’s itinerary.
Fireside chat

Saturday:
8 am – Breakfast
9:30 am to 2:30 pm – Hike
Free time till dinner
6:30 pm – Dinner
8 pm – The wildlife of Jasper – Kirsten presents a fun interactive presentation.
Fireside chat

Sunday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am to 10:30 am – Nature walk – 1.5 hours.

Human History Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Ian MacLaren
September 17th to 19th.
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Ever wonder who were the first settlers to land in Jasper? How the natives made this land their home? How the fur traders came across to sell their goods? How Jasper became a rail roading town to now a world famous tourist destination? All this and more will be explained in historic detail to aid you in learning more about the first inhabitants of Jasper National Park.
Please keep in mind that due to bad weather, all field trips are scheduled to change. We will also respect all Parks Canada trail closures.

Equipment needed:

* Good sturdy walking footwear for all participants. Most important that shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots are proven comfortable.
* Layers of outerwear- fleece or sweater, wind and water proof layers\
* Hat and gloves (just in case)
* Sunscreen
* Water bottle for each person
* Backpack to carry your family’s lunches, clothes, and camera.
* Hiking stick or ski poles if you like to use them.
* Sense of adventure.

Itinerary:

Friday:
2 pm to 6pm – Check in
7 pm – Meet and Greet
Presentation – TBA
Fireside chat

Saturday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – 12 pm – Hike to the Moberly homestead on the Snaring road
12 pm till dinner time – free time
7 pm – Dinner
Presentation featuring Ian MacLaren
Fire side chat

Sunday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am- 11 am – Museum visit
12 pm – Wrap up and check out

Artist in the Pines Featuring:
Anna Carnell, Tessa Nunn and Back Porch Swing

September 24th to 26th.
$650 per person deposit requested by May 30th 2010
(please contact Artists Own @ (780)852-0359 for registration and/or information)
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Anna Carnell builds mosaics with slate, glass, tile, and natural objects such as river rocks and fossils. The mosaics take the shape of tables, wall sculpture and custom tile installations, complementing floors, back splashes and fireplace hearths. You can find her at the Millarville or Calgary Farmer’s Market.
Tessa Nunn was born in Edmonton in 1970. In 2002 she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Figurative painting from the New York Academy of Art. Her paintings are in several prominent private collections including HRH the Price of Wales. Tessa lectures and teaches art in Alberta. In 2005 she opened The Colored Web, a center for art and healing in downtown Edmonton. Tessa holds the philosophy that “art is an experience, a way of life. The energy of the artistic mindset that exists in all of us can change the world”.
The Fiddle River Band is a mix of Rocky Mountain musicians hailing from both sides of the Fiddle Rviver. This four peice acoustic band blend vocals and instruments from the soul of the Rockies, with a bluegrass flair. The talents of Brian Brian Lois and Monika are only surpassed by their wit and love for the music.

Itinerary

Friday:
2 pm – 6 pm – Check in
7 pm – Meet and Greet
Information session
Fire side chat

Saturday:
8 am – Breakfast
9am to 5 pm – Workshops
7 pm – Dinner
Fire side gathering with The Fiddle River Band

Sunday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am to 5 pm – Workshops
7 pm – Dinner
Fire side gathering with The Fiddle River Band

Monday:
8 am – Breakfast
12 pm – Good byes and check out

Tree Ring Circus Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Barb Zimmer
October 1st to 3rd
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Barb Zimmer loves to share her extensive knowledge of trees. Her dynamic approach to the subject and her enthusiasm about the topic are infectious. Barb’s career has spanned many areas, including research, writing, teaching and interpretation. She is active and passionate about environmental issues.
Barb will explain the mysteries of our trees in Jasper National Park. Why we need forest fires to generate new growth, identifying how old trees are, why the tiny mouse is so important to the mighty forest giants, what good is an old tree, who made the holes in the tree, how to spot a pine beetle attack and many more questions about the surrounding forests. Please keep in mind that due to poor weather all field trips are subject to change. We will respect all Parks Canada trail closures.

Equipment needed:

* Good sturdy walking footwear for all participants. Most important that shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots are proven comfortable.
* Layers of outerwear- fleece or sweater, wind and water proof layers
* Hat and gloves (just in case)
* Sunscreen
* Water bottle for each person
* Backpack to carry your family’s lunches, clothes, and camera.
* Hiking stick or ski poles if you like to use them.
* Sense of adventure.

Itinerary

Friday:
2 pm to 6 pm – Check in
6 pm – Meet and Greet
7pm – 9 pm – Introductory session
Fire side chat

Saturday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am to 3 pm – Field trip
3 pm to 7 pm – Free time
7 pm – Dinner
Presentation
Fireside chat

Sunday:
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Walk about on the property
12 pm – Check out

David Thompson Discovery Weekend

Featuring: Karen Byers (Historian) from the Jasper Yellowhead Museum

Watch for exciting updates on the Itinerary.
October 8th and 9th
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Quilting in the Lazy Bear Lounge

Cost $250.00 (based on double occupancy).
Registration Deadline: Sept. 11th 2010
Enjoy a weekend in the beautiful Rocky Mountains doing what you love to do best ... QUILT!

Door Prizes

Outdoor Quilt Show

To registar or for more information:
Kathy Strawson: 780-452-9741 . EMAIL: kstrawson@gmail.com