What to do when you find a baby animal this spring

Posted on May 8, 2018 by site admin

It's no secret that spring is the cutest season of the year. With all the spring newborns around, baby birds and animals are the subject of much discussion here at FortWhyte.

Each spring, we receive an influx of calls from the public regarding baby animal sightings, and even find ourselves receiving deliveries of baby ducks, geese and mammals that have been spotted alone in a yard, park or elsewhere.

First, it's important to note that, while many species of animals and birds call FortWhyte home, we do not provide animal rehabilitation services.

Still, the question remains:

"I found a baby animal. What do I do?"

Concern over these cute little ones is understandable. They are so small (so cute!) and often look vulnerable out on their own in a big world. Take a look at these handy guides provided by author Shannon K. Jacobs regarding what action to take after finding a baby animal or baby bird:

As you see here, it's often okay and, in many cases, preferable to leave the babies where you found them and trust that Mother Nature knows what she's doing.

Educating the public on the nature of infant wildlife can reduce the number of animals brought to wildlife rehabilitation centres, which are already working in high gear come spring.

Remember!

FortWhyte does not provide animal rehabilitation services
If you do find a baby animal that is in need of care (after following the guidelines above), please contact the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre or Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Happy Spring!

Everything you need to know about using a rain barrel

Posted on April 30, 2018 by site admin

This summer, do something good for the planet and for your own back yard. Make every drop of fresh, oxygen-rich, untreated rainwater work for you with your new FortWhyte Alive rain barrel! Your 45-gallon rain barrel will allow you to reduce your water consumption, lower your water bill, and provide an efficient method of collecting soft, natural water to nourish your garden and flower beds.

Why should I use a rain barrel?

Saves you money: Rain barrels provide a great (and free!) source of water for watering the garden and flower beds, which means you'll enjoy a lower water bill.
Water, when you need it: Rain barrels act as a backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers.
You help the community: Using rain barrels helps to reduce the volume of water flowing to local sewer treatment facilities.
Does good for the soil: Using chlorine-free water in your garden helps to maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil.

But how do I set it up?

Setting up a rain barrel is super easy and simple. You'll want to set up on a sturdy foundation — one that's high enough to fit a watering can under the tap and that allows for more head pressure when using a hose. Cinder blocks, wooden pallets or any type of sturdy stand will do the job. Remember, your foundation must be able to support the rain barrel when it is full and heavy. Then, place the barrel next to your desired downspout, configuring it to direct water into the barrel when it rains. That's it!

How much rainwater can they hold?

A lot. FortWhyte Alive rain barrels have a capacity of 45 gallons/189 litres.

5” screened opening on the lid
¾” garden hose spigot at the bottom
¾” garden hose threaded overflow/connector
3 1/2 " plug (makes for easy rinsing!)
Available in white and blue
Rain barrels at the Nature Shop are $85 + taxes.

Why should I buy a rain barrel at FortWhyte Alive?

FortWhyte is the destination for everything you need for a sustainable yard and home. As one of the first retailers in Winnipeg to offer rain barrels, we know a lot about rainwater harvesting. Really, ask us anything!

The Nature Shop is here to connect you with nature and the community — and leave you feeling good about each and every purchase. Not only do we take great care to select items that are produced with the planet in mind, proceeds from the Nature Shop support environmental education for young people. How can it get any better than that?

Stop by the Nature Shop today to pick your very own rain barrel! To make it even easier, you can call us at (204) 989-8355 to pre-order — we'll have it ready for pick up at your earliest convenience.

5 Ways to Step Out of the Office and into the Wild

Posted on April 19, 2018 by site admin

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Whether you're the one responsible for booking your office's next holiday party or the manager who's looking to fire up your employees before tackling the next big project, you've come to just the right place. And, let's be honest, pleasing our co-workers can be tough. But, here at FortWhyte Alive, we've been doing this for a long time -- and we're confident that your team will leave here happy, whatever the occasion. We're also pretty confident that you'll get bonus points for thinking outside the box for your next workplace outing.

And, in case you didn't already know, FortWhyte is only 20 minutes from downtown.

1. Off-Site Meetings

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Tired of regular ol' humdrum meetings? Book your next group huddle or small conference at Winnipeg's top destination for unparalleled lakefront meeting spaces. With pristine beauty and prairie history at our doorstep, count on FortWhyte Alive for a unique setting that enhances both creativity and productivity.

2. Retreats & Teambuilding

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When you think of teambuilding, do you roll your eyes and picture a windowless conference room? If so, it's time to step into the wild with our out-of-the-box corporate retreat experiences. From the heart-pumping Amazing Chase to a serene yoga session, there's a unique outdoor experience waiting to re-energize your team like never before. Want to brainstorm in a boat? Launch a teammate into the air? Solve a life-sized puzzle? Just ask! And be sure to check out or Corporate Programs guide.

3. Staff Parties & Conference Receptions

For planning an evening function, we've got the special touches that make your party pop! Impress your guests with glam cocktails and a sunset Bison Safari. Or go rustic chic with hatchet throwing and the three Bs: beer, bonfire, and BBQ. (Or is that four Bs?) Either way, with our help, your private event will be one for the books.

4. Employee Family Fun Days

Have a family fun day they'll never forget! A photography scavenger hunt will have families in friendly competition and voyageur canoeing lets all ages try paddling without the stress of needing to steer. Cycle through a range of outdoor games and indoor crafts then cap it off with our bannock toppings bar for a bonfire like no other.

5. Workplace Volunteering

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If your goal is to build rewarding fun and a sense of community into your day, what better way than volunteering together? We are thrilled to offer employer-supported volunteering for folks looking to give back while enjoying the great outdoors (or indoors, if that's your jam). These staff volunteer days are an amazing way to build rapport within your company and reputation within the broader community. All while helping us achieve our mission! It's truly win-win-win. The fresh air is on the house.

If you have any questions about what you and your team can do here at FortWhyte Alive, do not hesitate to give us a shout. Contact bookings@fortwhyte.org to enquire about meeting room rentals and special events, teambuilding@fortwhyte.org to add a unique spin to your next meeting or event, and volunteers@fortwhyte.org to enquire about employer-supported volunteering opportunities. We would love to see you and your crew out here this season! Enquire early to be sure you don't miss out.

Experiential Gift Guide

Posted on November 24, 2017 by site admin

Here at FortWhyte Alive, we’re all about getting outdoors and connecting people with nature.

We’re also very much into doing what we can to lessen our impact on the planet -- every day and especially over the holiday season. Experiential gifts at FortWhyte Alive offer a great way to do both.

This year, gift someone you care about with an experience that they will love, without adding to the holiday clutter.

For the Foodie

We all know someone who loves new food and drink experiences, and we’ve got some unique options for gifts at FortWhyte Alive:

For the Adventurer

Many of us have a sense of adventure and a desire to spend more time outdoors, but aren’t sure where to start. We’ve got your back with some awesome winter adventures ready for the taking:

For the family

Let’s face it. Many of the little ones in our lives seem to have everything! Rather than giving another toy, sign up those awesome kiddos in your life for some childhood memories out in nature. A FortWhyte Alive Membership is a great option for a gift that will last all year long.

Winter Adventure for the Whole Family (admission for two adults & two children)
FortWhyte Alive Family Membership
Fit 4 Two: Mom & Baby Snowshoeing

For your special someone

Looking for a meaningful gift for your loved one? Why not treat them to a wonderful wintertime experience snowshoeing through our forest, or perhaps a romantic Open Fire Brew night on Valentine's Day.

Heating up the Woods: Open Fire Brewing
Snowshoe for Two (Snowshoe rental and admission for two)

For the Craft Lover

We have the perfect gift for those who love to get crafty, and want to pick up a new skill!

All experiential gift certificates are available in FortWhyte Alive's Nature Shop.

Join us Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 for the Nature Shop's Annual Holiday Shopping event! Shop from our collection of unique, nature-inspired and handcrafted gifts. Enjoy free gift wrapping, draws, and savings. FortWhyte Alive Members save 20%, and 10% off for non-members! (Excludes sale and consignment merchandise, and experiential gifts.)

*Please note that there are limited spots available for the events listed.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Ian Barnett

Bullfrog Power, Investors Group and FortWhyte Alive team up to launch a solar array at FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg Manitoba, October 12, 2017. Lyle Stafford/CNW

Today, FortWhyte Alive unveiled the largest solar installation in the City of Winnipeg. The 60 kilowatt (kW) array is made possible thanks to support from Bullfrog Power, Investors Group and Manitoba Hydro’s Solar Energy Program. The grand opening, including a green ribbon cutting to officially launch the project, took place this morning under sunny skies. The project was managed and installed by local renewable energy company Solar Manitoba.

“As community leaders in sustainability, we believe that harnessing solar power at FortWhyte makes perfect sense from both an environmental and economic perspective," says FortWhyte Alive President and CEO, Bill Elliott. “As we face the growing challenges of climate change, we look forward to using this solar farm as a tool to educate the public on the importance of transitioning to clean, renewable energy across the globe.”

Bullfrog Power, Investors Group and FortWhyte Alive team up to launch a solar array at FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg Manitoba, October 12, 2017. Lyle Stafford/CNW

The FortWhyte Alive solar installation will generate enough carbon-free solar power to make up 50 per cent of the electricity consumed at FortWhyte Farms. In addition to the environmental benefits of the project, the solar power generated is expected to save FortWhyte Alive approximately $350,000 in energy costs during the 30-year lifespan of the panels.

“Bullfrog Power’s community renewable projects program is all about supporting clean power projects that educate people about the impacts of how we power our lives and the actions we can take on climate change,” says Ron Seftel, CEO of Bullfrog Power. “We hope the FortWhyte Alive solar project will have a meaningful impact in terms of generating both green electricity and awareness on climate change for decades to come.”

Investors Group VP Finance and Corporate Responsilbility Andrea Carlson, Bullfrog Power CEO Ron Sefel (C) and Fortwhyte Alive President an CEO Bill Elliott (R) team up to launch a solar array at FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg Manitoba, October 12, 2017. Lyle Stafford/CNW

As part of its work as a social enterprise, Bullfrog Power has supported more than 130 green energy projects nationwide through its community renewable projects program. Investors Group, a bullfrogpowered organization since 2015, has a long heritage of community involvement, corporate funding and project initiation and is helping to support the FortWhyte Alive solar project alongside Bullfrog Power as part of its commitment to renewable energy.

“Investors Group believes in giving back to the communities where our people live and work,” says Andrea Carlson, VP Finance and Corporate Responsibility, Investors Group. “FortWhyte Alive has always focused on helping us learn about the natural world; this solar project will showcase the clean technology we need to preserve the natural world for future generations.”

FortWhyte Alive

What’s New

Category Archives: News

What to do when you find a baby animal this spring

Everything you need to know about using a rain barrel

Why should I use a rain barrel?

But how do I set it up?

How much rainwater can they hold?

Why should I buy a rain barrel at FortWhyte Alive?

5 Ways to Step Out of the Office and into the Wild

1. Off-Site Meetings

2. Retreats & Teambuilding

3. Staff Parties & Conference Receptions

4. Employee Family Fun Days

5. Workplace Volunteering

Experiential Gift Guide

Here at FortWhyte Alive, we’re all about getting outdoors and connecting people with nature.

For the Foodie

For the Adventurer

For the family

For your special someone

For the Craft Lover

All experiential gift certificates are available in FortWhyte Alive's Nature Shop.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun