The Pearce Estate Wetland lies in a curve of the Bow River as it flows through the southeast part of the city. The 15-hectare wetland area, when combined with the adjacent provincially operated Bow Habitat Station, results in a 21-hectare park. The area was donated to the city by William Pearce, a prominent early Calgarian who died in 1930. The current wetland area and interpretive trail were redeveloped and opened to the public in 2004.

• Reconstructed wetland bordering the Bow River
• Ponds and stream
• Playground
• Book a picnic site
• Washroom (seasonal)
• Pathways and trails
• Home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and Bow Habitat Visitor Centre

The plants typical of a Balsam Poplar riverine forest, such as willows, Water Birch and Red-osier Dogwood thrive in the area.

The wetlands add to the wide biological diversity within this small area. There is the emergent vegetation usually associated with marshes such as cattails and bulrushes. And, there is plenty of submergent vegetation, such as Sago Pondweed and floating vegetation, like Common Duckweed.

Birds and other animals that prefer this type of forest, such as the White-breasted Nuthatch and Gray Catbird are very common. Because some of the Balsam Poplars, which many people call Black Cottonwoods, are old, they have many cavities. These attract cavity-nesting birds such as Tree Swallows, Northern Flickers and Common Goldeneye.

Numerous species of waterbirds, including American Coots, are found in the ponds. Dabbling ducks feed on the many species of invertebrates such as Water Boatman, Diving Beetles and Midges are found in this environment.