During the walk, numerous hints will be given at each stop to make visiting the different stopping points on this walk more fun. These hints will lead you to discover the secret animal of the 'name game.'

Enjoy the many birds, animals and different plants you will see here. Visit all the stops, or as many as you like, in any order. It is possible to discover the name of the secret animal without visiting all the stops. 

The main stops are all on the paved pathway and are accessible to all. Additionally, three bonus stops are for those looking for more adventure or for those on mountain bikes (not wheelchair accessible). If you visit these three stops, you may discover the identity of the second bonus animal in the ‘name game.’

Stormwater retention ponds have been engineered to handle stormwater runoff from nearby neighbourhoods. When it rains and snow melts, water flows from our rooftops, driveways, lawns, streets, and sidewalks.

The stormwater system carries water to storm ponds, where it is held long enough to settle sediments and pollutants. In Calgary, we have wet and dry stormwater ponds. The secret animal has fantastic eyesight and can often be seen looking down into the Stormwater ponds and rivers of Calgary for something good to eat.

The Elbow River naturally fluctuates in flow rate depending on the amount of precipitation the front ranges of the Rockies receive, as well as how much and how fast the snow is melting within its watershed (river drainage basin) in spring. Typically, you can expect the river to be flowing at its highest between late May and early July. 

Exercise caution around the Elbow and Bow River, whatever the season, as they are cold and wild like many of the rivers in 'Wild Rose Country'. 

Whatever direction you choose to take, whichever route you decide to take, ensure you look at one of the many trail maps available throughout the park to avoid getting lost.

Stay on the designated trails and well-worn paths, and be aware of your surroundings. You are in bear country. Look around and notice many of the plants along the trails with berries. 

Plants such as Saskatoon berry and buffaloberry are favourite high-calorie foods for both species of bears found in Alberta.  Although you are not likely to see either a black bear or grizzly bear in Griffith Woods, they have both been seen here over the years, and the possibility exists. 

At this intersection, you can find some of Calgary's biggest specimens of this native tree species. It starts with the letter 'S', the second letter in the 'name game's' mystery animal's name. These two big trees at this stop are not the 'black' species found in the muskegs and bogs of northern Alberta. They are common in all regions of Alberta and although they are not the color of snow, it is in their name.

What's in a name? Well, many common names of plants can be confusing. In this wetland marsh in front of you, you will find what is commonly called cattails, which are tall marsh plants. And behind them, you can see mare's tail marsh plants growing. Mare’s tail is a common aquatic plant in Griffith Woods, not to be confused with the similar-looking horse's tail growing throughout Griffith's Woods on the forest floor.

The common name wolf-willow given to the silvery-leafed shrub growing around the information sign at this stopping point is equally confusing. Sometimes also called silverberry, this shrub is not a willow at all despite the name. Alas, move the shrub branches and read the sign to obtain the real ***.

If you come here at a quiet time of day, you may catch a glimpse of a common goldeneye. It's a type of duck that dives underwater for aquatic insect larvae and other small organisms. You may also spot a few American goldfinch flying and chasing each other amongst the understory, as many happy songbirds do.

The 'bonus' mystery animal can rarely be seen catching fish in Alberta's rivers and lakes. Unlike other fish-eating bird species, this raptor prefers to swoop down and pluck large fish right out of the water before simply flying away with the prey in its talons.

At this stopping point, you will notice a multi-stemmed balsam poplar growing. Look a little closer, and you may notice that one of those tree trunks is unlike the others.