It’s Nature Calgary’s 70th anniversary, and we’re celebrating with swag! We’re selling t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags featuring beautiful nature artwork.
The imagery is courtesy of local Calgary artist Geneva Haley. Geneva works in a few different media, including illustration and tattoos, and her work all shares a common goal:
“To educate others, highlight overlooked biodiversity, and foster deeper connections to the natural world. By bringing wildlife into her audience’s daily thoughts, she aims to spark curiosity and inspire conservation efforts, encouraging stronger relationships with local ecosystems and building community through the shared act of imagining climate futures.”
In 2024, Nature Calgary commissioned Geneva to illustrate some of Calgary’s most iconic urban flora and fauna. The goal was to honour our organization’s commitment of fostering the appreciation of Calgary’s natural history for the past 70 years – we were founded in 1955! The resulting design is a cumulation of our community’s curiosity to explore, learn, and share knowledge with one another. The choice for each species was based on iconic flora and fauna that represent our city, our seasons, and diversity. Its playfulness was inspired by vintage pulp artwork and a stylized field guide.
The art features the current Nature Calgary logo, which has been our logo for quite some time! We will soon be rebranding and this logo will be replaced with a new one, making this swag limited edition. Any future merch will feature our new brand.
Learn more about the nature featured in the art:
Northern Flicker (Intergrade: Yellow-shafted x Red-Shafted)
The geographical region of Calgary falls on the intergradation boundary of two Northern Flicker Subspecies (Yellow-Shafted and Red-Shafted Northern Flickers). In Calgary, we find ourselves with an abundance of intergrades (a mix of both subspecies). Whether if you’ve noticed them on the ground, in a tree, or banging on your chimney, these remarkable birds bring colour and humour to our lives.
Black-Capped Chickadee
Calgary’s official bird is one we all know and love. They are winter hardy and found across our urban landscape throughout the year. Their cute savviness is undeniable and often becomes the “Spark bird” that draws in new and young naturalists. What more is there to say?
Beaver
Not only Canada’s national animal but a resilient community builder that thrives along Calgary’s rivers and wetlands, shaping the landscape while supporting countless other species. The ingenuity and perseverance of beavers symbolizes our values in coexistence and community building.
Trembling Aspen
The Beaver is carrying one of its favourite stashes of Trembling Aspen, one of Calgary’s notable and easily identifiable trees. Aspen forests grow as a single, interconnected organism using a vast root system. Nature Calgary’s history stems from rooted values of shared knowledge and experience. Of course, they are a favourite food of beavers, too!
Coyote
The coyote is a smart, adaptable survivor, seamlessly navigating Calgary’s parks and neighbourhoods while playing a vital role in controlling rodent populations. As a symbol of resilience and harmony with nature, it’s a reminder that wildlife and city life can coexist in a thriving, balanced ecosystem!
Missouri Goldenrod: (Solidago missouriensis)
Missouri Goldenrod is a bright, resilient, and native wildflower that brings a splash of golden sunshine to Calgary’s prairies and riverbanks while providing essential nectar for bees and butterflies. As a symbol of strength and vitality, it showcases the beauty of native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems. Note the Gall making Goldenrod identifiable even in the winter months.
Wolf Willow: (Elaeagnus commutate)
Found throughout Calgary’s grasslands and river valleys, the Wolf Willow’s silver shine is easily identifiable and one of the first plants that amateur field naturalists learn to identify. It improves soil quality by fixing nitrogen and provides forage and shelter for countless species.
Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa)
The Mourning Cloak Butterfly, with its deep purplish brown and gold wings, is one of Calgary’s earliest spring visitors, often emerging from hibernation before most other insects. Even in the winter months during a warming chinook, they may unthaw and shock people with their presence. Known for its resilience, it symbolizes the unexpected beauty and strength of nature, thriving in even the harshest conditions.
Police Car Moth (Gnophaela vermiculata)
We had a butterfly, so of course we needed a moth. Police Car Moths, with their bold black-and-white patterns, are commonly seen foraging on Calgary’s goldenrods. One of the few moths active during the day, they use their striking colours to deter predators. Let’s face it, they look badass beautiful and symbolize the unique and often overlooked creatures that thrive in our city’s ecosystem.
We hope you’ll support our swag sale! This pre-sale runs from March 1st to 22nd. When the pre-sale ends, the t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags will then be printed by local Calgary company Local Laundry. We will have in-person order pickup available at The Wild Bird Store (5901 3 St SE, Calgary) on April 12th. Shipping is also available for an extra charge, but we strongly encourage local pickup where possible!