This history of this splendid area is important to the vision for development and care of the Elbow Valley Community. The sense of respect for nature and awareness of history come together in the community’s Lott Creek Interpretive area. This sanctuary of nature features is called the Bishop Gray Interpretive Centre (named after the land’s original homesteader). The Interpretive Centre, located at the edge of Lott Creek, was built for educational purposes. Displays are intended to highlight the natural and human history of the site. The Centre is also the gateway to an array of paths and trails carefully positioned to protect and share the natural landscape. It is also a place where you can come and reflect on the beauty and history of Elbow Valley.

Built as one of the projects funded by the Communities Forever Program, the site features observation decks above Lott Creek (See view below) and a covered meeting area containing interpretive information.

The Bishop Gray Interpretive Area, comprising the balance of Lott Creek Valley, will be preserved as a natural interpretive area. Due to the sensitivity of these lands, access is guided by nature trails that loop through the area, starting and ending at the Bishop Gray Interpretive Center, The trail system and the landscape design help prevent damage to the lands, while allowing residents to enjoy their full beauty. These lands are maintained in their natural state. Observation points, benches and boardwalks provide views of beaver, blue heron, deer and other wildlife habitats.

The Bishop Gray Interpretive Center is named after Henry Allen Gray, who first homesteaded these lands in 1889 and subsequently became the first Anglican archbishop of Edmonton.

Elbow Valley has a well developed trail network, providing all residents with easy access to walking, hiking and cycling opportunities. The trail network includes a regional pathway and a series of narrower, more intimate trails. The regional pathway paralleling Lott Creek Drive will eventually connect to the City of Calgary pathway system to the east and to Bragg Creek to the west. The regional pathway has an asphalt surface.

The series of narrower trails leading from the regional pathway to the various residential cells and community amenities have surfaces of either asphalt or crushed stone. In some instances existing game trails have been improved to minimize disturbance of natural areas. The trails through natural areas provide access to wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities. Viewing areas and rest stops with benches are provided at appropriate locations.

The pathways and trails are graded to ensure drainage of surface water to avoid muddy sections. Boardwalks have been built through wetland areas and footbridges cross Lott Creek where required. A series of trail network signs, interpretive signs and distance markers have been installed at appropriate locations to orient and inform trail users.

The trail network includes nearly 4.5 km of asphalt pathway and approximately 15 km of crushed stone trails.