Don’t let the small size and the cute cover of this book deceive you. The Grizzly Manifesto: In Defence of the Great Bear calls for nothing short of a revolution in how we manage wildlife and ourselves through law and government in order to save the grizzly bear and other species at risk from extinction.

Calgary author Jeff Gailus worked as a journalist at The Canmore Leader, often covering wildlife issues, before joining the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and cofounding the Bow Valley Grizzly Bear Alliance in the early part of this decade.

Due to his experience in the Bow Valley and the connections he’s made, his new book paints an intimate and focused look at the problems that threaten the recovery of this iconic species in Canada.

His assertion that the U.S. is way ahead of Canada in terms of grizzly protection and environmental laws will surprise many. Canada’s and Alberta’s desperately poor track records of protecting our threatened species from the effects of industrial development will enrage many more.

The author’s personal experience with bears, in addition to stories about the fates of bears in and around Banff National Park give the book its heart and remind you of what’s at stake.

It’s harvest time and the local farmers markets and gardens are bursting with fresh produce. It’s also time for our second annual celebration of sustenance: Food is Life!

We’re hosting two days of programs that will tantalize your taste buds, inspire your cooking, clean up your diet and plug you into the local food scene here in Calgary.

On Saturday September 25 John Gilchrist will dish on the latest food trends on the plate in Calgary. On Sunday September 26 Slow Food Calgary will challenge you to a produce taste test. Equally appetizing programs from eight other community experts flesh out each day. Don’t miss it!

Sign up today by clicking here!

SATURDAY September 25

Thriving on Raw Food

Try a green smoothie and discover why the raw food trend is healthy and tasty. Presented by Diana Stoevelaar of Awesome Rawsome Lifestyle.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Baking for Special Diets

Discover tips and tricks to baking for celiacs, diabetics and vegetarians with Brian Hinton from Lakeview Bakery.
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

What's New with Food

Join Calgary food writer John Gilchrist for a lively talk about food trends from locally grown cherries to mortadella cured in a pig's head.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Nutrition for Special Diets

Join Community Natural Foods to learn about eating a healthy diet as a vegetarian, vegan, or celiac.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Backyard Beekeeping

Find out what all the buzz is on beekeeping in urban backyards. Presented by Eliese Watson of Apiaries and Bees for Communities.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

SUNDAY September 26

Gardening in Calgary

Calgary's unique climate creates original problems and solutions for vegetable gardeners. Presented by the Calgary Horticultural Society.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Gardening in Small Spaces

Make the most of your balcony or patio with tips and tricks for vegetable micro-gardening. Presented by the Calgary Horticultural Society.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A New SPIN on Farming

Discover how Small Plot Intensive (SPIN) Farming brings together local food and urban renewal. Presented by Leaf & Lyre Urban Farms.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Only the Best-Supporting Local Farms

Kris Vester of Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farms along with other local farmers talk about the opportunities and challenges of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Alberta.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Slow Food: Taste the Difference

Let your taste buds be the judge - locally grown or the rest? Explore the world of Slow Food.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.