May 20 was world bee day, did you celebrate
The United Nations has designated May 20 as the day to celebrate these famous pollinators. There are 20,000 species of bees around the world and a lot of them are in decline. The Alberta Beekeepers Commission website notes that Alberta is the largest honey producer in Canada, and the third-largest honey producer in North America.
Mining bees can be found in Edmonton’s river valley nesting on exposed dirt bank. These bees are solitary and do not form colonies, although large groups will nest along the same bank if the conditions are suitable. Each female bee digs a small burrow in the ground and depending on species, the hole will be a single vertical tunnel or may have smaller side tunnels.
The female bee will stock her hole with pollen and nectar and will then deposit an egg on the food mass. When the larva hatches it consumes the stored food. Adult bees overwinter below ground. Mining bees are not aggressive, and it is very seldom that they will sting.
Six ways to show our gratitude to bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators at http://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1127922/
Bylaw to protect and preserve city’s urban forest
There is currently no proactive tree protection or preservation bylaw in Edmonton. On May 25, the Urban Planning Committee will decide on a bylaw for trees on public property. The city’s urban forest of 380,000 boulevard and open space trees and 3,000 hectares of natural stands provides many environmental, ecological, economic, and social benefits.
City trees are damaged or lost by soil compaction from vehicles, heavy equipment, and storage of construction materials over tree roots that can reduce pore space in soil which leads to limited water and air flow to the roots causing decline in the overall health and resilience of the trees. Between January 2019 and April 2021, the City found 196 work sites that were left in poor condition with different levels of damage to City trees,
Mature trees provide the largest ecosystem benefits, but their inventory is relatively small. City-owned mature trees make up 15 percent of the total inventory for boulevard and open space trees, excluding natural stands. They are estimated to have a monetary value of over $900 million and annual ecosystem benefits of over $10 million. When mature trees are damaged or lost, their many benefits are degraded or lost for decades.
If you wish to present to the Committee on this issue, register with the City Clerk at 780.496.8178 or city.clerk@edmonton.ca before the May 25 meeting begins at 9:30am.
Learn more by reading Agenda Item 6.1’s reports at
https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=c2895b72-31db-4b8c-9833-f2c2f48bcd00&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=21&Tab=attachments
Northern lights part of our skyline
Aurora borealis, the lights of the northern hemisphere, means dawn of the north. According to scientists, the northern lights are caused by electrons being blown out by the solar wind. Think of it this way: it's like the sun burping out these really small particles (the electrons) into the air. These tiny electrons mix with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, which makes them glow.
The best time to see the northern lights is when the skies are clearest. Just around or before midnight is an especially good time, but the northern lights can be seen in Edmonton from early evening onwards on active days.
Inside Edmonton the light pollution makes dimmer auroras harder to see, so you get a much better view if you go to a location with darker skies outside the city. Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area and Elk Island National Park are top spots close to the city. An indigenous perspective on northern lights at https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/storyline/indigenous/71
Participate in river valley planning project
The river valley planning modernization project will renew the City of Edmonton’s strategic planning for the river valley and the processes and tools for evaluating and regulating development that is proposed within the ribbon of green.
The question at the heart of the project is: How will the city ensure that the river valley, the backbone of city’s open space network, remains vibrant and ecologically resilient as the city grows.
The project includes completing the Ribbon of Green plan and modernizing the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) - Bylaw 7188. Ribbon of Green defines what the city does to protect the river valley and support access and enjoyment. The River Valley ARP outlines how the city implements these actions.
Edmonton’s City Plan describes the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System as “the most important feature of our city.” It is a vital ecological corridor, a valued recreation destination, a place of incredible cultural significance and a draw for visitors throughout the region.
Your participation and feedback are needed. Help shape the future of Edmonton’s river valley by providing your input at https://engaged.edmonton.ca/rivervalleyplanningmodernization
River valley concern or contribution
If you have a river valley concern or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Your friends and neighbours can sign up for this newsletter on our web site.
If you have a photo, information, or event about Edmonton’s river valley and think it should be in this newsletter, email it to us.
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712